When Tony Parkes retired from investment banking at the age of 56, few could have predicted that his next chapter would revolve around seedlings, rainforest ecology and one of Australia’s most ambitious conservation efforts. On the far north coast of New South Wales, where once vast scrubland rainforest had been reduced to scattered fragments, Parks found a calling that would shape the rest of his life. Over the next three decades, he helped bring together scientists, landowners, volunteers and conservation groups in a campaign to restore the ecosystem, which had lost more than 99 percent of its original range. Parks died on June 13, 2026 at the age of 96, leaving behind a rainforest restoration movement that continues to grow long after its founder’s death.
this retired banker Behind one of Australia’s biggest restoration jobs
Tony Parks is not a conservationist by training. Born in Hobart, Tasmania, he built a successful career in science, business management and investment banking before retiring from the corporate world.His path changed when he and his wife, Rowena, settled in the northern rivers region of New South Wales. There, Parks learned about the Great Bush, a subtropical rainforest that once covered about 75,000 hectares and is considered Australia’s largest lowland rainforest ecosystem.The scale of the destruction was shocking. Decades of agricultural clearing have reduced the forest area to about 1% of its original area. The remaining land is isolated and fragile, scattered on farms, roadsides and protected areas.What started as an interest in local history quickly evolved into a personal mission. Parks and his wife began restoring rainforest on their land, planting native species and learning how damaged ecosystems recover.
almost disappeared rainforest
Before European settlement, large bushland stretched across the fertile volcanic soil of northern New South Wales. Towering fig trees, palms, and dense vines support a wide variety of birds, mammals, insects, and plants.Its fertile soil has also become its greatest weakness.As settlers expanded their agricultural operations, large tracts of rainforest were cleared for dairy production, grazing, and agriculture. By the end of the twentieth century, the great bush had become one of Australia’s most endangered ecosystems.The consequences extend far beyond the loss of trees. Habitat fragmentation disrupts wildlife populations, reduces biodiversity, and weakens natural ecological processes that have developed over thousands of years.Environmentalists fear that without intervention, many of the remaining rainforest fragments will continue to deteriorate.
launch a revival movement
In 1993, Parks helped found the Big Thicket Land Conservancy, which later became the Big Thicket Rainforest Preserve.Rather than focusing solely on tree-planting activities, the organization developed a broader restoration strategy. Landowners are encouraged to protect remnant rainforest, reconnect fragmented habitats and establish new areas of native vegetation.Parks proved particularly effective at bringing disparate groups together. Scientists, bush regenerators, volunteers, nursery operators, donors and government agencies are all part of the joint effort.His business and management background helps translate local concerns into structured long-term plans that attract funding and sustain momentum.He was also instrumental in establishing conservation organizations such as Rainforest Rescue and EnviTE, extending the impact of restoration efforts to the wider region.Restoration expanded dramatically over the next few decades.Millions of native trees have been planted across the Northern Rivers region, helping to reconnect isolated rainforest and create new habitat corridors for wildlife.Parks and Rowena turned their own property into a living example of the effects of restoration. Tens of thousands of trees were planted, gradually transforming the cleared land into a developing rainforest ecosystem.As the vegetation matures, wildlife begins to return.One species that particularly fascinates Parks is the Wompoo Fruit Dove, a colorful rainforest bird whose eating habits help spread its seeds great distances. Its presence indicates that important ecological processes are once again at work.For many conservationists, the return of native species becomes one of the clearest signs of a successful restoration effort.
Beyond tree planting
Parks understood that restoring the rainforest involved more than just planting saplings in the ground.As restoration science advances, he encourages researchers and conservation groups to examine questions about genetic diversity, climate resilience and long-term ecosystem health.The Big Thicket Rainforest Conservancy is involved in projects exploring seed sources, rainforest genetics and the role of mycorrhizal fungi and microorganisms that help maintain healthy forests.These initiatives aim to ensure that restored rainforests can withstand future stresses, including disease outbreaks and climate change.By combining practical restoration with scientific research, the project serves as a model for ecological restoration efforts in other parts of Australia.
Recognition of lifetime protection
Over the years, Parks’ contributions have earned widespread recognition.He received a Landcare Honor, a Longan Wood Award and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to conservation and environmental restoration.Colleagues often point out, however, that he remains focused on results rather than accolades.The greatest evidence of success can be seen in the landscape itself. Areas that were once dominated by clear-cut farmland are gradually being reforested. Landowners who once viewed rainforests as obstacles increasingly see them as assets worth protecting.What began as a local restoration project has grown into one of Australia’s most important community-led conservation success stories.
A heritage measured in forests
After Parks died in June 2026, tributes poured in from scientists, environmental groups and community leaders who credited him with helping reshape the future of the Big Thicket.The forests he helped restore are still much smaller than the original ecosystems that once covered northern New South Wales. Yet the trajectory has changed. Areas that were once shrinking are now expanding. Habitats that were once fragmented are becoming more connected.Perhaps the most striking aspect of Parks’ story is that his conservation career began after retirement.Many people slow down in their later years. Parks began a 30-year effort to help restore one of Australia’s most endangered ecosystems.Today, millions of trees are growing as evidence of this decision. Long after the meetings, fundraisers and planting projects have faded from memory, the forest itself continues the work he started.
