Nature Conservation Margaret River Region has celebrated 25 years of conservation leadership and community impact, while committing to an even bolder vision for protecting nature and biodiversity over the next 25 years and beyond.
The not-for-profit organisation’s annual philanthropy and corporate sponsors event, Catalyst 2025, was held at Clairault Streicker Wines in Wilyabrup on Friday night in an evening that honoured past achievements and set the stage for the next era of conservation action.
More than 70 key supporters, partners, funders and philanthropists came together to reflect on a quarter-century of environmental success stories and explore how to strengthen the region’s environmental future.
A highlight of the evening was a powerful keynote address, The Bridge to Tomorrow, from David Ritter, chief executive officer of Greenpeace Australia Pacific — an environmental leader, thinker, author, campaigner and former Indigenous rights lawyer. Mr Ritter was in WA to meet with the State Government and stakeholders to champion the shift to renewable energy and release a new Greenpeace report that maps out how WA could phase out fossil fuels while transforming the economy, lowering household power bills, and supporting the green jobs and industries of the future.
Yet he took time out from that mission to join Catalyst, where his keynote struck a powerful chord, inspiring and challenging guests to keep fighting for the coastlines, forests and wildlife that make the Margaret River Region unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter speaking at Catalyst 2025
“Nature Conservation Margaret River Region offers a precious chance to celebrate both the natural world and humanity; caring for this beautiful place alongside dedicated people, united in a labour of love that has spanned a quarter of a century,” he said.
“There is no stopping a group of people who have their hearts fixed on protecting the planet, whoever you are, wherever you stand, whatever you do, there’s a part that each of us can play to do our biggest thing, making our greatest contribution to addressing this moment of planetary crisis.”
Meanwhile, Nature Conservation chief executive officer Aaron Jaggar said every dollar raised on the night would fuel a bold new landscape-scale campaign — one designed to unite community, business, government and tourism leaders in a shared mission to protect the natural wonders that make this region world-famous.
More details of the new strategy will be announced at Nature Conservation’s AGM and end-of-year community celebration on November 18.
Norman Pater and Gita Sonnenberg with Nature Conservation’s Hannah Weir at Catalyst 2025
“We live in one of just a handful of Global Biodiversity Hotspots, where our flora and fauna are both unique and under serious threat,” Mr Jaggar said. “This new campaign is about protecting what defines our region — its wild beauty and biodiversity — so that future generations can continue to experience it.”
“If we get this right,” he added, “we will not only safeguard biodiversity, but also the foundations of our community wellbeing, culture and economy. It’s an ambitious vision — but one that’s within our reach if we act together.”
Nature Conservation chair Dr Ann Ward reflected on the organisation’s journey from a small grassroots group with one staff member to the region’s peak conservation organisation. She said while there is much to celebrate, urgent action is needed now more than ever as we face climate change, urban development, population growth and ongoing underfunding of environmental protection.
Nature Conservation chair Dr Ann Ward with Andrew and Lyn Harding
The evening also featured the Capes Nature Experiences Auction, where exclusive, nature-based experiences went under the hammer to support the fundraising goal. Prizes were generously donated by local businesses and conservation partners including Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, Blackwood River Houseboats, Capes Foundation, Blackwood Art Studio, River Blue Guesthouse, Scenic Helicopters, Swell Yoga Studio, Mindful in Nature, Tree Chalets, Owl Friendly Margaret River Region, Margaret River Discovery Co., artist Leon Pericles and author Jane Scott.
“Catalyst 2025 was not just a celebration of impact — it was about planting the seeds for the next 25 years of conservation,” Mr Jaggar said. “Together with our community and supporters, we’re building a legacy that will protect this remarkable place for generations to come.”
Mr Jaggar also thanked Clairault Streicker Wines — a gold Business Sponsor of Nature Conservation — for hosting the evening.
To find out more, see www.natureconservation.org.au.