Monday 9th June, Les Schirato, Managing Director Vittoria Coffee was appointed as a member in the General Division of the Order of Australia within the Australian Honours System.

Les has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honors list for his service to the community through philanthropic contributions to health, youth, church and social welfare organisations and to business.

As an industry leader, Les is the Chairman of the Australian Tea & Coffee Association, a member of the World Presidents Organisation, Australian Food and Grocery Council, Australian Institute of Directors and the Australian Marketing Institute.

Always heavily involved in the community, Les was awarded the Paul Harris Medal by the Belrose Rotary club in 1998 for his ongoing help given to Camp Quality children’s cancer charity. 

As a major supporter of the Curran Foundation at St Vincents hospital, Les has donated funds to establish a three year cancer research nursing position as well several pieces of high technology diagnostic equipment for digestive disorders, in addition to a new generation CT scanner for diagnosis of coronary artery and cardiac disease.

Since 1993, Les has donated food and coffee to the kitchen run by Father Steve Sinn at St Canice’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth Bay, also providing funds for the Church’s restoration projects. In addition, supporting of two rural community projects designed to revitalize their towns – Project 2828 at Gulargambone and Robertson CTC.

Les’ passion for helping people saw him provide Neil Martin a former alcoholic and homeless man the money he needed to start his now successful street shoe-shine business in Melbourne through the Salvation Army’s red shield appeal.

Each year Les supports numerous charity events through donations and coffee service including the Starlight Foundation Five Chefs dinner, Sydney Children’s Hospital Gold Ball and Mission Australia’s Bestest dinner. 

The Leukaemia foundation of NSW, The Garvan Institute and the Children’s Cancer Institute receive on going support through donation as does the Coffee Kids charity for rural communities in coffee growing areas who Les supports each year.

This is timely recognition for his wide ranging commitment and contribution to the community.