Do you know a young person who’s making a real difference for the environment?
Nominate them for the Les Hall Young Conservationist Award – celebrating the passion, commitment, and leadership of this and the next generation of environmental champions. Nominations for the next Les Hall Young Conservationist Award will open in September 2026.
The Sunshine Coast Environment Council is proud and honoured to partner with the Hall family and Sunshine Coast Council to present the Les Hall Young Conservationist Award. The journey for all great conservationists starts with a passion for the environment and a desire to do something to protect it. This award encourages young people to follow in the footsteps of Dr Les Hall and make a difference in their local environment.
Les was a man of action. A forward-thinking man with a vision for a better future for our wildlife and the passion and drive to get on the ground and make that vision a reality. In recognition of what he achieved in the field of wildlife conservation, this award recognises an individual or group who has shown vision, innovation and passion and has achieved an outstanding outcome for wildlife conservation on the Sunshine Coast.
This award aims to encourage youth to take an active role in conservation, increase awareness of threats in the region and demonstrate the power and innovation of students to make a difference for Australia’s native wildlife.
Who was Dr Les Hall?
From a young age, Dr Leslie Hall AM (1942-2019) was captivated by the natural world. He learnt from his father that every animal had a specific name and important role to play in the local ecosystem. This led to the foundation of an extensive career in scientific research, teaching and discovery.
Although Les is best known for his pioneering research and advocacy on bats, his knowledge of Australian wildlife and their habitat had few bounds. Putting this knowledge into action was important to Les throughout his career and in his later years in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
“Unless you put it into action, knowledge is not worth having.” Les Hall 2014
“Something I’m very passionate about is giving wildlife a chance before it is faced with extinction.” Les Hall 2017.
The Les Hall Young Conservationist Award
The journey of every great conservationist begins with a passion for the environment and a desire to protect it.
Dr Les Hall embodied this spirit — a man of action, with vision, innovation, and a relentless drive to safeguard Australia’s wildlife. His legacy continues to inspire future generations to get on the ground and make a real difference.
In honour of his remarkable contribution to wildlife conservation, this award recognises an individual or group of young people on the Sunshine Coast who have shown passion, creativity, and commitment, achieving outstanding results for wildlife and nature.
The award encourages young people to:
- Take action in conservation efforts and make a tangible difference,
- Raise awareness of the environmental challenges facing our region, and
- Showcase innovation in protecting and sustaining Australia’s unique native wildlife
Help shine a spotlight on the passion and efforts of our young environmental champions by submitting a nomination.
Nominations for the next Les Hall Young Conservationist Award will open in September 2026
Eligibility for Individuals
- Nominees must have been 18 years or younger when the project was completed
- Project must achieve outcomes within the Sunshine Coast local government area and be active or completed within 18 months prior to nomination.
- Nominees may nominate themselves or be nominated by a 3rd party.
Eligibility for Groups
- Group must be made up of at least 75% members who are 18 years or younger when the project was completed.
- Project may have an adult mentor but must demonstrate that it is primarily driven by the members.
- Project must achieve outcomes within the Sunshine Coast local government area and be active or completed within 18 months prior to nomination.
- Students may nominate themselves or be nominated by a 3rd party.
Past Award Winners
2021 Award Winners - Josh McCord Farm Forestry Project