25.05.2023Winner: Melbourne Achiever Awards – Individual

Each year, Committee for Melbourne recognises the outstanding achievements of both individuals and organisations through the Melbourne Achiever Award. First awarded in 1993, the award has recognised the extraordinary efforts of proud Melburnians and Melbourne-based organisations for almost 30 years.

Scott Chapman has been awarded the 2023 Melbourne Achiever Award – Individual, for his extensive individual contributions to community – through his work in outdoor education, disadvantaged youth, aged care and his dedication to the not-for-profit sector – as well as his extensive Executive Leadership and Board Governance roles.

As CEO of the Royal Flying Doctors Service (Victoria), his passion has inspired donors to contribute more than $120million in funding during his tenure, including establishing a Foundation to secure RFDS Victoria in perpetuity. Over the last 10 years, Scott’s involvement has seen growth from a small fundraising organisation to now providing health services to over 120,000 Victorians employing over 700 staff across Melbourne and rural Victoria.

Scott plays an important role in Melbourne’s community – holding many important board positions. He currently holds the positions of Chairman at Doutta Galla Aged Services, the Dafydd Lewis Trust, Western Melbourne Tourism, the Enterprize Ship Trust, and is Deputy Chair at Cottage by the Sea. Scott is also Director of Male Bag Foundation and Awards Victoria Ltd.

Scott’s achievements have spanned a career that includes executive roles at City of Melbourne and past Board positions at various organisations like the World Masters Games, the People and Parks Foundation, the Outdoor Education Group and Outdoors Victoria.

Scott believes that charities should help charities – for better outcomes.  And in 2022 he demonstrated his commitment to Royal Flying Doctor Service (Victoria) and another iconic Melbourne charity, Very Special Kids, by undertaking a fundraising mission of epic proportions, riding a 1928 motorbike in the Indian Pacific Cannonball Run across Australia. He raised $160,000 on the epic 10-day ride.

Scott Chapman accepted his award at Committee for Melbourne’s 2023 Annual Dinner at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s Goldfields Event Space in the presence of Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO, Governor of Victoria, and Committee for Melbourne Patron.