THE voluntary organiser of the Save Flinders Pier campaign, who rallied the support of more than 40,000 Victorians and even attracted the attention of Sir David Attenborough, has been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).
Charles Reis was motivated to act when plans were announced in 2020 to demolish the historic Flinders Pier, renowned for its Weedy Sea Dragon habitat. At the time, Sir David Attenborough said he would do all he could to help support the protection of Victoria’s marine emblem.
Leading a grassroots campaign, Reis built widespread community support that eventually persuaded the state government to list the pier on Victoria’s Heritage Register and provide funding for its restoration.
The award, announced as part of the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognised Reis’ “services to the community in a range of roles and organisations”.
Reflecting on the award, Reis said he was honoured and humbled.
“Saving the Flinders Pier for future generations was the result of many people coming together with a common goal. The campaign unified Victorians and demonstrated the power of ordinary citizens to lead change,” he said.
“Our piers and jetties are more than just for fishing and diving. They provide physical access to the sea for people of all abilities to enjoy our marine environment.”
Reis said he hoped to use his award to encourage other communities to protect and preserve their local maritime history.
The pier campaigner is no stranger to volunteering. At ten years old, he was collecting comic books and donating them to the Royal Children’s Hospital. He currently chairs three community organisations addressing domestic violence, family trauma, and disability: MacKillop Family Services (including McAuley Services for Women); Saltbush Balnarring Beach on the Mornington Peninsula; and Mercy Connect in rural NSW.
He also contributes his time as a member of two council advisory committees: the Western Port Bay Coastal Advisory Group and Bayside Council’s Billilla Advisory Group.
First published in the Mornington News – 27 January 2026