cover image: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Victoria | Michael Boniwell

THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — CONTENTS 1

Table of 1 Introduction
1.1  Our identity
3
3
3.4  Standard spelling
3.4.1 Accents
26
26

contents
1.2  Our history, purpose and values 3 3.4.2 Capitalisation 26
1.3  Our communication principles 4 3.4.3 Prefixes 28
3.5 Language 28
2  Visual style guide 7 3.5.1 Acronyms 28
2.1  Our logo 7 3.5.2 Ampersand 28
2.2  Our images 12 3.5.3  Collective nouns 28
2.3  Our colours 16 3.5.4 Contractions 29
2.4  Our font 17 3.5.5  Have or has 29
2.5  Our production principles 18 3.5.6  Over, more than 29
2.6  Our templates 19 3.5.7 Places 29
3.5.8 Trademarks 30
3  Written style guide 21 3.5.9  Web and email addresses 30
3.1  Top 10 points 21 3.6  Dates, time, numbers, measurements 30
3.2  Document standards 22 3.6.1 Dates 30
3.2.1 Bolding 22 3.6.2 Time 31
3.2.2  Digital text 22 3.6.3 Measurements 31
3.2.3 Italics 22 3.6.4 Numbers 31
3.2.4  Line and paragraph spacing 22 3.7  TWS-specific terminology 33
3.2.5  Text alignment 22 3.7.1  Talking about ourselves 33
3.2.6 Underlining 22 3.7.2  Talking about others 33
3.2.7  Widows and orphans 22 3.7.3  Talking about the government 34
3.2.8  Word spacing 22 3.7.4  Talking about plants and animals 34
3.3 Punctuation 23 3.7.5  Talking about places 34
3.3.1 Apostrophes 23 3.7.6  Talking about the Indigenous 36
3.3.2  Bulleted lists and numbered lists 23 culture
3.3.3 Colons 24
3.3.4 Commas 24 4 Annexes 45
3.3.5  Ellipsis points 24 Commonly misspelt words 45
3.3.6  Exclamation marks 24
3.3.7  Full stops 24
3.3.8 Hyphens 25
3.3.9  Quotation marks 25
3.3.10 Semicolons 26
2 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — VISUAL STYLE GUIDE

image: Former Wilderness Society Director, Bob Brown, at a protest action against the Franklin Dam. | The Wilderness Society archive

1 Introduction 1.1 Our identity
Communication is about more than just words
and pictures — it’s about identity.
At The Wilderness Society, we know that effective
communication is about making a connection
with our audience — a connection that lets them
share our ‘idea of nature’ and identify with our
vision for Australia’s natural places.
The Wilderness Society is a one-of-a-kind
organisation. We all have a stake in defending its
image, safeguarding its legacy and expressing its
unique identity in the best way possible.
“The idea of wilderness needs no defence. It only
needs more defenders.”— Edward Abbey, American
essayist and author.
This guide is designed to help you create written
and visual content that follows The Wilderness
Society approved style for images, spelling,
grammar and punctuation.
Our aim is to help you communicate with
stakeholders and the broader public in an
effective and consistent way which compliments
brand guidelines.
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — INTRODUCTION 3
1.2 Our history, purpose
and values
Our history
The Wilderness Society was formed in 1976 by a
small group of volunteers committed to protecting
the ‘wilderness’ values of south-west Tasmania. Our
involvement in the campaign against plans to dam
Tasmania’s Franklin River soon saw our group — and
our ‘idea of wilderness’ — gain a national profile.
As our first director, Kevin Kiernan, once said,
“There was a sort of gut feeling about what
wilderness was. There was a sense of not being
constrained, of being able to climb to the top of the
nearest hill and look out across a landscape where
you didn’t see damage.”
By 1980, under the directorship of Dr Bob Brown,
we extended our reach and began campaigning for
the protection of natural places all over Australia.
Bob was later elected to the Tasmanian Parliament
and is best known for his role as leader of the
Australian Greens.
The Wilderness Society has been a key player in
Australia’s most famous environmental campaigns,
including old-growth forest protection in Tasmania,
Wild Rivers legislation in Queensland, and
opposition to Woodside’s proposed gas hub in the
Kimberley region of Western Australia.
4 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — INTRODUCTION
Today, with member and supporter numbers in
the tens of thousands, our organisation is one of
the biggest and best-known environmental NGOs
in the country.
Our purpose and values
The Wilderness Society’s long-term vision is to
transform Australia into a society that protects,
respects and connects with the natural world
that sustains us. Our conservation framework is
a science-based, long-term initiative to maintain
and restore ecological connections, flows and
processes across the entire Australian continent.
This involves protecting the best of what is left
of Australia’s natural environment, restoring
important wilderness areas, and promoting
understanding about the connections that
exist between species, climate, people and the
landscape.
The Wilderness Society is founded on peaceful
direct action and the power of people to make
change. We are committed to success when it
comes to protecting Australia’s environment.
We value our organisational independence and
we believe in compassion when dealing with
stakeholders and each other. Our organisation
supports Indigenous people’s land and sea rights,
and we’re committed to proper and detailed
consultation with Traditional Owners before and
during our campaigns.
1.3 Our communication
principles
We are passionate
• We communicate with energy, honesty
and passion.
• We strive to convey the revelatory, wondrous
and awe-inspiring nature of the Australian
environment.
• We appeal to people’s emotions and inspire
them to act. We really care.
We are credible
• We’re proudly independent. We act on our
principles and put our ‘money where our
mouth is’.
• People trust us. We maintain a professional,
consistent style and use Australian (as opposed
to American) spelling. We use language that
is respectful, culturally sensitive and gender
neutral.
• We produce all our communication materials
in a sustainable, ethical manner.
We are purposeful
• We choose action over complacency and we
frame our work in a positive way. We have clear
science-based objectives and we’re
focused on solutions.
• We’re responsive and strategic.
• We ensure that all our communication is
in line with The Wilderness Society’s
overarching objectives.
We are accessible
• We never hide behind hyperbole, ‘campaigner-
speak’, or confusing acronyms — our powers of
persuasion lie in our ability to be honest and
clear.
• We choose simple words over complicated
language to ensure readability and
comprehension.
• We use images to ‘reach out’ and tell our story.
• We make sure what we say is logical and
complete, but we believe that less is more — 
if we can sum it up using fewer words, we do.
We are united
• We’re champions of grassroots and
community-based change, but we’re united
as a single organisation with a national brand,
narrative and agenda.
• We strive to maintain a strong and consistent
visual identity across our whole organisation.
We are quick to protect our organisational
reputation and the integrity of our brand.
We speak with a single voice.
image: Volunteer Geraldine | The Wilderness Society by Jerry Galea
 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — VISUAL STYLE GUIDE 7

2 Visual style 2.1 Our logo

guide Our logo is steeped in history.

