Today will be filled with celebration for Mark Brandon-Baker and his family and friends.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Brandon-Baker has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the general division of the Queen's Birthday Honour's List for his services to the community of Canberra.
"This is a great privilege. I am honoured," he told The Post.
"I like being involved in something that's bigger than ourselves. I think we are so privileged to live in Australia and you have to give back."
Living in Goulburn for the past six years, he calls the city his home.
"Canberra will always be a big part of me and I will still work there but Goulburn is now home for me," he said.
"I was busy renovating a beautiful old house and when that is finished, I hope to get more involved in community activities in Goulburn."
During his long illustrious career, Mr Brandon-Baker served as senior adviser to former Prime Minister John Howard from 2000 to 2002.
"I used to write speeches for Mr Howard and he later asked me to join his staff as a senior adviser. It was an incredible privilege to be at the heart of government. Australia is one of world's great democracies and it was an honour to be a part of that," he said.
"Mr Howard was a phenomenal man in terms of his talent, ethics and passion for the country. It was a privilege to be able to assist him in his work."
He was also the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian War Memorial Foundation from 1997 to 1999.
"The War Memorial is one of the great treasures of the nation," Mr Brandon-Baker said.
"My role was to set up the foundation which would attract funds from corporates, businesses and individuals. Those were very special years of my life."
Since 2015, he has been associated with the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn as the Chairman of Anglican Development and Investment Corporation. It provides support for parishes and diocesan agencies such as schools.
He has also worked as a member, Bishop-In-Council from 2014 to 2016. He is currently the managing director of TG Endeavour.
While you're with us...
Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up here.