15 Oct 2024
VALE TONY NICHOLAS - THE QUIET, PASSIONATE CONSERVATIONIST
The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia would like to pay tribute to Anthony ‘Tony’ Nicholas, former WWF-Australia Governor, passionate conservationist and champion for the environment, who passed away on Wednesday, 25 September.
As a Director and Trustee since 1987, then a Governor, Tony Nicholas’ commitment to WWF-Australia never wavered. And for those 37 years, his involvement with the organisation was exceptional, helping us raise significant funds and growing our supporter base.
Tony’s philanthropic interests included conserving endangered species and their habitats in forests, wetlands, coasts and oceans. Generous of spirit, he and his late wife Christina were also generous in their contributions, always making the point that theirs were unrestricted donations because it was important that the organisation spend the funds where they were most needed.
Tony's deep connection with the natural environment was evident in his words.
“I grew up in the country and have always loved the natural environment. I later became aware of the importance of biodiversity to a healthy planet and humankind’s role in it. WWF-Australia has a marvellous species and landscapes program, and I am very pleased to support it.”
His love for nature resonates with all of us who share the same passion for conservation.
Growing up in the Dandenong Ranges around Sassafras, he took his love of conservation with him as he grew up, proving his passion by rewilding sections of his farm on the Mornington Peninsula.
He was a quiet achiever but always vocal in encouraging new people to become involved with WWF’s work, and he did so in a number of ways. As a founding member of WWF Melbourne Action Group, he helped initiate annual Sunset Drinks events, which ran for over 14 years, raising awareness of WWF's work and encouraging individual and corporate support.
It’s a rare privilege for an organisation to receive the level of support, trust and unwavering commitment that Tony Nicholas and his wife Christina shared with WWF-Australia. Tony played an active role in shaping our organisation into what it is today, holding many roles over the 37 years he supported WWF’s work: donor, director, trustee and longest-standing governor. His dedication and generosity had a lasting impact on WWF-Australia and, in turn, on the wildlife and landscapes he held dear. We will miss Tony - as one of our ‘panda’ family.
CEO, WWF-Australia
WWF is very fortunate to have had one of the most loyal and wonderful people supporting us. We are so proud to have had Tony on our side and enormously grateful for all the time and energy he put into growing WWF over many years. He leaves behind such a legacy and his contributions will endure.
Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Tony’s family and friends.