Banksia Environmental Foundation
Encyclopedia
The Banksia Environmental Foundation is an Australia
n organisation created in 1989 to support and confer recognition on individuals and organisations that make a positive contribution to the environment. The Foundation launched the annual Banksia Environmental Awards in the same year. The annual Banksia Awards are seen to be one of the most prestigious environmental awards in Australia.
To this end, they joined forces to launch a national environmental awards program, from Melbourne
, that same year. Each of the original members devoted their time, skills and, in many cases, finances to get the Banksia Foundation and its awards program off the ground. After lengthy deliberation, the name Banksia was chosen because a Banksia
tree cannot be destroyed. Even in fire it regenerates by re-seeding.
Their commitment and enthusiasm was such that, just seven weeks after the Foundation was formed, more than ninety nominations had been received for the inaugural Banksia Environmental Awards, which were presented at a gala dinner in Melbourne.
From the outset, the Banksia Environmental Foundation has remained an apolitical
and non-confrontational organisation that endorses a cooperative approach to finding environmental solutions.
In the award program’s inaugural year in 1989, over ninety nominations for the awards were received.
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n organisation created in 1989 to support and confer recognition on individuals and organisations that make a positive contribution to the environment. The Foundation launched the annual Banksia Environmental Awards in the same year. The annual Banksia Awards are seen to be one of the most prestigious environmental awards in Australia.
History
The Banksia Environmental Foundation was created in 1989 by a diverse group of 44 Australians who shared a common goal – to do more to support and recognise members of the community for their positive contribution to the environment.To this end, they joined forces to launch a national environmental awards program, from Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
, that same year. Each of the original members devoted their time, skills and, in many cases, finances to get the Banksia Foundation and its awards program off the ground. After lengthy deliberation, the name Banksia was chosen because a Banksia
Banksia
Banksia is a genus of around 170 species in the plant family Proteaceae. These Australian wildflowers and popular garden plants are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes and fruiting "cones" and heads. When it comes to size, banksias range from prostrate woody shrubs to trees up...
tree cannot be destroyed. Even in fire it regenerates by re-seeding.
Their commitment and enthusiasm was such that, just seven weeks after the Foundation was formed, more than ninety nominations had been received for the inaugural Banksia Environmental Awards, which were presented at a gala dinner in Melbourne.
From the outset, the Banksia Environmental Foundation has remained an apolitical
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
and non-confrontational organisation that endorses a cooperative approach to finding environmental solutions.
In the award program’s inaugural year in 1989, over ninety nominations for the awards were received.
The Banksia Awards
The purpose of the awards is to recognise and reward individuals, community groups, businesses and government organisations for environmental excellence, raising awareness and encouraging others to follow the example set by the finalists and winners.Timeline
- 1989 - the Awards began with 5 Category Awards.
- 1991 - the first International award was presented.
- 1993 - the Inaugural Gold Banksia Award was presented.
- 2001 - the Prime Minister of AustraliaPrime Minister of AustraliaThe Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia is the highest minister of the Crown, leader of the Cabinet and Head of Her Majesty's Australian Government, holding office on commission from the Governor-General of Australia. The office of Prime Minister is, in practice, the most powerful...
became the Chief Patron of the Banksia Awards and the Foundation expanded its award program to include The Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year Award. - 2006 - the DaimlerChrysler Australian Environmental Research Award DaimlerChrysler Australian Environmental Research Award was presented.
- 2007 - the Banksia People's Choice Award was started.
- 2008 - the Environment MinisterMinister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts (Australia)The current Australian Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities is Tony Burke, who took over from Peter Garrett . The Minister and department change took effect in the Second Gillard Ministry on 14 September 2010...
's Young Environmentalist of the Year Award was started. - 2010 - two new category awards were introduced for "Clean Technology - Harnessing Opportunities" and "Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics Award - Mindful Movement"
- 2011 - the Sydney Theatre CompanySydney Theatre CompanyThe Sydney Theatre Company is one of Australia's best-known theatre companies operating from The Wharf Theatre near The Rocks area of Sydney, as well as the Sydney Theatre and the Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre....
for Leading in Sustainability. The STC's work on developing sustainable principles and integrating them into theatre-making, as well as inspiring audiences to play their part at home, was recognised as the most comprehensive environmental program of any performing arts organisation in the world.