Environmentalist and researcher Boris Branwhite’s decades of documenting and conserving rare and threatened orchids across the Central Coast have been officially recognised by Central Coast Council.
A Letter of Appreciation signed by Administrator Rik Hart on behalf Council was presented to Branwhite at his Toukley home recently which he said he was “gobsmacked” to receive.
“It’s not about an award for me,” he said.
“The ecology of the Central Coast is unique and therefore needs to be preserved.
“For too many years, the ecology of the Central Coast has been under-valued by settlers and governments leading us towards ecocide.
“My life has been dedicated to ensuring that didn’t happen.”
Born Alan Eddie Branwhite in 1946 in Albury, he comes from a long line of environmentalists.
He assumed the name Boris during his high school days.
He was the eldest of three Branwhite brothers, all with significant involvement in Australia’s orchid world.
They grew up in Wodonga where their father was a radio engineer and newspaper editor, then farmer, and their mother was involved in the Girl Guides and encouraged the boys to join the Gould League.
Branwhite said the family’s interest in nature was driven by their mother Val during their childhood.
All three brothers were heavily involved in the preservation of orchids, travelling extensively around most of Australia collecting specimens.
Branwhite went on to do most of his orchid research on the Central Coast area, finding a number of new species and causing the former Wyong Council to take orchid matters seriously.
Council records in 1996 showed 12 orchid species in the then Wyong Shire and now there are more than 160 species recorded, many of which have stopped clearing for development.
The Council’s Letter of Appreciation acknowledged his significant contribution to the decades-long study and commitment to the identification of orchid species across the Coast.
“Your passion for searching and discovering new populations of common, rare and threatened orchids in the region has inspired local ecologists, as well as people who have a passion for our local environment,” the letter said.
“Today, many individuals, including Central Coast Council staff, who may have otherwise disregarded these cryptic species, have gained a heightened appreciation for the unique diversity of orchids in our region.
“Thank you for your commitment and advice and especially your willingness to share your knowledge with those around you.
“Biodiversity conservation on the Central Coast has benefited from your dedication and the time you’ve spent researching and documenting many flora species.
“Your acts of service and commitment to the conservation of the environment are highly respected and esteemed by Central Coast Council and the wider community.”
Denice Barnes
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