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Find out more about the Cassowary Awards at www.wettropics.gov.au

The Wet Tropics Management Authority’s Cassowary Awards has been recognising the exceptional contributions to World Heritage area management within our communities since 1999. Selected individuals and groups are recognised in a gala ceremony each year.

The Wet Tropics Management Authority Board is seeking nominations for the Awards from its partners, stakeholders and the public. Cassowary Awards are given to individuals, groups, organisations and schools and include both adults and young people (the Young Cassowary Award).

Nomination information

About the AwardsThe Cassowary Awards have been celebrating outstanding contributions to the conservation and presentation of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area since 1999. Past winners include community leaders such as environmental pioneer Margaret Thorsborne, Rainforest Aboriginal Elder Dr George Skeene OAM and Distinguished Professor Bill Laurance.

Cassowary Awards are presented to individuals, groups and organisations working in the arts, science, community advocacy and education. The Awards are attended by recipients, nominators, past winners, other community members, Rainforest Aboriginal People, Ministers and the media.

This year, Award recipients will be honoured in a gala ceremony to be held on 15 June 2019.

Cassowary Award categoriesThere are nine Award categories and people can be nominated for more than one category.

Selection of Cassowary Award recipientsThe Wet Tropics Management Board makes the final selection of Award recipients.

Nominations for the Cassowary Awards are assessed against set criteria.

Criteria for categories 1–8

In relation to the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area and its values:

• How does the nominee demonstrate excellence in their field?

• How long has the nominee been working in their field of interest?

• How does the nominee demonstrate creativity, innovation, and leadership?

• What were the challenges faced by the nominee in reaching their achievements, and how did the nominee overcome these?

Criteria for Young Cassowary Award

In relation to the conservation of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area and local environment:

• What has the nominee achieved?

• How has the nominee demonstrated creativity, innovation and leadership?

• How has the nominee’s work contributed to the local and broader community?

• What were the challenges faced by the nominee in reaching their achievements, and how did the nominee overcome these?

Additional information presented in a video, Powerpoint presentation or a written report with photos can be provided to support the nomination and explain the project for any category.

Renomination of previous Cassowary Award recipients and nominees

Previous nominees, and award recipients can be renominated.

Where a previous recipient of a Cassowary Award is renominated, contributions and achievements will be considered if:

• They are of a different nature to those recognised by the previous Award. In this case, such contributions and achievements could have occurred prior to receiving the previous Award and may or may not have continued to date.

• They are a continuation of contributions and achievements recognised by the previous Award. However, only the contributions and achievements made since receiving the previous Award will be considered.

Ineligible nominations

Staff and board directors of the Wet Tropics Management Authority and politicians will be ineligible to receive an Award.

Find out more about the Cassowary Awards at wettropics.gov.au Enquiries: phone (07) 4241 0508 or email mlis.flynn@wtma.qld.gov.au

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Cassowary Award categoriesCategory 1: Thorsborne Award for Community Conservation and RehabilitationFor contribution to the improvement of the natural values of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This category may include neighbours, landholders community groups or individuals who rehabilitate and protect the fauna, flora and other natural landscape elements of the Area.

Category 2: Tourism and PresentationIn recognition of those who have contributed positively to tourism and the presentation of the Area. This category may include the promotion of the Area’s values within and outside of the industry and the provision of information or interpretive products that benefit the industry. This includes the contributions of visitor centres.

Category 3: InnovationThis category recognises the original, inventive and creative contributions and achievements that have improved or advanced understanding and management of the Area. This category includes those who have carried out innovative research, developed applications, or applied other programs or technologies in new ways to present or manage World Heritage values.

Category 4: EducationFor recognition of individuals or groups, such as community-based educators or university and school staff, who go above and beyond their role to facilitate active learning by imparting exceptional understanding and appreciation of the Area. This may include developing school programs, facilitating and supporting research projects, or teaching the skills required to contribute to, advocate for and promote awareness of the Area.

Category 5: People. Country. Culture Recognising Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ initiatives throughout the Area, and includes enterprise development and innovation, commitment to looking after their country, and interpretation and presentation of the cultural and natural values of the Area. Nominations can include Rainforest Aboriginal People or groups working on country, tourism related enterprises, enterprises that promote livelihoods for Rainforest Aboriginal People, and individuals who contribute to the active participation of Rainforest Aboriginal People in the management of the Area.

