To this end, they joined forces to launch a national environmental awards program that same year.

Each of the original members devoted their time, skills and, in many cases, finances to get the Banksia Foundation and its awards program off the ground. After lengthy deliberation, the name Banksia was chosen because a Banksia tree cannot be destroyed. Even in fire it regenerates by re-seeding.

Their commitment and enthusiasm was such that, just seven weeks after the Foundation was formed, more than ninety nominations had been received for the inaugural Banksia Environmental Awards, which were presented at a gala dinner in Melbourne.

From the outset, the Banksia Environmental Foundation has remained an a-political and non-confrontational organisation that endorses a cooperative approach to finding environmental solutions. 

The Banksia Foundation is governed by a Board and operates out of Melbourne.

The Banksia Awards

Since their inception in 1989, the Banksia Awards have earned a reputation as the most prestigious in Australia. Entries are sought each year for categories ranging from Community Group Achievement to Government Leading by Example to Socially Responsible Investment.

The purpose of the awards is to recognise and reward individuals, community groups, businesses and government organisations for environmental excellence. Through the awards, the Banksia Environmental Foundation aims to raise awareness of practices associated with caring for the environment and encourage others to follow examples set by finalists and winners.

In the award program’s inaugural year in 1989, over ninety nominations for the awards were received. Awards were presented across five categories:

• Media;
• Innovative and Non Polluting Technology;
• Agriculture and Primary Production;
• Community Service;
• Recycling of non-renewable resource

As the Banksia Awards have grown in stature, so the number of award categories has steadily risen. In 2003, awards will be presented across 13 categories.

In 2001 the Prime Minister of Australia became the Chief Patron of the Banksia Awards and the Foundation expanded its award program to include The Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year Award.