2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVER AWARDS
Presented by Kirsty Bevan | CEO of Conservation Council SA
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Peri Coleman |
Terry Reardon |
Georgina Yambo Williams
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JILL HUDSON AWARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Winner: MARY HEATH
Mary Heath has been a driving force in South Australia’s climate movement, co-founding the Rising Tide SA hub and fostering a strong, connected activist community. Her leadership has empowered countless individuals through mentorship, training, and grassroots organizing, ensuring that climate action in SA remains strategic and sustainable. As a key member of Rising Tide’s national steering committee and local Tarni Tarnanthi Rising Tide Adelaide hub, she has amplified South Australia’s voice in the national climate movement while continuing to cultivate local resilience and leadership.
Finalists:
Julia Peacock
Julia is a tireless and deeply committed advocate for nature, renowned for her meticulous approach to environmental legislation and policy reform in South Australia. With a sharp eye for legislative detail and an unwavering dedication to evidence-based advocacy, she has authored more than 100 million words in submissions that champion stronger protections for the environment. Her recent work includes leading efforts to safeguard Whalers Way and driving improvements to South Australia's new biodiversity legislation. Julia brings together government, industry, academia and the community to push for meaningful change—whether through formal submissions, strategic collaboration, or standing on the steps of Parliament to make nature’s voice heard.
Ian Falkenberg
Ian Falkenberg has dedicated decades to conservation management, making a lasting impact through his unwavering commitment to restoring South Australia’s natural landscapes. Known for his integrity, reliability and passion, Ian has worked closely with fellow conservationists to achieve meaningful, on-ground environmental outcomes. His tireless efforts have supported habitat creation for native wildlife, revitalised degraded ecosystems, and fostered deeper community connections with nature. Through both leadership and hands-on action, Ian has played a vital role in protecting and enhancing the environment for future generations.
GREEN ADELAIDE'S PELZER PRIZE
Winner: DR PHILLIP ROETMAN
Dr Philip Roetman is a pioneering environmental leader whose innovative, solutions-focused work has reshaped conservation and sustainability across urban South Australia. At the City of Burnside, he has led strategic initiatives that champion carbon neutrality and habitat restoration, while his earlier ground-breaking citizen science programmes at the University of Adelaide empowered thousands to contribute directly to ecological research and action. Phil’s ability to bridge science, policy and community engagement has revitalised landscapes, enhanced urban biodiversity, and inspired a culture of environmental stewardship. His enduring impact makes him a truly deserving candidate for the Green Adelaide Pelzer Prize.
Certificates of Commendation:
JOHN FARGHER - Certificate of merit for wetlands conservation
DR JAKE M.ROBINSON - Certificate of merit for ecosystem restoration science
BEN SIMON - Certificate of merit for coastal ecosystem restoration
BEATRICE JEAVONS - Certificate of commendation
BRUCE BAKER - Certificate of merit for community environmental leadership
BIODIVERSITY MCLAREN VALE - Certificate of merit for community activated landscape restoration
JACQUI HUNTER - Certificate of commendation
CONSERVATION SCIENCE PRIZE
Winner: DR ALICE JONES
Dr Alice Jones is a South Australian marine ecologist dedicated to the conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems. Her research highlights the ecological and economic importance of ‘blue carbon’ habitats such as seagrasses, with the goal of driving investment and policy support for their protection. Through collaborative work with Traditional Owners, community groups and multidisciplinary partners, Alice has played a leading role in shaping national blue carbon strategies and influencing both public and private sector engagement. Her work is helping to secure a healthier future for marine environments and the communities that depend on them.
Finalists:
Dr Mary Retallack
Dr Mary Retallack is an agricultural scientist, third-generation viticulturist and agroecologist who has spent more than three decades advancing environmental stewardship within agricultural landscapes. As Managing Director of Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd and founder of the award-winning National EcoVineyards Program, Mary has led transformative change by integrating native insectary plants into production systems to support biodiversity, pest control and long-term sustainability. Based on her PhD research, EcoVineyards has grown from its South Australian roots to engage over 160 partners and influence agroecological practices globally. Mary’s work bridges science and land management, creating healthier, more resilient ecosystems across viticulture and beyond.
WORKING TOGETHER AWARD
Winner: OZFISH UNLIMITED 'SEEDS FOR SNAPPER SA'
OzFish Unlimited’s ‘Seeds for Snapper’ initiative has led the charge in restoring South Australia’s lost Posidonia seagrass meadows since 2020, uniting hundreds of volunteers, local organisations, and government agencies in a powerful community-driven conservation effort. With over 60,000 seeds replanted and 2.3 hectares of seagrass restored to date, the project is reviving critical marine ecosystems that support fish populations, buffer coastlines, store carbon and provide vital biodiversity. Expanding to the Fleurieu Peninsula in 2022, the program has not only trialled restoration in new conditions but also raised public awareness about the severe loss of seagrass along Adelaide’s coastline. At its heart is the community—recreational fishers, school groups, and beachgoers who collect seagrass fruit, prepare seeds, and assist in planting efforts using innovative biodegradable sandbags. Supported by a wide range of partners, Seeds for Snapper is transforming environmental stewardship into collective action, building knowledge, resilience, and lasting habitat restoration for future generations.
