WithOneSeed Founder awarded an Order of Australia Medal

WithOneSeed Founder, Andrew Mahar has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (AM) for his life’s work in pursuit of social justice.MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

For significant service to the community and social justice through the provision of access to technology, and to Timor Leste.

Melb, Australia (xpand Foundation – Media) June 11 2013

Andrew Mahar, Founder of social enterprises – Infoxchange Australia, InfoTimor, xpand Foundation and WithOneSeed, has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (AM) – for significant service to the community and social justice through the provision of access to technology, and to Timor Leste.

This award is in recognition of Andrew’s vision, leadership, entrepreneurship and achievements over three decades.

As a community organiser in both Australia and the Asia Pacific Region, Andrew has been involved in creating social enterprises in Australia for 25 years and in Timor Leste for 10 years with the vision to create social equality and opportunity by empowering people through access to information technology and enabling the exchange of information and ideas.

Andrew’s life’s work, in pursuit of social justice within a civil and democratic society, has touched and empowered the lives of many thousands of people.

He has been an advocate of the need for universal access to information communication technologies irrespective of income, ability or location if Australia is to be a civil and democratic society in the 21st Century.

In more recent years, Andrew has founded xpand Foundation, a social enterprise committed to an inclusive society that values the sustainable livelihood and happiness of every individual.

An xpand Foundation initiative is WithOneSeed, a social enterprise that is taking action on climate change through reforestation projects with a focus on both Australia and the Asia Pacific Region. WithOneSeed is dedicated to improving the resilience of subsistence communities through social and economic participation, to make environments sustainable, to end poverty and hunger, to deliver universal education and to create regional partnerships.

Andrew’s energy, vision and leadership, continues to engage, support and inspire. His knowledge and understanding is built from practical, hands-on experience working in the not-for-profit sector. Andrew leads by example and has generously been sharing his knowledge and expertise with the community, employees, peers and associates for over 25 years.

For further information please contact:
media@xpand.net.au