2026 Russell Johnstone Award Recipients
The Russell Johnstone Award honours Russell’s legacy of environmental stewardship and respect for First Nations peoples. This award celebrates individuals who provide leadership through meaningful environmental action, cultural connection and education.
Recipients have inspired others, delivered impactful projects, or improved sustainable practices. They embody a deep commitment to protecting natural assets and fostering positive, lasting change in their communities.
Heather Gordon
Heather is a passionate sustainability advocate, educator and community champion who has dedicated much of her life to promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living. She shares her knowledge with people of all ages, inspiring others through creative reuse, including mosaics made from recycled tiles, and her environmental books,
Heather is a passionate sustainability advocate, educator and community champion who has dedicated much of her life to promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living. She shares her knowledge with people of all ages, inspiring others through creative reuse, including mosaics made from recycled tiles, and her environmental books, which encourage children to appreciate nature and understand the importance of caring for the environment.
Through community art projects with the SALA Festival, her involvement with the Barossa Bushgardens and environmental exhibitions, Heather continues to promote biodiversity and sustainable practices. She has also featured in the Barossa Council's Sustainability Champions campaign. Her creativity, generosity and lifelong commitment to environmental education have made a lasting contribution to sustainability awareness and positive environmental change throughout the Barossa community.
Don Helbig
Don is recognised for his outstanding contribution to environmental conservation. For more than 20 years, he has dedicated thousands of hours to restoring native bushland, removing invasive weeds and reintroducing rare and endangered plant species.
His commitment to protecting local biodiversity was recognised in 2022 when the Don Helbig C
Don is recognised for his outstanding contribution to environmental conservation. For more than 20 years, he has dedicated thousands of hours to restoring native bushland, removing invasive weeds and reintroducing rare and endangered plant species.
His commitment to protecting local biodiversity was recognised in 2022 when the Don Helbig Conservation Reserve was named in his honour. He also received a commendation in the South Australian Environment Awards. His work stands as a lasting contribution to preserving the Barossa Valley's natural heritage for future generations.
Teresa Bateman and Greg Donovan
Terri and Greg are a dedicated environmental couple who have devoted much of their lives to protecting and enhancing the natural landscapes of the Barossa region. Terri developed a passion for native vegetation from an early age, inspired by her father, and was instrumental in the early establishment of the Barossa Bushgardens through col
Terri and Greg are a dedicated environmental couple who have devoted much of their lives to protecting and enhancing the natural landscapes of the Barossa region. Terri developed a passion for native vegetation from an early age, inspired by her father, and was instrumental in the early establishment of the Barossa Bushgardens through collecting local native seed for propagation. Greg joined the Bushgardens community shortly after its establishment in 2001, contributing his time and knowledge to plant propagation, weed control and plant monitoring.
Greg has also led a Landcare group in Kapunda and, more recently, served as Chair of the Friends of the Barossa Bushgardens. Together, they have propagated thousands of native plants and continue to support seed collection, weed management and biodiversity conservation. Their long-standing commitment, practical contribution and generous sharing of knowledge have helped preserve the Barossa's unique natural heritage and make them highly deserving of recognition under the RJ Award criteria.
Trevor Waldhuter
Trevor is a passionate environmental advocate and dedicated volunteer at the Barossa Bushgardens, where he has been involved since 2015. His outstanding commitment to native vegetation conservation, garden restoration and environmental education earned him the 2019 South Australian Individual Landcare Award and recognition as a finalist f
Trevor is a passionate environmental advocate and dedicated volunteer at the Barossa Bushgardens, where he has been involved since 2015. His outstanding commitment to native vegetation conservation, garden restoration and environmental education earned him the 2019 South Australian Individual Landcare Award and recognition as a finalist for the 2020 National Landcare Awards.
Through guided tours, school visits, community outreach and radio appearances, Trevor shares his extensive knowledge of local native plants, traditional plant uses and the vital connections between plants, wildlife, biodiversity and human wellbeing. His dedication inspires visitors, students and community members to appreciate and protect the natural environment. Trevor's lasting contribution to the Bushgardens has strengthened environmental awareness, supported native vegetation conservation and encouraged others to care for the Barossa's unique natural heritage.
Chris Madigan
Chris is recognised for more than 30 years of outstanding service in environmental management and community stewardship across the Adelaide Plains, Barossa and Light Council regions. Through his extensive knowledge of local landscapes, environmental changes and natural resource management, Chris has delivered significant environmental pro
Chris is recognised for more than 30 years of outstanding service in environmental management and community stewardship across the Adelaide Plains, Barossa and Light Council regions. Through his extensive knowledge of local landscapes, environmental changes and natural resource management, Chris has delivered significant environmental projects and helped guide informed decision-making.
He is highly valued for his ability to simplify complex issues, share his expertise and mentor future environmental professionals. Beyond his professional role, Chris has dedicated countless volunteer hours to tree planting, weed control, supporting community environmental groups and caring for public reserves. His enduring commitment to protecting the environment and strengthening communities makes him a highly deserving candidate for this award.
Ian Falkenberg
Ian has dedicated more than 45 years to raptor conservation, research and environmental education. His work in the Barossa Valley has demonstrated how encouraging biodiversity and supporting birds of prey can reduce vineyard crop damage and promote healthier ecosystems. Through tracking wedge-tailed eagles, he has helped challenge misconc
Ian has dedicated more than 45 years to raptor conservation, research and environmental education. His work in the Barossa Valley has demonstrated how encouraging biodiversity and supporting birds of prey can reduce vineyard crop damage and promote healthier ecosystems. Through tracking wedge-tailed eagles, he has helped challenge misconceptions about their impact on livestock and highlight their valuable role in controlling pests.
Ian has also made significant contributions to the recovery of endangered Eastern Ospreys and White-bellied Sea Eagles, including coordinating projects to improve nesting success. His longstanding involvement with Bird Life Australia, Gluepot Reserve and community organisations reflects his commitment to wildlife conservation. Through research, advocacy, writing and community education, Ian continues to inspire others to protect biodiversity and care for the natural environment.