Sunshine Coast Eco Awards

As Americans began their Thanksgiving celebrations across the Pacific, the Sunshine Coast was giving thanks to local environmentalists, schools and businesses. No turkeys were involved though, instead, ‘froggies’ were being handed out for the hard work many Coast residents are doing to protect the local environment.

One person in particular was recognised for 18 years of communicating the major environmental issues facing the Sunshine Coast. Jillian Rossiter, received what was considered a long-overdue award for ‘outstanding dedication to the environment’.

“Jillian is a very unassuming person who quietly undertakes her enormous commitment to the environment,” said councillor Vivien Griffin, before presenting the award.

“It is the dedication of people like Jillian that allows the Sunshine Coast Environment Council to continue its valuable work.”

Jillian produced the precursor to Econews, the Eco Echo magazine, which enjoyed widespread support around the Coast for many years. More recently, she has tirelessly organised the popular Greenhouse at the Woodford Folk Festival.

She spent 10 years producing the seasonal Eco Echo magazine, and the last eight years building an impressive list of speakers at the Greenhouse. These have been the highlights of Jillian’s environmental career. A career that has emphasised showing, not telling – a trait, that so often appears in quiet achievers.

“They have enabled me to bring the stories and expertise of many activists, scientists and other experts to the public,” said Jillian.

Jillian said she was honoured to be recognised in this way.

“Especially from such an outstanding organisation as SCEC, that has now, and has had in the past, so many skilled and dedicated people.”

Almost 200 people attended the evening, held at the Lake Kawana Community Centre on November 28. The night was hosted by the Sunshine Coast Environment Council, with special guest speaker, and recent Greens convert, Ronan Lee attending, along with local award-winning singer/songwriter Kate Gibson and artist Blair McNamara.

SCEC manager, Narelle McCarthy said the night was another success, which highlighted how important it is for the Coast to continue with its aim of becoming Australia’s most sustainable region.

“We need to build on the community’s efforts and continue the momentum,” she said.

“However, we wouldn’t be able to hold this event without our hard-working volunteers and the support of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, as well as our other sponsors. I can’t thank them enough.”

Affectionately known as the ‘froggies’, the Sunshine Coast Environment Awards are now in their thirteenth year.