Environmentalist Wins Tattersall's Award

Bendigo resident and environmentalist Des Murphy has been recognised with a Tattersall's Award for Enterprise and Achievement for his care of the natural environment.

Des has worked countless hours over 10 years to improve the conditions of Bendigo’s creeks and waterways, by removing rubbish and planting thousands of native trees and plants. On many occasions, Des has funded and worked on projects alone to fulfil his goal of making the local creeks a safe and pleasant place for the community to enjoy. Because of his amazing efforts, Des receives a trophy, a $5,000 personal prize, and $15,000 to continue his environmental work.

Des has cleared weeds, picked up rubbish, carted silt and watered trees in Grassy Flat Creek, Bendigo Creek and Spring Gully Creek. He has also been actively involved in school tree planting projects to ensure young people respect and protect the natural environment.

Des’ inspiration began in the 1950’s after meeting with an arborist in Melbourne and learning that trees can reduce carbon dioxide levels. In 2005, Des’ began a campaign to encourage participation in ‘Arbor Week’; a US concept established in the late 1800’s to encourage citizens large scale tree planting. Under the acronym PAW (‘Promoting Arbor Week’), Des began to motivate local schools, businesses and sponsors to become involved in landscaping activities in schools grounds, private properties or alongside natural resources such as creeks.

About The Award
“The Tattersall’s Award for Enterprise and Achievement is one of Tattersall’s most significant community initiated programs that honours those prepared to ‘have a go,’ whether it be overcoming physical disabilities, heroic deeds or helping someone in need. Des Murphy is a great example of what this award represents, having demonstrated persistence and determination above the norm in his work to make Bendigo a better place to live,” said Tattersall’s Public Affairs Manager, Peter Franich.

Des Murphy, along with eleven Tattersall’s Monthly Award for Enterprise and Achievement recipients, are in the running to win the 2007 Tattersall’s Annual Award for Enterprise and Achievement, with a $15,000 personal prize and a further $75,000 for the recipients chosen beneficiary. The award will be announced at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne in August 2007.

The Tattersall’s Award for Enterprise and Achievement began in 1980. Since then, over 300 individuals and the charities they support have benefited from these monthly awards.

3AW People’s Choice Award
The 3AW People's Choice award will also be announced in August 2007. This award is for the most popular Tattersall’s monthly winner as voted by 3AW listeners.

Contact: Michael Mangos 8517 7443