Rotary Melbourne proudly awards the 2026 Monash Medal to Ms Lara Olsen, honouring her lifetime of leadership, integrity and service through a career dedicated to Australia's clean energy and water sectors. She led strategy at the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and CitiPower Powercor. Lara’s work in actively mentoring the next generation through gender equity and diversity programs in engineering and technology reflects the enduring spirit of Sir John Monash.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF MELBOURNE
MONASH MEDAL 2026
General Sir John Monash is the most significant Australian for his professional, military and community leadership and service before, during and after WW1.
Leadership, Integrity and Service, core values of Rotary, integral in the life of Sir John Monash, are the criteria for selecting the Monash Medal recipient.
Awarded to
Ms Lara Olsen
Lara Olsen exemplifies leadership, integrity and service through a career dedicated to Australia's clean energy and water sectors.
She led strategy at the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and CitiPower Powercor.
Later, leading policy development for Tesla Energy's Australia Pacific grid-scale storage business, and overseeing the landmark Neoen Tesla Hornsdale "Big Battery" in South Australia.
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 her ability to balance multiple stakeholders while empowering teams, and creating trust, which is reflected in board roles with the Clean Energy Council, Water Services Association of Australia, and ARENA.
Recognised as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (2023), Lara also actively mentors the next generation through gender equity and diversity programs in engineering and technology.
Presented by Branko Panich President Elect 2027-28, 65th August 2026
