100 reasons to celebrate!

Regional conservationist Maureen Christie AM had 100 reasons to celebrate when she arrived at Government House, Adelaide for her investiture ceremony.  

“Today a very important day for me because it is what would have been my Mum’s 100th birthday,” she said.  

“My sister and I always mark Mum’s birthday, and it is very, very special for us to celebrate the day receiving such a huge honour at Government House in South Australia.” 

Ms Christie was thrilled to learn that she shared her investiture ceremony with the family of the late Dr Phil Tideman AM, who was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to rural and remote medicine.  
 
“Dr Tideman was my husband’s cardiologist, so I know first-hand what he did for people living in the country.” 
 
“He really put himself on the line and made a huge difference in the south-east,” she said.  
 
“It was very humbling to listen to his achievements, and the achievements of the other recipients.” 

Ms Christie, who was recognised for significant service to wildlife conservation, said the investiture ceremony reflected the importance of the Australian Honours and Awards.  
 
“I looked around and saw the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition walking into place, then some of the uniformed people, and then the Commissioner of Police,” she said. 
 
“It was at that moment that really made me think - ‘this is very important to the state’.” 

As the migratory shorebirds start to return to South Australia’s south-eastern coast, Ms Christie says she will continue to monitor shorebird nesting sites, lead counts, and track bird routes.  

“Although it is strange to see my name out there, it’s good for the shorebirds, and a good way we can get our message out,” she said. 

Maureen Christie AM was invested in the Order of Australia at the Spring 2023 ceremonies at Government House, Adelaide.