# Harry Butler

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Australian naturalist (1930–2015)

For other people named Harry Butler, see [Harry Butler (disambiguation)](/source/Harry_Butler_(disambiguation)).

Harry Butler AO CBE Born William Henry Butler (1930-03-25)25 March 1930 Perth, Western Australia, Australia Died 11 December 2015(2015-12-11) (aged 85) Perth, Western Australia Alma mater Claremont Teachers College Western State College Occupations Environmental consultant television presenter Employer ABC Known for Environmentalism, songwriting Television In the Wild – ABC Television

**William Henry Butler** [AO](/source/Officer_of_the_Order_of_Australia) [CBE](/source/Commander_of_the_Order_of_the_British_Empire) (25 March 1930 – 11 December 2015) was an Australian [naturalist](/source/Natural_history) and environmental consultant, best known as the presenter of the popular [ABC](/source/Australian_Broadcasting_Corporation) television series *[In the Wild](/source/In_the_Wild)* from 1976 to 1981. He was a household name as he took viewers to remote parts of Australia observing and admiring the natural environment.

His advocacy led to the establishment of offshore islands as reserves for plants and animals, protected from invasive species. Now his legacy is being remembered with [Murdoch University](/source/Murdoch_University)'s Harry Butler Institute. The new research and education facility brings science, business and the community together to address environmental problems.

He spoke highly of how Indigenous people cared for the land, having extensive knowledge of indigenous culture and vast experience with various language groups throughout Western Australia.

## Biography

Butler was born on 25 March 1930 in Perth, Western Australia.[1] He attended [Claremont Teachers College](/source/Claremont_Teachers_College) in Western Australia and later the [Western State College](/source/Western_State_College) in the United States.[2]

Butler co-wrote "[Sun Arise](/source/Sun_Arise)" with fellow Western Australian [Rolf Harris](/source/Rolf_Harris); the song reached the [Top 10 in the UK](/source/UK_Music_Charts) in 1962.[3]

Butler was a populariser of science and natural history for both child and adult audiences, especially through the ABC television series *[In the Wild](/source/In_the_Wild)*, which led to him being named [Australian of the Year](/source/Australian_of_the_Year) in 1979. He also authored the books *In The Wild*, *In the Wild (Part II)* and *Looking at the Wild*.

As conservation consultant to the [Barrow Island](/source/Barrow_Island_(Western_Australia)) oilfield and many other projects, Butler played a major role in environmental conservation and restoration in Australia. In 1968, he participated in the fifth of the [Harold Hall Australian ornithological collecting expeditions](/source/Harold_Hall_Australian_Expeditions). He lectured, and was honoured, at museums in Western Australia, Canada, and the United States. Butler was a supporter of development projects such as mining, working with corporations and state governments as an environmental consultant.

Butler lost some popularity with his support of the construction of the [Franklin River Dam](/source/Franklin_Dam_controversy) in the early 1980s.[4]

He died of cancer, aged 85, at a hospital in Perth on 11 December 2015.[5]

## Controversies

Butler received some backlash for not supporting Kakadu's listing as a national park "After he argued that Stage Two of the Kakadu National Park should not be included in the World Heritage list, saying the area was "biologically degraded", he was dropped from Australian Bicentennial Authority advertising."[6] referring to the area as a "clapped-out Holden"[7]

## Honours

In 1970, Butler was appointed a Member of the [Order of the British Empire](/source/Order_of_the_British_Empire).[8] In 1980 this was upgraded to Commander level (CBE).[9]

In 1979, Butler was named the joint [Australian of the Year](/source/Australian_of_the_Year),[10] jointly with [Neville Bonner](/source/Neville_Bonner).

In 1993, he was awarded a cash prize for his 30 years of work with the petroleum industry.

On 4 March 2012, he was added to the [National Trust of Australia](/source/National_Trust_of_Australia)'s [National Living Treasures](/source/Australian_Living_Treasures) list.[11][12][13]

On 11 June 2012, he was named an Officer of the [Order of Australia](/source/Order_of_Australia) for "distinguished service to the community through the promotion of public understanding of natural history and wildlife conservation, to the development of collaborative environmental partnerships with industry, and to the community".[14]

On 17 April 2016, the new [Western Australian Museum](/source/Western_Australian_Museum) research facility and storage centre in [Welshpool](/source/Welshpool%2C_Western_Australia) was named in his honour.[15]

The Harry Butler Institute was established in August 2017 at [Murdoch University](/source/Murdoch_University), in honour of Harry's legacy. The sustainable research institute fosters a collaborative research environment that drives innovation for a sustainable future.[16] A Harry Butler Science Centre is in development at Murdoch University.[17]

