In March 2017, AABR visited Broken Hill to conduct a workshop at the Council Chambers with the view to establishing a national restoration industry award. AABR is a national organisation promoting the study and practice of ecological restoration, and fosters and encourages effective management of natural areas by qualified people, based on sound ecological principles.
The ‘Albert Morris Award’ being initiated by AABR will recognise the work of Albert Morris and the Regeneration Area of Broken Hill. This project is among the very earliest restoration projects in the world. Morris was an amateur botanist who commenced the Regeneration Area surrounding Broken Hill in the 1930's, and the project was continued by his wife Margaret after his death. Morris founded the Barrier Field Naturalists, now in their 95th year of operations and together with the local community and mining companies he commenced the process of native bush revegetation to reduce the effects of wind erosion. The Albert Morris Award Committee (a collaboration of AABR, ANPC, GA and SERA) is planning a once-in-a lifetime ecological restoration-themed field trip to Broken Hill. Bush regenerators from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne will visit the city for organised activities occurring on three days (22-24 August). The purpose is to celebrate the place of the 1930’s Broken Hill Regeneration Reserves in pioneering restoration in Australia and to make links with locals involved in the project. To attend the organised activities including a tour of the reserves, working bees and the Awards dinner go to www.aabr.org.au