Former Uniting AgeWell Board Chair Janet Wood was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in Tuesday’s Queen’s Birthday honours list.

Janet, who has been heavily involved in the Uniting Church for more than 20 years, was recognised for significant services to aged welfare, human rights and health advocacy.

A current member of Uniting AgeWell’s Community Advisory Committee, Janet served as inaugural Board Chair of Uniting AgeWell (then called Uniting Aged Care) from 2004 to 2007.

During her tenure, Janet led the organisation through major structural reforms with wisdom and sensitivity and a profound sense of commitment to older Australians.

Janet’s other accomplishments include being president of Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria from 2009 to 2014, a member of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission, and convenor of Australian Council of Churches’ Refugee and Migrant Services.

The former Gisborne Uniting Church council chair was also a member of the Uniting Church Assembly Social Justice Committee (1988-1991) and chair of the National Commission for Mission (1991-1997).

The Uniting AgeWell community warmly congratulates Janet on this very worthy recognition.