Australia’s top young conservationists named as Commonwealth Bank Green Ambassadors

The Commonwealth Bank and Conservation Volunteers Australia have today announced the 20 young Australians that have been selected as this year’s Commonwealth Bank Green Ambassadors.

Applications were received from individuals who have demonstrated leadership in environmental conservation in a variety of ways. This year’s ambassadors have all been involved in a number of different environmental activities such as Bushcare, Earthwatch Student Challenge, Clean Up Australia Day, the Wilderness Society, Landcare events and other local community volunteering activities.

The following Commonwealth Bank Green Ambassadors have been chosen from 120 applicants for their exceptional environmental work:

• Celine Steinfield, Clovelly NSW
• Mark Cahia, North Epping NSW
• Shane Cameron, Blackheath, NSW
• Turia Pitt, NSW
• Clare Paynter, Winnellie, NT
• Gary Woods, Alice Springs, NT
• Emma Pellatt, Stanthorpe, QLD
• Jennifer Sanger, Bardon QLD
• Ryan Dillon, Kenmore, QLD
• Tony McCarthy, Delaney’s Creek, QLD
• Jonathan McPhail, Moana, SA
• David Speirs, Hallett Cove, SA
• Kimberly Hammond, Largs Bay, SA
• Leith Robson, Mount Gambier, SA
• Anna Bickel, Launceston, TAS
• Alan White, Ringwood North, VIC
• Ben Werner, Ballarat, VIC
• Gordon Young, Ringwood North, VIC
• Tom Dowsley, East Doncaster, VIC
• Aimee Silla, Perth, WA

Now in its third year, the Commonwealth Bank Green Ambassadors program is a joint partnership between the Commonwealth Bank and Conservation Volunteers Australia. The program recognises, rewards and supports young people who actively assist or protect their local environment.

Ambassadors will receive a Commonwealth Bank Green Ambassadors pack to the value of $5,000 which includes a digital camera, a five day conservation experience and membership with Conservation Volunteers Australia as well as the Certificate 1 in Active Volunteering.

Ambassadors were selected based on criteria which included:

• actively participating in local land care, bush care, coast care or other community group undertaking practical conservation activities;
• actively promoting or demonstrating environmental responsibility at school or on campus; or
• actively contributing to environmental initiatives within various clubs outside of school or campus.

According to Tristan Wills, Executive General Manager, Commonwealth Bank, "I am extremely impressed with the dedication of these young people who are preserving their local environment."

"As part of our ongoing commitment to the environment, the Commonwealth Bank Group is proud to be involved in a program that puts the spotlight back on our young achievers and gives real support to young people working within their local communities," continued Ms Wills.

Karen Dimmock, Community Involvement Manager at Conservation Volunteers Australia said, "It is remarkable to see so many young people around the country currently involved in ecology and conservation projects in their local communities. The number and standard of applications this year was outstanding and this is reflected in all of our Commonwealth Bank Green Ambassadors."

"Our continued support from the Commonwealth Bank enables us to reward and recognise the positive green programs that are being undertaken."

 

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About Commonwealth Bank in the community
The Commonwealth Bank has been actively supporting the Australian community since it opened its doors in 1912. The Bank combines the work of the Commonwealth Bank Foundation, our community partners and our people to achieve social outcomes that enrich the communities in which we live and work. Our community support covers financial literacy, through the Commonwealth Bank Foundation, medical research, the arts, sport, education, welfare and conservation. The Bank has enjoyed a partnership with Conservation Volunteers for the past four years.

About Conservation Volunteers Australia
Conservation Volunteers Australia is Australia’s leading organisation for practical conservation. In 2007, Conservation Volunteers Australia celebrates 25 years of working to attract and manage a force of volunteers in practical conservation projects for the betterment of the Australian environment. Conservation Volunteers works in the community in conservation projects in urban, regional and remote Australia and completes more than 2,000 conservation projects across Australia each year.

Media contact:

Steve Batten
Commonwealth Bank
Phone: (02) 9378 2504
Mob: 0411 080 268
Email: steve.batten@cba.com.au