The ‘green triangle’ is a widely recognised symbol

for environmental work, while the silhouettes
of native flora and fauna mark us as a distinctly
Australian organisation.

Our logo is our most important visual asset.

It’s our organisation’s signature and acts as a
guarantee of credibility and integrity.

Print Digital

7mm 30 px

PMS 356C or C100 M0 Y100 K40 #006600 or R0 G102 B0

8 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — VISUAL STYLE GUIDE

1. Reproducing our logo 2. Sub-brands

Our logo is a Registered Trademark that is used
under licence. It can only appear on publications Official sub-brands of The Wilderness Society like
or material produced by us or on external ‘Forever Wild’, ‘Wild Endurance’, etc., are always
materials with our permission. passed through the proper approval processes.

We’re careful to maintain the integrity of our logo:  We include The Wilderness Society logo to the
right of any sub-brand logo with approximately
• We never change or alter it. half the triangle’s width space between them.
• We maintain our unified, national identity by
Example:
avoiding ‘state-specific’ versions of our logo.
• We only reproduce our logo in black, white or
The Wilderness Society green (PMS 356C).
• Wherever possible, we try to include our
website address alongside our logo. (We print
our website address in Source Sans Pro Bold).

Example:
 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — VISUAL STYLE GUIDE 9

3. Incorrect use of the logo

The following are examples of incorrect use of the
logo. Do not use the logo as displayed here:

Do not use green logo on green. Poor logo treatment over image.

Logo has been modified/distorted. Logo has been modified/distorted.

10 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — VISUAL STYLE GUIDE

4. Correct use of the logo

The following are examples of correct use of
the logo across a spectrum of applications —
on colour, black and white, and photography:

The logo on The Wilderness Society colours The logo on photography

Please ensure the white or reverse logo is used Please ensure the white or reverse logo is used
when colour printing the logo on The Wilderness and placed in a corner where there is a strong
Society colours (Ref: Section 2.3, Our colours). contrast between the logo and the image.

The logo on black to dark grey The logo on white to light greys
Please ensure the white or reverse logo is used Please ensure the black logo is used when
when printing in black and white on black to dark printing in black and white on white to light grey
grey backgrounds. backgrounds.
image: Wilcannia, New South Wales | Peter Elfes
12 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — VISUAL STYLE GUIDE
2.2 Our images
The old cliché is true — a picture really is worth
a thousand words.
At The Wilderness Society, we’ve been using
images as a way to iconise wild places ever since
Peter Dombrovskis’ Rock Island Bend was chosen
as a symbol for the Franklin campaign.
Decades on, big and beautiful wilderness images
are still the cornerstone of our visual identity.
1. Choosing an image about any artwork images you want to use.
Generally, it is fine to reproduce artwork that is
• We know that images have the power to photographed in a public space/tourist area.
convey complex issues clearly and quickly; so
we don’t address images as an afterthought.
• If we have a strong image, we show it off and
2. Finding the image
use it big — we’re not afraid to let an image
• When it comes to sourcing images, we
take up a whole page of a document.
‘shop local’ as a first port-of-call by using
• If we have a less than strong image we use it our online Resource Library
anyway. We believe that pictures are better (resources.wilderness.org.au),
than no pictures. However, quality is always especially useful for great landscape shots.
important.
• Another useful hint is to ask our contacts and
• We think about writing text for the image, talking to people on the ground.
rather than the other way around.
• We sometimes use stock photography, but
• Use people in pictures, not just visual terra we’re alert to anything that is too expensive,
nullius — landscapes devoid of humans. cheesy or inadequate.
• Ideally, we commission professional photogra-
• Demonstrate that people are part of the
phers to take shots for us. Some are willing to
solution to environmental issues.
donate their time and art for the cause or give
• Every time we use a picture of nature, we us a generous discount — but we never expect
are using a picture of someone’s traditional this or take it for granted. (The Communica-
country. While we can’t always know tions Team can make photographer recom-
the details, it is worth checking with The mendations).
Wilderness Society’s Indigenous Conservation
• We always ensure we have permission to
Team. There might be a cultural story behind it
reproduce other people’s work, and we dou-
that may add weight to our communications.
ble-check facts to ensure our sources
• When using images of artwork there are two are reliable.
Intellectual Property contexts — traditional
and contemporary. Check with The Wilderness
Society’s Indigenous Conservation Team
image: Australia’s stunning Top End | Glenn Walker
image: Bird migration, Cape York, Queensland | Kerry Trapnell

3. Writing a caption
• After the headline, captions are the most-read
element of any communications piece, so we
believe in investing some time in them.
• Many wonderful photographers donate their
work to The Wilderness Society, so we always
make sure they’re credited properly.
• We format our captions as shown below:
IMAGE: Title | Photographer’s name
Note: A caption starts with the word IMAGE
in bold and small caps (print) or bold and
upper case (online) followed by a colon.
The title of an image and the photographer’s
name are separated by a vertical bar.
Example:
IMAGE: Mount Wellington, Tasmania | Creative
Commons
• If there is a complete sentence in the caption,
then use full stop at the end of this sentence.
Example:
IMAGE: A group of volunteers protesting
at Mount Wellington, Tasmania. | Creative
Commons
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — VISUAL STYLE GUIDE 15
4. A word of caution reproduced (e.g. ‘in all Wild Rivers materials’ or
‘in all TWS materials’ etc.).
• Using images of Indigenous people can be
• Do name and locate any artwork (e.g. rock art)
a sensitive issue. We only use images of
that you reproduce.
Indigenous people in cases where we have a
signed model release. When in doubt, we opt • Do use Resource Library images marked
to use images that depict Indigenous culture ‘general Indigenous use’.
generally, rather than an identifiable person.
• Don’t use images of people who have died,
• We’re wary of reproducing images taken from without a disclaimer (see disclaimer below).
the web as they’re generally not the right
• Don’t use images of special or sacred places
quality for print (images require a resolution of
without permission.
300dpi for printing).
• Using any images (from the web or otherwise)
without explicit permission can constitute a 6. Image disclaimer
breach of copyright, so we always ensure that
we have ‘usage rights’ from the photographer Use this image disclaimer wherever applicable:
(particularly for wildlife photography).
If unsure, find another image. Advice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander viewers are advised that this [web
• We avoid using pictures of dead animals,
page/booklet/brochure etc.] may contain
as many people find them distasteful and
images, names (and voices) of people who
distressing. When we do use dead animal
are deceased.
images it is to illustrate a specific threat (e.g.
fish caught in a trawling net).
5. Image dos & don’ts
• Do make sure you have the consent of any
identifiable people to use their image.
• Do make sure you are clear in what context(s)
the person is happy to have their image
16 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — VISUAL STYLE GUIDE

2.3 Our colours Primary green

The wilderness is a colourful place, and we

use our Wilderness Society colour palette
to complement the hues of the magnificent
Australian bush, not compete with them.

C100 M0 Y100 K40 PMS 356C #006600 or R0 G102 B0

Secondary green

C71 Y0 M98 K2 PMS 368C #69be28 or R105 G190 B40

Supporting orange

C0 Y68 M98 K0 PMS 165C #ff6600 or R255 G102 B0

 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — VISUAL STYLE GUIDE 17

2.4 Our font

Heading 1, Source Sans
Using consistent fonts across all our
communication materials gives us credibility
and strengthens our visual identity. We have a
Pro Black, 30pt
responsibility to ensure that our messages are Heading 2, Source Sans Pro Black, 18pt
accessible, so our core font has been chosen for
optimal legibility. Heading 3, Source Sans Pro Black, 12 pt
Source Sans Pro and Source Serif Pro are open- Introduction paragraph, Source Sans Pro Bold, 12pt
source fonts. They can be downloaded at the
following links; Source Sans Pro and Source Pull quotes, Source Sans Pro Bold Italic, 12pt
Serif Pro.
Sub-heading in body text, Source Sans Pro Bold, 9pt
Important points:
Body text, Source Sans Pro Regular, 9pt
• For body copy, we use a 9–12 point font size.
Quotes or scientific names, Source Sans Pro Italic, 9pt
• We use variable heading sizes, depending on
the document format and design.
Higlighted body text, Source Sans Pro Bold, 9pt
• Headings for articles (print and web) should
only be capitalised on the first word and any Body text on colour/imagery, Source Sans Pro Regular, 9pt
proper nouns.
image: Title | Photographer’s name, Source Sans Pro Regular, 7pt
• Capitalisation works for short headings, but is
very hard to read in longer blocks.
For large official documents please use Source Serif Pro, 9pt.
• We use italics for scientific names, names of
publications and acts e.g. Wild Rivers Act 2005.
• When using reversed-out text (white text on a
dark background or image) we ensure enough
contrast to allow the text to ‘punch out’ and be
easily readable.
18 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — VISUAL STYLE GUIDE
2.5 Our production
principles
We believe in leading by example when it comes
to sustainable printing and production. We strive
to source all services and materials from socially
and environmentally responsible suppliers.
With our strong history of forest protection, our
supporters expect us to be particularly vigilant
when it comes to paper selection.
1. Choosing the right paper
We only use paper made from 100% post-
consumer recycled waste (PCW). Paper stocks
with a percentage of recycled material but some
virgin content are not acceptable.
The following paper stocks are some of
our favourites:
For professional printing
• For offset printing (coated): Cyclusprint Matt,
EcoStar Silk & Gloss, Revive Pure Silk
• For offset printing (uncoated): Cyclus Offset,
Impact, Ecostar
• For digital printing: EcoStar
For in-house printing 4. Quantities and transportation
• The following papers are acceptable: It’s always cheaper and less resource-intensive to
Vision — Pure White, Fuji — Recycled Pure+, order in bulk. To reduce harmful carbon dioxide
Officemax —100% Recycled emissions and cut down on transport costs
we ensure that items are produced as close as
• For more information, refer to this link:
possible to where they need to be delivered.
www.wilderness.org.au/sites/default/files/
PDFS/paper-guide-09.pdf.
5. Showing-off
2. Printing We think it’s important to show people that
we’re committed to doing the right thing.
We ensure that our print suppliers use waterless We ensure that all our printed material contains
printing methods and vegetable-based inks. We the line ‘printed on 100% post-consumer recycled
ask our printers not to use UV varnishes or cello paper’ and, where possible, we include the
glaze as these are both extremely toxic (aqueous recycled logo.
varnish is a good substitute). We avoid metallic
and fluorescent inks.
printed on 100% recycled
3. Textiles post-consumer waste paper
When producing t-shirts, hats, banners and
other textile products, we avoid PVC and
try to source local materials from socially
and environmentally responsible suppliers.
(Companies like www.certton.com.au supply
excellent sweatshop-free organic t-shirts with
bulk discounts).
 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — VISUAL STYLE GUIDE 19

2.6 Our templates • Guideline

• Procedure
The Wilderness Society has a range of newly • Operational policy
designed templates for internal and external
• Organisational policy
use. The templates are in Google format (docs or
slides), except for the letterheads which can be The Wilderness Society Newcastle Inc.
PO Box 414 Hamilton, New South Wales 2303, Australia
Telephone: 02 4962 4123

downloaded as PDF. Google Slides:

