By Lucy Waldron
Elizabeth Bourne, a dedicated member of the Stanthorpe community, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for her service to orienteering, conservation, and the environment.
The OAM recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement and Ms Bourne joins the ranks of 1192 recipients for 2023 nationwide and volunteer firefighter William Humble from Stanthorpe.
Despite her well-deserved recognition, Ms Bourne remains humble as she questions why she was awarded when there are so many good people in the community.
“There’s so many people who have made amazing contributions to the environment,” she said.
“Other environmentalists are going overseas and risking their lives trying to protect the environment.
“We are lucky in Australia, people may criticise you but at least your life is not threatened,” Ms Bourne said.
Her deep connection to the environment traces back to her early years, as her parents were avid nature enthusiasts who introduced her to the bush as soon as she could walk.
This early exposure planted the seeds of a profound love for the environment in Ms Bourne’s heart.
As she grew older, she realised that mere appreciation was not enough; action was necessary to protect the environment.
This, along with orienteering was the beginning of her role in the environment.
Orienteering, a family-oriented sport, became a significant part of her life when her family first engaged with it in the 1970s. Over the decades, she volunteered in various capacities to ensure the smooth execution of orienteering events, highlighting the sport’s dependence on dedicated volunteers.
“I thought if [orienteering] was going to continue here I would need to play my part,” Ms Bourne said.
Having devoted over 50 years to orienteering, Ms Bourne has recently retired the compass, but her commitment to community service remains steadfast.
Her active involvement in the Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium keeps her busier than ever.
With newfound time in her post-retirement life, Ms Bourne channels her passion for the environment into volunteer work, contributing to the Stanthorpe community.
She hopes to witness the positive impact of her efforts on the protected areas, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
“I hope to look back on the places I helped protect and see the difference and I hope it will be part of my legacy for future generations, inspiring them to do their bit.”
