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Australian Geographic Society Awards 2019

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YOU COULD HAVE heard a pin drop, despite the presence of 350 excitable guests, in the grand ballrooom of the Shangri-La Hotel last November as Albert Wiggan delivered his acceptance speech for Conservationist of the Year. The Bardi-Kija-Nyul Nyul elder from Cygnet Bay in the Kimberley, Western Australia, spoke with eloquence and passion about the urgent need for contemporary society to tap into the ancient trove of knowledge about caring for country held by Indigenous Australians. “The story that my people have held for thousands of years is about what’s sustainable and what’s the right way to live on this country,” Albert said. “It’s the story of all indigenous people around the world, and what’s important to remember is that 2000 years ago we were all indigenous people living off the land. In all our DNA is this fundamental understanding about how to survive on this planet and how to move forward without completely destroying who we are, and for me, I have been blessed to maintain that knowledge and to then try and help you to discover it.”

WATCH Albert’s moving speech, and those of all our 2019 winners, on our website australiangeographic.com.au/154

Albert Wiggan (above) has the room transfixed as he encourages Australians to value and use Aboriginal knowledge of country in the battle to save the environment in general and the Kimberley in particular. AG’s Chrissie Goldrick (left) welcomes guests and thanks the sponsors at the start of the night.

Cyclist Jimmy Ashby proudly shows off his gold medallion for Young Adventurer of the Year.

Long-distance ocean rower Michelle Lee charms the crowd with her sheer delight at her Adventurer of the Year award. APT’s Angus Tandy awards a medallion to Unity, Spirit of Adventure winner Nick Gleeson’s faithful seeing-eye dog.

Eco-tourism pioneer and Lifetime of Conservation recipient John Rumney trades jokes with Omega’s Emir Sinanovic.

NSW Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean MP presents budding scientist Angelina Arora with the Young Conservationist of the Year award.

TV legend Mal Leyland, one half of the Leyland Brothers duo, receives his Lifetime of Adventure award.