Yesterday was awesome. Along with 160 others, I attended the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Fitzgerald Biosphere and the successful renomination of this remarkable place into the global UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme.

The program included speeches by the many committed people involved with the Biosphere, including local Noongar Elders, the performance of Eugene Eades’ original song by the Eklektika Choir, wonderful Noongar dancing by the Gnowangerup dancers, and the official launch by the cutting of a wildflower ribbon by the Honourable Melissa Price (Federal Assistant Minister for Environment).

I loved that school children from around the region attended and they too gave lovely speeches about their connection to this special place. Prof Steve Hopper did a smashing job as MC. Bravo to all involved (especially Johanna Tomlinson) and may the Biosphere, particularly the Fitzgerald River National Park, remain special forever.