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A profession built by volunteers: Celebrating Our 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award winners
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The President's Award recognises an individual's significant contribution to the Institute's key strategic programs and work in improving, promoting and contributing to the positive reputation of the profession.
Ramona Meyricke, Chair of the Climate and Sustainability Practice Committee
Over more than a decade, Ramona Meyricke has given her expertise, her voice and her time to some of the most consequential work the profession has undertaken.
As Chair of the Climate and Sustainability Practice Committee, her co-authorship of Mobilising Investment for Climate Adaptation — delivered entirely on a voluntary basis — exemplifies the high-impact thought leadership she consistently brings. A sought-after speaker, published writer and inclusive leader, her willingness to extend her actuarial expertise into new and complex fields, and to share what she learns, makes her contribution exceptional by any measure.
The Distinguished Service Award recognises Members who have made outstanding contributions for more than five years and have been involved in two or more areas of volunteer activity.
David Minty Chair, Professional Practice Committee
The work of the Professional Practice Committee is invisible when it is functioning well — and irreplaceable when it is not. David Minty understands this deeply.
Over more than 30 years of service across governance and education, he has led accordingly. Since becoming Chair in 2023, the PPC has introduced a standardised definition of materiality across all Professional Practice Documents, reviewed the Policy for Developing PPDs, and strengthened the governance and culture of professional standards across the Institute. The President has acknowledged this work as critical to protecting the trust placed in the Institute and its members.
Amanda Aitken, Data Science and AI Practice Committee
What makes Amanda Aitken's contribution extraordinary is what it leaves behind.
"I have loved being part of the Data Science and AI Practice Committee in all its forms over the years. As with all volunteering, I've gained as much as I've given — so lucky to have had access to the brainpower of so many incredible data science actuaries!" Amanda reflects.
Drawing on the expertise of the DSAIPC, she developed the syllabus for the mandatory Data Science Principles subject, launched the Data Science Applications subject, and designed the new GenAI subject within the revamped Professionalism, Communication and AI mandatory subject — foundational contributions that will shape how actuaries engage with data science and artificial intelligence for years to come. This work went well beyond her responsibilities as an Education staff member and included a significant contribution of her own personal time.
The Spirit of Volunteering Award acknowledges members who are committed to their role and passionate about helping others.
Matthew Buckle, Life Insurance Practice Committee
Matthew Buckle is a volunteer who identifies what needs to be done and gets on with it.
"Volunteering with the Institute has been a genuinely fun and rewarding way to connect with actuaries across the industry," says Matthew, "And to work alongside some incredible people I would never have had the chance to learn from otherwise."
Over more than five years, Matthew spearheaded the IFRS 17 Institute Education Initiative, delivering 21 on-demand educational sessions that became the Institute's first lifelong learning resource. He served on the AASB 17 Task Force and co-chaired the IFRS 17 Post Implementation Survey Working Group, engaging 22 insurers across Australia and New Zealand. As PPD Lead for the Life Insurance Practice Committee and Chair of the PPD Subcommittee, he has strengthened processes and built a robust network of volunteers to support the profession's self-regulatory approach.
Kelvin Hii, Asian Ambassador — MSIG Insurance
Since 2018, Kelvin Hii has been an invaluable part of the Institute's presence across Asia.
"Volunteering is more than a contribution of time and energy – my career has been enriched with rewarding experiences and by being able to meet many fantastic actuaries, whom I draw inspiration from."
As a trusted advisor to the Presidential Asia Tour, Kelvin has created new opportunities with regulators, local associations and actuarial leaders across Malaysia. He represents the Institute at career fairs and hackathons, champions the Education Fellowship pathway to the next generation of actuaries, and advocates for the societal value of actuarial thinking through writing and speaking. A dual Fellow and Past President of the Actuarial Society of Malaysia, Kelvin gives not because it is required, but because he genuinely believes in the profession and the community it serves.
Vivian Tse, Injury and Disability Schemes Seminar Organising Committee
Twenty years of consistent, generous service. That is what Vivian Tse brings to the Institute.
Her most remarkable contribution has been to the Injury and Disability Schemes Seminar (IDSS), where she has served on the Organising Committee since 2015, returning for every event in the program and chairing it in 2021. Across editorial committees, seminar organising, exam marking and education support, Vivian has brought the same qualities every single time: full commitment, genuine care, and an instinct for ensuring every person around her has a voice. Her record is a straightforward testament to what sustained volunteering looks like.
The Young Volunteer Achievement Award recognises outstanding contributions made by Members aged 35 years and under, judged on commitment to excellence, leadership and determination to advance the profession.
Timothy Lee, General Insurance and Health Education Faculty
Since 2019, Timothy Lee has been a steady and exceptional contributor to the Institute's education program.
Beginning with scrutineering, Tim progressed through assignment and exam marking across multiple General Insurance subjects before taking on the role of Independent Examiner for GIA. Six separate nominators independently recognised the same qualities: professionalism, thoroughness and a reliability that goes well beyond what is asked. Year after year, he has helped ensure fairness and equity across general insurance subjects — building the profession from the inside, and doing it exceptionally well.
Justin McGee Odger, Data Science and AI Practice Committee
In a short time, Justin McGee Odger has made a considerable impact.
"Volunteering has provided me with a platform to learn from and share my own experience with the people shaping our profession. As a bonus, we get to work on some really cool stuff!" Justin shares.
Since joining the Young Data and AI Working Group (YDAWG) in late 2024, Justin has served as Secretary for both YDAWG and the Data Science and AI Practice Committee (DSAIPC), taken ownership of the DSAIPC newsletter, coordinated its automated podcast, contributed to Actuaries Digital and led the Data Bite social media series. He served on the organising teams for AI.Con 2025 and the Actuaries Summit 2026. An entrepreneur in the data science space with an active professional presence, Justin is a natural ambassador for actuaries in emerging fields.
Ryan Starkey, Young Actuaries Advisory Board
From Queensland Young Actuaries Program (YAP) Chair to Young Actuaries Advisory Board (YAAB member), Deputy Chair, and Chair, Ryan Starkey's journey with YAAB is a story of steady growth and genuine commitment.
Under his leadership, YAAB introduced the Coffee Bot to build informal connections across the profession, established a quarterly newsletter, and expanded the Innovation Challenge to university students across the Asia-Pacific. A proactive advocate for young actuaries at the Council level, Ryan ensured their perspective was heard where it matters most — and he leaves YAAB stronger, more connected and with a broader reach than when he joined it.
Behind these awards are thousands of hours given freely by more than 800 volunteers, and a shared belief that the profession is worth building. Congratulations to all of this year's Volunteer of the Year recipients and thank you.
To learn more about volunteering with the Actuaries Institute, visit actuaries.asn.au/volunteering .
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivatives CC BY-NC-ND Version 4.0.
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