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The Asylum Seekers Centre is thrilled to congratulate our longtime Board member Mary Reemst on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her outstanding service to the banking sector and to social welfare organisations.
Mary has been a guiding force at the Asylum Seekers Centre for more than a decade. Alongside her extraordinary professional expertise, her deep compassion and commitment to people seeking asylum truly sets her apart. Her work goes far beyond boardrooms – she has helped shape what’s possible for our organisation and, more importantly, for the thousands of people we support each year.
“Mary combines wonderful generosity with sharp corporate smarts, driving real change for people seeking asylum and vulnerable communities,” says Asylum Seekers Centre CEO Elijah Buol OAM. “Her impact is perennial, tangible, and lasting.”
Mary’s service isn’t just about the scale of her philanthropy – it’s about the way she shows up. She’s hands-on in boardrooms and community spaces, engaged in complex discussions, and steady during moments of crisis. Every decision is guided by both insight and humanity.
“Mary is a ‘unique package’,” says Chair of the Asylum Seekers Centre Board, Peter Waters. “She brings the highest-level financial and management skills, yet every decision is guided by deep humanity. She ensures the Centre’s sustainability without ever losing sight of the people we serve.”
Before Mary joined our Board, the Centre faced funding challenges and growing demand for services like housing, healthcare, education, and employment support. Mary’s guidance marked a turning point. Her strategic insight and ability to bring new philanthropic partners on board strengthened our financial resilience, allowing us to continue supporting thousands of people each year – even in uncertain times.
Today, the Asylum Seekers Centre supports around 4,600 people each year with healthcare, food, employment and education support, crisis casework, community connections, and more.
Mary’s impact extends well beyond ASC. As Deputy Chair of the Sisters of Charity Foundation, she’s strengthened access to education, crisis support, and community initiatives across Australia. Internationally, as Chair of The Hunger Project Australia, she’s contributed to global efforts to end hunger and empower communities in Africa, South Asia, and Latin America.
Mary’s leadership has also set new benchmarks for corporate philanthropy in Australia. As Chair of the Macquarie Group Foundation (2018–2021), she oversaw record levels of giving, including $64 million distributed in FY2021 to more than 2,400 organisations worldwide. She led the $50 million Macquarie 50th Anniversary Award, strengthening high-impact community organisations across the world.
Alongside a distinguished corporate career, including seven years as CEO and Managing Director of Macquarie Bank Limited, Mary has consistently used her skills and networks to lift others up.
Mary’s appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) is a fitting recognition of a life dedicated to fairness, dignity, and a genuine “fair go for all.”
Mary herself says, “I feel genuinely humbled by the recognition. For me, the work is about a deep belief in people, in their capacity to rebuild, and in the power of second chances to change a life”.
We’re deeply grateful for Mary’s leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to people seeking asylum, and we are honoured to stand alongside her in this moment of national recognition.
