On 26th January, former AEPMA president and leading pest industry figure David Gay was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division. The Australian honour confers the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service.
On 26th January, former AEPMA president and leading pest industry figure David Gay was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division. The Australian honour confers the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service.
“It is a great honour to be awarded an Order of Australia in recognition for service to the Australian pest management industry,” said Mr Gay. “I feel privileged to be able to serve this great industry and believe that the industry generally – not just in Australia, but globally – makes a huge difference to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people.”
The honour recognises Mr Gay’s dedication to the professional pest control industry. As well as a former AEPMA president (2007-2015), Mr Gay also held the office of president of the Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Managers Associations (FAOPMA) between 2011-2013.
Mr Gay said, “Australian pest managers now working and consulting in Asia and other parts of the world by working for multinationals or partnering with local companies is especially heartening. This is also recognition of our commitment as an Australian industry (that is the world’s best) and is also recognition of our technical skill, and our innovative and practical approach to solving complex problems. AEPMA has been the facilitator of this and many other great ongoing developments in the pest management industry.
“I have been incredibly fortunate that I have always had great mentors and peers who have generously given their time and skill to the industry, and to me, when needed. The few of many that need special mention as being a significant part of my involvement with AEPMA and FAOPMA are: Gordon Gordon, who got me started and kept me going in this industry many years ago back in Melbourne; Mal Trotter, who taught me how to fight for an idea and make a difference; and Geoff Hawes, my predecessor as AEPMA president, who never really got the recognition he deserved, but managed under extremely difficult conditions to guide the industry through a dark and tough time when many others would have given up and quit.
“Of course there are many others, but, for me, these few fine individuals mark memorable milestones in this industry.”
Based in Melbourne, Mr Gay owns and continues to operate WR Gay Pest Control, a family business that was established in 1960. He remains passionate about working in such a growing and challenging industry.
“I am optimistic of a bright future for this industry that is now better prepared than ever before for changes, challenges, innovations and opportunities as they are presented,” he concluded.
