“I am honoured and delighted to be shortlisted for this award,” Ms Hutchinson said. “It is a great endorsement of private land conservation and the work of the Tasmanian Land Conservancy in protecting nature in Tasmania.”
Tasmanian-born Hutchinson trained as a lawyer in Hobart and is an avid hiker, kayaker and mountain biker. Since 2011 Jane has been CEO of the Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC), a not-for profit environmental organisation that raises money to protect unique natural landscapes. The TLC owns 14 permanent private reserves (three of which have World Heritage status) and works with private land holders to conserve the natural capital on their land.
Under Jane’s stewardship the TLC has developed an exemplary business model and governance structure that has secured the organisation as a mature and solid choice for donors wanting to make contributions to critical conservation projects. Since 2011 the TLC has protected approximately another 10,000 hectares of habitat for plants and wildlife unique to Tasmania, bringing the total of land influenced by the TLC to nearly 60,000 ha and making the TLC a major private land holder in Tasmania and a key player in nature conservation.
Jane has fostered ground-breaking relationships with the Aboriginal community, and has led the TLC into strategic corporate partnerships with Virgin Australia and BHP Billiton, resulting in multi-million dollar conservation projects in Tasmania.
“This nomination is not only a personal honour, but also salute to the wonderful supporters of the TLC and nature conservation,” Ms Hutchinson said.
“I extend my thanks to the Australian on the Year Committee and congratulations to my fellow Tasmanian nominees,” Ms Hutchinson said.