Don Challen AM recognised for outstanding contribution to Tasmanian community

Friday, 05 October 2018

One of Tasmania’s leading business and community figures, Don Challen AM FAICD, has been recognised for his outstanding contributions, being awarded the prestigious 2018 Australian Institute of Company Directors Gold Medal at a gala event in Hobart today.


The AICD Tasmanian Gold Medal Award recognises and rewards an outstanding director who has made a contribution to the community in a number of spheres including corporate life, charitable and philanthropic works and employment creation. The medal was awarded to Mr Challen by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AM, Governor of Tasmania.

Don was Secretary of the Tasmanian Department of Treasury and Finance from 1993 until October 2010. He is currently Chairman of the Motor Accidents Insurance Board, Deputy Chair of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and a Senior Adviser with Melbourne-based corporate advisory firm, Flagstaff Partners.

His directorships and board memberships have included The Trust Bank, Hydro Tasmania, Essential Oils of Tasmania, TasNetworks, the Basslink Development Board, the Financial Reporting Council, and the Council of the University of Tasmania.

He served as chair of Transend Networks, the Tasmanian Public Finance Corporation, the Tasmanian Gaming Commission, and the Heads of Treasuries Accounting and Reporting Committee.

Don was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2013 for significant service to economics and to public administration in Tasmania in the treasury and finance sector.

AICD Tasmanian State Manager John Devine said the Gold Medal Award recognises an individual who upholds good corporate governance and high ethical standards.

“Whilst it is always a difficult decision to select one candidate over many other worthy recipients, Don’s outstanding contributions over many decades made him an ideal recipient of this year’s award,” he said.

“His contributions have made a lasting impact on the Tasmanian community as a whole.”

Mr Challen said it was an honour to receive the Tasmanian Gold Medal award.

“Being a director is a great privilege and I’ve been fortunate enough to serve in that role across a number of organisations that play a vital role in the Tasmanian community,” he said.

“Regulatory and social expectations have evolved substantially in my time in leadership roles, which has made the practice of good governance more important than ever.”

AICD Managing Director & CEO Angus Armour said that Don embodies the vision, leadership and the qualities of good governance that all directors should aspire to.

“From the public sector to the arts, there is no doubt that Don’s contributions to Tasmania have been significant. It is great to be able to recognise Don’s efforts with the Gold Medal Award."

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