NATURE BOY MAKES TRACKS
MEDIA RELEASE
01July 2010
NATURE BOY HITS THE TRACKS
We all have moments in life when we choke up a little and really don’t feel too embarrassed to squeeze out a tear. Such a moment is when DCQ has to say goodbye to Steve Wilson.
Steve began work with DCQ in March 2003. He was their first employee. He was the one in the truck, talking to landholders, finding out what issues were important to them. He was getting the lay of the land. He was planting the seeds for strong relationships between DCQ and community.
Steve is an expert on everything that moves or grows. He was DCQ’s very own Steve Irwin and Dr Harry rolled into one but in a quiet, unassuming package. His passion for nature soon earned him the tag, ‘Natureboy’ and all who know him, have travelled with him, or been in the office when an interesting specimen has been brought in, will understand why.
Steve needs glasses to read the paper but he can spot a small pebble dragon on the side of the road as he drives past at 110km/hr. A quick u-turn, a dive or throw of the old worn hat and he would have the critter.
As the Regional Coordinator for DCQ, Steve managed the on-ground team and did what it took to make it happen. He was the prime mover in over 300 on-ground projects. Steve represented DCQ all around the country from high government forums to Landcare events, pest management symposiums, biodiversity meetings from Barcaldine to Brisbane, Camooweal to Canberra and Aramac to Adelaide.
Whilst in the office, Steve could be seen at his computer, churning out a successful grant application, a winning awards nomination, a book or two, helping out with a referral letter, identifying a frog recently found or answering queries from all over Australia. Steve successfully nominated DCQ for many awards, won grants but, most of all, won hearts.
Steve will be missed in so many ways. He has been so much a part of DCQ that he will take it wherever he goes. He has been a great ambassador. He will be farewelled with much sadness but also with such pride.
Best wishes Steve in all your endeavours as you commence work with the Goubern Broken Catchment Management Authority in Shepparton, Victoria. Thanks for all you have done for DCQ, the Desert Channels Region and us here in the office. You will be long remembered.
For more information on the work of Desert Channels Queensland, visit www.dcq.org.au.
ENDS
Media enquiries: Roelie Hartwig
Ph: (07) 4652 7812
Fax: (07) 4658 0122
Email: roelie.hartwig@dcq.org.au
