Regenerate Australia, a Perth-based environmental charity, today announced the appointment of environmental scientist and conservation advocate Tim Jarvis AM as the charity’s inaugural Patron.

Tim’s longstanding commitment to practical action on biodiversity loss and climate change closely aligns with Regenerate Australia’s work alongside Traditional Owners, landholders, organisations and local communities to restore native ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience and support communities connected to Country.

As Patron, Tim will serve as an honorary ambassador for Regenerate Australia, using his experience and public voice to champion the charity’s purpose and encourage broader engagement in ecological restoration. The role is separate from the charity’s governance and management, which remain the responsibility of its Board and leadership team.

Joe Heffernan, CEO of Regenerate Australia, said: “Tim brings a rare combination of scientific expertise, hands-on restoration experience and a trusted public voice, grounded in a clear understanding that meaningful environmental progress requires practical action sustained over the long term. We are delighted to welcome him as our inaugural Patron and look forward to working together to build greater awareness and support for restoring Australia’s ecosystems.”

Tim holds master's degrees in environmental science and environmental law and was named the 2024 Australian of the Year for South Australia. He is the founder of The Forktree Project, which is restoring a degraded former pastoral property on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, and is also widely known for re-enacting the Antarctic journeys of Sir Douglas Mawson and Sir Ernest Shackleton to advocate for climate action and the protection of Antarctica.

Tim Jarvis AM, Patron of Regenerate Australia, commented: “I am honoured to become Regenerate Australia’s inaugural Patron. Australia is home to extraordinary ecosystems, yet many are under growing pressure making it vital that we protect what remains. That is what makes Regenerate Australia’s mission so important. Its commitment to restoring ecosystems at scale, and with integrity, is something I am proud to support, and I look forward to encouraging more people and organisations to play a role in caring for the landscapes on which we all depend.”

Tim’s appointment builds on an existing relationship between Regenerate Australia and The Forktree Project.

The Forktree Project is currently working alongside Regenerate Australia, Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation and Raukkan Community Council on the community-driven Raukkan restoration initiative on Ngarrindjeri Ruwe in South Australia’s Coorong region. The Forktree Project nursery has grown 25,000 native plants to support the initiative, which is restoring degraded land, establishing a community-designed pocket forest and building long-term local nursery and seed capability.