Turning the Tide Newsletter – Spring 2023
Remembering Des
Vale Des Connell, one of AMCS’s original and most influential Great Barrier Reef campaigners.
In May, we lost one of the ‘parents’ of AMCS. Through his involvement in our early years, alongside our other founders, Des was a catalyst for one of the great conservation campaigns – the campaign to save the Reef.
Des joined the then Queensland Littoral Society (now AMCS) in 1965, one of the small band of members who came together with an interest in understanding and protecting our coral reefs, wetlands and waterways.
He was our Vice President and regular spokesperson about threats to the Great Barrier Reef including drilling for oil. Des was key in the Society securing the ban on mining from the Reef and in pioneering the 1975 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act, establishing the world’s largest marine park.
As well as leaving a huge legacy of protection for our Reef, throughout his distinguished academic career, Des inspired and mentored many young scientists. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.
By giving a gift in your Will, you will hand on a wilder, more diverse and beautiful ocean planet to future generations.