Email: newcastle@wilderness.org.au
ABN 19 069 545 489

• Presentation
1. Template Gallery
PDF: ​ ​ ​The Wilderness Society ************* Inc

Templates are available from the Template

Gallery: drive.google.com/templates. • Letterheads (all offices) Operational Policy
Policy No. TWS***OpPol- 000
(a policy # will be allocated by the TWS*** Business Manager with a suffix for any subsequent changes)

Select the Official TWS Templates category in the

Title: (a brief title that clearly states the area covered by the policy)

Objective: (describe the matters covered by the policy and what the policy will
achieve)

left-hand column. Search for your template in the Scope:

Policy:
(define who is covered by this policy)

(a series of statements succinctly but clearly stating what will be followed

list, and then click the Use this template button.

for each distinct matter within the area covered by the policy.

These statements are only the ‘rule’, not the procedure that describes how
to achieve it.

If reference to another policy, to legislation or any other document is

needed, give the reference only and never quote from another document as
the reference document may change)

Related documents in the (List only documents at a higher or the same level)
Policy and Procedure
Manual/Legislation:

2. Available templates Issues:

● Name and position of person responsible for each version of policy
● Due date for next review
● Date each version approved by NBOC or NCC (or MC for a local TWS org)
● Date each version issued to all@wilderness.org.au and loaded into policy manual

Google Docs:

• Meeting agenda
Page 1​ of 1

• Meeting minutes
• Brief
• Internal paper
• Letterheads (all offices)
• Media release
• Position description
image: Jack Thompson and John Butler at a protest action to save Victoria’s native forests. | Eli Greig
 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
3 Written 3.1 Top 10 points
style guide
1. House language for The Wilderness Society is
plain English.
2. Use Australian spelling. Refer to one of the
following dictionaries:
• The Macquarie Dictionary is TWS’s standard
for spelling www.macquariedictionary.com.
However, you need a subscription to access
the online version.
• The Oxford Dictionary,
www.oxforddictionaries.com.
3. Keep language and grammar as plain and
simple as possible. Avoid the temptation
to overwrite in an effort to sound more
professional.
4. Professional communication doesn’t mean
using long words or formal language but that
your writing is:
• accurate (always double-check
your sources)
• politically correct (more on this in Section
3.7, TWS-specific terminology)
• logical and complete
• in line with our organisational objectives.
21
5. Use short, simple sentences with familiar
everyday words. Less is more: if you can sum
it up using fewer words, do. In most cases,
you can provide a weblink for people who are
interested in the finer details.
6. Use active language, rather than passive.
Example: We must address the problem
rather than The problem must be addressed.
7. Start a new paragraph for a new idea.
8. Define specialist terms, avoid development
jargon, acronyms and clichés. Aim for a
readership education level of Year 8.
The exception is when you write for a specific
audience such as development professionals
or academics; in this case, adjust the language
to suit the audience.
9. Avoid metaphors, and do not mix metaphors.
10. Avoid transforming verbs into nouns.
Example: The group grows rice and raises
livestock to generate income rather than
The group is involved in rice-growing and
livestock-raising for income generation.
22 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
3.2 Document
standards
3.2.1 Bolding
Bold text is appropriate for headings and can be
used (sparingly) as a way to emphasise key points
in general text.
3.2.2 Digital text
1. URLs (hyperlinks) should be unbroken where
possible (not split over two lines).
2. Email addresses should be unbroken where
possible and not underlined.
3.2.3 Italics
1. Italics should be used to indicate:
• titles of books, newspapers, magazines,
films or reports
• an act of parliament
• legislation and legal cases Documents should be left-aligned.
• technical terms and terms being defined
• words being used in a special sense or with
a particular tone or emphasis.
2. Italics are also used for foreign words and the
titles of publications. Use sparingly if writing
for the web.
There is no clear-cut definition of a foreign
word. If it has become thoroughly anglicised,
such as status quo, ad hoc or apartheid, it
does not need italics.
3.2.4 Line and paragraph spacing
1. For online text, always use the non-indented,
single spacing between lines. The single
spacing should be equivalent to one blank
line between paragraphs.
2. For professionally-designed print
publications, you can choose any style
but you must use it consistently.
Example: For a certain publication, we might
not leave a blank line between paragraphs
instead we indent each new paragraph.
3.2.5 Text alignment
3.2.6 Underlining
In general, we do not underline text.
3.2.7 Widows and orphans
A widow is the last line of a paragraph appearing
by itself at the top of the next page. An orphan is
the first line of a paragraph appearing by itself at
the foot of a page.
Widows and orphans disrupt the flow of text and
create readability problems. Make sure that the
last paragraph on a page has at least two lines
of text or move the entire paragraph to the
following page.
3.2.8 Word spacing
Use just one space after a colon, semicolon,
comma, full stop or other sentence-closing
punctuation mark.

