The volunteers and organisations who help make Victoria’s zoos the best in Australia were recognised last night at an annual awards dinner held at Melbourne Zoo.
The 2015 Zoos Victoria’s Hall of Fame Awards dinner was attended by Premier Daniel Andrews, the Hon Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria, Mrs Elizabeth Chernov, and Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville.
Now in its third year, the Hall of Fame celebrates the outstanding people and supportive organisations that have made a significant contribution to Zoos Victoria.
This year’s awards were held at Melbourne Zoo’s Leopard Lodge, which was transformed into a forest wonderland in celebration of Victoria’s bird emblem, the Helmeted Honeyeater.
Premier Daniel Andrews presented the Honorary Life Achievement Award to the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater for the group’s tireless work in the recovery of the iconic Victorian species.
The People Award was presented to Zoos Victoria volunteers Roy and Pearl Searle for their 30 years of service, anaesthetist Dr Kevin Moriarty for his support of Melbourne Zoo’s veterinary team and Sid Myer AM for his role as Zoos Victoria Board member and Chair of the Zoos Victoria Foundation Board.
Ms Neville presented the Young Advocate of the Year Award to Grade 5D of Berwick Fields Primary School for their work in raising awareness of the plight of Australia’s frog species.
The Fighting Extinction Award was presented to Charles Tegner of the Merrin Foundation for his work supporting Zoos Victoria’s Helmeted Honeyeater breeding program.
The final award of the night, the Partnership Award, was awarded to ANZ for its ongoing support of Zoos Victoria and Dr Gary Simpson, who has been a strong advocate of Zoos Victoria’s conservation work.
Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews
“The outstanding work of our volunteers, staff and organisations helps to make Victorian zoos the best in Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville
“Tonight we’re acknowledging those who have supported Zoos Victoria and its work in recovering threatened species including Victoria’s bird emblem, the Helmeted Honeyeater.”
“Our zoos are part of what make our state a great place to live and visit. We’ve made sure entry for children remains free, so that Victorian families can afford to enjoy them.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020