Finalists:
Bronwyn Perryman 'Cockies Helping Cockies'
The “Cockies Helping Cockies” project has played a vital role in the conservation of the endangered South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo in South East South Australia. Since its launch in 2009, the initiative has focused on revegetating and protecting critical stringybark feeding habitats, restoring over 500 hectares and safeguarding hundreds more on private land. Operated by Zoos SA since 2012, the project has engaged nearly 100 landholders, planting thousands of native trees and developing 79 habitat management plans to guide sustainable land stewardship. Beyond supporting Red-tail populations, the project delivers on-ground benefits for landholders, such as erosion control, livestock shelter and natural pest management. Its success is underpinned by strong collaboration with partners like Trees for Life and BirdLife Australia, and a planting model tailored to maximise long-term habitat value. Despite recent funding challenges, the team’s perseverance has ensured the project continues to thrive, with expanded plans through to 2028—cementing its legacy as one of the most significant landscape-scale conservation efforts in the region.
Holdfast Habitat Heroes
The Holdfast Habitat Heroes are a dedicated group of council volunteers who have transformed the coastal dunes of the City of Holdfast Bay into a thriving native ecosystem. Since 2003, this group of around 50 committed residents has contributed countless hours—often more than two hours per week—removing invasive weeds and restoring indigenous plant communities along the coast from Glenelg to Kingston Park. What began as a barren, weed-infested dune system has become a vibrant remnant of pre-European shrubland, thanks to their hands-on efforts in planting, weeding, watering and advocating for long-term habitat protection. Their work now extends beyond the dunes to the city’s three natural gullies and various council reserves, where they support planting projects and mentor community volunteers. The Heroes also play an important educational role, guiding McAuley Community School students in hands-on conservation activities that foster environmental awareness. Their sustained commitment has not only brought back vital habitat but also created a model of community-led ecological restoration and stewardship.
INNOVATION AWARD
Winner: Dr Jake M. Robinson & A/Prof Martin Breed
Pioneering a dual innovation at the intersection of sound and soil science, researchers Dr Jake M. Robinson and A/Prof Martin Breed are transforming how we monitor and restore terrestrial ecosystems. Their work in soil ecoacoustics has introduced a non-invasive, scalable method to assess soil health by capturing subterranean sounds—like insect movement and microbial activity—as indicators of biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Degraded soils show reduced acoustic complexity, offering a real-time signal of environmental decline. Complementing this is their research into sonic stimulation, where targeted sound frequencies are used to enhance microbial growth, including beneficial fungi such as Trichoderma harzianum, supporting regenerative agriculture and reducing dependency on chemical inputs. These breakthroughs are already informing international policy, guiding industry adoption, and opening new frontiers in sustainable land management. With wide-ranging applications across conservation, agriculture and climate resilience, their innovation exemplifies how science and technology can reshape our relationship with nature.
Finalists:
TOWN OF GAWLER
The Town of Gawler has emerged as a leader in climate-responsive urban greening, becoming the first South Australian council to declare a climate emergency and adopt a Climate Emergency Action Plan. Central to its strategy is a bold, evidence-based approach to tree management, designed to build resilience against climate impacts while enhancing urban biodiversity. Since 2023, Gawler has implemented innovative planting processes—such as stormwater infiltration systems, stricter soil preparation standards and future-focused species trials in partnership with TreeNET—alongside advanced technologies like GIS mapping and LiDAR modelling to guide tree canopy expansion. A data-driven inventory of the council’s tree assets informed a new master plan and operational strategy, targeting areas with low canopy cover and supporting ecological diversity. Through programs like Greening Gawler, plant giveaways, and school workshops, the Council has also empowered the community to take an active role in landscape restoration. With over 2,000 street trees planted and 4,000 native plants distributed to residents, the Town of Gawler is setting a powerful example for how local governments can combine innovation, collaboration and community engagement to create a cooler, greener and more liveable future.
WOODCROFT GREEN HUB SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS
Since its sustainable redevelopment over a decade ago, the Woodcroft Community Centre has become a hub for environmental education and action in the City of Onkaparinga. Through its Woodcroft Green Hub: Sustainable Living Programs, the centre champions community-led innovation, making sustainability accessible, practical and engaging. Initiatives like the Seed Library—supported by garden tours, seed-packing events and local donations—encourage home gardening and seed sharing, while the Library of Things reduces waste by lending seldom-used items. The centre also offers a curated sustainable living collection, hosts hands-on workshops on gardening, circular economy principles and low-impact living, and provides a convenient recycling hub for batteries, light globes and phones. Together, these programs demonstrate how local communities can lead the way in building a greener, more connected future.
LEIF JUSTHAM YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD
Winner: DJANGO LEWIS WESTMORELAND
At just 16 years old, Django Lewis Westmoreland has already made a remarkable impact as a young leader in environmental conservation. His advocacy spans the Fleurieu Peninsula, Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth regions, where he works to protect vital ecosystems and birdlife. As an active member of the South Australian Youth Environment Council (YEC), Django has taken on a mentoring role for three out of four years, nurturing a strong community of like-minded young environmentalists. His passion, leadership and dedication continue to inspire both his peers and professionals across South Australia's environment sector.
Finalists:
JORDAN ELLIS
Jordan Ellis is an Adelaide-based photographer and filmmaker whose work shines a light on grassroots environmental and social justice movements across South Australia. Through powerful visual storytelling, Jordan captures the emotion, urgency and solidarity at the heart of collective action, using art as a tool for change. Their practice embodies the belief that creativity and activism are deeply intertwined—making the revolution, as Toni Cade Bambara said, “irresistible.” By documenting pivotal moments in community resistance and resilience, Jordan helps amplify voices that are too often unheard. See more of their work on Instagram: @jordzy.ellis.
TERESA PHAM
Teresa is a dedicated activist who weaves community care and collective well-being into the fabric of grassroots organising across Adelaide. Her work ensures that those fighting for environmental, climate and social justice are supported to sustain their efforts without burning out. Volunteering across multiple movements, Teresa brings a holistic approach that connects sustainability with health, human rights and economic equity—demonstrating that true justice is grounded in compassion, solidarity and long-term care.