Wendy Bowman wins Goldman Environmental Prize

Watch 83 year old Hunter Valley farmer Wendy Bowman’s acceptance speech for winning the Goldman Environmental Prize and leave her a message below.

(if you want to know more about Wendy's uplifting story, read about her Goldman Environmental Prize win here)

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Showing 29 reactions

Gail Davis answered 2023-01-02 10:15:24 +1100
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Dear Mrs. Bowman, Your video / news story came up as a Facebook memory today – from 2017 after you’d win the prestigious environmental award of which you were unaware. I’ve just finished researching your further battle against the coal mining industry . I pray you are well and applaud your stamina and conviction . Thank you fir trying to do your “ huge” part in route ting your land and those nearby from coal mining destruction and devastation. I’m trying to find how you changed your will to further stop the companies from taking over you/ your family’s land/ farm . I’m on the island of Newfoundland Canada and think you are a brave lady with much stamina . Take care wish you health and happiness in this new year 2023 . I wish there were sooo many more people like you.
Gillian McManus Oxley answered 2019-01-04 19:49:07 +1100
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Dear Wendy, I think your work against the huge and powerful coal mining interests at Glennies Creek and Camberwell is absolutely amazing. I looked you up as had heard of your struggles in the news a few years ago. I’m so happy to find out that you won. Just a little message of solidarity and gratitude. Thank you so much for your tireless struggles. Well done on the victory.
Annie Krieg answered 2018-03-30 05:11:17 +1100
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Hello Wendy!
I happened upon your incredible story while meandering through the Flower Conservatory in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. My parents are farmers in Kansas, and even though I live in Chicago now, I am perennially humbled by the land and its capacity for growth. Your story of grit and reliance was inspiring and I really admire your fierce protection over what matters. Thank you for your work! Annie
Lori Pye answered 2018-01-11 06:04:59 +1100
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Just to say “GOOD ON YOU!”
In full support of your work and your indomitable spirit.
Lori Pye, President
Viridis Graduate Institute
www.viridisinstitute.org
Peggy Rohland answered 2017-11-20 05:44:58 +1100
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Dear Wendy, I wish you much strength, perseverance and support. In particular, I would be pleased if your resistance would cause a rethinking of the money-hungry people (you see, I’m an idealist). Stay strong and healthy! You are a great role model for me. Greetings from Bonn (Germany) sends you Peggy Rohland
Cheryl Dillon answered 2017-11-07 06:22:46 +1100
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Well done Wendy. Let’s hope you and the fantastic Lockthegate group are able to keep the miners out and the beautiful land that remains intact and that you can finally have a rest.
@Gibboanddal tweeted link to this page. 2017-09-23 08:50:00 +1000
Hear her speech: Wendy Bowman wins Goldman Environmental Prize http://www.lockthegate.org.au/wendy_goldman_2017?recruiter_id=34291
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Tanya Dalgleish answered 2017-09-23 08:49:44 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Wendy, you are truly inspirational and give me hope for the future.
Ti Coleing answered 2017-05-29 20:39:10 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Congratulations on your work towards receiving this award, and props to you for accepting it on behalf of those who have also worked towards saving ALL OF OUR environment, for now and hopefully for future generations.
Much love
Wendy K Ford answered 2017-05-25 17:20:51 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Nice Work Wendy. Thank you on behalf of us all and all of those yet to come
Glenda Briggs answered 2017-05-22 17:09:25 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Hi Wendy – congratulation – thoroughly well deserved. Persistence can be the best tool available to us.
Anne Densley answered 2017-05-21 10:10:28 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: congratulations and well done wendy. such a terrible idea, mining and destroying good farmland! i’m so glad people like you are around to fight the good fight
Susan Russell answered 2017-05-17 18:26:54 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Well done Wendy, we need to keep the pressure on these mining companies to keep our land in good health. You are an inspiration to us all. Thank you.
Marie Mitchell answered 2017-05-17 14:36:35 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Congratulations Wendy on your well deserved award. You are an inspiration to us all here in Bulga and you have our ongoing support. Stay strong and never give up. We wish you health and happiness..
Bob Quigg answered 2017-05-15 17:24:38 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Hi, Wendy your standing firm against the proposed open cut mine was nothing less than the bravest act possible
keep up the good work and thanks for showing us how its done
Henrietta Fraser answered 2017-05-15 17:03:27 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Dear Wonderful Wendy. I grew up near Merriwa and have been horrified by the lack of political will and environmental responsibility regarding mining. On my last visit to the family property, my brother Ed Shannon explained it wasn’t a romantic morning mist but a dirty particulate haze drifting over us from the mines. Never in my childhood did that happen.
THANK YOU for being persistently caring, diligent, wise, courageous… a model for others who’ve been blinkered by profiteering. Congratulations to you and all those you represent.
