Inaugural award honours special legacy
27 Oct 2025An inaugural award honouring the late Russell Johnstone has been presented to seven individuals described as environmental champions for the region.
Presented at the Barossa Bushgardens on Saturday, the Russell Johnstone Award honours the much loved volunteer and former elected member’s legacy of environmental stewardship and respect for First Nations peoples.
Inaugural recipients were Liz Ninnes, Daniel Falkenberg, Adrian Shackley, Stephen Anderson, Andrew Philpott, Olivia Sharp and Lise Temple.
The Barossa Council Mayor said Russell would be proud of the winners who contributed to a variety of areas, from building relationships with First Nations peoples and developing community gardens, to regenerative agriculture, revegetation, protection of rare plants and more.
“All our inaugural recipients have inspired others and delivered impactful projects or improved sustainable practices which is what this special award is all about,” he said.
“Every individual embodies a deep commitment to protecting natural assets and fostering positive, lasting change in our community and we are grateful for their efforts.”
Described as an “emotional celebration”, Kim Thompson, The Barossa Council’s Team Leader Environmental Service said there were both tears of sadness and joy on the day as Russell’s wife, Lynette Collins and daughter, Natalie Johnstone shared their thoughts with everyone in attendance.
“This award represents the hope that Russell brought to the Bushgardens and as Lynette shared, his tenacity for not giving up, which is one of the outstanding characteristics of each of our recipients and what our environment needs in this changing climate.”