Category 6: Community ChampionsThis category recognises those who provide an inspiration to others with their commitment and hard work advocating for the Area, through championing solutions and raising the profile of issues affecting the wellbeing of the Area.

Category 7: Local Government and Industry InitiativesTo recognise the contributions of local government, infrastructure service providers and industry in the Wet Tropics region in the areas of sustainable land use planning and practices, natural resource management, infrastructure provision or public campaigns for the protection of the Area.

Category 8: Climate Change LeadershipIn recognition of exceptional leadership in climate change response, recipients of this award facilitate positive action in communicating climate issues and brokering local solutions. This category includes those who advocate for action, lead research, educate and inform the community on risks, and develop or implement adaptation or mitigation strategies in the Area.

Category 9: Young Cassowary AwardThis category recognises outstanding environmental work of young people of school age (individuals, groups or classes) whether within their school, clubs, or communities. Projects may include, rainforest tree planting, a science experiment/research project, weed control, rubbish collection, multimedia/arts, endangered species awareness, or profiles on the Area’s plants or animals.

Find out more about the Cassowary Awards at wettropics.gov.au Enquiries: phone (07) 4241 0508 or email mlis.flynn@wtma.qld.gov.au

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Find out more about the Cassowary Awards at wettropics.gov.au Enquiries: phone (07) 4241 0508 or email mlis.flynn@wtma.qld.gov.au

How to submit a Cassowary Award nominationNominate online or download a nomination form at wettropics.gov.au/cassowary-awards-nomination-form and submit your nominations by mail, in person or email.

Wet Tropics Management Authority

PO Box 2050

Ground floor, Cairns Port Authority Building

Corner Grafton and Hartley Streets

CAIRNS QLD 4870

Closing date: 18 March 2019

Nominations submitted after this date will not be accepted.

Cassowary Award recipients 1999–2017

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@wettropicsmawettropicsqld

1999 John Donaghy—Wet Tropics Neighbour Anna Graham—Nature Based Tourism Ernie Grant—Indigenous Culture Skyrail—Nature Based Tourism Margaret Thorsborne (dec)—Community Conservation Nigel Tucker—Government Errol Wiles—Wet Tropics Neighbour Joan Wright—Community Conservation

2000 Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku Rangers—Indigenous Culture George Patterson Bates—Philanthropy Bill Cooper (dec)—Arts C4—Mission Beach—Community Conservation Sue Fairley—Wet Tropics Neighbour Mark Heaton—Government Aila Keto—Conservation Advocacy Virginia McGrath—Unsung Hero Chris Rossi—Rural Landholder Max Shepherd—Nature Based Tourism Geoff Tracey (dec) & Len Webb—Science/Conservation

2001 Alexandra Bay School—Community Conservation Sibby Bresolin—Government George Davis (dec)—Indigenous Culture Hazel Douglas (dec)—Nature Based Tourism Sally Driml—Science Rosemary Hill—Conservation Advocacy George Mansford—Unsung Hero Peter Stanton—Science

2002 John Courtenay—Nature Based Tourism

Andree Griffin (dec)—Arts Graham Harrington—Community Conservation Tony Irvine (dec)—Science Davey Lawrence (dec) & Girramay Elders—Indigenous Culture Annabelle Olsson—Unsung Hero Ernie Raymont & Ngadjon-Jii Elders—Indigenous Culture John Winter—Landholder

2003 Dr Joan Bentrupperbaumer—Science Ruth Berry—Arts Russell Boswell—Nature Based Tourism Ruth Lipscombe (dec)—Community Conservation Charles Morganson—Indigenous Culture Rupert Russell—no category George Skeene—Indigenous Culture Janeene Wallwork—Neighbour

2004Helen Adams (dec)—Unsung Hero Maisie Barlow (dec)—ArtsJax Bergersen—Community Conservation Milton Brim (dec)—Indigenous Culture Margit Cianelli—Unsung Hero Russell Fry—Neighbour Mike Hopkins—Science Terry & Cathy Maloney—Nature Based Tourism Allen Sheather—Community Conservation Bill Sokolitch—Government

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Find out more about the Cassowary Awards at wettropics.gov.au Enquiries: phone (07) 4241 0508 or email mlis.flynn@wtma.qld.gov.au

