A GLENQUARRY resident, who pioneered change in the mining, food and agricultural industry, has been welcomed into the Order of Australia as a member (AM).
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Mitchell Hooke has been recognised for his significant service to business, particularly to the mining and minerals sector, to policy development, research and trade opportunities and to the Indigenous community.
The former Minerals Council of Australia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has worn many hats in his extensive 30-year career including, but not limited to, Australian Food and Grocery Council CEO, Grains Council of Australia executive director, Trade Policy Group chair, Climate Change Policy Group chair and Australian Government's Reconciliation Australia Group member.
While Mr Hooke's resume is lengthy, he never expected to be awarded an AM. When he received the letter from the Australian Honours Secretariat, Mr Hooke thought it was another request for a nominee reference. But this time, the letter was congratulating Mr Hooke himself for being honoured with an AM.
"It's pretty special, not just for me, but for my family and particularly my 92-year-old mum, who with my dad, went out of their way to get me educated," Mr Hooke said.
Highlanders honoured in the 2016 Australia Day Honours List: