Rick Farley Memorial Scholarship 2006

The inaugural 2006 Rick Farley Memorial Scholarship for Indigenous people.

The inaugural Rick Farley Memorial Scholarship for Indigenous people working in conservation management was awarded on Thursday 14th December 2006 near Jervis Bay.  The award was given to Wandandian man Darren Brown at Booderee National Park.

The scholarship will enable Mr Brown to complete his traineeship in Conservation and Land Management at TAFE, certificate level 4, while working with Professor David Lindenmayer from the Australian National University.  Professor Lindenmayer’s research project on the traditional lands of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community is one of the largest studies in Australia to look at the impacts of bushfire on wildlife. 

Rick Farley died tragically in May 2006.  He was a remarkable Australian who was highly principled, a creative alliance builder and a consummate advocate for farmers, the environment and later Aboriginal rights. 

To honour his life and achievements his wife Linda Burney M.P. has nominated the Australian Bush Heritage Fund to create a memorial scholarship for young Indigenous Australians to encourage excellence in conservation and cultural management.  Rick was a member of the Bush Heritage board from 2002 where he was particularly active in promoting alliances between the organisation and Aboriginal people.

President of the Australian Bush Heritage Fund Phillip Toyne said ‘During his eight years at the helm of the National Farmers’ Federation Rick Farley led a transformation in thinking amongst many primary producers.  He was a highly significant figure in the Aboriginal reconciliation movement and his passion for the environment was a key factor in the establishment of Landcare.’

A cheque for $30,000 was presented to Bush Heritage by Max Bourke, Acting Chairman of the Thomas Foundation, to contribute to the scholarship.

Photo of Darren Brown by Marina Neil - Canberra Times

• Read about the Jervis Bay Fire Response Study by Professor David Lindenmayer from the Australian National University