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Young Conservationist of the Year 2016

By AG STAFF • October 13, 2016

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Joshua Gilbert’s climate change activism as the chair of the NSW Young Farmers Association and beyond has earned him the title of our 2016 Young Conservationist of the Year.

IN 2015, WORIMI MAN Joshua Gilbert campaigned for a fundamental change in the NSW Farmers Association policy. The then-24-year-old was the chair of the NSW Young Farmers Association, and, through his successful lobbying, the farmers’ policy was transformed from one calling for a Royal Commission into the concept of climate change, to one that encouraged greater use of renewable energy. As a result, former US-presidential candidate Al Gore asked Josh to be part of his Climate Reality Project, for which Josh produced the video Australia’s Young Green Farmers. It has been viewed in more than 75 countries and by over 100 million people.

Drake Passage’s formidable reputation has long deterred travellers wanting to discover the White Continent. But things have changed. You can now fly across Drake Passage in just two hours and be immersed in Antarctica’s delicate wild places in less time than it takes to drive from Bondi to Newcastle. Here’s how you can explore the wonders of Antarctica while avoiding a multi-day ocean crossing of Drake Passage.