Congratulations to Mary Koolhof OAM
The Royal Society of Tasmania warmly congratulates Mary Koolhof on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her service to education and the community. A longstanding member, councillor, and former president of the Society, Mary Koolhof has made outstanding contributions to learning, inclusion, and community engagement. Her leadership was pivotal in The Royal Society of Tasmania’s formal apology to Tasmanian Aboriginal people and in promoting respectful dialogue across the state.
Mary’s career reflects a deep commitment to equity, education, and social justice, spanning roles as a teacher, author, and advocate. Her significant work with the Royal Society continues with her leadership in many fields including spearheading the art fundraising efforts. We are proud to recognise her achievements and thank her for the lasting impact she has made within and beyond the Royal Society.
Link to Government House – The Kings Birthday 2025 Honours List.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division
Mrs Mary Elizabeth Koolhof, Geilston Bay TAS 7015
For service to education.
Royal Society of Tasmania
• President, 2020-2021.
• Vice President, 2018-2019.
• Honorary Publicity Officer, 2008-2017.
• Active Member, since 2007.
Girl Guides Tasmania
• Volunteer, 1997-2015.
• Member, Consultive and Appeals Committee, 2012-2015.
• Volunteer Membership Adviser, 2002-2005.
• Member, Parent Committees, 1997-2002.
Education
• Examiner, Office of Tasmanian Assessment Standards and Certification and Tasmanian
Qualifications Authority, 2006-2017.
• Tutor, Adult Education Tasmania, 2000-2012.
• Teacher, Claremont College, 2000-2011.
• Senior Education Officer, Centre for Extended Learning Opportunities, 2006-2007.
• Teacher, various schools, 1977-1999.
Salvation Army ‘Safe from the Start’ and ‘Communities for Children’ Commissioned Publications
• Author, Waiting for Dad: A story about supporting a friend, 2017.
• Author, Jake and Emily work it out: a story about making decisions, 2015.
• Author, Tahlia and Jasmin plan a party: a story about staying safe and having fun, 2015.
• Author, Tom and Jamal speak up: a story about cybersafety, 2014.
• Author, My Brother Sam: a story about bullying, 2014.
• Author, Alicia helps Bec take a stand: a story about cyberbullying, 2013.
• Co-Author, When Daddy Hits the Table, for children experiencing family violence, 2013.
• Co-Author, When Mummy Shouts, for children experiencing family violence, 2013.
Other
• Member, Tasmanian Social Sciences Human Research Ethics Committee, University of Tasmania,
2012-2018.
• Committee Member, Fred Binns Parkinson’s Foundation, 2015-2019.
• Member, Children’s Committee of the Quakers Tasmania Regional Meeting, 2014-2017.
Awards and Recognition include:
• Honorary Life Membership, The Royal Society of Tasmania, 2021.
• Vocational Award for Excellence (non-Rotarian), Rotary Club of Salamanca, 2010.
• Australian Government Endeavour Language Fellowship, 2003.
The Royal Society of Tasmania acknowledges, with deep respect, the traditional owners of this land, and the ongoing custodianship of the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. The Society pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that Tasmanian Aboriginal Peoples have survived severe and unjust impacts resulting from invasion and dispossession of their Country. As an institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, the Royal Society of Tasmania recognises Aboriginal cultural knowledge and practices and seeks to respect and honour these traditions and the deep understanding they represent.
On 15 February 2021, the Royal Society of Tasmania offered a formal Apology to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people. Read more
