Matriarch of Tasmanian environmental movement and widow of Olegas Truchanas dies at 92

“She never abandoned us. Melva’s death has wounded our hearts.” The “matriarch” of Tasmania’s environmental movement has died at age 92.

“A TRUE Tasmanian champion” and pioneering conservationist has died after spending decades campaigning for the island’s wilderness.

“The mighty Melva Truchanas”, 92, passed away last Wednesday after a stroke.

Mrs Truchanas was a stalwart of the campaign to restore Lake Pedder – which was flooded 50 years ago by the Hydro Electricity Commission – and the successful blockade against the damming of the Franklin River during 1982 and 1983.

Mrs Truchanas was also the widow of legendary environmental photographer Olegas Truchanas, who accidentally drowned in the Gordon River in 1972.

Founder of the Greens party, Bob Brown, described her as a “true Tasmanian champion”.

“Melva was the cheery spirit who, more than anyone else, connected the original Lake Pedder defenders with today’s growing campaign to restore the lake,” he said.

“She was a fabulous advocate for the island’s wild and scenic beauty.”

Liz Dombrovski, widow of environmental photographer Peter Dombrovski and Melva Truchanas. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Fellow former Greens leader Christine Milne, who now convenes the Lake Pedder Restoration Committee, said Mrs Truchanas encouraged young people to enjoy nature, particularly the state’s south-west wilderness.

“Melva was a much-admired, feisty woman who loved Tasmania’s wild places and campaigned to protect them throughout her long life,” she said.

Current Greens leader Cassy O’Connor described Mrs Truchanas as “a beautiful, feisty and fiercely-intelligent soul”.

“Right up to the very end, Melva was campaigning for the wilderness, for the Greens to grow and for her beloved Lake Pedder to be restored to its former glory,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Melva Truchanas was such an inspiration. Staunch and true, she always made time to offer words of encouragement for those of us trying to do the right thing by this lovely island.

“She never abandoned us. Melva’s death has wounded our hearts.”

Photographer Olegas Truchanas.

Greens Senator Nick McKim said said Mrs Truchanas was at Lake Pedder just a few months ago, “in fine form and as passionate as ever”.

“She was in so many ways the matriarch of Tasmania’s environment movement,” he said.

“We will miss her wisdom and advice, and will always remember her spirit and passion.”

Melva and Olegas Truchanas are survived by their three children, Anita, Rima and Nicholas.

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Originally published as Matriarch of Tasmanian environmental movement and widow of Olegas Truchanas dies at 92