When Tony Parks retired from investment banking at the age of 56, no one could have predicted that the next chapter of his work 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 the vast Big Scrub rainforest was reduced to fragments, Parkes 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 an ecosystem that had lost more than 99% of its original range. Parks died on June 13, 2026, at the age of 96, leaving behind a rainforest recovery movement that has continued to grow long after its founder’s death.
the Retired banker Behind one of the largest restoration efforts in Australia
Tony Parks was not a conservationist by training. Born in Hobart, Tasmania, he built a successful career spanning science, business management and investment banking before retiring from corporate life.His path changed after he and his wife Rowena settled in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. There, Parkes learned about Big Scrub, a subtropical rainforest that once covered about 75,000 hectares and was considered the largest lowland rainforest ecosystem in Australia.
The extent of the devastation it caused was astonishing. Decades of agricultural clearing have reduced the forest to approximately 1% of its original size. The remaining patches were isolated, weak, and scattered on farms, roadsides, and reserves.What started as an interest in local history soon developed into a personal mission. Parks and his wife began restoring rainforests on their own property, planting native species and learning how damaged ecosystems can recover.
Rainforests that have almost disappeared
Before European settlement, the Big Scrub area extended across the rich volcanic soils of northern New South Wales. Towering figs, palms, and dense vines support an extraordinary diversity of birds, mammals, insects, and plants.Its fertile soil also became its greatest weakness.As settlers expanded their agricultural operations, large portions of the rainforest were cleared for dairy production, grazing, and agriculture.
By the late 20th century, the Big Scrub had become one of the most endangered ecosystems in Australia.The consequences extend beyond the loss of trees. Habitat fragmentation has disrupted wildlife populations, reduced biodiversity, and weakened natural ecological processes that have evolved over thousands of years.Conservationists fear that without intervention, many parts of the remaining rainforest will continue to deteriorate.
Building a restoration movement
In 1993, Parks helped found Big Scrub Landcare Group, which later evolved into Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy.Rather than focusing solely on tree planting events, the organization developed a broader restoration strategy. Landowners were encouraged to protect remaining rainforests, reconnect fragmented habitats and create new areas of native plants.Parks proved particularly effective in bringing different groups together.
Scientists, bush restorers, volunteers, nursery operators, donors and government agencies became part of a joint effort.His background in business and management helped turn local interest into a structured, long-term program capable of attracting funding and maintaining momentum.He also played a role in establishing conservation organizations including Rainforest Rescue and EnviTE, expanding the impact of restoration work across a wider area.Over the following decades, restoration efforts expanded dramatically.Millions of native trees have been planted across the Northern Rivers region, helping to reconnect isolated areas of rainforest and creating new natural corridors for wildlife.Parks and Rowena have turned their own property into a living example of what restoration can achieve. 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 fascinated Parks was the Wompoo Fruit Dove, a colorful rainforest bird whose feeding habits help it spread seeds over great distances. Their presence indicates that important ecological processes are starting to work again.For many conservationists, the return of native species has become one of the clearest signs that restoration efforts are working.
Look beyond planting trees
Parks realized that rebuilding rainforests involved much more than simply planting seedlings in the ground.As restoration science has advanced, it has encouraged researchers and conservation groups to study questions related to genetic diversity, climate resilience, and long-term ecosystem health.The Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy has been 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 pressures, including disease outbreaks and climate change.By combining hands-on restoration with scientific research, the project has become a model for environmental recovery efforts elsewhere in Australia.
Lifetime recognition for conservation
Parks’ contribution has received widespread recognition over the years.He has received Land Stewardship Honours, a Banksia Award, and has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to conservation and restoration.However, his colleagues often pointed out that he remained focused on results rather than awards.The greatest evidence of success can be seen in the scene itself. Areas previously dominated by cleared agricultural land were gradually returning to forests. Landowners, who once viewed rainforests as a liability, increasingly view them as an asset worth protecting.What started as a local restoration project has evolved into one of Australia’s most important community-led conservation success stories.
A legacy measured in forests
After Parks’ death in June 2026, tributes poured in from scientists, environmental organizations and community leaders who credited him with helping to reshape Big Scrub’s future.The forests he helped restore remain much smaller than the original ecosystem that once covered northern New South Wales. However, the course has changed. Areas that were shrinking are now expanding. Habitats that were fragmented have become connected.Perhaps the most notable aspect of Parks’ story is that his career in conservation began after retirement.Many people spend their final years idling. Parks embarked on a 30-year effort that helped revive one of Australia’s most endangered ecosystems.Today, millions of growing trees stand as evidence of this decision. After a long period of meetings, the fundraising campaigns and planting projects have faded from memory, and the forests themselves continue the work he started.