Robert Pennicott named Tasmanian of the Year 2012
Pioneer of Tasmania's eco-tourism industry
Media release
Robert Pennicott of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys/Bruny Island Cruises
Robert Pennicott, entrepreneur, environmentalist, adventurer, philanthropist and multi-award-winning pioneer of Tasmania’s eco-tourism industry has been named as Tasmania’s 2012 Australian of the Year.
Responding to the announcement by Premier Hon Lara Giddings MHR in a ceremony at Meadowbank Estate on 21 November, Robert Pennicott made a brief and heartfelt speech, thanking his wife Michaye and children Georgina, Mia and Noah, who were all so excited that he has won this prestigious award. He now travels to Canberra to represent Tasmania in the national Australian of the Year awards, which are announced on 25 January, on the eve of Australia Day.
The award acknowledges Rob’s achievements in a range of areas over a number of years, although 2010 and 2011 have been particular landmarks. During 2010, the Tasmanian Coast Conservation Fund, which he founded with Wildcare in 2007, achieved a major goal, eradicating feral pests from Tasman Island. So far the Pennicott family’s support for the Tasmanian Coast Conservation Fund has topped $100,000.
2011 also marked the establishment of The Pennicott Foundation, which he and Michaye have set up as the flagship organisation for the family’s philanthropic initiatives. Through this new fund, Robert will contribute to his own nature conservation projects well into the future and will also work for causes with a much wider focus. The first of these is his involvement in Rotary International’s END POLIO NOW project, a global fund-raising effort in conjunction with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The aim of END POLIO NOW is breathtakingly simple – to eradicate completely the crippling disease of poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) from the world, once and for all.
Rob’s approach to supporting this cause was typically bold and adventurous - during 2011, along with co-skipper Mick Souter and cinematographer Zorro Gamarnik, he made the first-ever outboard driven vessel circumnavigation of Australia choosing two 17 foot inflatable dinghies, building awareness of the disease and raising more than $275,000 for the END POLIO NOW campaign (www.followtheyellowboatroad.com ).
Not long after arriving home in Tasmania after the epic three-month voyage, Robert’s eco-tourism businesses Pennicott Wilderness Journeys and Bruny Island Cruises both won their categories at the 2011 Tasmanian Tourism Awards, and Robert was named as the Minister’s Tourism Champion for his outstanding contribution to the industry.
For more information on Pennicott Wilderness Journeys or Robert Pennicott please contact :
Trina Mangels, Marketing Manager, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. Mobile: 0407 833 741 or email: marketing@pennicottjourneys.com.au
An award-winning Bruny Island eco-cruise is included in our current competition 'Do Tasmania with VisitVineyards.com' - read more about winning a week in Tasmania here »
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