Congratulations, Mike Wood AM
The WA Parks Foundation is delighted that Park Ambassador Mike Wood’s outstanding achievements in bringing people closer to nature have been recognised in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Mike was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for significant service to environmental conservation, and to recreation initiatives.
He is a passionate advocate for outdoor recreation and education and one of his most notable contributions is the key part he has played in ensuring the sustainability and accessibility of the Bibbulmun Track. This is one of the world’s great long distance walk trails, stretching 1000km from Kalamunda, a suburb in the hills on the outskirts of Perth, to the historic town of Albany on the south coast. It passes through the heart of the scenic south west of Western Australia.
Mike’s involvement with the track began in the early 1990s when he joined a steering committee that oversaw the Building a Better Bibbulmun Track Project. That project resulted in the current alignment and the construction of the campsites.
Mike was instrumental in establishing the Bibbulmun Track Foundation (as the Friends of the Bibbulmun Track) in 1997 and chaired the Board for 21 years.
“Encouraging people to venture into the wilderness safely and sustainably helps them to appreciate and understand it, including the need to protect and conserve our natural environment,” he said.
“Being recognised for my volunteer work also gives me a platform to draw attention to the amazing contribution of all WA trails volunteers and workers.”