Environmental warrior honoured with Australia Day award
Published 21 January 2021
After founding the Redcliffe Environmental Forum in 2005 and more than a decade of service protecting the environment, Newport local Robert Crudgington has today been awarded Moreton Bay Regional Council’s 2021 Australia Day Environment Award.
Robert’s dedication has helped emphasise local environmental issues, improve local habitats specifically surrounding Redcliffe and Hays Inlet, and inspire the next generation of eco warriors.
Mayor Peter Flannery said Robert is a true environmental leader who shares his passion for protecting the environment with everyone he meets.
“Robert has been instrumental in creating and facilitating a range of initiatives to protect Moreton Bay’s stunning natural surrounds,” Mayor Flannery said.
“With a passion for marine environments, his work restoring and protecting saltmarsh at Hays Inlet has ensured this pristine area will continue to thrive for wildlife and locals to enjoy.
“We know people are more likely to appreciate and protect nature when they engage with it, which is why Robert’s efforts to make the environment more accessible is so important.
“Whether it’s the on-ground Hays Inlet EcoPath, providing educational resources through his project EnviroEd, or sharing his passion with local schools, Robert has worked tirelessly to ensure the next generation understands and values the importance of our national environments.”
Robert’s a firm believer that if you look after the land, the land will look after you, which is why preserving nature for the future is so important.
“My job as President of the Redcliffe Environmental Forum is mainly to facilitate and support all the wonderful people that work in the environmental community, whether it be koalas, turtles, looking after the bush, and more,” Robert said.
“It’s an honour to be recognised with this award but I’m just representing a large group of dedicated people who care about the environment and the wildlife around it.
“I hope this award highlights the value of people getting involved and I want everyone to participate and contribute, it doesn’t take very much to make a big difference.
“In our region, you can go to an island and see a humpback whale, you can see a koala or two, the bird life is amazing with over 130 species in Hays Inlet alone, then there’s the mountains and the rainforest, so there’s something for everyone in Moreton Bay.”
Councillor Sandra Ruck (Div 5) said it’s an honour to pay tribute to the special people in our community like Robert.
“Robert’s efforts in protecting and enhancing Moreton Bay’s natural environment and sharing his passion with the community is invaluable,” Cr Ruck said.
“I’m glad we have opportunities like this to recognise and celebrate his achievements.”