Update: A memorial service celebrating Stephen's life will be held on Friday, August 1st, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Fern Tree Community Centre, 8 Stephenson Place, Fern Tree. Click here to learn more.

The Wildcare Tasmania community is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Stephen Mattingley, a much-admired volunteer, former Board member, and steadfast contributor to conservation in Tasmania. Our thoughts are with his wife, Sandy, who is currently being supported by family and close friends. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her, to Stephen’s sister, Rosemary, and brother, Chris, and to all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with Stephen.

Stephen’s contributions to Wildcare – and Tasmania’s broader environmental movement – were immense. He gave his time, skills and gentle wisdom to an extraordinary number of volunteer groups and organisations. He was a former Wildcare Board member and served as President (organiser/convenor) of Wildcare Friends of Wellington Park and Friends of Mount Field, as well as a committee member of Friends of the Orange-bellied Parrot and Friends of Melaleuca.

He was also an active member of Threatened Plants Tasmania, Wildcare SPRATS, Friends of Three Hummock Island, Cradle Mountain Volunteers, Friends of GIS, and formerly, Friends of the Hobart Rivulet Platypus. Beyond Wildcare, Stephen gave generously of his time and talents to the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, The Wilderness Society (Tasmania), Wildlife Network Tasmania, and the Tasmanian National Parks Association. He also volunteered with City of Hobart Bushcare, including Friends of Knocklofty Bushcare and Hobart Rivulet Bushcare.

Stephen also made significant contributions to conservation on mainland Australia, including with The Wilderness Society Australia, the Environmental Defenders Office WA, WA Forest Alliance, and as a donor and supporter of Bush Heritage Australia.

Stephen (1)

Stephen brought a calm, thoughtful presence to every group he supported. He was a willing volunteer on countless working bees, a careful and constructive editor, and a reliable committee member who frequently offered help without hesitation. Those who served alongside him on the Wildcare Board especially valued his governance knowledge, his legal insight, and his principled approach to decision-making. He was always dependable, measured, and respectful.

His departure from the Board some years ago reflected not a retreat, but a desire to contribute more directly to on-the-ground efforts. In doing so, he remained as committed as ever to the values of conservation, justice, and community.

Survey Crew With Stephen & Sandy at Arthur River Sept 2024 by Lotte Kronborg

Those who knew Stephen speak of him as a good man. A just man. A true friend. We at Wildcare feel his absence deeply.

We remember and give thanks for a life so generously given in service to Tasmania’s natural places, and to the people who care for them.

A memorial service celebrating Stephen's life will be held Friday, August 1st, 11am, 2025 Fern Tree Community Centre, 8 Stephenson Place, Fern Tree. Click here to learn more.

Friends of Bass Strait Islands

If penguins wore dresses, what would they be made of?