The Russell Johnstone Award

Russell Johnstone was, among many other roles in the Barossa community, a respected volunteer and Chairperson of the Barossa Bushgardens Section 41 Committee of The Barossa Council, known as a dedicated ambassador for both the environment and First Nations peoples.

Through his leadership, Russell helped develop the capacity of our staff and volunteers to create a meaningful Strategic Plan for the Barossa Bushgardens. He was passionate about mentoring our team, fostering individual professional growth while also focusing on personal development.

He served as a member of the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board and was actively involved in various boards within the NRM (Natural Resource Management) space for many years.

Russell was always open and outspoken about a wide range of important issues. He was a strong advocate for First Nations voices, the recognition of First Nations rights, history, and culture, as well as the sustainable management of water resources and finding a balance between productive land and environmental conservation.

Earlier in his career, Russell's innovative mindset led him to the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), where he became the inaugural AWRI/CSIRO viticulturist. During his time there, he made significant strides in agrochemical management and began a master’s program focused on grape quality assessment, a theme that greatly influenced his professional life. His exceptional contributions to the grape and wine industry earned him a Fellowship with the Australian Society of Viticulture & Oenology in 2022.