Feature

In memory of Jeremy Davis AM FRSN 1942 – 2023

25 Jul. 2023

It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Jeremy Davis, a dedicated philanthropist with a passion for conservation.

For over two decades, Jeremy and his wife Jessica and family, have generously supported Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), both personally and via the Sisyphus Foundation, in our efforts to conserve Australia’s wildlife and wild places.

Jeremy with wife Jessica at Charnley River-Artesian Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Australia.
Jeremy with wife Jessica at Charnley River-Artesian Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Australia.

Over the years, Jeremy and Jessica visited a number of AWC sanctuaries, but it was their visit to AWC’s Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary in central Kimberley that first ignited their connection with AWC. The ancient gorges, freshwater crocodiles and endangered Gouldian Finches deeply touched Jeremy and inspired his unwavering support for AWC’s mission.

Few are aware that Jeremy provided key strategic advice that played an important role in helping AWC to secure a historic partnership with the New South Wales (NSW) Government in 2014 to manage two NSW National Parks – the first partnership of its kind in Australia.

Thanks to this collaboration, ten locally extinct Australian mammal species, such as Bilbies, Numbats and Bridled Nailtail Wallabies – have now been returned to NSW National Parks.

Jeremy chats with AWC ecologist Rhiannon Khoury at Mount Zero-Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary, Queensland.
Jeremy chats with AWC ecologist Rhiannon Khoury at Mount Zero-Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary, Queensland.

Jeremy was also a strong advocate for Indigenous culture and engagement. Through the family’s Sisyphus Foundation, Jeremy generously supported AWC’s first significant Indigenous partnership with the Yulumbu Aboriginal Corporation to conserve Tableland in the central Kimberley and played a key role in the creation and realisation of AWC’s Indigenous Engagement Action Plan which seeks to foster indigenous involvement in AWC’s conservation programs.

With this support, AWC also successfully launched its first Indigenous Internship program in 2022, aimed at nurturing the next generation of Indigenous conservationists.

Jeremy at Mount Zero-Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary, Queensland.
Jeremy at Mount Zero-Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary, Queensland.

To those who had the privilege of knowing him, Jeremy provided encouragement and inspiration and he will be greatly missed by the AWC family. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Jeremy’s generous spirit, unwavering dedication and impact will always be remembered.

Vale Jeremy.