MGA Insurance Brokers founder and Chairman John George has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen’s Birthday honours announced yesterday.

The award was given for service to the welfare of children in Cambodia.

Adelaide-based Mr George is Chairman of the Australia Cambodia Foundation, which provides residential care and education for students who might not have a chance to study otherwise.

The foundation also provides medical care for HIV-positive children and supports local hospitals.

Last year Mr George won the National Insurance Brokers Association’s Lex McKeown Trophy for services to broking and the association.

He told insuranceNEWS.com.au today that although he is very pleased about becoming an OAM, “my main hope is it brings a greater recognition to what we’re doing in Cambodia”.

“Any added exposure the foundation can get is wonderful,” he said.

So far this year the foundation’s AllKids program has put 200 disadvantaged children into schools.

“I’d also like to express my appreciation for the many colleagues and industry friends who have contacted me to congratulate me in the past 24 hours,” Mr George said.

Mr George is also active in supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service and has been a Rotary Club president.