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The 19th annual Cassowary Awards were announced on Saturday, celebrating the work of people and organisations who have helped protect the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
More than 160 people attended the awards night at Tjapukai NOW, recognising leaders in conservation, rehabilitation, tourism, innovation, education, and climate change response .
The awards, hosted by the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA), are the country’s only program recognising excellence in community contributions to World Heritage management.
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WTMA chair, Chrissy Grant, said the awards pay tribute to champions of the Wet Tropics.
“Choosing the nine award recipients from more than 40 nominations was no easy task.
“Each of the nominees are valued and important members of the Wet Tropics community.
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Kylie Freebody won the Thorsborne Award for Community Conservation and Rehabilitation.
Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours won the Tourism and Presentation Award, while the Innovation and Research Award went to Australian Wildlife Conservancy.
Melissa Brolese took out the Education Award, and Jumbun Limited won the People Country Culture Award.
Cane farmer, Tony Rossi, won the Peter Hitchcock Community Champion Award.
The Government and Industry Initiatives Award was given to Geoff Onus and NQ Land Management Services.
Professor Susan Laurance won the Climate Change Leadership Award, and the Young Cassowary Award went to Chloe Christaldi, Nya Seuili, and Chloe Tully, of White Rock State School.
Ms Grant said a discretionary Chair’s award was given to Cairns Regional Council.
“Cairns Regional Council has set the benchmark for local governments everywhere with their commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2030, to building a more sustainable society, and to engaging youth on environmental matters.
“The Council is demonstrating leadership and initiative in its collaborative vision to make Cairns and Far North Queensland the capital of the smart green economy.
“All of the nominees and award recipients are people who work tirelessly towards protecting and promoting the outstanding universal value of the area.
“They’re also helping build resilience into this unique and special place to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate,” Ms Grant said.
Main points
- 19th annual Cassowary Awards were presented on Saturday
- Awards recognise community contributions to World Heritage management
- The Cassowary Awards are hosted by the Wet Tropics Management Authority
