Applications have launched for SA’s premier nature awards that acknowledge individuals, groups and organisations that dedicate their time, expertise, and passion to care for our precious natural environment.

MEDIA RELEASE
26 February 2024

Nominations now open for the 2024 SA Environment Awards

Presented by the Conservation Council of South Australia in partnership with Green Adelaide, the Department for Environment and Water, and the University of Adelaide Environment Institute, SA’s premier nature awards acknowledge individuals, groups and organisations that dedicate their time, expertise, and passion to care for our precious natural environment.

Conservation SA Interim CE Kirsty Bevan says the work undertaken by community members and groups in conserving and protecting the environment deserves to be celebrated.

“The annual SA Environment Awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible work of the South Australians who have given so much for our environment,” Ms Bevan said.

“In a field where so much work happens behind the scenes, the Awards shine a spotlight on the people taking an active part in caring for our environment, now and into the future.”

Green Adelaide Presiding Member Professor Chris Daniels said that the quality of past nominations has highlighted how passionate people are about making a significant difference for the South Australian environment. 

“Our Pelzer Prize acknowledges the environmental efforts made by members of the community and organisations to support our drive for a cooler, greener and wilder metropolitan Adelaide,” he said.

Department for Environment and Water Chief Executive Ben Bruce said the awards were an opportunity to share stories about the state’s environmental champions.

“I’m always inspired by South Australians’ passion for protecting our environment,” Mr Bruce said.

These awards are a great way to bring people together so we can celebrate their achievements and learn from each other’s work.”

Nominations are open across six categories:

• Jill Hudson Award for Environmental Protection – Since 1998, this award has recognised an individual living in South Australia who has made an outstanding contribution to protecting the state’s environment.
• Pelzer Prize – Championed by Green Adelaide, the Pelzer Prize recognises a conservation leader or environmental champion who works towards restoring landscapes, creating habitat for wildlife, connecting people to nature, or cleaning up natural spaces.
• Working Together Award – The Working Together Award recognises groups or organisations whose program has recently achieved significant results for our environment.
• Innovation Award – This new award recognises an individual, organisation or company for developing or applying an innovative solution towards a sustainable future.
• Leif Justham Young Achiever Award – Named for inspiring young climate activist Leif Justham, this award recognises individuals (or groups of young people) under the age of 28 who have made a significant contribution to protecting the state’s environment.
• Conservation Science Award - This prize recognises the development of application-ready research or the successful application of science and research into real-world conservation outcomes.

Mirning Elder and Great Australian Bight defender Bunna Lawrie, science educator James Smith, ecologist Dr Anthony Cheshire, young First Nations climate champion Tianhi Adamson and the community campaigners behind the Repower Port Augusta movement are just some of the inspiring past winners.

The SA Environment Awards also honour those who have made an indelible impact on our environment through a lifetime of work. Past Lifetime Achiever honourees have included environment legend Warren Bonython AO, renewable energy pioneer Monica Oliphant AO, anti-nuclear activist and respected Yankunytjatjara Elder Yami Lester OAM and shark conservationist Rodney Fox.

More details about the SA Environment Awards can be found at the SA Environment Awards website.

Nominations close at 5 pm on Tuesday 2 April and an awards ceremony will be held on World Environment Day (5 June 2024) to celebrate the winners, finalists and Lifetime Achievers.

The SA Environment Awards are presented by Conservation Council SA in partnership with Green Adelaide, Department for Environment and Water and University of Adelaide Environment Institute.