It is with great sadness that we learnt of the recent passing of our friend and colleague Wayne Tennant.
Wayne bravely dealt with cancer and other significant health complications during his life, but sadly lost his battle on the 4th August 2015.
Many RBMS members crossed paths with Wayne during his 30 year career in catchment management. Members of the RBMS committee fondly remember Wayne as a friendly, supportive and generous person, always full of encouragement for younger staff and colleagues. He was at the forefront of waterway management, always willing to explore different possibilities and opportunities to embrace new technology. One of Wayne’s great legacies is the Goulburn Broken Catchment Regional Waterway Strategy 2014-2022, which sets the priorities for river health in that region over the coming decade.
Chris Norman, CEO of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority said that ‘a report written by Wayne summed up his principles and approach as; “working with rivers, not against them is the answer – patience, passion and working together.” Wayne applied this not only to rivers but to all the many relationships and partnerships he formed with staff and colleagues at the Goulburn Broken CMA and his extensive network across the river health sector.’
In his personal life, Wayne was heavily involved in regional sport – as a player in his youth and as a coach. He was renowned for his skill, fairness, encouragement and ‘always letting everyone have a go’. This ethic was reflected in his work life and the respect he gained is demonstrated by the number of colleagues and friends, old and young, who attended his funeral in Wangaratta.
People were often surprised to hear of Wayne’s long history of health issues as he was always upbeat and never spoke or complained of such problems.
Those who knew Wayne are likely to remember him as a conscientious and intelligent, yet humorous, champion and leader of waterway management. The RBMS would like to pass on our sincerest sympathy to Wayne’s family and colleagues at the sad time. He will be fondly missed as our mate, our colleague and as an advocate for river health in Australia.