Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield has been crowned the Young Environmentalist of the Year for his work as a climate activist.
The accolade was presented to the 25-year-old by the Bob Brown Foundation (BBF), along with a $2,000 prize, on Monday 15 September.
Now based in Ashfield, Mr Schofield grew up in Newcastle and studied a Bachelor of Laws and Arts at the local university.
But, over the past few years, he has emerged as a leading voice in Australia’s youth-led environmental movement, particularly through his involvement with climate action group Rising Tide.
In December 2024, he gained national attention after spray-painting the word “liar” on the electorate office of federal environment minister Tanya Plibersek.
It came as a direct response to government claims stating no new coalmines had been approved that year.
Mr Schofield disputed the statements, citing the authorisation of several expansions under the politician’s tenure.
The act was filmed and publicly shared, with Mr Schofield later handing himself in to police.
“Unlike our federal politicians, I’m here to take responsibility for my actions,” he stated publicly.
He faced charged of trespassing and property damage following the incident.
Mr Schofield has also helped organise large-scale protests through Rising Tide, including their controversial People’s Blockade.
The event’s remained in headlines since 2023, where 109 people were arrested for blocking the Port of Newcastle in a flotilla.
The following year, another 170 protesters were charged for continuing to disobey police instructions.
Staged over multiple days, the event draws thousands of participants annually, calling on the federal and state governments to put an end to coal and gas project approvals and implement a 78% export profits tax on fossil fuels to support a transition to renewable energy industries.
“Here are remarkable Australians taking action in an age of corporate and government neglect and complicity as global heating, species extinction and heritage destruction worsen,” BBF founder Bob Brown said.
“Our foundation honours them for their courage, determination and defiance of official complicity in environmental vandalism across Australia.”
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