Successful return of the Cassowary Awards

With a full and enthusiastic Board back in place at the Wet Tropics Management Authority this year, the return of the Cassowary Awards was high on their agenda. The esteemed  Awards were enjoyed by the the more than 200 guests at the official event held on 3 December at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.  

Several months of preparations and hard work paid off with numerous guests remarking on how delighted they were to see the Awards back bigger and better than ever.

The enthusiasm for recognising the incredible work of individuals and groups who contribute to the conservation and presentation of the World Heritage Area was evident in the 64 nominations that the Authority received against 32 nominees across eight categories.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures hosted the Awards and provided the guests with an enjoyable experience fitting for a Cassowary Awards. The fantastic venue and hospitality (including an optional boat cruise and crocodile show), set the scene for our official proceedings and, of course, networking opportunities.

Guests came from near and far and included previous Cassowary Award recipients, the Authority’s many partners including the business community, tourism industry, stakeholders and World Heritage communities. For many it was a chance to catch up with long-time friends and colleagues, as well as meeting new faces.

The decision to open up Award categories to sponsorship proved popular, and we partnered with a broad range of government departments and private businesses. These sponsors were all keen to show their support for those who make outstanding contributions to the conservation and presentation of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Eight Cassowary Awards were awarded, plus an additional ‘Chair’s Award’—see the 2016 Cassowary Awards page for a full list of finalists and winners.

Published: 16th Dec 2016