The Geelong Grammar Foundation congratulates Director and current GGS grandparent, Andrea Coote AM, on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours.
Andrea was recognised for significant service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, and to the aged care sector.
Andrea served as a Member of the Victorian Legislative Council from 1999 to 2014, during which time she held a number of senior parliamentary roles, including Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Manager of Opposition Business, and Shadow Minister for Environment, Housing, Community Services and Aged Care. From 2010 to 2014, she served as Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Communities.
Following her parliamentary career, Andrea held several influential leadership positions in the aged care sector, including Chair of the Aged Care Regulator, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, and Chair of the National Aged Care Advisory Council for the Federal Government. She was also a Member of the Australian Health Principal Policy Committee (AHPPC), where she advised on COVID-19 responses in aged care.
Andrea was a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee that investigated Child Abuse in Non-Government Institutions, contributing to the landmark Betrayal of Trust Report (2013).
Andrea joined the Geelong Grammar Foundation Board as a Director in 2025, having previously served as Director of Development at Geelong Grammar School from 1996 to 1998.
The Foundation and the GGS community congratulate Andrea on this well-deserved national honour and thank her for her outstanding service and leadership.