2011 NSW Environment Awards announced

On 29th October 2011, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW celebrated the grassroots environmental campaigns and environmental champions, that have resulted in enhancing and protecting NSW's environment. The NSW Environment Awards winners were announced at the NCC Annual Conference (29-30 October). Read more about the winners below, or download the 2011 Nominees booklet at the end of this page.

Nature Conservation Council’s sixth annual NSW Environment Awards

The awards celebrate and acknowledge the inspiring contributions made by environmental groups and individuals over the past year throughout NSW. Anyone can nominate a deserving NCC member group or community-based environment group. Groups can nominate themselves or their members for the awards.

The NSW Environment Awards are a chance for environmentalists from across the state to come together and celebrate the achievements of the environment movement. It is a great opportunity for environmentalists from far and wide come together to celebrate the grassroots environmental campaigns that have resulted in making our world a better place.

The 2011 NSW Environment Awards were presented by Penelope Figgis AO, Director of ACIUCN, the Australia Committee for IUCN, and a leading member of the Australian environment movement for over 30 years. Read more about Penelope and the ACIUCN here.

There are seven award categories:
 

• The Dunphy Award - for most outstanding environmental effort of an individual.
   Download Dunphy Award nomination form.
   Prize: Two night luxury getway at national award-winning eco-friendly accomodation  Crystal Creek Meadows.

2011 Winner: CHRIS JONKERS

Chris Jonker’s forte is field research. His botanical expertise and deep knowledge of the impacts of coal mining on the environment have enabled him and the groups he has been associated with, including the Blue Mountains Conservation Society and Rivers SOS Network, to monitor, report on and successfully challenge the poor performance of several coal mining enterprises in the Greater Blue Mountains area.

• The Marie Byles Award - for the most outstanding new environmental campaign.

   Download Marie Byles Award nomination form.
   Prize: Framed award certificate and gift set from 3Fish, who were recently named one of Australia’s ‘Coolest’ businesses in Anthill Magazine’s Sixth Annual Cool Company Awards.

2011 Winner: STOP CSG ILLAWARRA

Since early 2011, Stop CSG Illawarra has helped protect the Illawarra escarpment, local bushland and water resources from harmful pollution, dem

anding a moratorium on coal seam gas mining, a royal Commission into all aspects of coal seam gas and a ban on ‘fracking’. Stop CSG Illawarra organised more than 3000 participants in a human sign, at Austinmer beach in May 2011, which spelt out ‘Stop Coal Seam Gas’, and has carried out an enormous outreach campaign to successfully educate the local community.

• The Nature Conservation Council Member Group Award - for the most outstanding NCC Member Group which has demonstrated an outstanding commitment and success in the conservation of the NSW environment.
   Download Nature Conservation Council Member Group Award nomination form.
Prize: $1,000 worth of services from ecoDesign ecoPrint.

2011 Winner: NO TILLEGRA DAM GROUP

Formed in 2006 when the Tillegra Dam in the Upper Hunter was announced by the NSW Government, No Tillegra Dam Group (NTDG) actively campaigned until the proposal’s rejection in November 2010.

NTDG lobbied politicians intensely, produced fact-based, scientific reports on the local environment and sustainable water alternatives and engaged the whole Hunter Community through a variety of activities. The group is now lobbying for a full and open integrated water resource planning process to develop a sustainable urban water strategy plan for the Lower Hunter.

• The Community Climate Action Award - for the most inspiring climate action initiative by a climate change community group
  Download Community Climate Action nomination form.
  Prize: $1000 donation from Australian Ethical Investment.

2011 Winner: BEYOND ZERO EMISSIONS

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) is a not-for-profit research and education organisation leading the way on climate change solutions. Through the Zero Carbon Australia research project BZE is creating pressure for climate change policy that is in line with the science. BZE is developing a detailed, costed blueprint for the transition to a completely decarbonised Australian economy by 2020.

BZE’s cutting-edge research is creating a paradigm shift amongst the public and political leaders at all levels. The group’s work is showing that a zero emissions vision is not only desirable, but possible.

• The Rising Star Award - for the most outstanding new campaigner under the age of 30.
  Download Rising Star Award nomination form.
  Prize: Selected artwork from award-winning artist Rachel Carroll.

2011 Winner: JESS MOORE

Jess Moore has demonstrated outstanding commitment and success in the conservation of the NSW environment, including leading roles with Stop CSG Illawarra and Wollongong Climate Action Network.

As the media organiser for Stop CSG Illawarra, she helped organise the ‘Stop Coal Seam Gas’ human sign formed by more than 3000 participants at Austinmer beach in May 2011 and is responsible for a range of other creative awareness raising activities. Jess has inspired community groups by speaking to clubs, school groups and conferences, urging people to get involved and defend our water, health and environment.

• The Allen Strom Hall of Fame - for long standing service and commitment to the conservation movement, and the courage to challenge Government and Non-Government decision-makers.
   Download Allen Strom Hall of Fame nomination form.
   The winner will receive a framed Certificate of Appreciation and have their name inscribed on the Hall of Fame shield which remains on permanent display at the Nature Conservation Council.

2011 Winner: Dr JUDY MESSNER, AM

Dr Judy Messer has spent much of her life supporting the NSW environment movement and the Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC). Judy has been involved in many local, national and international conservation campaigns; especially those associated with coastal policy, inland rivers, arid land ecosystems, urban bushland, fire and biodiversity. Judy was a long-time member of the NCC executive and chairperson from 1984 to 2000.

Judy has served as an expert adviser on many government and inter-agency committees to protect our environment, such as the Murray-Darling Ministerial Council Community Advisory Committee, NSW State Wetlands Action Group, the Kangaroo Management Advisory Committee and the Bushfire Coordinating Committee. She was also a founding member of the Inland Rivers Network and has represented the NCC at many of the triennial meetings of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as well as meetings of the Australian Committee for IUCN.

• The Ziggy Megne Volunteer for the Environment Award - awarded in honour of the untiring contribution of Zigurds (Ziggy) Megne for someone who has championed a cause or worked untiringly behind the scenes for a better, more sustainable future. Nominees must have been active in NSW for an environment group or as an individual.
   Download Ziggy Megne nomination form.
   The winner will receive a framed Certificate of Appreciation and have their name inscribed on a plaque which remains on permanent display at the Nature Conservation Council.

2011 Winner: HENRY GOLD, OAM

Henry Gold has supported the NSW environment movement for more than 40 years as its honorary photographer and has become one of Australia’s foremost wilderness photographers. His photos have been a major influence in campaigns for the preservation and World Heritage listing of the Greater Blue Mountains and the NSW rainforests, and much more.

This year Henry generously donated all the proceeds from his Bondi exhibition to the Colong Foundation for Wilderness. Henry was unable to attend the awards, and will be presented with his award in the coming weeks.

For more information contact NCC Office on (02) 9516 1488 or ncc@nccnsw.org.au

We also thank our raffle sponsors Ascella Pure Wines, National Parks Association of NSW, Palace Cinemas, Whale Watching Sydney and love.fish.