Honouring a Legacy of Service: Life Membership Awards for Dr Patricia Jenkings and Major General (Ret’d) Tim Ford AO
- Chris Dwyer
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
12th December 2025
At our recent Volunteer Awards Ceremony, the UNAA NSW Board had the privilege of awarding Life Membership - the highest honour our Division can bestow - to Major General (Ret'd) Tim Ford AO and Dr Patricia Jenkings, in recognition of their exceptional, sustained, and transformative service to the organisation and to the mission of the United Nations.
As Vice President of Operations and Chair of the Membership Sub-Committee, it was my honour to present these awards on behalf of the Board. I also had the privilege of delivering the following speech, reflecting on the significance of Life Membership, the value of service, and the extraordinary contributions made by Tim and Patricia.
"Good evening, everyone.
Tonight, we gather to celebrate our volunteers – the people whose commitment, compassion, and energy make the work of UNAA NSW not only possible, but meaningful.
And as part of this celebration, we have the privilege of awarding the highest honour our Division can bestow: Life Membership.
Life Membership is not simply a recognition of long service. It represents something deeper – a legacy of leadership, dedication, and impact that has shaped not just our organisation, but the communities we serve. It acknowledges those rare individuals whose contribution has been substantial, sustained, and transformational over time.
In the UN system we often speak about service: service to peace, service to humanity, service to future generations. And at its heart, service is not about titles or positions. It is about showing up, again and again, with integrity, generosity, and a belief that the world can be better because we choose to make it so.
Tonight, we honour two people whose lives embody that spirit of service:
Major General (Ret’d) Tim Ford AO, our former Vice-President of Operations and long-time head of the Peace and Security Pillar, and
our President, Dr Patricia Jenkings.
Life Membership – Major General (Ret’d) Tim Ford AO
We begin with someone whose entire career has been shaped by service – to Australia, to the UN, and to the cause of peace.
Major General Tim Ford AO was commissioned as an officer in 1966, beginning a distinguished 40-year career in the Australian Defence Force and the United Nations.
In 1998, Tim was appointed Chief of Staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, and soon after became the Head of Mission of UNTSO in the Middle East, before serving as the Chief Military Adviser in the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations in New York.
These roles placed him at the heart of global peacekeeping at a time of enormous complexity. His contributions shaped UN policy, strengthened mission leadership, and advanced international peace and security.
After retiring from Defence in 2003, Tim continued to serve - advising numerous organisations, mentoring leaders through the UN Senior Mission Leadership Course, chairing the Peace Operations Training Institute, and leading the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project through to its dedication in 2017.
Tim joined UNAA NSW in 2018, where he has been a pillar of wisdom, stability, and purpose. As Head of the Peace and Security Pillar, and later as Vice-President of Operations, he has enriched our work, strengthened our programs, and elevated our voice on peacekeeping and global security. His contributions continue today – as recently as July, he was invited to a high-level UN retreat on the future of peacekeeping.
Tim’s service is a lifetime commitment, to peace, to global cooperation, and to community.
His leadership has strengthened UNAA NSW in ways that will be felt for many years to come.
Tim, it is our great honour to present you with Life Membership of the United Nations Association of Australia, NSW Division.
Life Membership – Dr Patricia Jenkings
Our second Life Membership recognises a leader who has shaped UNAA NSW from within, guiding its growth, strengthening its governance, and deepening its connection to the UN’s mission.
Dr Patricia Jenkings has dedicated her academic and professional life to understanding conflict, peacebuilding, social resilience, and the forces that bind – or divide – communities.
Her work at the University of Sydney and in broader academic circles has influenced countless students, practitioners, and policy thinkers in Australia and abroad.
But Patricia’s contribution to UNAA NSW stands out as truly exceptional.
Patricia has served our organisation for more than a decade – nearly ten years as President, following two years as Vice-President.
Across this time, she has reshaped the organisation with purpose, vision, and unwavering commitment. As President, Patricia:
Founded the NSW Parliamentary Friends of the United Nations, creating a vital bridge between our work and the NSW Parliament.
Established the UNAA NSW Advisory Board, bringing together leaders from academia, diplomacy, business, civil society and the UN ecosystem to strengthen our direction and influence.
Guided a period of organisational renewal and modernisation, deepening the capability, clarity, and impact of all four strategic pillars.
Expanded our partnerships, enhanced our regional engagement, strengthened governance, and elevated our public profile.
Patricia’s leadership style blends intellect, empathy, and determination. She holds the organisation to high standards while ensuring every volunteer, student, and partner feels valued. Her commitment to elevating the UN’s mission in New South Wales has shaped who we are today - and who we aspire to become.
Her work is not only substantial; it has been transformational.
Patricia, it is our great honour to present you with Life Membership of the United Nations Association of Australia, NSW Division.
Closing
Life Membership is reserved for those whose service leaves a lasting imprint – those whose contributions build not only programs and partnerships, but purpose, direction, and community.
Tim and Patricia, your leadership has strengthened UNAA NSW in profound and enduring ways. On behalf of the Board and the entire UNAA NSW community, thank you for your service, your dedication, and your legacy.
Please join me once more in congratulating our two newest Life Members."
The awarding of Life Membership to Major General (Ret’d) Tim Ford AO and Dr Patricia Jenkings marks an important moment for UNAA NSW. Their leadership, commitment, and decades of service have strengthened our organisation in profound and lasting ways.
From Tim’s distinguished global peacekeeping career and his steadfast leadership of our Peace & Security Pillar, to Patricia’s transformational presidency, strengthened governance, and creation of key initiatives such as the NSW Parliamentary Friends of the United Nations and the UNAA NSW Advisory Board - their contributions reflect the very best of the UNAA’s mission and values.
Life Membership is reserved for those whose impact endures long after roles or titles change.
Tim and Patricia exemplify this ideal, and we are honoured to recognise their extraordinary service to our community.
Like to get involved? Become a Member of UNAA
Like to Find Out more about UNAA
or make a valuable donation to UNAA's work
Comments