Spencer Hitchen, 13, is not your average teenager.
While his peers might be preoccupied with video games, Spencer’s life revolves around a mission much grander – and a tad more real.
Spencer is dedicated to lending a voice to the voiceless – and he has turned the volume up to loud.
Conservation and preservation of wild spaces are his motivation, passion and at the centrepiece of his life.
Last year, Spencer initiated World Stand Up For Nature Day, and this week is hosting an exhibition and panel discussion to mark it at The J in Noosa.
“It is a worldwide movement that I am trying to make even bigger,” he said.
Spencer’s efforts are anything but small.
His petition to save the wallum habitat at Grasstree Court, Sunrise Beach – habitat of the at-risk glossy black cockatoos – garnered more than 85,000 signatures, and he is undeterred by the scale of his ambitions.
But while the plan to stop a development on the land parcel was unsuccessful, he has taken his learnings and channelled his passion.
He has produced a calendar to raise funds for the cause, has attended council and corporate meetings and given public talks.
His efforts drew attention from national media last year, but until the battle is won, he said he will not rest.
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Spencer’s attire – his shirt always tucked meticulously into his pants and his hair neatly gelled – might suggest a formal professional, but his work is driven by a passion that is purely childlike.
“I have always been homeschooled. It is all I know,” Spencer said.
“My school is my work. My conservation work is my education.”
Born and bred on the Sunshine Coast, Spencer’s journey into the world of conservation began early.
At just six years old, he joined a local environmental group and it was there that his love for nature grew roots.
“I have always loved nature,” Spencer said.
“It is not even a choice, wanting to protect it.”
Spencer’s introduction to wildlife photography was equally serendipitous.
He began snapping photos with his parents’ phones to identify the flora and fauna he encountered.
Inspired by their son’s enthusiasm, Maxine and Gerard Hitchen gifted Spencer his first Canon Powershot camera at the age of seven.
Since then, his collection has grown to include various models, including his beloved Nikon given to him by Noosa Photo Club, who had discovered the young artist’s talent for capturing the essence of the natural world.
“Observing, learning and standing up for nature: that is what it is all about,” Spencer said.
“Observe your local environment, learn about it, and you will want to protect it just like I have.”
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Spencer says his conservation awareness work does not interfere with his leisure – his work is his leisure.
He gave his first public address at just eight years old.
“I love public speaking,” he said.
“I guess knowing all about your topic is important. It is important to have the knowledge in order to be confident speaking about it.”
Spencer’s mum Maxine plays a pivotal role in his journey as a young environmentalist and has given her heart and time to the cause.
She also home schools Spencer full-time and manages all his phone calls.
Despite his demanding schedule, Spencer maintains a sense of humour about his dual life.
“It is really funny when I tell people I am a professional photographer because they are always like ‘What!’,” he said.
“I’m not afraid of asking people what they do to stand up for nature and what they are going to do in the future to stand up for nature.”
Spencer’s ambitions are as formidable as his accomplishments.
“I would love to be an environmental lawyer one day,” he said.
“The sooner I can get to university, the better.”
The World Stand Up For Nature Day pop-up art exhibition opening event and panel discussion was held at The J on September 2.
The exhibition is open until September 5.
Ida Fink Gundtoft is a student at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
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