Stuart Traynor

Long-time Alice Springs resident Stuart Traynor left the cultural melting pot of Wollongong for the Northern Territory on the eve of Cyclone Tracy seeking adventure, and finding it in abundance. After a spell in secondary schools and Aboriginal education, he 'won the lottery' in the 1980s, joining the Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory, a vibrant and well-funded organisation that encouraged initiative. As the senior officer in charge of community education, his work involved training programs across the Territory, writing for a range of audiences and organising community events. For many years he was a weekly voice on ABC Territory Radio, raising awareness of NT flora and fauna, local history and conservation issues. He was honoured with life membership of the Australian Association for Environmental Education and recognition from the Alice Springs Town Council for his community service work.