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Conservationist's heartache propels work

Watching drought force her grandparents off their farm in northern NSW set Anna Rose on a path to becoming Australian Geographic's conservationist of the year.

When the Gunnedah farm was sold, the then 14-year-old's beloved horse Peppen went too.

"The hardest thing was seeing the land change," the 31-year-old said.

"I'd grown up playing in the river, which was now dry.

"It made me want to do something to help the planet."

Among her achievements, Ms Rose has co-founded the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and journeyed with former Liberal senator Nick Minchin to change his mind about climate change.

More recently, she has been campaigning to improve Australia's renewable energy target.

"(Global warming) is something that can unite us as a country," she said.

And Australian Geographic have recognised her efforts at its annual adventure and conservation accolades in Sydney.

Award recipients included Hans Tholstrup for a Lifetime of Adventure, Bindi Irwin for Young Conservationist of the Year and Jason Beachcroft for Adventurer of the Year.

Mr Beachcroft spent about 18 months kayaking alone around Australia, meeting people and plenty of sharks along the way.

The 45-year-old became the first person to paddle around the country, including Tasmania, when his journey ended in June this year.

Despite encountering more than 50 sharks on the trip, the adventurer has decried culling the creatures.

"The little black tip reef sharks reminded me of puppy dogs," he said.

"I even patted one, it just sat there in the water ... they were quite cute."

The kayaker attributed his success to a mix of preparation, "pig-headedness" and luck.

"You're not going to succeed unless you get off your bum and give it a shot."

Other Australian Geographic award recipients included climate change advocate Tim Flannery, adventurer Belinda Ritchie and ex-soldiers Heath Jamieson and Seamus Donaghue.