Robert Pennicott named Tasmanian of the Year 2012
Pioneer of Tasmania's eco-tourism industry
Media release
Robert Pennicott of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys/Bruny Island Cruises
Robert Pennicott, entrepreneur, environmentalist, adventurer, philanthropist and multi-award-winning pioneer of Tasmania’s eco-tourism industry has been named as Tasmania’s 2012 Australian of the Year.
Responding to the announcement by Premier Hon Lara Giddings MHR in a ceremony at Meadowbank Estate on 21 November, Robert Pennicott made a brief and heartfelt speech, thanking his wife Michaye and children Georgina, Mia and Noah, who were all so excited that he has won this prestigious award. He now travels to Canberra to represent Tasmania in the national Australian of the Year awards, which are announced on 25 January, on the eve of Australia Day.
The award acknowledges Rob’s achievements in a range of areas over a number of years, although 2010 and 2011 have been particular landmarks. During 2010, the Tasmanian Coast Conservation Fund, which he founded with Wildcare in 2007, achieved a major goal, eradicating feral pests from Tasman Island. So far the Pennicott family’s support for the Tasmanian Coast Conservation Fund has topped $100,000.
2011 also marked the establishment of The Pennicott Foundation, which he and Michaye have set up as the flagship organisation for the family’s philanthropic initiatives. Through this new fund, Robert will contribute to his own nature conservation projects well into the future and will also work for causes with a much wider focus. The first of these is his involvement in Rotary International’s END POLIO NOW project, a global fund-raising effort in conjunction with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The aim of END POLIO NOW is breathtakingly simple – to eradicate completely the crippling disease of poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) from the world, once and for all.
Rob’s approach to supporting this cause was typically bold and adventurous - during 2011, along with co-skipper Mick Souter and cinematographer Zorro Gamarnik, he made the first-ever outboard driven vessel circumnavigation of Australia choosing two 17 foot inflatable dinghies, building awareness of the disease and raising more than $275,000 for the END POLIO NOW campaign (www.followtheyellowboatroad.com ).
Not long after arriving home in Tasmania after the epic three-month voyage, Robert’s eco-tourism businesses Pennicott Wilderness Journeys and Bruny Island Cruises both won their categories at the 2011 Tasmanian Tourism Awards, and Robert was named as the Minister’s Tourism Champion for his outstanding contribution to the industry.
For more information on Pennicott Wilderness Journeys or Robert Pennicott please contact :
Trina Mangels, Marketing Manager, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. Mobile: 0407 833 741 or email: marketing@pennicottjourneys.com.au
An award-winning Bruny Island eco-cruise is included in our current competition 'Do Tasmania with VisitVineyards.com' - read more about winning a week in Tasmania here »
Our Recommendations
To see our recommendations, ratings and reviews you must be a logged-in subscriber.
To subscribe please enter your email address in the "Subscribe Now - it's Free" box on the right and click the "Join" button, or fill in this form >
If you like your wine and food with a dash of fresh air and adventure, then a long weekend on Bruny Island in Southern Tasmanian should be on your travel list. small island offers much more than you might think »
The Tasman Peninsula on the South East of Tasmania is probably most well known for its convict history at Port Arthur, but this experience was to offer much more from a waterborne perspective.
Bruny Island Cruises provides three hour wilderness cruises along Bruny Island's rugged coast, southern Tasmania. This multi-award winning cruise was published by ... read more
Tasman Island Cruises operates out of Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula in Southern Tasmania. Their eco-cruise travels along the spectacular coastline between ... read more
Tutor your nose to detect the subtle aromas in wine and learn to appreciate and enjoy its complexities. VisitVineyards.com subscribers purchasing Le Nez du Vin aroma sets can save up to $110 and get two Essential Wine Tasting Guides for the price of one. Read about the 
Thinking celebration? Then surely thinking Champagne, the wine that's always part of life's most important occasions. And sometimes just for the pure bubbly, enjoyment. Dine and sip with royalty, celebrity at history-making moments with your copy of Champagne and Chandeliers by Bernadette O'Shea. VisitVineyards.com subscribers, you receive a 15 per cent discount on purchase 
Le Figaro calls her "the undisputed mistress of the kingdom of wine". Receive an immediate introductory 
Like to discover more about this state's lifestyle, wine, food and more? Then ask us now for your free copy of Tasmania 40 Degrees South the magazine that showcases the best of Australia's island state. 
In our No 1 Wine Book of 2010, Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein matches distinctive wines with recipes from his favourite chefs in this book focussing on new and emerging grape varietals. VisitVineyards.com subscribers and Members buying this book will receive a 
Enhance your experience with a 
The Produce to Platter series bring each region's people and produce to life in fabulous publications. Geelong and the Mornington Peninsula are just an hour or so from Melbourne and with your copy of Produce to Platter on board, you're sure to discover the best of these renowned gourmet regions. In this special promotion, we have two sets of both books and 