A very successful fundraising dinner in the Bonython Hall in late October ensured that the lifetime contribution that Barbara Hardy has made and continues to make to nature conservation issues was appropriately celebrated. The dinner was attended by 250 friends and supporters, raising over $30,000 from ticket sales and sponsorship.

The Premier, the Hon Mike Rann MP, praised the tremendous contribution that Barbara had made to the environment and pledged $100,000 to a new Barbara Hardy Fund for Nature (see below), to be administered by the Nature Foundation. Conservationist, adventurer and entrepreneur, Dick Smith also paid tribute to Barbara and matched the Government’s pledge with a further $100,000 donation to ‘Barb’s Fund’. He challenged the SA business community to contribute another $100,000 in the coming weeks. 

Pictured (left to right): David Moyle, Hon Jay Weatherill MP, Dick Smith AO, Barbara Hardy AO, Hon Mike Rann MP, and James McWha.

The crowd who gathered to show their appreciation for Barbara's year's of dedicated service to the environment.

Barbara’s nephew, Prof Mike Young, Director of the University of Adelaide’s new Environment Institute, and Allan Holmes, Chief Executive of the Department for Environment and Heritage, spoke of their admiration for Barbara’s hard work and persistence over many decades. 

Barbara was somewhat overwhelmed by the tributes that included an announcement from the Director of the SA Museum, Prof Suzanne Miller, that a newly discovered fossil was to be named after her. However, not ever letting an opportunity go past, Barbara reminded all the guests that nature conservation was more important than ever at the current time, thanking all for their support. 

Barbara with Prof Suzanne Miller, Director of SA Museum

Barbara examines one of the fossils with Dick Smith

Donations to the new Barbara Hardy Fund for Nature can be made by clicking here.