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 30 reactions

Noel Clark posted about this on Facebook 2017-05-07 17:43:09 +1000
Hear her speech: Wendy Bowman wins Goldman Environmental Prize
Peter Gerard answered 2017-05-07 17:39:57 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Congratulations Wendy. Many of us share your concern for the environment and are heartened by what you have achieved.
Cynthia Harris answered 2017-05-07 17:38:32 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Dear Wendy, What an inspiration you are to all of us who watch in dismay as our beautiful country is mangled by fossil fuel activities, and people, animals and plants are placed at serious risk. Your courageous fight will be long remembered by grateful Australians. Congratulations on your well-deserved award!
Janie Black answered 2017-05-07 17:35:39 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: . I have followed the farmers fight for their rights while governments stood by. I have watched in awe at the courage that people like yourself have taken to defend what is right for future generations to come.
I will continue to sign petitions because of voices like yours. The politicians must listen. Thank you again.
Glen Daly answered 2017-05-07 17:32:04 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: It is a pity that more landowners won’t emulate your courageous example but all most of themthink about is the almighty dollar.
Nasonie Charles answered 2017-05-07 17:31:56 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: I think you are wonderful Wendy. You are so brave and strong and my hero. You are an inspiration in a world of materialism, opportunism & short sighted self interest, like a beautiful light shining out and saying it doesn’t have to be that way. I actually cannot express how much I admire you as I know it is must not have been easy for you. Thank you & thank you on behalf of the future generations that will benefit from your courage and generosity.
Megan Prendergast answered 2017-05-07 17:31:46 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Congratulations Wendy, it’s great to see your hard work and determination and courage acknowledged. You inspire me!
Pam Baragwanath answered 2017-05-07 17:31:33 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Dear Wendy,
I just sent your speech around to all my friends, I feel very proud of you. You personify the best of humans, a commitment to our planet and all its species for our future generations and you are humble. Biggest Congratulations, you are wonderful.
Judith Andrews answered 2017-05-07 17:31:29 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Thank you Wendy for highlighting, yet again, that contamination of our underground aquifers by mining companies, is nothing short of a crime.
Emma Davies answered 2017-05-07 17:30:57 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Dear Wendy,
Thank you! Thank you for the relentless hours and effort you have given to protect this land, the water and the lives of future generations. You are truly an inspiration to me, I can only hope to be as strong and steadfast in my commitment to the planet.
I am sure it didn’t come without allot of blood, sweat and tears and it can be a very heartbreaking task, so I write to acknowledge them as well as to celebrate the success you have achieved.
So much gratitude and thanks,
Emma
Jannese and Colin Parkes answered 2017-05-07 17:29:48 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Our many and heartfelt thanks to you, Wendy, and to all those other good people who have contributed to safe-keeping of our water resources and land. We grew up in the beautiful Hunter Valley so have a special concern for its future. Our district in Northern NSW was under threat too and we had to do major research to understand the industry and its impact on land and water and people. We have worked hard along side thousands of other here in Lismore and its surrounding districts, where now live, to prevent it being overrun by coalseam gas interests. It was a long battle but it was won. We send you love and gratitude for what you and other “eco-warriors” have done for future generations of Australians. Love from us, our children and our grandchildren.
Jim Kable answered 2017-05-07 17:29:21 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Dear Wendy: We stand humbled by your efforts – along with the efforts of the others with whom you share your well-merited award! I drive through the embattled and deeply scarred Hunter Valley – important for agriculture and grazing and the wine industry – and am overwhelmed by the destruction in the name of coal-mining and/or fracking – threatening our air, the precious water – in the name largely of profits to overseas takers who have our various governments in their pockets! Shame to them and all praise to those such as you who fight with such diligence and fervour for “our” land!
