Tamielle Brunt, a University of Queensland PhD candidate and ecologist researching platypus populations in Queensland’s South-East, is among 40 outstanding individuals sharing in $1 million of grants from the AMP Foundation’s Tomorrow Fund.
Since 2014, this AMP Foundation program has provided $7 million in grants to more than 300 Australians who are working hard to make a positive difference in their communities.
Known as AMP Tomorrow Makers, these inspiring award winners work across a range of fields and disciplines, including science, social innovation, sport, technology, disability advocacy, education and more. The grants are designed to help talented Australians to take their passion projects to the next level.
Ms Brunt, who is using her $20,000 AMP Tomorrow Fund grant to support the collection and study of DNA samples, became interested in platypus conservation after a study trip to the Grampians. On returning to Queensland, she was dismayed at the lack of platypus population data collected in the south-east of her home state – despite colonies being threatened by drought, feral predators and development.
The UQ PhD candidate fears these elusive creatures could slip away before anyone notices. Working with the Wildlife Protection Society of Queensland and local councils, Tamielle has recruited volunteers to help survey platypus from local waterways.
By ascertaining abundance and genetic details, this research will inform local conservation actions and determine if stronger protection measures are needed.
Tamielle aims to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits through her research.
“An important part of my research is to engage and connect with communities… The platypus can take people on exciting adventures, drawing in intrigued tourists to areas,” Ms Brunt said.
“Importantly, the promotion of platypus conservation will ultimately advocate for the lifeblood of this country - freshwater waterways.
“It is vital to collect samples from these elusive animals and study their DNA to determine the size and range of each colony. This is the only way to determine if platypus are vulnerable species. Because they are such shy creatures, it is easier for them to slip away than more conspicuous animals such as koalas.”
The AMP Tomorrow Fund 2020 recipients range in age from 15 to 62 and come from across Australia - from Perth to Townsville, rural Victoria to inner-city Sydney and regional New South Wales.
The Tomorrow Makers’ projects also reflect major social challenges and issues faced in Australia today including addressing COVID-19 pandemic through online health and education and support to artists and musicians, as well as support to people who have experienced domestic violence.
Tamielle Brunt, a PhD candidate and ecologist researching platypus populations in Queensland’s South-East, is among 40 outstanding individuals sharing in $1 million of grants from the AMP Foundation’s Tomorrow Fund.
Since 2014, this AMP Foundation program has provided $7 million in grants to more than 300 Australians who are working hard to make a positive difference in their communities.
Known as AMP Tomorrow Makers, these inspiring award winners work across a range of fields and disciplines, including science, social innovation, sport, technology, disability advocacy, education and more. The grants are designed to help talented Australians to take their passion projects to the next level.
Ms Brunt, who is using her $20,000 AMP Tomorrow Fund grant to support the collection and study of DNA samples, became interested in platypus conservation after a study trip to the Grampians. On returning to Queensland, she was dismayed at the lack of platypus population data collected in the south-east of her home state – despite colonies being threatened by drought, feral predators and development.
The PhD candidate fears these elusive creatures could slip away before anyone notices. Working with the Wildlife Protection Society of Queensland and local councils, Tamielle has recruited volunteers to help survey platypus from local waterways.
By ascertaining abundance and genetic details, this research will inform local conservation actions and determine if stronger protection measures are needed.
Tamielle aims to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits through her research:
“An important part of my research is to engage and connect with communities… The platypus can take people on exciting adventures, drawing in intrigued tourists to areas,” Ms Brunt said.
“Importantly, the promotion of platypus conservation will ultimately advocate for the lifeblood of this country - freshwater waterways.
“It is vital to collect samples from these elusive animals and study their DNA to determine the size and range of each colony. This is the only way to determine if platypus are vulnerable species. Because they are such shy creatures, it is easier for them to slip away than more conspicuous animals such as koalas.”
The AMP Tomorrow Fund 2020 recipients range in age from 15 to 62 and come from across Australia - from Perth to Townsville, rural Victoria to inner-city Sydney and regional New South Wales.
The Tomorrow Makers’ projects also reflect major social challenges and issues faced in Australia today including addressing COVID-19 pandemic through online health and education and support to artists and musicians, as well as support to people who have experienced domestic violence.
Head of the AMP Foundation, Helen Liondos, said that every year, hundreds of hard-working and innovative individuals apply for grants from the AMP Tomorrow Fund.
"The beauty of this unique program is that it’s open to any Australian, of any age, from any part of Australia," she said.
"All they need to have is an unrelenting commitment to what they’re trying to achieve and to contribute to our community.
“Award winners can use their grants to fund a wide range of items to help them achieve their goal - whether it’s a vital piece of equipment, training or expert support. These boosts can make all the difference to a project’s success.
“Despite all the disruption of this year, so many Australians remain committed to making a positive impact. These individuals, who continue to train hard, create new art, search for scientific or social solutions, are not only inspirations but also confirmation that Australia has a wealth of exceptional individuals to take us into better days.”
For the full list of 2020 Tomorrow Makers, plus profiles and videos, visit ampstomorrowfund.com.au.
