Former Motorsport Australia Director Ian Gillespie has been named as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on the Queen’s Birthday for services to motoring associations, to the cooperatives and mutual sector and to motor sport.

 

Having held CEO and senior executive roles in the corporate sector for more than 35 years, it was his time in the RACQ where Gillespie’s leadership qualities really stood out.

 

Gillespie became involved with the RACQ in 2006 when he was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer where was able to make a positive impact for its 1.7 million members during his 12-year tenure.

 

While the 65-year-old worked tirelessly behind the scenes to create a number of policies and strategies for the betterment of the RACQ and its members, he also played a major hand in the Queensland Government actively enhancing its support of injured victims of car accidents.

 

Another major milestone of Gillespie’s impact on the RACQ was establishing a dedicated community education system within the organisation and developing the RACQ Foundation, two initiatives which will keep the company and state's automotive community sustainable in the years to come. 

 

His efforts in those programs enabled the RACQ to become a leader in the mutual, community-owned sector across Australia, as well significantly improving the 100-year-old club’s core membership base.

 

Gillespie has also spent time on several boards in a volunteer capacity, including seven years on the Motorsport Australia board.

 

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Papadopoulos was proud of Gillespie receiving one of the country’s highest honours.

 

“Ian is a very deserving recipient of a Member of the Order of Australia and the inevitable legacy he will leave on the RACQ comes as no surprise,” Papadopoulos said.

 

“I am proud to have worked alongside Ian during his terms on the Motorsport Australia board and there is no doubt he contributed heavily to the sport in Australia.

 

“On behalf of the whole Motorsport Australia community, congratulations to Ian Gillespie on being awarded with the prestigious award.”

 

Gillespie became the second Motorsport Australia affiliated individual to be presented with an award of this calibre in 2020, with Australian Motorsport Hall of Famer John Harvey receiving The Order of Medal Australia (OAM) award on Australia Day.