Thank you for joining us at the 2025 Community Conservation Awards
Dear NRPG members and interested,
The CCWA Awards night was well attended, enjoyable and inspiring.
Our congratulations to the winners and all the nominees, as there were a number of awards that the judges had a hard time deciding!
Kind regards,
Steve Gates
Secretary, NRPG Bushcarers
2025 Community Conservation Awards: Winners and Highlights
  Hi Steve, For those who were able to join us at Kidogo Arthouse for our End of Year Celebration and Community Conservation Awards, we were delighted to share this special occasion with you. The evening brought together conservationists, volunteers, environmental groups, and not-for-profit organisations from across the state to celebrate their achievements and dedication. It was the perfect opportunity to reflect, connect, and celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together this year, while honouring the passion and commitment driving positive environmental change throughout Western Australia. The setting could not have been more fitting, as we watched the sun set over the beautiful shores of Walyalup, Fremantle, accompanied by live music from the wonderfully talented Bill Lawrie, Peter Grayling, and Rod Vervest. Their unique blend of old ragtime, blues, and swing created a warm and uplifting atmosphere for the evening. FaceBook: @Conservation Council of WA Instagram: @conservationcouncilwa  CCWA’s most prestigious award is the Bessie Rischbieth Conservation Award, named in honour of Australian social activist and pioneer of the conservation movement in Western Australia. This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the WA environment, and who has had the courage to challenge government and non-government decision makers. This year, the Bessie Rischbieth Conservation Award was presented to Dr Louise Duxbury in recognition of her exceptional contribution to conservation in Western Australia. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, Louise has inspired and enabled environmental sustainability across WA and beyond through her work as a sustainability practitioner, facilitator, and leader. As co-founder of Green Skills Inc and mentor through Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia, Louise’s collaborative, values-driven work has created lasting impact and inspired generations to protect the environment.  The other award recipients for 2025 were: The Len Howard Community Group Award – The recipient of this award is a community group that has demonstrated outstanding commitment and success in the conservation of WA’s environment. The winner of the Len Howard Community Group Award for 2025 was Local Environment Action Forum Esperance (LEAF). LEAF is a volunteer-run organisation with more than 35 years of dedication to environmental care in our region. From coastal clean-ups and community events to education and advocacy, LEAF has consistently worked to protect and enhance the local environment.Most recently, LEAF played a key role in helping the Esperance community engage with the proposed South Coast Marine Park by providing clear, factual information and supporting informed participation. Their long-standing commitment to caring for Country and community makes them truly deserving recipients of the award. The John Oldham Conservation Employee Award – This award is in honour of John Oldham, the founding President of the CCWA from 1967 to 1970, and a long-term delegate to the Council. It’s awarded annually to an individual employed in the conservation sector who has demonstrated tremendous commitment to our environment. The winner of the John Oldham Conservation Employee Award for 2025 was Serena Fletcher. Serena is widely respected for her exceptional standards, integrity, and sound policy expertise. Known as a “go-to” source of clear, accurate advice, she plays a vital role in strengthening conservation advocacy at AMCS and across WA. Her professionalism, warmth, and unwavering commitment, from complex policy work to community action, make her an invaluable contributor to the conservation movement. The Sustainable Business Award – This award recognises people who use their business acumen to protect the environment. It honours those who contribute to innovation while ensuring companies are part of the environmental solution. The winner of the Sustainable Business Award for 2025 was Kristin Magrit. Kristin is the founder and designer of her Perth-based fashion label, known for timeless, locally made pieces designed to last. Produced in small batches by an all-women team, her garments prioritise quality, fit, and sustainability. Using natural fibres, eco-friendly trims, and low-waste production, Kristin is a true leader in sustainable fashion. The Outstanding Volunteer Award – This award goes to an individual who has made an outstanding voluntary commitment and who, through their volunteering, has made a positive impact within the environmental sector. The winners for the Outstanding Volunteer Award for 2025 are Fred and Jean Hort. Fred and Jean have dedicated decades to conserving WA’s flora, invertebrates, and Wandoo National Park. Their contributions include discovering new plant species, protecting the Deefor Conservation Wetland, and supporting researchers and land managers through monitoring, specimens, and photography. Their knowledge, generosity, and long-term commitment have left a lasting legacy for conservation in Western Australia. The Young Environmentalist Award – This award acknowledges an individual aged 30 years or under who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to WA’s environment, and who has played a leadership role in advocacy or campaigning to achieve greater environmental protection. The winner of the Young Environmentalist Award for 2025 was Jemima Williamson-Wong. Jemima has been active in the climate movement since the age of 10 and continues to champion climate action through youth advocacy and local government. Elected to the City of Fremantle Council in 2023, she brings deep community roots, a strong commitment to climate justice, and professional expertise in planning and environmental law. Her leadership and dedication make her a deserving recipient of this award. The Direct Action Award – This award recognises those who have engaged in non-violent direct action to protect WA’s environment or the climate. By challenging unjust laws, often at great personal cost, the recipients have shifted the status quo and helped prevent or delay significant damage.The winner of the Direct Action Award for 2025 went to Save Our Songlines. Save Our Songlines is a First Nations–led grassroots campaign protecting Murujuga (the Burrup Peninsula), one of the world’s most significant cultural and environmental sites. Founded by Traditional Custodians Raelene Cooper and Josie Alec, the group has courageously challenged destructive industrial development and championed heritage protection, human rights, and respect for Country. Their resilience and unwavering commitment to culture, climate, and custodianship truly embody the spirit of this award. The CCWA Honours List – Those named in this year’s CCWA Honours List have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the West Australian environment The recipients have been actively involved in the conservation movement for many years. They make constant, invaluable contributions to their groups, expand vital networking and cooperation between conservation groups, and display integrity, reliability and commitment. Joining this year’s CCWA Honours List are:Rhiannon Hardwick – Rhiannon is a highly effective environmental campaigner and a driving force in WA’s movement for nature. Since transitioning from teaching, she has led CCWA’s Nature Program and the #DefendWANature campaign, standing up to harmful environmental law reforms. Her commitment to community support and developing future leaders is helping ensure lasting change for WA’s environment.Robyn Murphy – Robyn has been a passionate champion for WA’s environment for more than 40 years. Through campaigning, community education, bushland restoration, and mentoring, she has helped protect ecosystems across the state. Her leadership, strategic insight, and commitment to social justice continue to inspire and strengthen WA’s conservation movement. Kelly Sheldrick – Kelly, CCWA’s Citizen Science Manager, has made outstanding contributions to the study of WA’s bats. She has strengthened CCWA’s research reputation, built strong partnerships, and created engaging opportunities for volunteers and students, inspiring the next generation of conservation professionals. We would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of all of us here at CCWA, to wish you all a very happy and restful festive season.Best wishes,Sara and the CCWA team We respectfully acknowledge the Whadjuk People of Noongar Boodjar, along with the Traditional Owners of all Countries where CCWA operates. We seek to always walk alongside our Aboriginal partners, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. Donate     Conservation Council of Western Australia · 1186 Hay Street , West Perth, WA 6005, Australia |