Vale Kevin Smith

(Photo above by Michael Tropiano) 

The staff, board and members of Environs Kimberley were shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of our good friend, Kevin Smith, on February 25.

Kevin was an advocate for nature and justice and had a great sense of humour. He was a quiet achiever for the natural environment, both in his professional life and as a volunteer. 

He coordinated the Kimberley branch of Conservation Volunteers Australia, and Broome’s Turtle Monitoring program.  He remained a champion for turtles, and was out monitoring their nests shortly before his death.

Kevin was an unfailing volunteer for our Seagrass Monitoring Project, always helping out while taking photos of the creatures that live in this remarkable ecosystem. He had a keen eye for the delicate and unusual and he was never to be seen without his camera. 

Kevin sat on the EK Board of Management for a number of years, and then as a member of the Gift Fund Committee.  He was always present at EK events such as the Art Auction, where he’d often photograph the night for us. He would regularly attend protests and demonstrations to protect the Kimberley and the environment generally, be it for James Price Point or action on climate change.

Kevin specialized in taking images of wildlife, and early risers might meet him on bush tracks or down on Reddell Beach, looking for subjects to photograph.

In 2019, with friends, Kevin opened a shop in Chinatown, ‘Rockpool’, selling local arts and crafts, so serving the community as well as making a modest income. 

People who knew Kevin will miss him sorely.  He leaves a big gap.