A Mandurah-based stalwart of the tourism industry has been recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia as part of the Australia Day 2024 honours.
Visit Mandurah chair Pat Strahan was recognised for her “significant service to the tourism industry, and to the community of Western Australia” with the honour, having spent a successful career in the travel field spanning almost 40 years.
The Halls Head resident said the recognition came as a surprise, but her CV explains her vital role in local tourism promotion over more than three decades.
“It’s a privilege and I’m very honoured to join a group of very special people who have done amazing things throughout their life,” she said.
Ms Strahan grew up in Dwellingup and attended Pinjarra Senior High School, and entered the tourism industry in 1984 when she joined Jet Set tours.
In 1990, she started her own business — Strahan Events — and ran the Perth Holiday and Travel Expo for 31 years.
Ms Strahan has also held a number of positions across a range of tourism industry organisations and spent 15 years with the Caravan Industry Association WA, 13 of those as the chief executive.
She is a life member of the Tourism Council WA, having served as a founding board member and chair of their regional marketing committee, and is now chair of Visit Mandurah.
As well as being a full-time carer for her husband, Ms Strahan has a passion for mentoring and volunteering and has been involved with Relay for Life since 2019, becoming the Relay for Life WA chair in 2021.
“It was about giving back to the community and finding something that I could really get involved with,” she said.
“And cancer affects so many people, so it’s really for a good cause as well.
“It’s very special and I really enjoy that. We’re always looking for teams to come and join us, and we’re always looking for volunteers.”
More than 1000 Australians were recognised by the Governor-General on Australia Day, but just 194, including Ms Strahan, received the higher-honour of Member of the Order of Australia.