Amanda McKenzie

Amanda McKenzie (LLB(Hons) 2008)

Distinguished Young Alumni Award 2010

Amanda McKenzie (LLB(Hons) 2008) has established herself as a leader and expert in climate change awareness and youth community participation.

Ms McKenzie has worked as co-director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) - the largest youth-run organisation in Australia - for the last three years.

As part of this role she has presented at major events and forums, coordinated major projects, supervised volunteers, applied for grants, and provided the public face of the AYCC through the mass media.

She contributed to the establishment of the International Youth Climate Network, a network of youth organisations across the world, which provides a coordinated youth representation on climate change.

Amanda helped organise the first International Youth Climate Conference in Bali and has supported youth from other nations to create their own climate change initiatives.

Ms McKenzie led the Australian youth delegation to the United Nations Climate Conferences in Poznan 2008 and Copenhagen in 2009.

She has also represented the youth view on climate change and emissions trading at State and Federal Government meetings.

She also played a key role in organising Youth Decide, the first national youth vote on climate change.

Her awards include the 2009 Banksia Foundation Environment Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year and 2009 Rotary Young Achiever of the Year.

In supporting her nomination Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser AC (MD 1969, HonLLD 2006) said: “Amanda has become an inspirational advocate for action on climate change and sustainability. Throughout her achievements, a theme emerges of a committed person who leads by example and motivates others, especially youth, to follow.”

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