Highton’s Diana Clare Taylor has received Australia Day Honours recognition for significant service to Australian rules football and the Geelong community.
She received the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on Thursday, January 25, and has had a significant role in the community, law, government, and sports industries.
Ms Taylor said she was humbled to be recognised with an AM and that she was “Geelong born and bred”.
“I was really overwhelmed and just couldn’t believe it when I received the news that I was to be a recipient,” she said.
“Two of my greatest loves are the Geelong community and football, and over the last almost 20 years, it’s just been an absolute privilege to serve this community.
“One of my core beliefs and values is that it’s important to serve others and give back where you can, which absolutely fills your soul and gives you purpose.”
Ms Taylor has worked across notable organisations like the Geelong Cats Football Club, Australian Football League, Western Region Football League, and Anam Cara House Geelong.
She said she loved to support the Geelong community and that her favourite part about football was being involved in a game that positively changed lives.
“We see that with the way that football gives people purpose, empowers women, creates family moments and it’s so much a part of the fabric of our community,” she said.
“I’ve had an opportunity to work with amazing teams who are making lives, life, lifestyles and health better by improving those outcomes for the people in Geelong.”
