About the Medallion
The Medallion is named in honour of Nance Dickins, one of the most important figures in the AIIA’s history.
Nance Dickins served the Institute for almost three decades, from 1946 to 1975 — first as Victorian Secretary, then as National Secretary and Executive Officer. A graduate in Arts from the University of Melbourne, she had earlier worked for the Red Cross and the Commonwealth public service before dedicating her career to the AIIA.
In an era when the National Council met only twice a year, it was Nance Dickins who held the organisation together between meetings. Historian Professor John Legge AO FAIIA, in his history of the AIIA, described her responsibilities: preparing agendas for Council meetings, keeping the accounts, maintaining correspondence with branches, managing correspondence relating to the Institute’s research program, and seeing The Australian Outlook through the press. Legge called her “the one continuing element in the work of the national organisation.”
In 1977, Professor W. Macmahon Ball put it simply: “It would be hard to over-estimate the worth of what Nance Dickins did for so many years — overworked and underpaid.”
The award was proposed by former AIIA National President Allan Gyngell AO FAIIA, who was closely involved with the design of the Medallion. Allan considered it essential that the Board establish a way of marking outstanding service to the Institute and wished that the recognition be permanently linked to Nance Dickins’ name and legacy.
Meet the Recipients
2025 Inaugural Recipient- Zara Kimpton OAM FAIIA
Zara Kimpton OAM FAIIA is the inaugural recipient of the Nance Dickins Medallion, the AIIA’s highest honour for outstanding service to the Institute.
Zara’s contribution to the AIIA spans decades and across the branch levels and national level of the organisation. She served as President of AIIA Victoria (2003-2006) and as National Vice President (2010-2025) of the AIIA, roles in which she was instrumental in shaping the Institute’s direction and strengthening its work across the country.
Beyond these formal positions, Zara has sat on countless committees, bringing a meticulous eye for detail to the Institute’s meetings and minutes that few could match. Colleagues have long regarded her as the administrative soul of the organisation — the person who quietly kept things running.
In 2008, she was invited by then National President, Clyde Hildebrand AM FAIIA, to become the patron of the newly formed Friends of the AIIA, established to honour those who donate to the Institute. She has continued to be one of its most generous donors for many years.
In 2011, Zara was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to international relations through executive roles with the Australian Institute of International Affairs Victoria. In 2023 she was made a Fellow of the Australian Institute of International Affairs.
The Nance Dickins Medallion was conceived by former AIIA National President the late Allan Gyngell AO FAIIA, who was insistent that Zara Kimpton should be its first recipient. The AIIA Board confirmed his wish in November 2025, awarding Zara the inaugural Medallion in recognition of her exceptional and sustained service to the Institute.
As its inaugural recipient, Zara Kimpton embodies the same spirit of tireless service as the award’s namesake.