Phil Jenkyn’s reply

National Trust Lifetime Achievement Award, 2010

Two of our greatest challenges in the 21^st Century involve the environment and heritage: the environment in all its forms – desperately crying out for all to respect the fragility of our planet; and heritage in its widest sense – pleading for what we value of our past and present, and what we want to pass on to future generations, to be properly respected and appreciated. Heritage in this sense really defines who we are as individuals and as a people, and reflects our true values. Many individuals often feel powerless, not knowing how to influence for the better what is going on around them. How can they stand up to the sometimes harmful actions of big Government and Corporations?

The answer is: individuals can always make a difference if they join with like-minded people in worthwhile causes, causes that inspire. It is the joint action of groups and organizations like the National Trust and others that has achieved, and will continue to achieve, so much for the public good.

We don’t of course always have to fight Government, though that does happen. We can also achieve much through cooperation with Government and industry. An example of this is the effort of a group called ‘the Walking Volunteers’, who have worked with the Department of Planning, the Sydney Coastal Councils Group and many others over the last five years to map and develop a continuous walking route around Sydney Harbour and the Coast – a first in our history. The track is available to all, and highlights the natural and cultural values of this amazing City.

If I can make but one call to the wider audience it is this: every citizen – I mean every citizen, all of us – should join an environmental or heritage organization, like the National Trust or any other of our choice, support its campaigns, and volunteer to help where needed and motivated. It is by such action that individuals, working together, can, and will, make a difference.