3.3 Punctuation
3.3.1 Apostrophes
The apostrophe is used in English to:
• indicate possession
• indicate that letters are omitted
• indicate that the word has been contracted.
Possession
1. Use the normal possessive (’s) after
singular words.
Example: the delegate’s report, the manager’s
decision, Professor Jacob’s lecture
2. Use the normal possessive (’s) after plurals
that do not end in s.
Example: children’s toys, people’s complaints,
the women’s hats, the
media’s attention
3. Use the plural possessive (s’) on plurals that
end in s, including plural names that take a
singular verb.
Example: the bosses’ cars, the Joneses’
house, Reuters’ data, Barclays’ corporate
responsibility
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
4. Use only the apostrophe at the end (’) of
singular words ending in s with an s sound.
Example: the boss’ car, Prof Cass’ lecture
5. Although singular in other respects,
the United States, the United Nations,
the Philippines etc., have a plural
possessive apostrophe.
Example: The United States’ new training
centre for first aid.
Omission or contraction
1. The apostrophe is also used to show that the
letter(s) is omitted.
Example: it’s (it is), it’ll (it will), I’d (I would)
2. Common mistakes: Do not put apostrophes
in decades or abbreviations which are
straight plurals.
Example: NGOs, the 1990s, OSGs, CD-ROMs
3. Watch out for its and it’s:
It’s = it is or ‘it has’. Example: It’s a nice day.
Its = possessive. Example: The dog chewed
its bone.
23
3.3.2 Bulleted lists and
numbered lists
1. If lists are whole sentences, start each item
with a capital letter and end with a full stop.
Example: The study highlighted the
following issues:
• Strategy 2010 helped focus activities to
strengthen community-based responses.
• A regional focus is seen as helpful and has
been successful in some areas.
• There is a high degree of donor-
dependency and a lack of effective
marketing to potential donors.
2. Lists that are not whole sentences should start
with lower case and only the last point should
end in a full stop.
Example: The regional conference is a unique
opportunity to:
• identify and analyse major challenges
• pledge to address the determinants of
health and coordinate action
• reach out to vulnerable communities
• tackle social exclusion and discrimination.
3. Only number points when you will be
referring back to them or if the order of the
points is important.
24 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
4. Important points when writing a dot point list:
• The introductory sentence before the list
should end with a colon.
• All dot points should read on logically from
your introductory sentence.
• Dot points should follow a consistent
format; do not mix nouns and verbs if at all
possible. So, if the first points starts with a
verb, they all should.
3.3.3 Colons
1. The colon is often used to introduce further
information. This can be a list, explanatory
information, examples or questions.
2. Use a colon to separate a general statement
from specifics, usually putting the general
statement first.
Example: The delegates distributed
necessary relief items: blankets, stoves
and hygiene parcels.
3. Use a colon before a whole quoted sentence,
but not before a quotation that begins
mid-sentence.
Example: She said: “It will never work.” He
retorted that it had “always worked before”.
4. Use a colon for antithesis or contrasts.
Example: The rich get richer: the poor
get poorer.
5. Colons are also used to introduce bulleted
lists and numbered lists (Ref: Section 3.3.2:
Bulleted lists and numbered lists).
3.3.4 Commas
1. The position of the comma can change the
meaning of a sentence.
Example: However, we learnt it was going to
be a slow process.
However we learnt, it was going to be a slow
process.
2. Use commas after expressions of time when
they begin a sentence.
Example: Yesterday, the general met a
delegation from the Red Cross Society.
On 26 December 2004, the tsunami struck.
3. Do not use a comma before and in lists.
Example: The emergency kit contained jerry
cans, cutlery and blankets.
4. There are exceptions for reasons of sense, in
those cases use the comma before and. This is
called the Oxford comma.
Example:
• The emergency kit contained jerry cans,
knives and forks, and blankets.
• I would like to thank my parents, Hillary
Clinton, and Nelson Mandela.
3.3.5 Ellipsis points
Ellipsis points (three full stops followed by one
space) should only be used to show the omission
of a word or words from quoted material.
Example: “Australians all let us rejoice… young
and free.”
3.3.6 Exclamation marks
Do not use exclamation marks in serious, non-
fiction writing.
3.3.7 Full stops
1. Use full stops in lower case abbreviations
such as e.g. and i.e.

2. Do not use full stops in upper case
abbreviations and acronyms.
Example: HCH, UN, ICRC, WHO
3. Do not use full stops after titles such as Dr, Mr,
Ms, Mrs
4. Do not use full stops at the end of headings.
5. Do not use full stops at the end of headers
or footers.
6. Do not use full stops when writing units of
measurements.
Example: 6pm not 6p.m.
7. Do not use full stops at the end of email
addresses or web sites except if it is at the end
of a sentence.
3.3.8 Hyphens
1. There are no simple rules for hyphens in
English but, as with capital letters, they
should be used sparingly. However, there are
some cases where hyphens must be used.
2. Hyphens are commonly used to join a prefix
or word to an existing word. Insert a hyphen
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
when the last vowel of the prefix is the same
as the first letter of the root word:
Example: re-election, part-time
3. However, when a word is well known, the
hyphen may be omitted:
Example: coordinator, cooperate
4. Hyphenate compounds when used
attributively (before a noun). When using
predicatively (after a noun), insert a space
between words.
Example:
• The out-of-date research paper or The
research paper is out of date.
• An 80-year-old woman or The woman is 80
years old.
5. Hyphenate adjectives composed of two or
more words.
Example: day-to-day problems, up-to-date
information, ten-year conflict, Italian-
speaking journalists, tsunami-affected
countries
25
6. The presence of a hyphen can change the
meaning of some words and phrases (this is to
avoid potential confusion):
Example:
• the little-used car (= the car is not used
often) whereas the little used car (= the
small second-hand car)
• 30-odd people (= about 30 people) whereas
30 odd people (= 30 people who are odd)
• red-and-white flowers (= flowers that have
both red and white in them) whereas red
and white flowers (= red flowers and white
flowers).
7. Omit the hyphen with adverbs ending in -ly.
Example: the relatively expensive drugs, the
increasingly active youth program
3.3.9 Quotation marks
1. Use double quotation marks for direct
quotations.
Example: “We welcome the decision,” said
Lyndon Schneiders.
26 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
2. Single quotation marks are used for quotes
within quotes.
Example: Quotations within quotations take
single quotation marks.
He said, “I really meant to say, ‘I’m sorry’.”
3. The placement of question marks with quotes
follows logic. If a question is in quotation
marks, the question mark should be placed
inside the quotation marks.
Examples:
• She asked, “Will you still be my friend?”
• Do you agree with the saying, ‘All’s fair in
love and war’?
4. Periods and commas always go inside
quotation marks, even inside single quotes.
Example: The sign changed from ‘Walk,’
to ‘Don’t Walk,’ to ‘Walk’ again within 30
seconds.
5. When quoting someone for the first time,
introduce them before the quote.
Example: Peter Rees, head of the IFRC
operations support department, says, “The
IFRC is independent from the UN and does
not appeal via a UN mechanism.”
3.3.10 Semicolons
1. A semicolon makes a break stronger than a
comma but weaker than a full stop.
2. The semicolon is used to link two closely
related sentences.
3. It can also be used to separate a series of
phrases or clauses that contain commas.
Example: The report draws on a number of
sources including: advice from the minister,
who works in Victoria; information from
The Wilderness Society; an EPA release; and
feedback from the local community.
3.4 Standard spelling
Introduction: TWS uses Australian English.
The Macquarie Dictionary is TWS’s standard
for spelling. In case this is not available you
can refer to the Oxford Dictionary, www.
oxforddictionaries.com. If there is more than
one spelling option, always use the first option.
Common errors to avoid include: color, realize
and organization. The correct spellings are colour,
realise and organisation. To see some commonly
misspelt words, refer to Section 4, Annexes.
3.4.1 Accents
Accents should be used on foreign names when
appropriate.
Example: José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero
3.4.2 Capitalisation
1. There is a trend toward minimal
capitalisation, so try to limit use of capitals to
nationalities, religions, languages, personal
and family names, acts of parliament, and
proper nouns (nouns that name a particular
person, place or thing).
 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE 27

