On 11 June 2012, the Governor-General announced that Professor Stephen Hopper was awarded the high honour of Order of Australia, Companion in the General Division (AC).

Professor Hopper was the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority's Chief Executive Officer from 1992 to 2004 and is currently the Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in the United Kingdom. He is the author of over 250 scientific publications, 14 books and monographs, and undertakes important research throughout the world. He joined Kew in October 2006, and led the organisation through its 250th anniversary celebrations in 2009.

Although based in Kew for the past six years, Professor Hopper continues his research and fascination for the fragile environment of the south-west of Western Australia. In October 2012, he will step down as Director of Kew to return to Australia and become Winthrop Professor of Biodiversity at the University of Western Australia. His most recent award was in recognition of his 'eminent service as a global science leader in the field of plant conservation biology, particularly in the delivery of world class research programs contributing to the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems'.

On behalf of all the staff and volunteers of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, we extend our warmest congratulations to Professor Hopper.