Public Service Medal for Education Director General

Director General Lisa Rodgers has been awarded a prestigious Public Service Medal for her extraordinary work undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Announced by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) as part of The King's Birthday 2024 Honours List, the Public Service Medal recognises outstanding service by federal, state, and local government employees.

Ms Rodgers’ award was also selected for the COVID-19 honour roll that acknowledges those who made significant contributions in support of Australia’s response to the pandemic.

Throughout the global pandemic, Ms Rodgers led tirelessly to minimise the impact and disruption COVID-19 had on student learning and achievement.

Ms Rodgers was dedicated to keeping schools open, supporting staff, and ensuring students continued to have the very best possible education outcomes.

Her unwavering commitment during such unprecedented times made sure every principal, every teacher, and every staff member supported students and their families.

In keeping schools open, education settings became safe havens for children, bringing some semblance of normalcy to their lives at a time of great uncertainty.

Ms Rodgers said the award was a result of the unwavering efforts of everyone in public education.

“I have been overwhelmed at the response to today’s announcement that I am a recipient of a Public Service Medal, acknowledging those who have performed service or made significant contributions in support of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

“It is a moment to reflect on what public servants do and achieve in their role, and I believe is a recognition of the Western Australian education system as a whole for extraordinary work undertaken during one of the most difficult times in our memory.

“I humbly receive this Public Service medal on behalf of every Western Australian family who entrusted us with the care of their children at the height of the pandemic and whose faith in us was rewarded by our students continuing to flourish, including the senior secondary students who were hugely impacted which saw more Year 12 students getting a Western Australian Certificate of Education qualification.

“It is with great pride I reflect on what we achieved together and the gains we have made since then.

“The privilege of a Public Service Medal is one that I will forever cherish and graciously accept on behalf of all those who made this possible.”

Ms Rodgers congratulated Deborah Donation from Wananami Remote Community School who was also awarded a Public Service Medal.

“Deb is a natural leader and has been from a young age. She’s an incredibly strong voice in education in WA and tirelessly advocates for our students. I warmly congratulate her on this honour,” she said.