Martin Wilson answered 2017-05-07 17:27:13 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: <3 <3 <3
Gabriele Downie answered 2017-05-07 17:27:01 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Thank you Wendy for your courage and resilience in standing up to Yancoal. You have done what many of us would like to do so please accept my heartfelt thanks and admiration. Much love,
Meredith Kidby answered 2017-05-07 17:26:07 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Wendy, heartfelt thanks on behalf of me and my family. If only more people were like you! I read the web page about your story and hope that everyone else reads it too “Bowman has refused offers of millions from Yancoal, and is now working on a plan to have Rosedale protected in perpetuity. She continues to be an advocate for the community’s health and environment, and has worked with the local health department to place air monitors near coal mines. She has also recently installed solar panels on her property, and envisions an energy future where Hunter Valley is powered by its abundant sun and wind.”
Glenn Patterson answered 2017-05-07 17:25:52 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Hi Wendy,
I’m always a little conflicted as farming people I’ve met over my life have been adamant about they know how to manage the land, everyone should get lost and let them do things their way. I’ve pointed out Australia is one of the worst countries for land clearing, and then been told to get lost. These are the few thank goodness, so to have a wonderful person like you to obviously put their entire future, family and business on the line is selfless and inspirational. My family and I thank you so much for your tireless battle and all the sleepless nights.

Most kind regards
Glenn
Laurel Wilson answered 2017-05-07 17:24:35 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Congratulations on your courage and sustained effort to save your land from being swallowed up by yet another environmentally disastrous coal mine. The majority of Australians support you in this and future generations will thank you.
Sandra & Barry Johnston answered 2017-05-07 17:24:19 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: On ya Wendy. Thank you in behalf of the rest of us Aussies. Keep up the gr8 work. We REALLY appreciate it
margaret conyers posted about this on Facebook 2017-05-07 17:23:12 +1000
Hear her speech: Wendy Bowman wins Goldman Environmental Prize
Ken Harrison answered 2017-05-07 17:22:03 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Hi Wendy,
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! What an outstanding job. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
We need more people like you who are prepared to stand against “inappropriate” developments. Development is great provided it is sustainable and in the communities best interests. Thank you for standing up……
Suzie Coghlan answered 2017-05-07 17:21:37 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Your resolve to make such an important stand confirms right over might. Congratulations – your efforts have been recognised internationally and hopefully will inspire others.
Chris Willey answered 2017-05-07 17:20:12 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Thanks Wendy, thanks for making a stand. I thank you and my children thank you, God Bless.
Yolanda Newman answered 2017-05-07 17:19:22 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Congratulations Wendy and well deserved! You are a wonderful inspiration. Thank you so much for your hard work and vision.
Ron Corino answered 2017-05-07 17:18:35 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Congratulations Wendy on your award, you have travelled a long rough road fighting mines, we first met 27 years ago when I helped you set up an overhead projector at Singleton Council Civic Center where you were showing the devastation to your creek and water supply from the mine. You are always there for the environment and it is a privilege to know you.
ian smith answered 2017-05-07 17:17:45 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Thankyou Wendy for your wonderful work. Your prize is well deserved and hopefully a lot more people will hear your clear as a bell message to the mining industry. Ian Smith Gympie.
tom osborn answered 2017-05-07 17:17:09 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Wendy, This is an example of my reason for living. Great result. Great fortitude. I am humbled and inspired. I won’t be quiet. Tom (former farm boy, Hunter Valley).
Lily Schmelzle answered 2017-05-07 17:16:50 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Thank you so much Wendy for your fight and courage in protecting our environment and water.
Nart Man answered 2017-05-07 17:16:16 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Legend!
Victoria Lewis posted about this on Facebook 2017-05-07 17:15:51 +1000
Hear her speech: Wendy Bowman wins Goldman Environmental Prize
Victoria Lewis answered 2017-05-07 17:15:19 +1000
Q: Would you like to send a message to Wendy?
A: Dear Wendy, if I might adopt a familiar Tone with you, please accept my heartfelt gratitude and respect for you, a woman, a cause so close to my heart. Congratulations on your service to the water which feeds our land, our lives and the ecology. Life in all its manifestatio s is precious and you have lived yours in a manner both inspirational and rewarding to so many and so much.
I have been an environmental activist since the anti uranium mining movement of the seventies and you remind us to count the achievements and never to give up the defence of that which is God given. When democratic processes succeed in serving citizens and citizens of the future we can all feel empowered to continue. Also bless you for the purity and clarity of your style. I wish I had it.