2008

Bruce Englefield

Tasmanian of the Year 2008

Bruce Englefield

The GOVERNOR OF TASMANIA, HIS EXCELLENCY THE HONOURABLE PETER UNDERWOOD AO announced and presented the 2008 Tasmanian of the Year Award to Mr Bruce Englefield at a reception at Government House on Friday evening 15th August.

Bruce exemplifies the purpose of the Tasmania Committee, for in using his passion for the Tasmanian Devil, he has demonstrated a love of Tasmania through appreciation and recognition of and attention to the unique aspects of the Tasmanian environment and lifestyle.

Not only is Bruce helping in the fight for this endangered species to survive and prosper but through his actions he has contributed significantly to the development and enhancement of a positive atmosphere within the Tasmanian community.

Bruce exudes a vibrancy and influence as exhibited by the bands of people who have joined him in his many 'save the devil' endeavours. In doing so he is capturing the hearts and minds of many people. Through his actions, Mr. Englefield inspires Tasmanians with the motivation to help save the devil. His enthusiasm is spreading as more and more Tasmanians are now following Bruce's example by donating their expertise time and money to the welfare of this endangered mammal.

Bruce Englefield came from the UK and fell in love with not just the people, the climate, the environment but also the Tasmanian Devil. It was because of this he bought East Coast Natureworld and moved with his family to Tasmania.

He has donated the use of 28 acres of land to the Tasmanian Government to in order to establish a viable insurance population of disease-free devils. Mr Englefield and his team have undertaken their own efforts to raise the funding and build the Devil Island facility. To help raise funds, Bruce and his team, calling themselves "The Devil Islanders" competed in and successfully completed the London marathon towards their aim of raising $130,000.

He provides inspiration to others by illustrating what can be done in Tasmania and in doing so he is leading the formation of optimism in this state.