Eminent Curtin botanist recognised at 2019 Australian Native Plant Awards

Curtin University has congratulated respected restoration biologist John Curtin Distinguished Professor Kingsley Dixon on being honoured at the 2019 Australian Native Plant Awards.

Professor Dixon, the Director of the ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration (CMSR) in Curtin’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences, has been awarded the Professional Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the knowledge of Australian plants.

Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry congratulated Professor Dixon on being acknowledged for his valuable work to develop our understanding of native plants and conservation.

“Professor Dixon is a highly regarded leader in his field who has made a significant contribution to conservation science, restoration ecology and plant science throughout his career,” Professor Terry said.

“A passionate community scientist, Professor Dixon’s research has resulted in WA being recognised as an international hub in mining environmental science, making him a most deserving recipient of this award.”

Professor Dixon said he was humbled to be recognised by his peers at the 2019 Australian Native Plant Awards.

“This award means so much to me because it speaks to a valued group of colleagues that I regard as my mentors,” Professor Dixon said.

“My passion for saving threatened and extinct native species and restoring the Australian landscape that has suffered land degradation drives my work every day and it is a true honour to be recognised in this way.”

The national awards, which are held every two years, are run in conjunction with ANPSA’s Biennial Conference and Seminar, which is being hosted in Albany today.

The ANPSA (formerly known the Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants) has been growing and promoting Australian plants since 1957. It caters for people interested in Australia’s native flora from a simple appreciation of the beauty and diversity of the flora to propagation, cultivation and conservation.

The Amateur Award was presented to Glenn Leiper, a retired educator who now devotes his time to recording and preserving the indigenous plants of south-east Queensland.

For more information about the Australian Native Plant Awards, visit here.