Stephan Schnierer, a Byron local, has been awarded an Order Australia (OA) from the 2026 Kings Birthday honours list.
His contributions were recognised for Fisheries Management, Biodiversity and Indigenous Education in the Northern Rivers Area.
Stephan’s sister, Karen, told The Echo, ‘Our mother was one of the Watego family who grew up at what is now known as Watego’s Beach. Our dad was a Hungarian refugee, Imre Schnierer. Our parents stressed the need to get an education, and they also showed us how important it was to contribute to community by being involved in community activities, in particular the Byron Bay Football Club and local politics’.
‘Stephan has exceeded our parents expectations by devoting much his life to his work with the support of his own family, he has never sought out kudos for his achievements, but it seems only fitting to acknowledge what he did achieve, and still does for the wider community, especially a local identity who is probably more recently better known for his surfing prowess and musical talent’.
The following is Mr Schnierer’s CV:
Fisheries Advisory Roles
- Member, Indigenous Reference Group, Fisheries Research Development Corporation, 2010–2026.
- Chair, Fishing Fund Advisory Council, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, 2019–2021.
- Chair, NSW Indigenous Fisheries Advisory Group, 2000–2004.
- Member, NSW Fisheries Resource Conservation and Assessment Council, 2001–2005.
- Member, NSW Ministerial Fishing Advisory Council, 2014–2023.
- Member, NSW Aboriginal Fishing Advisory Council, 2010–2023.
- Member, Fisheries Council of South Australia, 2013–2015.
- Member, NSW Fisheries Research Advisory Body, 2003–2015.
- Member, NSW Seafood Industry Advisory Council, 2005–2010.
- Member, NSW Fisheries Resource Conservation and Assessment Council, 2001–2005.
- Member, NSW Marine Parks Advisory Council, 1998–2006.
Fisheries Research
- Co-investigator, review of National and International approaches to the incorporation of Indigenous rights into all facets of fisheries practices, 2025–2026.
- Co-investigator, development of a National Indigenous fisheries engagement framework, 2023–2025.
- Lead Researcher, examining National, State and Territory fisheries legislation and fisheries management strategies relating to Indigenous fisheries rights, 2016.
- Lead Researcher, two projects identifying and describing Indigenous cultural fisheries and management practices in NSW, 2009–2011.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
- Member, Ecosystem Reef Advisory Committee, 2010–2011.
- Member, Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee, 2009–2010.
- Member, Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage Reef Advisory Committee, 2003–2009.
Other Ecology
- Member, Independent Expert Panel, Reef 2050 Plan, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, 2015–2025.
- Adjunct Associate Professor, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, 2016–2020.
- Member, International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity, 2000–2013.
- Member, National Marine Mammal Advisory Committee, 2010–2013.
- Member, National Biological Diversity Advisory Committee, 2002–2007.
- Member, National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks, 2002–2007.
Southern Cross University
- Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, 2015–2021.
- Associate Professor, Environmental Science and Management, 2001–2015.
- Founder and Director, College of Indigenous Australian Peoples (Gnibi College), 1991–2001.
- Chair, Southern Cross University Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
- Lecturer, 1985–1988.
Community
- Trustee, Australian Museum, 1998–2006.
Awards and Recognition include
- Australian Marine Science Association: Excellence in Sea Country Award, 2022.
- Local Indigenous Hero, NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 2006.
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