People’s Choice voting open for Pride of Australia Medal

THE Territory’s Pride of Australia Medal recipients have demonstrated the high calibre of Territorians among our ranks, and now it’s time to get behind our finalists

For his work Graeme Sawyer, the driving force behind Darwin’s FrogWatch program, received the Environment Medal at an award ceremony at Parliament House on Thursday. Picture: Elise Derwin

THE Territory’s Pride of Australia Medal recipients have showcased the unsung heroes that make our community great.

So now it’s time to get behind our finalists.

Voting for People’s Choice is now open and is an opportunity to show our local heroes the support they have in their own backyard.

For his work Graeme Sawyer, the driving force behind Darwin’s FrogWatch program, received the Environment Medal at an award ceremony at Parliament House on Thursday. “It’s funny how you don’t think too much about the things you do until (you’re awarded for it),” Mr Sawyer said.

SHOUT OUT TO LOCAL LEGENDS

He said it was a rewarding experience to be recognised for his work among so many other outstanding achievers.

“There are some amazing stories among the other winners,” he said.

“It brings home the message that there are a lot of people who get out and help in the Territory and, when things get tough, they just get stuck in even more.”

Mr Sawyer has been working with FrogWatch since the ’90s to study the Territory’s frog populations and prevent a cane toad invasion.

“It’s very rewarding because of the community feedback and involvement,” he said.

Click here to vote in the People’s Choice award.