10/06/2026
It is with a deep sense of immense pride that on behalf of the Hands Across the Water community I celebrate Kay Lawrence Spencer AM, and her recognition with the awarding of Member of the Order of Australia. Kay was recognised with this prestigious award for her contribution to the charity sector across multiple countries and her services to the retail sector.
I first met Kay in the Narta office in Harris Street Pyrmont for an in person briefing prior to my engagement to speak at their bi-annual conference to be held in San Francisco in August of 2007. At the time I was relatively new to the speaking world, still working full time with a secondment out of NSW Police on an International Counter Terrorism project and Kay was the CEO of Narta. Our worlds, to be fair, couldn’t at that point in time have been further apart and with very little in common.
I shared a 60minute keynote presentation at their conference and from that moment our worlds came together in a way neither of us could have imagined. Kay would lead an industry movement at the Narta conference that saw me leave San Fran with a donation of $250,000 towards the work we were doing. The donation came with an offer from Kay that if we could use her services on the board of Hands she would be willing to join. I’ve made plenty of decisions in my life and this was one of the most important ones. Inviting Kay onto the board of Hands changed my life and those of the kids at Hands. I have met few people with the commitment and passion to lift others up than that of Kay.
Kay’s support and trust is to be earnt. It is not given away easily. Yet once earnt it has longevity that lasts a lifetime. In spite of mistakes one might make along the way, she is loyal to a tee. “I don’t have to love the decision, but I can love the person” said Kay. Kay’s support doesn’t discriminate. I have seen those at the top of world sport, business and industry enjoy her loyalty and support and equally I have seen the children of Thailand, without parents or hope, be showered in her support and love. Kay doesn’t look for how she will benefit from lifting others up, she simply looks for the opportunity to improve the lives of others. I have enjoyed that loyalty, support and love for 20 years.
Kay has been the Chair of Hands for 15 years and there is no doubt we are in the position we are as a result of her leadership. Lives have been changed, improved and communities have been shaped for the better on the back of her unwavering support.
Kay contributes in many ways to charities within Australia and New Zealand and frequently she is invited to join further boards, yet it is her loyalty to Hands that keeps her with us, and I couldn’t be more appreciative.
The awarding of Member of the Order of Australia is a public and prestigious way for the recognition of outstanding contribution and it is rightfully awarded to Kay our dear friend.
Peter
