Professor Joshua Byrne AM

Media presenter, author and professor Joshua Byrne AM was inspired to pursue a career in conservation and the environment because of his upbringing.  

“Born in Esperance on the south coast of Western Australia, I was fortunate to be exposed to some of the most spectacular coast and bushland in the country, and this undoubtedly made a big impression on me. I developed a strong interest in nature from a young age,” he says.  

“This manifested into a love for gardening and has matured into a fascination for how urban landscapes and infrastructure can be designed and managed for improved sustainability." 

Professor Byrne is an environmental scientist, a TV presenter on ABC Gardening Australia, and former patron of the Organic Growers Association of Western Australia, the Conservation Council of Western Australia and more.  

He is Dean of Sustainable Futures within the Faculty of Humanities at Curtin University, Deputy Chair of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority Board and Board member of the Western Australian Waste Authority.  

For his work, Professor Byrne was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to conservation and the environment, and as a media presenter and author.  

“The interface between industry, academia and media has provided me with a fertile space for both learning and contributing to positive change in my field and the impact is amplified by being active across all of these areas in an integrated way,” he says.  

“I feel very fortunate to have a deep sense of purpose in what I do. That early connection to nature, coupled with an intellectual curiosity to learn, experiment and share good ideas keeps me going and eager to contribute more. 

“I am incredibly honoured to be considered for recognition in the Order of Australia. It came as a complete surprise.”  

Professor Byrne says the Australian Honours and Awards system is an important way people’s impact is recognised and revealed to the country.  

“Seeing people’s achievements celebrated this way provides a snapshot of the remarkable things being done across the country. It’s a light post to remind us of how we can all contribute towards a brighter future.”