Today marks ten years since the passing of Felicity ’Flic’ Wishart.
Flic was one of Australia’s most respected and impactful conservationists – an extraordinary force for nature who dedicated three decades fighting to protect the places and wildlife we hold dear.
Flic passed away during her time as our AMCS Great Barrier Reef Campaign Director.
Her influence in the environmental movement was profound and enduring.
Flic played a fundamental role in some of the most significant environmental campaigns in Australia’s history with AMCS, the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Queensland Conservation Council, and The Wilderness Society.
Flic was a leader of seminal campaigns to protect the rainforests, to stop land clearing in Queensland, to confront the threat of climate change, and champion a national network of marine protected areas.
As campaign director of the Australian Marine Conservation Society’s Fight for our Reef campaign, Flick spearheaded work that has led to a massive increase in protection for our Great Barrier Reef.
None worked harder, with as much grace and achieved as much to protect our heritage. As a leader, she combined great warmth and humility, with an ability to understand and fearlessly challenge powerful forces that threatened our heritage.
Flic mentored and supported many emerging leaders, particularly women and gender-diverse campaigners, and her influence can be seen in the next generation of environmental advocates.
As well as being a tireless advocate and inspiration to many, Flic was a beloved friend, guide, confidant and mother. Her warmth, intelligence, wisdom and energy is irreplaceable and sorely missed.
All Australians are beneficiaries of her work to protect the places we love.
Her legacy endures in all who continue the fight.