Plan in Australia congratulates Jamie Durie – one of our longest-standing ambassadors - who was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division by the Governor General on Australia Day 2012.

The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent means by which Australia as a nation recognises the outstanding and meritorious service of its citizens.

Jamie received the honour 'for service to the community as an ambassador and supporter of a range of charitable and environmental organisations, and as a landscape designer'.

On receiving the medal, Jamie said: "I am an eternally proud Australian but especially today. To receive an honour from the country I cherish is humbling to say the least. I’m pinching myself! I feel elated, excited and incredibly grateful. I loved growing up in Australia and I always look forward to coming home when I've been away.

"There's a raw, natural quality to Australians that I'm always proud of, we are a nation of goodwill, untamed hearts and warm souls. We have a nation full of unsung everyday heroes that just get on with it. Today I am deeply honoured and as always am proud to be Australian."

Jamie Durie has made a number of television specials for Plan. You can watch Jamie Durie’s Journey with the Children of India on YouTube.