The Rotary Club of Melbourne Vocational Service Award for 2025–26 recognises the distinguished vocational service of Andrew Mahar AM, whose work as a social entrepreneur has spanned more than three decades across Australia and Timor-Leste.
Andrew has founded, mentored, and led over 15 successful social enterprises focused on digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment. His career reflects a deep commitment to social justice, innovation, and community development.
In 2013, Andrew was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the community, particularly in improving access to technology and contributing to the development of Timor-Leste. He has received national and international recognition, including the Stockholm Challenge Award (2001), the Bulletin Smart 100 Award (2007), inclusion in Who’s Who in Victoria (2008), and the Australian Information Industry Association’s Community Award (2009).
For more than 20 years, Andrew served as the founding Executive Director of Infoxchange Australia, a pioneering not-for-profit delivering technology solutions for social justice. In 2003, at the request of then–Premier Steve Bracks, Andrew visited the Dili Institute of Technology in Timor-Leste to assess its ICT capabilities. Identifying a critical skills gap, he arranged for Timorese students to receive intensive ICT training in Australia. This initiative led to the creation of InfoTimor, a social enterprise refurbishing donated Australian computers for distribution throughout Timor-Leste.
In 2012, Andrew established WithOneBean, a coffee enterprise supporting smallholder farmers in Timor-Leste. Each kilogram of coffee roasted contributes to WithOneSeed, a community reforestation initiative—creating a circular economic model where coffee growers support tree farmers. This work expanded into The Corner Store Network, a social enterprise roastery and food preservery operating in Victoria and Timor-Leste, founded on principles of social and environmental responsibility.
He also founded the Xpand Foundation in 2013, which focuses on building social, economic, and environmental justice across the Asia-Pacific region. In 2016, Andrew led the development of Timor-Leste’s first internationally certified carbon farming program, which has since evolved into Rai Matak—a national, community-led climate initiative now supported by Rotary Melbourne.
Andrew served as Honorary Consul for Timor-Leste in Victoria from 2021 to 2024 and was recently appointed Special Envoy for Climate Action and Resilience by President José Ramos-Horta.
He is currently a Director of the Natural Resources Conservation Trust and remains actively involved with multiple social enterprises. He is also a respected speaker on topics including climate justice, technology for development, and inclusive economic models.
Andrew Mahar AM exemplifies the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self.” His exceptional vocational contributions across the community, public, and private sectors—both nationally and internationally—make him a most worthy recipient of this award. He joins a distinguished group of past honourees recognised by the Rotary Club of Melbourne for their enduring commitment to service.
