Vale Fiona Wain, former head of SBA

It is with great sadness that I inform you Fiona Wain passed away this week, following her long and courageous battle with cancer.

She was in the company of friends at her passing, after she slipped into a coma yesterday.

What can be said about the inspiring and tenacious resilience of Fiona?

Led by Fiona, the Sustainable Business Assocation embarked on a strategic plan to raise the business debate about the role and scope for smart policies, investment, technology and trade opportunities towards achieving a sustainable and just world. Under her leadership, the then Environment Business Australia raised awareness about the scale and relevance of environmental challenges.

Over the years she pursued the role of Australian business at a number of international forums. This including chairing the business leaders Sustainable Production and Consumption Working Group at the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002.

She was instrumental in the recognition of the nascent environment industry in 2001, through development and release of the Australian Environment Industry Action report,

Her representation on the Queensland Government’s Climate Change Council, submissions on the Renewable Energy Target and to the development of the Australian Emissions Trading scheme will long be remembered as a significant business contribution to the sustainability agenda in this country.

Through Fiona’s efforts, Australian business saw the creation of national forums, including involvement in the launch of the Environment Business Conference (which is now EcoForum) in alliance with key business groups, and Carbon Expo, which is now Australia’s premier carbon policy and trade expo.

Fiona was a high-energy person, never short of an opinion and never afraid to confront the status quo. And there was her love for champagne – and champagne only!

Fiona Wain’s 10-year leadership of SBA was a reflection of her belief in the need for the stewardship by mankind of our environment and our fellow human beings. She nurtured and took responsibility for something on behalf of everyone. That something was SBA.

We will miss her.

Andrew Petersen

CEO

Sustainable Business Australia