IN the 133-year history of the Roseworthy Old Collegians Association’s Award of Merit, no other graduate of Roseworthy has made a greater humanitarian contribution to the disadvantaged communities of the world through the use of agricultural principles than David Lithgow Lewis OAM.
During the four decades since graduating from Roseworthy Agricultural College with a Diploma in Agriculture and Diploma of Agricultural Technology, Mr Lewis has selflessly served others, often at great sacrifice to himself and his family.
He has devoted his life and agricultural skills to the humanitarian relief of the poorest and most disadvantaged peoples of the world
His work extends across the globe, from the dangerously war-torn West African country of Sierra Leone to the second poorest country on the globe, Niger.
His humanitarian influence has assisted poverty stricken communities in Indo-China and Indonesia.
Not only has the influence of Mr Lewis been of enormous benefit to disadvantaged individuals internationally, it has also resulted in significant high-level policy change by governments across the globe and within Australia.
Despite being quite modest about his enormous contribution to humanity internationally, Mr Lewis has been widely recognised by others, including:
- the federal government with a Medal of the Order of Australia,
- the Australian Council for International Development with the prestigious Award for Outstanding Service in International Development, and
- the University of Adelaide with the Roseworthy 125th Anniversary Humanitarian Award.
He is currently leading an international working group on the impact of environmental issues and climate change on people with disabilities, their families and communities.
The Award of Merit is bestowed upon a member of ROCA that has made a meritorious contribution in any field of agricultural activity, including association affairs.