2. Overcapitalisation is common and is often
used incorrectly for emphasis. Remember that
overcapitalisation slows down reading speed,
is uncomfortable on the eye, and can appear
pompous.
Example: The word delegate is a simple
noun that should not be capitalised. If you
capitalise Delegate, for example, why not
Refugee, Survivor, Beneficiary?
3. Use ‘newspaper style headings’ where only
the first letter of the first word is capitalised.
Example:
• A sustainable future for the Kimberley
• Is your paper use driving extinction?
• Traditional Owners: Showing support for
the Wild Rivers Act.
(Canadian International Development
Agency)
• the Chinese government (but capitalise its
official name — People’s Republic of China)
• international humanitarian law
6. Use upper case for definite geographical
places, regions, areas, titles and countries.
Example:
• South East Asia
• Mexico City
• the Hague
• the Middle East
• Western Europe (political concept) but
eastern Europe (general description)
• South Africa but southern Africa
7. Use lower case for points of the compass.
Use upper case for seasons only in the title
of a publication. Red Cross Red Crescent
Magazine, Spring 2009.
9. Use capitals for titles of people. Use
lower case when referring to the office or
appointment.
Example:
• He saw Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.
• He saw the Zimbabwean prime minister.
• We met Queen Elizabeth II.
• We met the queen of England.
• “Welcome, Chancellor Merkel.”
• She was elected chancellor.
• The chief executive of the British Red Cross
is British.
• The Nigerian health minister was
elected yesterday.

4. Capitalise the names of books, films and other Example: 10. Use capitals for established labels (-isms, -ists,
major works in the usual way. Capitalise first • east, west, north, south -ites etc.).
words and all words apart from prepositions • Hospitals in the north-west of the country
and conjunctions. These should also be treat more than 1,000 patients a day. Example:
italicised. • Buddhism
8. Seasons • Christian
Example: Gone with the Wind • Hinduism
Do not use capitals for the seasons. • Islam
5. Always use lower case for rough descriptions • Leninist
or references. Example: The spring edition of Wilderness
News is out now.
Example:
• the program
• the Canadian development agency
28 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
11. Direction
Do not use capitals for points of the compass,
unless they are part of the official name of a
place. Split direction should be hyphenated.
Example:
• The situation is worse in the north-west
Australia.
• The Kimberley boasts Western Australia’s
most spectacular coastline.
3.4.3 Prefixes
1. The normal rule is to use a hyphen to avoid a
doubling of the same vowel.
Example:
re-elect, pre-empt
but readopt, coexist, prearrange
2. Usage has changed in recent years so that
the Oxford Dictionary and the Modern English
Usage both abandon the hyphen in cooperate,
coordinate, but retain it in words such as co-
opt where pronunciation is
a problem.
3.5 Language
3.5.1 Acronyms
1. An acronym is a word formed from the initials
of words in a longer phrase. When using
acronyms, always spell out all the words in
full in the first instance with the acronym in
round brackets at the first mention.
2. You can then use the acronym alone from that
point onward.
3. Do not use full stops within an acronym.
Example: The Environment Protection
Authority (EPA) is yet to approve the project.
4. Avoid the heavy use of acronyms and
abbreviations by using words such as ‘the
agency’ or ‘the organisation’ if it is clear what
is being referred to in the story.
3.5.2 Ampersand
1. Do not use the ampersand (&) in general text
unless for book titles and authors, or if it
forms part of an organisation’s name.
Use ‘and’ for running text.
Example:
• Standard & Poor’s
• The IFRC’s principles and values
department
2. If you choose to use the ampersand in a title,
then ensure it is used in all titles throughout
the document.
3.5.3 Collective nouns
1. Some English writers use a plural verb after
some nouns with a collective sense.
Example: ‘The government are...’ This is
incorrect.
If the collective noun is a single entity, use a
singular verb. This is true for all governments,
companies and organisations.
Example:
• The IFRC’s General Assembly is…
• The United Nations is…
• The Philippines is…
• The government has…
• The management is…
2. For the word ‘number’ itself.
The number of casualties is increasing by the
hour but A number of villagers are prepared
to relocate.

