Profile of Patron
Ita Buttrose AO, OBE
MDF Patron
Ita Buttrose AO, OBE is one of Australia's most admired businesswomen. She is an accomplished communicator advising corporate as well as community and welfare organisations. She also has a wealth of experience across a broad range of industry sectors.
Ita has twice been voted Australia's most admired woman. In 2003 she was awarded the Centenary Medal for services to Australian society in business leadership. She combines many roles as social commentator, businesswoman, journalist, author and professional speaker.
Currently, Ita is Joint Managing Director of The Good Life Publishing Company, Editor of bark! Australia and Highlife Magazines, and Editor-at-Large for OK! Magazine. She is the author of seven books including her best-selling autobiography "A Passionate Life". She co-authored her latest book "Motherguilt: Australian mothers reveal their true feelings about Motherhood", with Dr Penny Adams. It was published in February 2005. She is currently writing her eighth book.
Ita served as President of Arthritis Australia from 2003-2006, after acting as the organisation's national spokesperson for several years. She was made an Officer in the Order of Australia for her services to the community particularly in the area of public health education.