When Ben Lomond farmer and Australian Ambassador Mark Donovan represented Australia in the Middle East, he made a point of wearing his Akubra hat. “It helped me represent rural and regional Australia,” he said.
Mark served as Australia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2021 to 2025, with non-resident accreditation to Bahrain, Oman and Yemen. More recently, during the 2026 Iran War, he was recalled to diplomatic service as Chargé d’Affaires at the Australian Embassy in Kuwait, temporarily relieving the Ambassador.
Despite spending years working in one of the world’s most strategically important regions, Mark remains firmly connected to his life in Ben Lomond. During his diplomatic postings, Mark found people throughout the Middle East held a strong sense of goodwill towards Australia. “They are often more familiar with Australia than we are with them,” he said. He was surprised to find that rather than hearing the usual questions to an Australian about kangaroos or koalas, people were curious about quite obscure wildlife such as quolls and wedge-tailed eagles.
One of the biggest challenges, he said, was helping people understand Australia’s geography and population. “People in the Middle East find it difficult to conceptualise a country so big but with such a small population.”
Australia’s population of around 28 million contrasts sharply with the region’s reliance on imported food. Australia produces enough food to potentially feed around 75 million people, while Saudi Arabia imports approximately 85% of its food and Kuwait imports around 95%.
Food also provided cultural insights. Mark discovered Middle Eastern cuisine was generally meat-heavy, reflecting the region’s strong demand for Australian beef and lamb exports. One of his personal favourite dishes was kunafa, a dessert featuring pastry layered with cheese and soaked in sweet syrup.
As ambassador, “My job is to listen to anyone. I need to do that to make sure Canberra gets the full story,” he said. The work was demanding and often extended well into the evening. “It is a nocturnal society and there is something on every night. Some nights there could be three events.” For example, he recalled one evening beginning with a diplomatic reception, followed by the opening of an Australian-themed café and concluding with a function for alumni of Monash University.
The Donovan family’s connection to the Glen Innes district began when his grandparents, followed by an uncle, settled in the region. Mark’s parents later established a sheep property at Ben Lomond, where he spent the final years of his primary schooling before attending The Armidale School as a boarder. He remembers his teachers encouraging students to pursue their interests after school. His father, a soldier and farmer, reinforced that message. “Don’t do what I did. Do what you want to do,” he told his son.
Mark went on to study at the University of Sydney, earning a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Semitic Studies. He also speaks Arabic and Hebrew.
His fascination with the Middle East was sparked by stories of his father and grandfather, both of whom served in the region during their military careers.
He later completed a Diploma of Agriculture through the University of New England.
While currently on leave from diplomatic service, Mark remains busy managing the Ben Lomond property inherited from his parents. The farm produces ultra-fine and superfine wool, much of which has in recent years been purchased by Italian processor Vitale Barberis Canonico.
His immediate priority, however, is navigating the ongoing drought. And then drought recovery. ”I am not rushing in. I want to avoid doing long-term damage, particularly to my pastures,” he said.
If you are interested in learning more about Australian diplomacy, life on overseas postings and Mark’s reflections on the Middle East there will be an opportunity to hear him speak at a special event hosted by the Glen Innes Branch of the Australian Red Cross on Monday, 13 July.
The event will be held at the Anglican Church Hall in West Avenue and costs $25, which includes morning tea and lunch.
The program will commence with morning tea at 10.30am, followed by the branch AGM at 11am, a presentation by a Red Cross staff member at 11.45am, Mark’s address at noon and lunch at 12.45pm.
Bookings can be made by contacting Jo Cameron on 0488 193 381 or via email at kalangacam@gmail.com
