The Member of the Order of Australia is one of four levels of the Order of Australia and is awarded for service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group.

Mrs Goldsworthy has been recognised for her services to primary industries and, in particular, beekeeping, pollination services and food security.

Former Wheen Bee Foundation Chairman Dr Max Whitten AM said Mrs Goldsworthy typifies the sort of person who should receive such an honour.

“While Jodie isn’t a fan of the limelight, there’s not a more deserving person for this award,” Dr Whitten said.

“Through her leadership, Jodie has proven time and time again that she’s someone who gets things done, and her passion for the Australian beekeeping and pollination services is endless.

“I congratulate Jodie for the award and thank her for her outstanding contribution to the industry.”

Dr Whitten said Mrs Goldsworthy’s appointment to the Order of Australia acknowledges her deep contribution to communities and the profound impact of her work, which often extends beyond agriculture, to local business, education and tourism.

“The important thing to recognise with Jodie is that she has served at all levels,” Dr Whitten said.

“She’s been on boards at local, state, national and international levels, which is a huge achievement.”

Mrs Goldsworthy’s list of achievements and community contributions is extensive, beyond her work as the founder and Director of Beechworth Honey. She has been a member of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Regional Women’s Advisory Council, a member of the Food Processing Industry Strategy Group, Board member of the Australian Food & Grocery Council, Oceania President of Apimondia, the International Federation of Beekeeping Associations, and Executive Member of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council.

Mrs Goldsworthy has been a driving force at the Wheen Bee Foundation since joining in 2009, where she has worked tirelessly as a director, dedicating time, effort and resources to improving the industry for Australian beekeepers.

But it’s her grassroots work where Mrs Goldsworthy possibly makes the most impact. Typical of this is her commitment to education and information sharing, creating Bee School at Beechworth Honey in collaboration with the Wheen Bee Foundation, to entertain and inform the next generation on the importance of bees and Australian beekeepers.

Mrs Goldsworthy said she was humbled to be included on the Australia Day 2025 Honours List and admitted into the Order of Australia.

“It’s a real honour to receive this award, if not a little overwhelming,” Mrs Goldsworthy said.

“I couldn’t have achieved what I’ve done without the combined contribution of so many other people, so really this award is about all those organisations and communities, and what we have been able to achieve together.

“And while it’s wonderful to be recognised for what’s been done, there’s still so much more to do to bring about necessary change. That’s always been what I have been about, and it will continue to be my focus.”