2005 Shayne Allanson—Government Willie Brim—Nature Based Tourism Stan Breeden—Arts Daintree Discovery Centre—Wet Tropics Neighbour Andrew Graham—Science Allison Halliday—Indigenous Culture Bob Jago—Community Conservation Victor Maund—Indigenous Culture Jenny Maclean—Community Conservation Steve Russell—Unsung Hero Wonga Beach State School—Young Cassowary Award

2006 Marcus & Tiffanie Bulstrode—Wet Tropics Neighbour Daintree Rainforest Foundation—Community Conservation Dawn and Cliff Frith—Arts Betsy Jackes—Science Deborah Pergolotti—Unsung Hero Ravenshoe Visitor Centre—Conservation Education Phil Rist—Indigenous Culture Annie Wonga—Indigenous Culture Bloomfield State School—Young Cassowary Award

2007 Tim Anderson—Unsung Hero Sandy Clague—Conservation Wendy Cooper—Science Bruce Corcoran—Community Conservation Kym Dungey & Jane Whytlaw—Nature Based Tourism Eastern Kuku Yalanji Negotiating Team—Indigenous Culture Les Jackson—Government David Leech & Wally Coutts—Community Conservation Peta and Jon Nott—Wet Tropics Neighbour Frederick Michna—Young Cassowary Award

2008 Leonard Andy—Rainforest Aboriginal Culture Mike Berwick—Conservation

Daryl Dickson—Arts Angela and Peter Freeman—Nature Based Tourism Hambledon State School—Young Cassowary Award Barbara Lanskey—Community Conservation Stella Martin—Government Neville Simpson—Education Linda Venn—Unsung Hero Walker Family Tours—Rainforest Aboriginal Culture Dr Steve Williams—Science Wonga Beach State School—Young Cassowary Award

2009Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime Tours—Rainforest Aboriginal Culture Oliver Schreiber—Nature Based Tourism John Beasley (dec)—Community Conservation Keith McDonald—Government Sandra Charlton—Education Pam Tully—Unsung Hero Prof Nigel Stork and Prof Steve Turton—Science Mike Prociv—Arts Peter Salleras—Wet Tropics Neighbour Gordonvale State School—Young Cassowary Award

2010 Mike Trenerry—Arts Tableland National Park Volunteers—Community Conservation Tina Alderson—Government Keith and Lindsay—Fisher Nature Based Tourism Suzanne Smith—Neighbour and Landholder Richard Pearson—Science John and Elaine Ridd—Unsung Hero Vince Mundraby (dec)—Rainforest Aboriginal Culture Feluga State School—Young Cassowary Award

2011 Peter Ogilvie—Government Alan Gillanders—Community Conservation CAFNEC—Community Advocacy School of Field Studies—Education Margaret Moorhouse—Unsung Hero

Margaret Freeman—Rainforest Aboriginal Culture Peter Hitchcock—Outstanding Contribution Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants CSIRO Science Steven Nowakowski—Arts Millaa Millaa State School—Young Cassowary Award

2012 Dave Hudson—Community Conservation Keith Smith—Community Conservation Rhonda Brim—Rainforest Aboriginal People Helen Underwood—Education Gordonvale State & High School (Excelsior program)—Young Cassowary Award

2016Kuranda Envirocare—Conservation & Rehabilitation—Thorsborne Award for community conservationMalanda Falls Visitor Centre—Tourism & presentationAustralian Quoll Conservancy—InnovationDr Miriam Goosem—EducationJabalbina Ranger Program—Rainforest Aboriginal people—our countryPeter Rowles—Community ChampionsDouglas Shire Council—planning framework—Local GovernmentJCU Sustainability Club—Young Cassowary Award

2017Rainforest Rescue & Dr Karen Coombes—Thorsborne Award for Community Conservation and RehabilitationSmall World Journeys—Tourism and PresentationDistinguished Professor William F Laurance—InnovationHolloways Beach Environmental Education Centre & Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre—EducationDjunbunji Land and Sea Program—People.Country.CultureGavin Singleton & Liz Gallie—Community ChampionsCairns Regional Council Sustainability Team—Local Government and Industry InitiativesAsha Mayberry—Young Cassowary Award

Cassowary Award recipients 1999–2017