- Wet Tropics Management
- Legislative framework
- Management partnerships
- Sustainable Tourism Plan
- Threats to the Area
- Research and a Learning Landscape
- How can I help?
The 20th Cassowary Awards featured eight categories:
Climate Change Leadership Award
Sponsored by Daintree Discovery Centre
Recognising exceptional leadership in climate change response. This category honours those who lead research, advocate for action, develop mitigation strategies, educate and inform the community, and broker local solutions to help climate-proof the Wet Tropics.
Education Research Innovation Award
Sponsored by Powerlink
Recognising inventive projects and educational activities that improve understanding and management of the Wet Tropics and its World Heritage values. This category celebrates innovative research and technological applications, as well as educators who inspire and impart an appreciation of the World Heritage Area.
Industry Excellence Award
Sponsored by CleanCo
Recognising outstanding performance from industry across the Wet Tropics. This category shines a light on exceptional efforts to go above and beyond to protect and present the World Heritage Area by sectors including tourism, agriculture, construction, local government, telecommunication, transportation and utilities.
People Country Culture Award
Sponsored by Terrain NRM
Recognising Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples of the Wet Tropics. This category showcases the dedication of individuals and groups who care for Country, promote the culture and livelihoods of Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, and actively participate in management of the World Heritage Area.
Peter Hitchcock Community Champion Award
Sponsored by Queensland Water and Land Carers
Recognising individuals who inspire others through their commitment to and advocacy for the Wet Tropics. This category highlights those who raise the profile of issues affecting the wellbeing of the World Heritage Area and champion solutions.
Peter Hitchcock was the inaugural executive director of the Wet Tropics Management Authority and a conservation leader. Peter set the foundations for the Authority at a time when World Heritage listing of the Wet Tropics remained a controversial issue. He worked tirelessly to involve the community in the Authority's work, ensuring the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area was appreciated by all.
Thorsborne Award for Conservation and Rehabilitation
Sponsored by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Recognising contributions to the improvement of the natural values of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This category acknowledges those who rehabilitate and protect the natural features of the Wet Tropics, including its flora and fauna.
Margaret Thorsborne was a previous recipient of the Cassowary Award for Community Conservation, which was renamed the Thorsborne Award in 2016 to acknowledge Margaret and her late husband Arthur's contributions to the Wet Tropics. Arthur and Margaret shared a lifelong passion and commitment to nature conservation and environmental activism.
World Heritage Presentation Award
Sponsored by Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Recognising positive presentation of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This category salutes the storytellers of our region who promote the Area’s outstanding values through interpretive and creative endeavours, including tourism and the arts.
Young Cassowary Award
Sponsored by YETI (Youth Empowered Towards Independence)
Recognising the important environmental work undertaken by school-aged people—the future leaders of the Wet Tropics. This category is dedicated to individuals, groups, classes or schools who are involved with environmental awareness campaigns, science experiments, research projects, social action plans, and other significant activities.
Celebrating young Wet Tropics champions is especially important to the Wet Tropics Management Authority as it builds foundations for environmentally responsible adults who will ensure the Area’s World Heritage values remain for generations to come.
