Nancy-Bird Walton tribute sponsorship

The Society pays tribute to one of Australia' greatest female adventurers.

For over 10 years Nancy Bird Walton was a Trustee of the Australian Geographic Society, a position she filled with the utmost dedication and enthusiasm. In 2007 Nancy was instated as the first Emeritus Trustee of the Australian Geographic Society, in recognition of her years of service.

At the time of her passing in January 2009, Sorrel Wilby, Chair of the Australian Geographic Society says “Nancy-Bird Walton was a woman way ahead of her time and an inspiration to so many generations of adventurers, especially women”.

A remarkable woman, in her lifetime Nancy Bird Walton met with kings and queens and dined with the world’s most impressive dignitaries. She counted celebrated pioneering airwomen Jean Batten of New Zealand and Germany’s Elly Beinhorn as friends and in 1997 was named a Living National Treasure by the National Trust.

To commemorate the life of Nancy Bird Walton, the Australian Geographic Society is announcing a new sponsorship at the Australian Geographic Society Awards on October 16th this year.

The Nancy Bird Walton Sponsorship for Female Adventurers will provide funding for Australian female adventurers.

Applications for the inaugural sponsorship will open on October 16th 2009, what would have been Nancy’s 94th birthday. The winner of the sponsorship will be announced on International Women’s Day, March 8th.

The annual funding of $5000 will be awarded to an Australian woman planning to undertake an adventurous pursuit. The recipient of the sponsorship will be chosen by a panel made up of female adventurers, members of Nancy Bird Walton’s Family and representatives of the Australian Geographic Society.

It is hoped that the sponsorship will not only commemorate the great life of Nancy Bird Walton, but also inspire women from around Australia to follow their dreams.

GO TO:
Gallery: Nancy-Bird Walton
The AG Awards