Ms Johnson was recognised with an AM for significant service to women through leadership and advisory roles.
“The appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia is an acknowledgement of the many years of belief and work to progress gender equality for women and girls,” Ms Johnson said.
“Social change is often slow and we can easily forget just how many restrictions to freedom and equality women faced 40 years ago and the persistent effort that progress has required.
Australia Day Benalla 2020
“Given that Orders of Australia have been male dominant for so long, I feel proud to receive this appointment as a woman who has continually advocated on behalf of women.”
Ms Johnson said she had no idea why or how she was selected, but was honoured to be recognised.
“Some weeks ago I received a surprise email from the Governor General’s Office to inform me I was being considered for an appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia and asking if I would accept the appointment,” she said.
“There was no feedback as to why or how I was selected for appointment.”
Gallery: Benalla and District Achievers of the year 2020
Ms Johnson explained why it was important for her to be involved in organisations, such as the Victorian Rural Women’s Network, where she was instrumental in its establishment, Australian Women in Agriculture, where she was a founding member and a member of women’s advisory councils to both federal and state ministers.
“The changes I want in the agriculture sector require policy and funding responses and therefore having input and influence in political and industry decision making is critical,” she said.
“The government and board tables where decisions are made have historically excluded women and we are only now seeing this rectified.
Moorngag Mower Mania
“Some 27 years ago when the newly formed Australian Women in Agriculture was seeking to have a voice and be a member of the National Farmers Federation - it was not permitted.
“Today, we have a woman president of the NFF.”
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