The South Australian Minister for Environment and Conservation the Hon Gail Gago presented the prestigious Jill Hudson Award for Environmental Protection (2006) on May 19^th at the Conservation Council of SA’s CONNECT07 Environment Conference. The $1000 Award recognises significant environmental achievements and this year was jointly presented to two entries.

Kevin Buzzacott, Arabunna Elder, received the Award for his long-standing commitment to Keepers of Lake Eyre, working to protect the region from the effects of the Olympic Dam uranium mine. His participation in the annual Radioactive Tour also highlighted the effects of uranium mining in his country, in particular in the use of ground water for the mine.

Joel Catchlove and Sophie Green jointly received the Award for their outstanding voluntary commitment to educate and engage the general public about environmental issues. They have established Friends of the Earth (Adelaide) and the Clean Futures Collective, and have energised the campaign against the expansion of the nuclear industry.

The annual Award is in memory of Jillian Hudson (7/9/48 – 9/8/97), a passionate educator who believed ‘Life is an opportunity and its purpose is to stand for something and to make a difference.’