The North Queensland Land Council would like to congratulate Jirrbal Traditional Owner, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Cashmere who was awarded the People. Country. Culture. award at the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s Cassowary Awards.

Betty is a strong voice for the Jirrbal people, advocating strongly for the aspirations of her people on country. She holds, and willingly shares, a great depth and breadth of knowledge about her beloved Jirrbal country within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Betty plays a strong role in the region through her Aboriginal art and tour guiding businesses, fulfilling her role as cultural heritage officer for Wabubadda Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC and contributing to a wide range of committees, corporations and organisations. She is dedicated to protecting and caring for her country, while ensuring cultural knowledge is passed onto the next generation.

NQLC would also like to congratulate fellow nominees for the People. Country. Culture. award, Jenny Joyce-Daley and Barry Hunter Jnr. Jenny Joyce-Daley is a Mamu Traditional Owner and a passionate advocate in creating long-term and sustainable outcomes for all Mamu people. Jenny’s specific passion is creating a future for Mamu youth, providing opportunities to participate at all levels of community, as well as opportunities for remaining on country for work, rather than having to move elsewhere to make a living. Jenny volunteers her time and knowledge, progressing many projects for the Mamu people by developing positive partnerships with a focus on inclusiveness.

Barry Hunter Jnr. is a Djabugay Traditional Owner and cultural leader who has worked in land management and cultural development for over 26 years. Through his experience in a range of conservation planning processes including with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Barry has fostered diverse networks across the community, the research sector, government and industry. Barry has taken a lead role in developing the Djabugay Bulmba Bama Plan to provide a path to joint management of the Din Din Barron Gorge National Park, ensuring genuine engagement with the Djabugay community throughout the process.

There are many Rainforest people who work tirelessly for the benefit of Wet Tropics and its people, and these three are doing just that. They are leaders within their communities and they are a wonderful inspiration to all of us.

NQLC proudly sponsored the People-Country-Culture category of the Cassowary Awards for the second year running, giving our Chair Lady, Kaylene Malthouse, great pleasure in presenting the award on the night.

Around 250 guests attended the awards ceremony at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. In addition to People-Country-Culture, there were nine other categories being celebrated. Thorsborne Award for Community Conservation & Rehabilitation; Tourism and Presentation; Innovation; Education; Community Champions; Local Government & Industry Initiatives; Climate Change Leadership; Young Cassowary Award and Chair’s Award. NQLC congratulates all of the 50 nominees and especially the 10 award recipients, on their invaluable contributions to culture, conservation, community and innovation.

About the Cassowary Awards

The Wet Tropics Management Authority’s Cassowary Awards were established in 1999 to celebrate and support the outstanding contributions made towards the conservation and preservation of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

The Awards seek to recognise exceptional conservation efforts from a diverse range of individuals, groups and organisations including farmers, conservationists, students and educational bodies as well as scientists, artists and tourism operators.