NSW Environment Awards 2026
Description
Celebrating 20 Years
Nature Conservation Council of NSW is thrilled to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the biennial NSW Environment Awards.
Since its inauguration in 2006, the NSW Environment Awards has been a celebration that recognises the people, community groups and organisations that dedicate their time, energy and expertise to protect nature in NSW. It brings together passionate advocates from the environment movement and shines a light on the extraordinary work that is quietly being enacted across our state.
It would be impossible to celebrate and honour all the amazing people that are fighting to give nature a voice.
However, as the leading voice for nature in NSW, we can certainly try to shine a spotlight on some of the outstanding examples of nature lovers, campaigners, grassroots environmentalists, and conservation groups throughout the state.
This year, please join us at Customs House, Sydney in October for a fun evening of celebration, with a large dose of admiration, inspiration and marvel.
Details:
Date: Friday, 30 October 2026
Time: 5:30pm arrival (for 6pm start)
Location: Customs House, Alfred Street, Sydney – live and online
MC: To be announced
Keynote speaker: To be announced
Nominations
We’re excited to be accepting nominations for a range of categories (see below).
Please submit your nomination by 30th September online here.
PS. Please also save the date for NCC's 2026 Annual Conference, Saturday 31 October 2026!
Award Categories
Dunphy Award
This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the conservation of the NSW Environment, and courageously challenged Government and non-Government decision-makers, in honour of Myles and Milo Dunphy. Myles Dunphy (1891-1985) campaigned for national parks and wilderness in NSW and Myles’ son, Milo (1928-1996) led the fight to preserve the Colong Caves and the Kanangra-Boyd wilderness.
Ziggy Megne Volunteer for the Environment Award
The Nature Conservation Council acknowledges and appreciates the valuable contributions made by countless volunteers in a broad range of capacities in past and present environmental campaigns and efforts to make our world a more sustainable place. The Ziggy Megne Volunteer for the Environment Award celebrates these unsung heroes. The award is given to the most outstanding and inspiring individual who has voluntarily contributed their time for the cause of conservation and the environment over the past 2 years.
Allen Strom Hall of Fame
The Nature Conservation Council's Hall of Fame was established in memory of the late Allen Strom’s untiring dedication to conservation and education in NSW. Individuals for this award have been actively involved in the conservation movement for many years, have made a constant and invaluable contribution to the environment and have displayed qualities of integrity, reliability and commitment.
Marie Byles Award
This award celebrates a group which has initiated an outstanding new environmental campaign, launched in the last 2 years, and has demonstrated strong commitment and passion for the conservation of the NSW environment, in honour of Marie Byles. Marie Byles (1900-1979), the first female solicitor in NSW and a passionate bushwalker, conservationist, explorer, mountaineer and feminist.
Nature Conservation Council Member Group Award
This award is given to a Member Group of the Nature Conservation Council which has demonstrated outstanding commitment and success in the conservation of the NSW environment.
Rising Star Award
This award is given to a young individual under the age of 30, who has demonstrated outstanding effort and commitment to the conservation of the NSW environment.
Jack Mundey Award
This award is given to a person or group who has contributed the most to cooperation between the conservation movement and the trade union movement. In honour of Jack Mundey (1929 – 2020) who was a visionary who understood the struggles for social justice and environmental justice are part of the same broader project — to preserve human dignity in the face of unconstrained development.
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