Reef Builder Wins Distinction in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation

The Victorian Marine and Coastal Council congratulates the 2024 Awards finalists and winners, and thanks the many unsung heroes, volunteers and caretakers along the entire Victorian coastline, whose passion and dedication are greatly appreciated and often undervalued.

The Awards bring together the whole marine and coastal sector – including the Victorian community, Traditional Owners, universities, Coastcare groups, committees of management, not-for-profit organisations, local councils, state government departments and agencies, as well as private landowners and companies – to celebrate our treasured coast.

The Awards ceremony was held on 7 November 2024 on Wurundjeri Country at Showtime Events Centre in South Wharf, Melbourne (Naarm).

The Victorian Marine and Coastal Council is excited to announce the winners for the prestigious Victorian Marine and Coastal Awards for 2024:

Leadership in Climate Adaptation and Resilience
South Gippsland Shire Council for ‘The South Gippsland Coastal Strategy’

Excellence in marine and coastal design or development
City of Greater Geelong for ‘The Dell Eco Reef, Clifton Springs’

Distinction in biodiversity and ecosystem conservation
The Nature Conservancy Australia for ‘Reef Builder’

Inspiring community engagement and education – for professional agencies, large organisations and industry
Dolphin Research Institute for ‘i sea, i care’

Inspiring community engagement and education – community and volunteer groups/individuals
Friends of Griffiths Island – Port Fairy for ‘Switch off for Shearwaters - Light Pollution Management’

Embedding Traditional Owner cultural practices in management
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation for ‘Bukareeyoo - Returning Language to Country’

Recognising emerging leadership
Juliet Bảo Ngọc Doling

Recognising individual achievement
Joint-winners Neil Blake OAM and Mark Rodrigue

Special award for service
Dr Anthony Boxshall for his service to the Victorian Coastal Council (2015 – 2018) and the Victorian Marine and Coastal Council (2018 – 2024). Dr Boxshall has been instrumental in the development of the 2018 Victorian Marine and Coastal Act and subsequently the Victorian Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 and Marine and Coastal Strategy 2022.

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