Dr Jerry Leech received an AM in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his significant contribution to community, forestry, and tertiary education.

Dr Leech said he was honoured and surprised to receive the AM.

He has been involved in the community for many years, particularly with the Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Homes in South Australia. He was instrumental in establishing the two facilities, named Cheshire and Ryder, after the Ryder-Cheshire Founders, Leonard Cheshire and Sue Ryder.  He is the Treasurer of the Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Home Foundation Board.  He has held this position since 2003.

Dr Leech said he believed in serving the local community and said that it broadened his outlook on life.  He has served in many aspects of his community including The Lakes Rotary Club where he was the long-standing bulletin editor as well as District Grants Sub-Committee for the Rotary District 9780.

“The advantages of helping in the community are great, but the advantages of the friendships that I get through that activity are great too”.

Matthew Dixon