Farewell Louise Crossley

The Wilderness Society today paid tribute to Dr Louise Crossley, who passed away yesterday after a brave battle with cancer.

Louise has been a passionate environmental leader and long-time conservation campaigner in Tasmania, spearheading work to protect the forests of Bruny Island and highlighting the plight of threatened species such as the swift parrot.

Louise had a distinguished career, both as a scientist and a leader. She was one of the first women to be appointed as station leader in Antarctica and spent extensive periods working and travelling in the Southern Ocean and on the Antarctic continent. Louise was an intrepid traveller and passionate supporter of the arts and music.

“Louise was a much-loved leader of the conservation movement in Tasmania who has made enormous contributions to progressing environmental awareness, achieving conservation outcomes and mentoring young campaigners,” said Vica Bayley, spokesperson for the Wilderness Society.

“Louise was a regular participant in movement-wide forums discussing environmental issues, contemporary conservation campaigns and the political challenges that need to be overcome to achieve protection for wild places in Tasmania.

“Louise possessed a formidable intellect and was a person whose advice was always sound and canny. She will be sorely missed and our thoughts go out to Louise’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”
Vica Bayley Tasmanian Campaign Manager The Wilderness Society (Tasmania) Inc.