3.5.4 Contractions
1. A contraction consists of the first and last
letters of a word (and sometimes other letters
in between). Contractions don’t require a
full stop.
Example: Dr Lindenmayer has studied the
possum for many years.
2. Words such as ‘government’ and ‘department’
should be spelled in full and not abbreviated
to ‘govt or ‘dept’.
3. Latin shortened forms should be followed
by a single full stop, while ‘e.g.’ and ‘i.e.’ are
separated by stops in between letters and
after. No comma should be used.
Example:
• e.g. (exempli gratia — ‘for example’)
• i.e. (id est — ‘that is’)
• etc. (et cetera — ‘and so forth’)
4. Watch out for its and it’s:
It’s = it is or it has. Example: It’s a nice day.
Its = possessive. Example: The dog chewed
its bone.
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
3.5.5 Have or has
1. ‘Have’ is generally the correct word when
referring to plural possessives or the singular
first person past tense.
Example: The Wilderness Society and ACF
have many shared interests.
2. ‘Has’ is likely to be correct when referring to a
singular possessive or possessives pertaining
to people or things other than you.
Example: The government has strong
objections.
3.5.6 Over, more than
Use ‘more than’ rather than ‘over’.
Example: The earthquake affected more than
75,000 people not The earthquake affected over
75,000 people.
3.5.7 Places
1. Use the standard English spelling, not the
original language.
Example: Basle, Berne, Lyons, Marseilles,
Antwerp, Hanover
29
2. Use the new form of spelling in English for
certain place names.
Example: Beijing not Peking, Mumbai
not Bombay
If in doubt, refer to the Macquarie Dictionary.
3. Only official place names should be capitalised.
Example:
• We need to protect James Price Point.
• The forests of south-west Tasmania are
under threat.
4. Wherever possible, state names should be
spelled out in full and not abbreviated.
Example:
• The government of New South Wales will
meet on Thursday.
• The Wilderness Society South Australia has
been campaigning hard.
30 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
3.5.8 Trademarks
A trademark is a brand, symbol or word registered
and protected by a manufacturer by law in order
to prevent others from using it.
Example: Fibreglass, Land Rover, Scotch Tape
1. Do not use trademarks unless they are
important to the text. Use a generic
equivalent instead.
3.5.9 Web and email addresses
Web addresses
1. Most (but by no means all) web addresses and
the online locations of documents, etc. begin
with http://. Write all such addresses without
this prefix as it is generally assumed that the
full address will begin with http://.
Example: www.unicef.org not http://www.
unicef.org
2. Use a full stop after a web address when this
appears at the end of a sentence.
Example: For more information, visit
www.unicef.org.
Email addresses
1. A person’s name is not always apparent from
their email address. When quoting an email
address as a contact, quote the person’s name.
Example: For more information, contact
Jessica Rose at jrose@gmail.com.
2. Add a full stop when the email address
appears at the end of a sentence.
Example: For more information, contact Jean-
Charles Chamois at jc.chamois@ifrc.org.
3.6 Dates,
time, numbers,
measurements
3.6.1 Dates
1. Use the British date format and not the
American one. Format dates in the following
order and style: day month year.
Example: 2 May 2006, 12 August 2006 not
2nd May 2006 or 12th August 2006 or August
12, 2006
Note: 10.12.06 means 10 December 2006 in
Britain and 12 October 2006 in the United
States.
2. Dates should be formatted with days and
months spelled out in full. Abbreviations
should only be used in tables/lists.
Example: Wednesday, 12 July 2009 or 12 July
2009 not Wed. 12 July ‘09
3. When using a date range with a preposition,
use an en dash not ‘to’. Write out date ranges
in full, using an en dash (–) not a hyphen (-) to
separate the years.

Example: From 2005–2006 not from 2005 to
2006 or 2005-06
The dash should NOT have spaces on
either side.
Example: 1998–1999 not 1998 – 1999
4. Use: the 1990s (or nineties), a woman in her
30s, her 33rd birthday
5. When writing about centuries, use figures.
Example: 7th century, 21st century
3.6.2 Time
1. The ‘am’ and ‘pm’ abbreviations are always
preceded by a figure. They should be written
in lower case, without full stops, and there
should be no space between the figure and
the abbreviation.
Example: The announcement came at
8.30am.
2. Use a 12-hour clock for writing the time. Write
7am or 3.30pm instead of 7.00am or 3:30pm
(don’t use colon). Don’t use the 24-hour clock
(16h30 or 16.30).
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
3. Say midday and midnight not 12am or 12pm.
Example: The meeting will begin at midday
not The meeting will begin at 12.00pm.
4. Use an en dash to show duration, not ‘to’.
Example: 2–4pm not 2 to 4pm
The dash should NOT have spaces on either
side.
Example: 7–8pm not 7 – 8 pm
3.6.3 Measurements
1. Except when the specific context demands,
use metric forms in the Australian
English spelling.
Example:
• metres, litres not meters, liters
• tonnes not metric tons or MT (Ton = US
or Imperial ton)
• kilometres (km), kilograms (kg), hectare (ha)
• centimetres (cm), millimetres (mm)
2. In general text, it’s best to spell out all
measurements in full.
Example:
• One hundred hectares of wilderness has
been protected.
31
• We must return 7,000 gigalitres of water to
the Murray-Darling.
3. While using abbreviations, there should be no
space between the numbers and the unit of
measurement.
Example: 300km, 50kg, 20ha
4. In a document where a measurement is
repeated frequently, it’s acceptable to spell
out the measurement in the first instance
(with the abbreviation in brackets) then use
the abbreviation (preceded by a figure) from
that point onward.
3.6.4 Numbers
1. Write out in full numbers from one to nine but
use figures from 10 onwards.
Example:
• There were six refugee camps in the
country.
• We needed 10 trucks to make the
deliveries.
32 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
2. For millions and billions, use words if referring
to people or animals and use figures if
referring to money or inanimate objects.
Example:
• More than three million sea creatures will
be threatened.
• The $30b gas hub will ruin the landscape.
3. Write million in full unless m is obvious by the
context. Use b or billion to mean a thousand
million.
4. Also, keep in mind that:
• Figures should be used in dates, times,
sums of money, ages, percentages and
measurements.
• Numbers that start a sentence should be
written as words.
• Thousands should be separated with
a comma.
5. Percentage
• Use figures with percentage sign,
not per cent.
Example: 7%, 8.2%, between 5 and 15%
• The percentage sign should always be
preceded by a figure.
Example: Less than 1% of Cape York
Peninsula has been cleared.
6. Never start a sentence with a figure.
Write the number in words instead, or turn the
sentence round.
Example:
• Seventeen children were rescued.
• The number of children rescued was 17.
7. Write out in full numbers used figuratively.
Example: I’ve told them a hundred times.
8. Use commas with numbers of four digits and
over in general text.
Example:
• 19,650
• 12,000,000
9. Money
• There is no need to add extra zeros after the
decimal point. Cents should be formatted
without the dollar symbol, using ‘c’.
Example:
—— Wilderness Society t-shirts cost $25 each.
—— Less than 78c.
• Use country abbreviation followed by
currency symbol to denote currencies
(A$1,000, US$1,000, NZ$1,000). Note that
country abbreviation/symbol to use with
Australian dollars is A not AUD.
• Write million in full unless m is obvious
by the context. Use billion or b to mean a
thousand million.
Example: The $30b gas hub will ruin the
landscape.
10. Telephone and fax numbers
• Leave a space between the area code and
the individual telephone or fax number.
• Use brackets around the area code.
Example: (03) 9205 5555
• Mobile phone numbers, information
numbers, and free call numbers do not
need brackets.
Example:
—— 0470 343 042
—— 13 22 800
11. Numbers can get tricky sometimes. When in
doubt, just try to express things consistently
within a single document.

