Ellen McCulloch was a highly regarded bird enthusiast and conservationist. She was a life member of the Bird Observers' Club of Australia and co-authored two books on Australian birds.
In 1990 McCulloch was awarded the Australian Natural History Medallion for 'increasing knowledge and appreciation of Australian flora and fauna.' She was also honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1991.
(Major sources: Whitehorse Leader, 30 November 2005 and the Age, 4 January 2006)