### Species named after Butler

A species of mulga snake, *[Pseudechis butleri](/source/Pseudechis_butleri)*,[18] and a spider, *[Synothele butleri](/source/Synothele_butleri)*, are named after Butler.[19][20] Three species of Australian lizards are named after Butler: *[Delma butleri](/source/Delma_butleri), [Morethia butleri](/source/Morethia_butleri)*, and *[Notoscincus butleri](/source/Notoscincus_butleri)*.[18] Two species of Australian lizards are named after Butler and his wife Margaret: *[Ctenophorus butlerorum](/source/Ctenophorus_butlerorum)* and *[Eremiascincus butlerorum](/source/Eremiascincus_butlerorum)*.[18] Two species of Australian reptiles are named after Margaret: a snake, *[Anilios margaretae](/source/Anilios_margaretae)*; and a lizard, *[Diporiphora margaretae](/source/Diporiphora_margaretae)*.[18]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AotY2006_1-0)** [Australian of the Year Awards: Harry Butler CBE, 1979](http://www.australianoftheyear.org.au/pages/page88.asp) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090212201117/http://australianoftheyear.org.au/pages/page88.asp) 12 February 2009 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) (2006). Retrieved on 4 December 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Butler, William Henry (1930 – )"](http://www.eoas.info/biogs/P001957b.htm). *Encyclopedia of Australian Science*. Retrieved 7 May 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sunarise_3-0)** Morgan, Joyce (29 September 2003). ["Chairman of the wobble board"](http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/09/28/1064687666041.html). *The Sydney Morning Herald*. Retrieved 12 December 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [In the Wild with Harry Butler (1976 – 1981)](https://aso.gov.au/titles/series/in-the-wild-with-harry-butler/), [Australian Screen Online](/source/Australian_Screen_Online)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-death_5-0)** ["Harry Butler: Conservationist dies of cancer in Perth aged 85"](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-12/conservationist-harry-butler-dies-of-cancer-at-85/7023708). Australia: ABC News. 12 December 2015. Retrieved 12 December 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [https://www.smh.com.au/national/obituary-the-bushman-who-brought-his-love-of-the-outback-into-living-rooms-20151213-glmboz.html](https://www.smh.com.au/national/obituary-the-bushman-who-brought-his-love-of-the-outback-into-living-rooms-20151213-glmboz.html)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Undermining Australian parks [https://www.nature.com/articles/326434c0.pdf](https://www.nature.com/articles/326434c0.pdf)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [It's an Honour: MBE](https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1089174)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [It's an Honour: CBE](https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1065250)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [Lewis, Wendy](/source/Wendy_Lewis) (2010). *Australians of the Year*. Pier 9 Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-74196-809-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-74196-809-5).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Seven added to national living treasure list"](http://www.smh.com.au/national/seven-added-to-national-living-treasure-list-20120304-1ubaq.html). *The Sydney Morning Herald*. 5 March 2012. Retrieved 19 December 2015. Dr Butler said it was a shame thousands of his colleagues were not joining him on the list.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["National Trust of Australia (NSW) – National Living Treasures"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120321053059/http://www.nationaltrust.com.au/nationallivingtreasures/). Archived from [the original](http://www.nationaltrust.com.au/nationallivingtreasures) on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Australian National Living Treasure"](http://alldownunder.com/australian-aussies/national-living-treasure.htm). *ALLdownunder.com.au*. Retrieved 5 April 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia – The Queen's Birthday 2012 Honours Lists"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120617004657/http://www.gg.gov.au/res/file/2012/honours/qb2012/Media%20Notes%20AO%20%28final%29.pdf) (PDF). [Official Secretary to the Governor-General of Australia](/source/Official_Secretary_to_the_Governor-General_of_Australia). 11 June 2012. p. [5](http://www.gg.gov.au/res/file/2012/honours/qb2012/Media%20Notes%20AO%20(final).pdf#page=5). Archived from [the original](http://www.gg.gov.au/res/file/2012/honours/qb2012/Media%20Notes%20AO%20(final).pdf) (PDF) on 17 June 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["New museum centre honours legendary naturalist Harry Butler"](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-17/new-museum-facility-honours-harry-butler/7333324). Australia: ABC News. 17 April 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** The pioneering approach to science that he championed in Murdoch’s early years has become a mainstay, not only at Murdoch, but the world over.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Architect selected to design Harry Butler Science Centre"](https://www.murdoch.edu.au/news/articles/architect-selected-to-design-harry-butler-science-centre?_gl=1*11cat5p*_gcl_au*ODk0ODQ0NTU2LjE3MjQzMTIzMjk.*_ga*MTIwODQyNTQyNi4xNjg4NjEzOTE3*_ga_JJL7264DX3*MTczMDc3MTc1OS41MDAuMS4xNzMwNzcyMTIwLjE4LjAuMjY3NTAzMzQ2). 21 November 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-EDR_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-EDR_18-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-EDR_18-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-EDR_18-3) [Beolens, Bo](/source/Bo_Beolens); [Watkins, Michael](/source/Michael_Watkins_(zoologist)); [Grayson, Michael](/source/Michael_Grayson) (2011). *The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles*. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-4214-0135-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4214-0135-5). (Butler, W.H., p. 44; Margaret B., p. 168).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** [Raven, Robert](/source/Robert_Raven); Marshall, Tracey. ["A spider honours list?"](http://www.uq.edu.au/~xxrraven/baryhons.html). *Staff publications*. University of Queensland. Retrieved 6 March 2009.[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["*Pseudechis*"](https://web.archive.org/web/20030924220705/http://www.kingsnake.com/toxinology/old/snakes/Pseudechis/Pseudechis.html). kingsnake.com. 1998. Archived from [the original](http://www.kingsnake.com/toxinology/old/snakes/Pseudechis/Pseudechis.html) on 24 September 2003. Retrieved 28 February 2009.

