Order of Australia recipient Justine Colyer AM works to help those in need because “I come from a place of immense privilege comparatively speaking, and I strongly believe that if you have the means, you have the responsibility”. 

Justine is the CEO of Rise, board director and deputy chair of Volunteering WA, board director of Dress for Success Western Australia and 12 Buckets, and board member of the Western Australia Council of Social Service and Community Employers WA.  

She is the vice-chair of the Western Australian Committee of National Disability Services (NDS), a director of the national board of NDS, formerly a board director and distinguished fellow at Leadership WA and formerly a board member and chair of the governance committee at the Western Australian Association of Mental Health. 

She was appointed a Member of the Order for significant service to the community through social welfare organisations. 
“I am only where I am today because of the generosity of others who supported me in my career so I do think it’s my duty to help others benefit in the same way I have,” Justine says.

“In terms of the specific work I do in supporting marginalised people – that could be any of us through the lottery of birth and circumstances – and I think we owe it to everyone to have a chance to shine.

“I really enjoy working with others in this space – it's an incredible collaborative, selfless and innovative sector.”
The recognition came as a surprise, Justine explains. 

“I was shocked and a little tearful when I first read that I had been nominated ... I was a little overwhelmed that people had taken so much time to put in a nomination on my behalf,” she says. 

“I am particularly delighted that the non-profit sector is recognised as a major contribution to our State.

“Recognition at this level amongst a range of other areas and sectors is important because it recognises the contribution and benefits of people who work non-profits, and acknowledges that the services we provide are just as valuable as others.”