Dear WCPA friends in Oceania

It is with much sadness that I bring the news of the death last night of Dr. Graeme Worboys. He had struggled with cancer since his first diagnosis just before the 2014 World Parks Congress. He died with his family around him after several days of rapid deterioration.

Australian Members of WCPA will mostly know Graeme personally  but others in New Zealand and the Pacific may not.  Graeme is a long term figure in protected areas having worked for the National Parks Service of NSW for many years. For the last 20 years he has worked very closely with IUCN and WCPA. He was the Vice Chair in several positions and particularly championed Connectivity Conservation and Mountains. .  He was a contributor on many levels and a detailed tribute will be circulated soon.

Graeme was always an unassuming man who was polite and pleasant in all circumstances. Yet he had a passionate soul and dogged determination when it came to working for the beloved landscapes and wildlife of his own nation, and many other countries. He loved all nature but the mountains were his special places and of all the mountains his beloved Kosciuszko, which he continued to fight for, even when very diminished.

We feel very glad that despite the medical demands of the last few years Graeme saw wonderful moments, such as the soaring numbers in the downloads of his vast Global Guide to Managing Protected Areas and its translation into Spanish, thanks to WCPA and Parks Columbia. Another major triumph was finishing the writing of the long and unflinching story of the creation of Australia’s iconic Kosciuszko National Park. The book was his legacy document  to honour all the conservationists and professional park managers whose work and commitment has continued through many trials to protect Kosciuszko.

Then this year on Australia Day he and his family were very touched when Graeme was awarded the very high honour of being made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).  Covid delayed his ceremony at government house in Canberra to have the honour bestowed but fortunately this took place just a few weeks ago.

Best wishes and Vale to our friend and colleague.

Penny