ECO-warrior Lordie Walker was named joint winner of the Junior Environment Champion Award which was presented by Seqwater at the Healthy Land and Water Awards.
The award was one of 11 presented to recognise the efforts of individuals, community groups and industry to improve and protect south-east Queensland’s natural assets.
Mr Walker and Patrick Brabant shared the award for being exceptional youth ambassadors for the environment and for their hard work to promote conservation of wildlife and culture.
Mr Walker is a Quandamooka man from Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) who is passionate about caring for country and worked to become a Quandamooka ranger after leaving school.
Since achieving his goal, he has helped look after Minjerribah’s landscapes, wildlife and culture and has become an example of the next generation of traditional owners caring for country.
Mr Walker said he was proud to share the award.
Seqwater general counsel and company secretary Sally Frazer said the organisation was thrilled to again support the awards through sponsorship of the Junior Environment Champion Award.
“Protecting our precious drinking water starts at the source – our catchments,” she said.
“We take a partnership approach, working with landholders, community groups, non-government organisations, other utilities and all levels of government to invest in catchment improvements and to engage and educate people about the water cycle and caring for our land and water.
“We are particularly pleased to celebrate the achievements of inspirational young leaders who have contributed to protecting and improving our land and waterways.”
Healthy Land and Water chief executive Julie McLellan said the award highlighted the
remarkable contribution Mr Walker had made to the environment.
“Lordie is encouraging a new generation of young people to learn about our culture, care for our wildlife, nurture our environment and protect our natural assets for future generations,” she said.
“His work is inspirational and invaluable as we strive to educate young people on the issues facing our environment.”
Healthy Land and Water awards are supported by the Environment Department, Port of Brisbane, BMT WBM, Brisbane City Council, Queensland Urban Utilities, River 94.9, Seqwater, Unitywater, Shadforth Civil Constructions and Stockland.