environmental awards

Desert Channels Queensland (DCQ) was the proud sponsor of the Environment Awards category, in association with Isa Skills Job Futures and the Georgina Pastoral Company. The three awards were presented by Winter Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury and DCQ Chair Peter Douglas in the categories of ‘Education and Training’, ‘Innovative Environmental Management Award’ and ‘Outstanding Individual Achievement’.

 

The Job Futures ‘Education and Training Award’ went to The Australian Age of Dinosaurs in Winton, with President David Elliot and his wife Judy at the ceremony to collect their award.

 

 

The award was presented in recognition of their work in encouraging, promoting and facilitating the discovery, preservation and display of fossil material from the age of dinosaurs within Australia.

 

“Given its remote location, the Age of Dinosaurs has made impressive inroads since it started six years ago,” Peter Douglas said.  “It has developed partnerships, involved universities and schools and produced some great publications of an international standard as well.”

 

“Another great example of people doing great things in remote areas is Boulia Shire Council with its Parkinsonia Control Project,” Mr Douglas said. “The shire is a very worthy recipient of the Georgina Pastoral Company ‘Innovative Environmental Management Award’.”

 

Boulia Shire’s project aims to co-ordinate a control project of Parkinsonia weed outside the National Parkinsonia Containment Line. Judges in this category highlighted the shire’s innovation in carrying out a project outside the containment area, and its co-operative approach in treating a large area for optimal success.

 

The ‘Outstanding Individual Achievement’ award went to Longreach family run business, Mitchell Grass Meats. DCQ was pleased to present this award to George and Anna Hetherington who have created a niche market with their enterprise Mitchell Grass Meats by producing 100% chemical free, grass fed meats direct to consumers.

 

“The success of Mitchell Grass Meats is an example of what’s possible from a family business that’s taken an innovative idea and run with it,” Mr Douglas said.

 

“It’s great to see such a wide representation from across the region receive awards, from the council in Boulia, to a museum in Winton, to a family in Longreach,” Mr Douglas said. “It just goes to show what the people of the west are capable of, from all walks of life.”

 

“At DCQ we know that our greatest asset is the community. By sponsoring the Excellence Awards we not only want to reward people but also share with the community the achievements of individuals and organisations that have done outstanding work in managing our region’s natural assets,” Mr Douglas said.