Winners of the inaugural Mel J Kelly Bursary announced

Hobart, Tasmania – The Landscape Recovery Foundation (LRF) is proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Melanie Jane Kelly Memorial Bursary, established to honour the late Melanie Jane Kelly’s outstanding contribution to conservation. The recipients were announced at the Women In Conservation Event held at Hadley’s Orient Hotel Thursday evening.

The bursary supports innovative projects led by women in conservation, continuing Mel’s legacy of action-driven conservation and community collaboration.

Isobel Thomas was awarded the primary bursary of $5,000 to fund an aerial survey of giant kelp, exploring the impacts of marine heatwaves in Tasmanian waters. Data from the survey will be made publicly available to inform ongoing conservation efforts.

Two runners-up were also announced:

·       Jessica Willemse, who will receive $1,500 for her work on blue-winged parrot detection and monitoring threatened species, and

·       Annabelle Erskine, who will receive $500 for her project, “Red Handfish Finding via Women Diving.”

“We were thrilled to receive nine exceptional applications showcasing innovative conservation projects led by women in Tasmania,” said Dr. Josie Kelman, CEO of the Landscape Recovery Foundation.

“These projects embody Mel’s vision for new ideas and practical solutions to address biodiversity loss. Through the Melanie Jane Kelly Memorial Fund, we aim to continue her work and support groundbreaking conservation efforts.”

The Landscape Recovery Foundation’s mission is to safeguard Tasmania’s biodiversity through cross-tenure, collaborative programs that translate scientific knowledge into tangible on-ground action. It plays an important role in Tasmania’s future.

For more information on the Melanie Jane Kelly Memorial Fund and to view the full list of projects, visit www.landscaperecovery.com.au.

PIC: LtoR. Jessica Willemse, Josie Kelman, Isobel Thomas (winner), Annabelle Erskine