Graeme Rundle was posthumously awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia.
Camera IconGraeme Rundle was posthumously awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Conservation honour

Julian Wright, Hills GazetteHills Avon Valley Gazette

Mr Rundle, a former Helena Valley resident who lost a |battle with skin cancer last December at age 68, received the order for dedicating four decades to environment conservation.

Ms Hussey, who met her husband through their shared passions, said protecting the environment was more than just a hobby for Mr Rundle, who spent every waking hour trying to create environmental change and awareness.

‘Graeme was so concerned and passionate about the environment that he would spend 40 hours a week researching, holding meetings and lobbying politicians ” and this wasn’t even his job,’ she said.

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‘He began lobbying for a government department dedicated to the environment in 1966 ” when there was none ” and no protection Act or pollution control regulation.’

‘He was good at lobbying politicians for change and was always researching ” any time there was a development on the cards, he would look into the vegetation on the land and how it would be compromised.

‘He marched at Parliament house in 1969 with 20,000 others to demand the formation of a department of conservation, which eventually happened in 1971.’

Through the decades, Mr Rundle held many committee and executive group roles.

He was the longest serving public member at the Conservation Council of WA, clocking up 17 years.

Mr Rundle was forced to retire when he was diagnosed with cancer and he died six months later.

‘Graeme would be humbled but delighted by this award,’ Ms Hussey said.

‘He often said no one listened, but they do; he is getting the recognition he deserves for the time and effort he put in over the years.’