Awarding greatness: Marnie Rawlinson celebrates 20 years of ACF's Peter Rawlinson Award.
A CF has been acknowledging and rewarding individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions to conservation at a grass roots voluntary basis for 20 years.The Peter Rawlinson Award was established in memory of ACF councillor Peter Rawlinson (pictured) who tragically died at the age of 48 undertaking fieldwork on the island Anak Krakatau, Indonesia.
Peter was a tireless environmental campaigner, zoologist, researcher and university lecturer in biological sciences at LaTrobe University. He spoke out on many conservation issues and was committed to the ACF as a councillor, treasurer and vice-president.
Peter demonstrated particular respect for those who fought environmental issues from a voluntary, grass roots position. In recognition of this, the Peter Rawlinson Award was established as an annual acknowledgement of outstanding contribution of an individual or group to the conservation of the Australian environment.
The selection committee have been heartened to see the nomination of many worthy individuals and groups and to recognise the extraordinary effort and success of many of those nominated.
The 1992 inaugural winner of the Peter Rawlinson Award was Matthew Jamieson. Matthew was recognised for campaigning on Australian conservation issues such as forestry practices in Tasmania and the tropics.
Matthew raised awareness of social justice and environmental issues facing indigenous people in Australia, West Papua, Papua New Guinea and East Timor. The destructive nature of non renewable natural resource trading in these areas was a particular focus. I am pleased to report that his outstanding advocacy continues.
The 2011 award was shared for the first time between two outstanding nominations: Fraser Island Defenders Organisation (FIDO), and Bundy on Tap.
Since 1971 FIDO has been led by John Sinclair and acted as the watchdog, advocate and protector of Fraser Island. The island was declared a World Heritage area in 1992 mainly thanks to FIDO's campaigning. The award recognises 40 years of intense commitment caring for this unique area.
Co-winners Bundanoon Bundy on Tap promoted the idea of opposing selling water in single use plastic bottles. It was the brainchild of Huw Kingston and embraced by the Bundanoon community. Bundanoon provided freely available tap water and achieved their goal of eliminated the sale of bottled. Bundy on Tap has been recognised as a great example of what can be achieved with a single idea, a committed community and direct action.
It is not possible to detail the many wonderful nominees who have been acknowledged for their sustained efforts, but of particular note is Margaret Thorsborne who was acknowledged for her tireless work protecting the natural systems of northern Queensland.
Margaret was presented the Peter Rawlinson Award in 1994 for her work as an avid defender of Hinchinbrook Island from development and degradation. In 2011 Margaret was given an Order of Australia for distinguished service to conservation and the environment through advocacy roles for the protection and preservation of wildlife and significant natural heritage sites in Australia.
The Peter Rawlinson Award is announced each year on 5 June, World Environment Day.
Award winners
1992 Matthew Jamieson
1993 David Allsop
1994 Margaret Thorsborne
1995 Jill Redwood
1996 Elaine Cohen
1997 Jacqui Katona
1999 Chris Harris
2000 Frances Bray and Keith Campbell
2001 John Corkill and Dailan Pugh
2002 Beth Schultz and Peter Robertson
2003 Nina Brown
2004 Brian Purdue and Dennis Hirst
2005 Louise Morris
2006 Clive Crouch
2007 Kevin Buzzacott
2008 Stephen Leonard
2010 Rising Tide Newcastle
2011 Fraser Island Defenders Organisation and Bundy on Tap
For nomination guidelines and more information on past winners visit www.acfonline.org.au/rawlinson-award
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| Author: | Rawlinson, Marnie |
|---|---|
| Publication: | Habitat Australia |
| Geographic Code: | 8AUST |
| Date: | Jan 1, 2012 |
| Words: | 585 |
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