That is how the late Rick Webster was described in his nomination for Edward River Council’s Environmental Citizen of the Year award.
Also known as the Bill & Elwyn Hermiston Memorial Award, Rick was one of six nominees for the award.
It recognises a resident who has made a significant contribution to natural resource management, biodiversity, and environmental conservation within the Edward River region.
A posthumous honour, the award was graciously accepted by Rick’s niece Liticia Hillier at yesterday’s Australia Day ceremony.
It was presented by the Hermistons’ son Andrew Hermiston.
“Rick was an environmental scientist, who through his work had a significant impact on the environment and on a great number of his colleagues and contemporaries,” his nomination read.
Rick moved to Deniliquin in the mid-1980s and was soon deeply involved in working on the Superb Parrot recovery plan.
Over the year he developed into one of the leading scientists in this plan.
Together with partner Gail Russell, Rick founded Ecosurveys Pty Ltd.
“Through this company he contributed significantly to the knowledge, management and portion of native flora and fauna in Australia, but in particular the river ecosystems of Southern NSW and Northern Victoria,” Rick’s nomination read.
“As a scientist and public servant, Rick was exceptional as an advocate for the environment.”
Other nominees: Roseanne Farrant; Josh Campbell; Aileen Loader; Betty Wallace; Michael Pisasale.
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