In case you have not already seen media coverage, I am delighted to let you know that a project aimed at conserving a population of Numbats in WA and initially funded by FAME has resulted in the Numbat Task Force, being named Australian Geographic’s Conservationist of the Year.
We are so pleased that the efforts and commitment of the Numbat Task Force have been recognised through this prestigious award.
It was our Foundation’s recognition of the importance and value of this conservation project that was the catalyst for generating early momentum for their work. Since that initial support, and in conjunction with the Australian Government, the Threatened Species Commissioner and the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, FAME has provided additional funds to the Numbat project. Our support was urgently needed. The Numbats, the last remaining population of Numbats in-the-wild, were under dire threat of extinction.
So, on behalf of the Board and management (and of the Numbats in the wheat belt of Western Australia), our sincere thank you to all donors and members who contributed either specifically to this project or whose donations for our other work gave the Board the flexibility needed to consider seed funding and further support for the Numbat Task Force.
As you all know, this is our 25th year since establishing the Foundation and we take great pride in the fact that the Numbat Task Force’s success is, at least in part, due to FAME’s recognition that the Numbat project was inherently worthy and, with proper funding and oversight, likely to be successful.
It’s a small, but noteworthy, success in an environmental landscape still littered with threats of extinction. As we tell you frequently, our work is likely never to be done.
With my best wishes,
Tracy McNamara
Chief Executive Officer
Photo above: FAME Chair Chris Chapman, Australian Geographic Conservationist of the Year 2018 recipients the Numbat Task Force - Rob McLean and John Lawson and FAME CEO Tracy McNamara.