NFP Leader Named Environmentalist of the Year

Australian Conservation Foundation Chief Executive Don Henry has been named Environmentalist of the Year at the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards.

Henry was recognised for his commitment to environmental advocacy over many years.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water Amanda Rishworth presented the award on the Prime Minister’s behalf at the United Nations Association of Australia’s World Environment Day awards ceremony in Melbourne.

Henry said the ACF had been engaged in tackling some of the biggest environmental challenges that Australia faced.
“We have played important roles in stopping destructive land clearing in Queensland, establishing the Business Roundtable on Climate Change, convincing governments to buy back water licences from willing sellers and return the water to thirsty Murray-Darling rivers, securing National Heritage recognition for the Kimberley, achieving Australia’s price on pollution, and negotiating for millions of hectares of land to be returned to Traditional Owners on Cape York to be protected as jointly managed national parks and conservation areas, along with many other campaigns,” he said.

“Looking after the environment is the single greatest challenge of our generation. It gives a great sense of purpose to know you are making a positive contribution to the health of our beautiful planet and I enjoy doing this along with ACF staff, members, supporters, Council and Board.”

Before joining ACF Henry held senior positions at WWF in Australia and in the USA, and was director of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland. In the 1980s, he campaigned for the protection of Moreton Island, Great Barrier Reef islands, the rainforests of north Queensland and Cape York.

He already holds a Global 500 Environment Award from the United Nations Environment Program. In 2008, Don was named Equity Trustees’ Not for Profit CEO of the Year.

The Young Environmentalist of the Year award was presented to Kirsty Albion and Lucy Manne for their vision and leadership of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.
Rishworth said the winners represented a commitment and passion for protecting the environment which should inspire many Australians.

The United Nations Association of Australia recognises innovative and outstanding environmental programs and initiatives from across Australia and the important work of Australian environmental leaders through its World Environment Day Awards in support of UNEP World Environment Day (June 5).

Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year Award finalists

Don Henry, Australian Conservation Foundation (VIC)
Lee-Scott Virtue, Kimberley Toad Busters (WA)
Peter Dann, Phillip Island Nature Parks Victoria (VIC)
David Lindenmayer, Australian National University (ACT)
John Weigel, Devil Ark (NSW)

Prime Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year Award finalists

Amelia Telford, Australian Youth Climate Coalition (VIC)
Gemma Borgo-Caratti, Australian Youth Climate Coalition (VIC)
Emma Hamilton-Foster, CBI (WA)
Lucy Manne & Kirsty Albion, Australian Youth Climate Coalition (VIC)