MEDIA RELEASE
Date 3 August 2026
Embargoed until 8pm Tuesday 4 August 2026
Lara Olsen awarded the MONASH MEDAL 2026
LARA OLSEN will be awarded the 2026 Monash Medal by Rotary Melbourne at 12.45pm on Wednesday 5 August 2026.
LARA OLSEN has throughout her career been dedicated to Australia’s clean energy and water sectors. She was a John Monash Scholar, she completed an MBA at INSEAD before leading strategy at the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and CitiPower Powercor, later heading Tesla Energy’s grid-scale storage business and landmark Hornsdale “Big Battery”.
As former Managing Director of South East Water, she was entrusted with delivering water and wastewater services to nearly two million Victorians – a responsibility demanding rigorous governance. Her Board Chair publicly credited and her ability to balance multiple stakeholders while empowering teams, trust reinforced by board roles with the Clean Energy Council and Water Services Association of Australia.
The Monash Medal is awarded by Rotary Melbourne to an outstanding Australian who has made a significant contribution to the Australian community (and beyond).
The criteria are Leadership, Integrity, and Service - values of Sir John Monash. He was a founding member of Rotary Melbourne and its second President.
Previous recipients are esteemed Australians:
LARA OLSEN will address the Members of Rotary Melbourne following the awarding of the Monash Medal on Wednesday 5 August 2026.
All media enquiries please call Peter Davis on 0411885911
Press are welcome to attend the luncheon, prior advice appreciated but not essential to office@rotarymelbourne.org.au or 0396547242 / 0419569580
End of release
