Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary founder and director, Pam Ahern, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List, in recognition of her service to animals.
The award recognises more than two decades of sustained, hands-on work rescuing farmed animals from cruelty, neglect and slaughter, and the sanctuary Pam built, almost entirely through community support, to give them a permanent home.
“While I am deeply honoured to have my name sit alongside the award, this recognition truly belongs to the many animals whose stories have changed hearts simply by being seen, and to the compassionate community who have walked beside me over my many years,” Pam said.
Edgar’s Mission was founded in 2003 when a tiny piglet destined for slaughter on a free-range pig farm crossed Pam’s path. She named him Edgar Alan Pig and the sanctuary that grew from that single act of compassion would bear his name.
What began as a dream has grown into one of Australia’s most recognised farmed animal sanctuaries. Today, Edgar’s Mission is home to almost 500 rescued animals, offering refuge, care and kindness to those who would otherwise have been forgotten. Providing lifetime care, delivery of on-site education programs, and reaches a global community of supporters through its storytelling and advocacy. The sanctuary operates entirely on donations and is staffed by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
Nestled among the rolling hills of Lancefield, the sanctuary welcomes thousands of visitors from across Australia and around the world each year, inspiring compassion for animals of all stripes.
Pam is also the Australian Ambassador for World Animal Day and has represented the cause of farmed animals in media, policy discussions, and public life for many years. She is widely credited with helping shift how Australians think and talk about farmed animals.
For the team at Edgar’s Mission, the honour carries meaning beyond any individual recognition.
