YOUNG TRAILBLAZER FIGHTS FOR FORESTS

Louise Morris is a young Australian on a mission. For almost a decade she has campaigned for forest protection, demonstrating a great commitment to Australia's environment and an enormous ability to inspire, educate and activate those around her.

Louise was today awarded the Australian Conservation Foundation's Peter Rawlinson Conservation Award in recognition of her environmental activism and forest conservation work in Western Australia and Tasmania. The award is the foremost award given by the Australian environment movement.

ACF Executive Director Don Henry praised Louise's efforts which he said epitomised youthful activism in Australia.

"Louise has shown herself to be one of the leaders of the new generation of environmental activists with her attempts to open activism up to the wider community," said Mr Henry. "She lives her ideals and shares her enthusiasm for Australia's environment with others through a dynamic combination of education and activism."

Louise Morris grew up in a mining town in the north west of Western Australia. She started her involvement with environmental activism when she joined the WA Jabiluka Action Group. From 1998 to 2001 Louise was deeply involved with the Western Australia forest campaign, providing training in peaceful activism to campaigners, and encouraging public participation in and support for the forest blockades.

Late last year Louise was named as one of 20 targets in the lawsuit brought by timber giant Gunns Ltd against environmental activists in Tasmania.

Louise has set up a webpage and database for other forest activists and she has involved herself in other Tasmanian campaigns including in the Tarkine and Weld Valley. She is completing a double degree in Journalism and Politics and writes for many publications in Australia and overseas, broadcasts on community radio and provides media training to grassroots community groups.

The ACF Peter Rawlinson Conservation Award was established in recognition of Dr. Peter Rawlinson's outstanding contribution as an environmental campaigner, researcher and teacher and his untiring work for many conservation organisations, including ACF. Peter was both a Treasurer and Vice President of the Foundation.

Peter was one of Australia's leading biologists and conservationists. He died at age 48 on the island of Anak Krakatau, Indonesia, on 11 April 1991, while engaged in research field work.