History
The Banksia Environmental Foundation was created in 1989 by a diverse group of 44 Australians who shared a common goal – to do more to support and recognise members of the community for their positive contribution to the environment.
To this end, they joined forces to launch a national environmental awards program, from Melbourne, that same year. Each of the original members devoted their time, skills and, in many cases, finances to get the Banksia Foundation and its awards program off the ground. After lengthy deliberation, the name Banksia was chosen because a Banksia tree cannot be destroyed. Even in fire it regenerates by re-seeding.
Their commitment and enthusiasm was such that, just seven weeks after the Foundation was formed, more than ninety nominations had been received for the inaugural Banksia Environmental Awards, which were presented at a gala dinner in Melbourne.
From the outset, the Banksia Environmental Foundation has remained an apolitical and non-confrontational organisation that endorses a cooperative approach to finding environmental solutions.
In the award program’s inaugural year in 1989, over ninety nominations for the awards were received.
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