Clive Young answered 2017-05-15 16:58:23 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Good on you Wendy. This is what women can really do well, and what Australian women can do best. Good luck my dear. This issue is SO important. You hung in there and won!!
Clive Young. Bunbury WA
Nola McKeon answered 2017-05-15 15:13:16 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Dear Wendy, I thank you for taking strong stands, for helping the rest of us see the damage coal mining is doing, for continuing the fight to protect our precious resources. I and future generations are in you debt.
Paul Payten answered 2017-05-15 09:08:01 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Good on you Wendy! Indeed, your example is so valuable and thank you for bringing people together for the community and planet.
Peter Diggins answered 2017-05-14 11:07:14 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Wendy, your actions have had a massive positive outcome, congratulations. I can only imagine the huge money you must have been offered to sell out, which you were willing to forsake for the benefit of our planet and its inhabitants. Greed is the deadliest of sins, and you Wendy are an altruist for thinking not of yourself. Water is life indeed, and incredibly the people who are in positions to stop polluting do nothing of consequence, but let the pollution continue in search for the profits and royalties. Thank you for being a role model Wendy, and a deserving recipient of that award.
Ann Abrahams answered 2017-05-13 14:01:00 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Congratulations Wendy, on both your award and your tireless work as an Australian Environmental Defender. Thank you for recognising the undeniable connection between mining and the draining of our vital aquifers. The 2020’s drought could finish already overpopulated Australia…. if more of us don’t wake up! We have Korean coal mines underground hereabouts, this is a mine subsidence zone.
Kind regards, Ann Abrahams, Charmhaven 2263.
Linda Mathew answered 2017-05-13 06:56:19 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Wendy, thank you for standing up for the environment when so many others would have folded. Your acceptance speech is an inspiration, and I totally agree with what you say. If only all Australians had 10% of your passion and drive, your selflessness, what a better Australia we would have. As a frustrated environmental scientist, its great to see a win against these humans that are hell bent on destroying anything in their way for the almighty dollar, and the pathetic politicians that protect this behaviour.
Lesley Holmes answered 2017-05-12 12:14:15 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Congratulations Wendy! 😀 U r one awesome woman! I remember strongly ur words in an interview "I have everything I need. Why would I succumb to greed & sell my land? No! ".
Well done for hanging in with such resolution & courage. The planet needs more people like u to represent it! Earth Blessings to you! 🙏🏻
Frances De Glas answered 2017-05-12 11:32:58 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Dear Wendy, Your strength & commitment are absolutely inspirational, it’s people like you who are helping to turn the tide against fossil fuels. As we Knitting Nannas Against Gas say, ‘Saving the land, air & water for the kiddies.’ My heartfelt congratulations!
Stephen Porter answered 2017-05-11 21:54:45 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Thanks Wendy. I would like you to know you will probably not hear from all the people who appreciate what you have done. I hope there is a book in the works so the children in the future can appreciate what you have done for them. Thanks again.
Julie Mills answered 2017-05-11 15:33:15 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Congratulations Wendy you are truly inspiration. I admire that you are able to keep your enthusiasm and commitment after what is now 25 year plus battle. You are truly an inspiration and I hope that when I am your age I too can inspire people as you inspire me.
Jennifer Fox answered 2017-05-11 11:30:58 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Well done Wendy. You are an inspiration
Catherine Giles answered 2017-05-11 07:13:25 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Thank you for representing ‘Water’ on behalf of ‘Water’ and for ‘Water’
And you have a presence delivered with wisdom and the people listened to you. Corporations also made up of individuals have lost common-sense.
Hunter valley is lucky to have you. But you represent all the valleys, creeks, rivers and underground water. Henry Lawsons 1905 poem ‘The Water’ … And in my dreaming I see wide miles of waving crops and sheets of water gleaming on plains
where fortune died of thirst……
…But for those who hold their own, Land and time deliver
As we have held our railway lines , so we shall hold our rivers
We’ll find the money as we found the money spent in slaughter
to build our dykes and build our dams
And we shall own the water"
Thank you for speaking out and being heard. X
Leslie Poole answered 2017-05-10 22:43:13 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Hi Wendy – I live in the state of Maine in the USA but my cousin Carolyn who lives in the Blue Mountains of Australia and an activist in her own right sent me the article and video of your Goldman Environmental Prize award. Well done!! You are an inspiration for all. Like Australia, the people of Maine and the USA constantly fight the good fight against dangerous pipelines and open mining. At this moment Maine’s state government is attempting to rewrite our open mining laws in our beautiful state which is covered with streams, rivers, lakes and the ocean, as well as being heavily wooded. I intend to pass your award video, as well as the other 3 I have found about you and your quest for justice. Keep up the good fight! One person does and can make a difference. With admiration from this 76 year-old lady who wonders if our planet and its people will ever trump greed.