- McCarthy, G.J (4 December 2006). ["Butler, William Henry (1930 – )"](http://www.asap.unimelb.edu.au/bsparcs/biogs/P001957b.htm). *Bright Sparcs Biographical entry*. The University of Melbourne eScholarship Research Centre (Australian Science and Technology Heritage Centre). Retrieved 4 December 2007. Butler was an honorary associate of the Western Australian Museum and the American Museum of Natural History.

- [Robyn Williams (presenter)](/source/Robyn_Williams) (27 July 2006). ["Harry Butler"](http://www.abc.net.au/rn/inconversation/stories/2006/1689055.htm). *In Conversation*. Australian Broadcasting Corporation – Radio National. Retrieved 4 December 2007.

Awards Preceded by Alan Bond and Galarrwuy Yunupingu Australian of the Year Award 1979 Served alongside: Senator Neville Bonner Succeeded by Manning Clark

## External links

- [In Conversation 27 July 2006 ABC Interview](http://www.abc.net.au/rn/inconversation/stories/2006/1689055.htm)

- [Australian Of The Year website- Harry Butler](https://web.archive.org/web/20090212201117/http://australianoftheyear.org.au/pages/page88.asp)

v t e Winners of the Australian of the Year Award Frank Burnet (1960) Joan Sutherland (1961) Jock Sturrock (1962) John Eccles (1963) Dawn Fraser (1964) Robert Helpmann (1965) Jack Brabham (1966) The Seekers (1967) Lionel Rose (1968) Lord Casey (1969) Norman Gilroy (1970) Evonne Goolagong (1971) Shane Gould (1972) Patrick White (1973) Bernard Heinze (1974) John Cornforth/Alan Stretton (1975) Edward Dunlop (1976) Raigh Roe/Murray Tyrrell (1977) Alan Bond/Galarrwuy Yunupingu (1978) Neville Bonner/Harry Butler (1979) Manning Clark (1980) John Crawford (1981) Edward Williams (1982) Robert de Castella (1983) Lowitja O'Donoghue (1984) Paul Hogan (1985) Dick Smith (1986) John Farnham (1987) Kay Cottee (1988) Allan Border (1989) Fred Hollows (1990) Peter Hollingworth (1991) Mandawuy Yunupingu (1992) no award (1993) Ian Kiernan (1994) Arthur Boyd (1995) John Yu (1996) Peter Doherty (1997) Cathy Freeman (1998) Mark Taylor (1999) Gustav Nossal (2000) Peter Cosgrove (2001) Pat Rafter (2002) Fiona Stanley (2003) Steve Waugh (2004) Fiona Wood (2005) Ian Frazer (2006) Tim Flannery (2007) Lee Kernaghan (2008) Mick Dodson (2009) Patrick McGorry (2010) Simon McKeon (2011) Geoffrey Rush (2012) Ita Buttrose (2013) Adam Goodes (2014) Rosie Batty (2015) David Morrison (2016) Alan Mackay-Sim (2017) Michelle Simmons (2018) Craig Challen/Richard Harris (joint, 2019) James Muecke (2020) Grace Tame (2021) Dylan Alcott (2022) Taryn Brumfitt (2023) Georgina Long/Richard Scolyer (joint, 2024) Neale Daniher (2025) Katherine Bennell-Pegg (2026)

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF GND FAST WorldCat National United States Artists MusicBrainz People Trove

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Harry Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Butler) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Butler?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.