Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) mourns the passing of John Harrison Streicker, founder and board member of Friends of AWC (FoAWC) and a long-time supporter of conservation in Australia. John died on 10 March 2022, at age 79, in his New York home and leaves behind a significant and lasting legacy of philanthropic work including many years of great leadership as the inaugural Board Chair and Director of FoAWC.
“John is well remembered for his wonderful generosity and deep commitment to Australian conservation,” said Nick Butcher, AWC Chair. “I will really miss his good humour, wise counsel, and fun company.”
A real estate mogul, John was the Chair of Sentinel Real Estate Corporation, a real estate investment advisor serving institutional investors in America, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. His introduction to Australia’s natural diversity came after a visit to Australia in the early 2000s. A meeting with AWC exposed John to the extensive and urgent task of restoring and protecting the country’s unique wildlife.
Upon returning to New York, John established the international charitable organisation Wildlife Australia Fund to highlight the global significance of Australia’s threatened species, and shortly after founded FoAWC to encourage international financial support. FoAWC would later expand to the UK and go on to help fund numerous AWC programs.
“AWC will be forever grateful to John for his wisdom and guidance in developing interest in Australian conservation in the USA and beyond. It is a sad time, but AWC will benefit from his generosity and support for years to come,” said Tim Allard, Australian Wildlife Conservancy Chief Executive.
Wayne Lawler/AWCIn addition to his work with Australian wildlife, John was the owner of Streicker Wines and Clairault Wines, both based in the Margaret River region of Australia, and a director of the Australian American Leadership Dialogue.
John was on the board of trustees of The Graduate Center Foundation of the City University of New York, and Temple Emanu-el of the City of New York, where he was President. He had served on the board of The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate, as Chairman of Manhattan’s Community Board #5 and was a member of the adjunct faculty of the Yale School of Organization and Management. From 2001 to 2005, he served as a member of the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board.
He leaves behind his wife, Barbara, four children and eight grandchildren. Our thoughts are with family, friends and those closest to John Streicker.
