DEFENDER AWARDS CANDIDATES
DEFENDER OF THE LAND
Projects which focus on conserving, rewilding and protecting at-risk environments and habitats.
BOOMERANG ALLIANCE: TURNING THE TIDE ON WASTE AND PLASTIC POLLUTION
Boomerang Alliance is a leading Australian not-for-profit focused on eliminating plastic pollution and driving the country toward a zero-waste society. They run national campaigns and programs like Plastic Free Places, advocate for policy reform, and work with communities, businesses, and governments to reduce single-use plastics and improve recycling systems
CO-EXIST - YOUTH LEAD CONSERVATION
Co-Exist Australia is a youth-led environmental charity that empowers young Australians to connect with nature, build community, and take grassroots climate action. Through local "Collectives," they organise hands-on conservation events like tree planting and beach cleanups, while also promoting mental wellbeing and social connection.
DEFENDERS OF THE WILD
Projects which focus on the conservation and preservation of at-risk native species, adversely impacted by industrialisation, habitat degradation, climate change and population growth.
POSSUMWOOD WILDLIFE RECOVERY AND RESEARCH INC.
Possumwood Wildlife Recovery and Research is a self-funded charity in NSW that operates a licensed veterinary hospital and sanctuary for severely injured, traumatised, or orphaned native animals. They provide emergency care, long-term rehabilitation - including emotional trauma recovery - and conduct research to improve wildlife welfare and treatment practices.
DEFENDERS OF HUMANITY
Projects which focus on addressing communities adversely affected by environmental, social and economic challenges.
SKIN CHECK CHAMPIONS
Skin Check Champions is a non-profit health charity that provides free, AI-assisted skin cancer checks to high-risk communities across Australia. They aim to halve melanoma deaths by 2030 through early detection, education, and national screening initiatives like Project Check Mate.
ON THE GROUND: COMMUNITY RELIEF & RESILIENCE PROJECT, COMMUNITY RESPONSE AUSTRALIA
Community Response Australia Inc is a not-for-profit organisation that provides rapid, targeted support to Australians in need - especially during crises like floods, bushfires, and the COVID-19 pandemic. They mobilise multicultural volunteers and resources to deliver food, essentials, and wellbeing support, while also promoting public health and community resilience through grassroots initiatives.
DEFENDER OF THE SEA
Projects which focus on the conservation and recovery of marine species, coastal environments and the communities who live alongside and rely on the eco-system.
TAKE 3 FOR THE SEA
Take 3 for the Sea is an Australian environmental charity that tackles plastic pollution through education and community action. Their simple message—take three pieces of rubbish when you leave the beach or any natural space—has sparked a global movement to protect oceans and wildlife.
WHITE ROCK: DEFENDER OF THE GREAT SOUTHERN REEF
White Rock: Defenders of the Great Southern Reef is a documentary-led initiative by the Great Southern Reef Foundation that highlights the ecological crisis caused by exploding populations of longspined sea urchins, which are devastating Australia’s kelp forests. The project blends science, Indigenous knowledge, and community action to promote reef restoration, sustainable seafood solutions, and policy change.
