Dr Barry Traill AM

Dr Barry Traill AM has been “in the bush” since he was a young boy and has made caring for it his life’s work. A zoologist by training, he’s a researcher, advocate and philanthropist. His lifelong interest in and commitment to wildlife and environment protection has led to him becoming one of Australia’s most well-known conservationists.  

“One of the greatest threats to Australia’s unique natural environment is a lack of active protection and management.  The greatest outcome of my work with others has been to help keep people on the country, supported to care for it and all its nature.”  

Put simply, “Country needs people.”   

 “I deeply love Australia – all its parts.  I’ve loved wildlife since I was a kid, and through that got to love the bush and the people who live there.  It’s been a joy to work with a hugely diverse range of people for 40 plus years in getting it better protected and managed.    

Of his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia, Dr Traill says it was unexpected.  

“I was surprised! “  

But his thanks go to the wider conservation community across the country.  

“I’d especially thank the thousands of people in regional and outback Australia - Indigenous rangers, graziers and farmers, national park rangers, and conservationists of all types - who do the hard yards every day protecting one of the greatest natural places remaining on Earth.”