3.7 TWS-specific
terminology
3.7.1 Talking about ourselves
The organisational structure of TWS can
be difficult to grasp but when producing
communications materials there are a couple of
important points to keep in mind:
1. We comprise of a number of separately
incorporated organisations within each state,
plus two ‘national’ bodies (The Wilderness
Society Ltd and The Wilderness Society
Australia). In most cases, we like to forget all
this and present a ‘united front’ to our external
audience.
2. For legal reasons, we must state somewhere
on each piece of communications material
which specific organisation of TWS has
produced that document. But in general
text we simply refer to ourselves as ‘The
Wilderness Society’.
3. We use an uppercase ‘T’ for ‘The Wilderness
Society’ even if it appears in the middle of a
sentence.
4. We never use the acronym ‘TWS’ for an
external audience.
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
5. Where appropriate, we replace ‘The
Wilderness Society’ with ‘we’ or ‘us’.
6. We never manipulate our logo to include the
name of a state.
7. We capitalise every word in the names of our
official Wilderness Society campaigns. We try
to speak about campaigns in a consistent way
(i.e. ‘Kimberley Campaign’ rather than ‘Gas
Hub Campaign’).
8. We use ‘newspaper’ headings (only the first
word plus any proper nouns are capitalised).
9. Where possible, we try to frame our work in a
positive and progressive way.
Example:
• The Wilderness Society is working to
protect Tasmania’s forests. (preferred)
• We’re trying to prevent the destruction of
Tasmania’s forests. (not preferred)
3.7.2 Talking about others
1. At The Wilderness Society, we often work
with others to achieve our goals, but our
independence should never be seen as
compromised. When talking about other
organisations (including governments) we
always express the nature of our allegiance in
a careful and accurate way.
33
2. When talking about another organisation,
we always spell out their name correctly and
in full in the first instance, and include their
acronym — if they have one — in brackets. The
acronym alone is sufficient after that point.
Example: The Australian Conservation
Foundation (ACF) has been a valuable partner
in the Tasmanian forest negotiations. We plan
to continue working with ACF in the future.
3. The name of an organisation should be
capitalised when used in full, but not
capitalised when shortened.
Example:
• The Department of Human Services
or the department
• Swinburne University of Technology
or the university
4. Gender
We should avoid sexism in language.
Accordingly, we should:
• substitute spokesman with spokesperson
• where possible, avoid using gender-
exclusive terms such as fireman
(use firefighter) or man-made (use
manufactured)
• avoid stereotyping people according to
their gender.
34 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
3.7.3 Talking about the government
1. We use a lower-case ‘g’ when referring to
governments in general.
Example: Representatives from many levels of
government will be attending the meeting.
2. When referring to a specific government, we
use a capital ‘G’.
Example:
• The Gillard Government has been
supportive of the campaign.
• The project was a State Government
initiative.
3. We capitalise the names of government
departments if referring to them using their
full title, but a capital letter is not required for
a shortened name.
Example:
• The Federal Court of Australia ruled in
favour of The Wilderness Society or The
court will reconvene next Tuesday.
• The Environmental Protection Authority is
yet to approve the project or The authority
has indicated it will hold off on approval.
4. As an independent not-for-profit organisation,
we’re aware that we must always be seen
to be endorsing environmental outcomes
as opposed to specific politicians or
political parties.
3.7.4 Talking about plants
and animals
1. Talking about plants and animals is a great
way to help audiences connect with our
message, and encourage them to support our
campaigns.
2. When talking about plants or animals in
general, we use lower-case, but when
talking about a specific species, we use
capital letters.
Example:
• The chirping of birds can be heard
throughout the forest.
• Fewer than 1,000 Leadbeater’s Possums
remain in the area.
3. We try to avoid scientific names when
addressing a general audience. If we must
use scientific names, we capitalise just the
first word.
Example: The forest was populated with
Eucalyptus regnans.
4. We avoid hyphens in animal names.
Example: The region is home to many Spotted
Tailed Quolls.
5. When talking about forests, we hyphenate
clear-felled, old-growth, land-clearing and
plantation-based, but spell rainforest and
grassroots as one word.
6. When talking about threatened animals and
plants, we use ‘threatened’ as a generic term,
while ‘endangered’, ‘rare’ and ‘vulnerable’
have specific meanings, and are only used in
their correct context.
7. When talking about plants and animals, we
try to ‘value-add’ and provide extra context.
Example: The smallest marsupial on the
Australian mainland.
3.7.5 Talking about places
Protecting nature is our core business. It’s our
job (using words and pictures) to iconise the
Australian landscape so that people — even
people who may never have been to a particular
spot — can experience an emotional connection
to it.

1. We capitalise the names of official places.
Example:
• We need to protect James Price Point.
• The forests of south-west Tasmania are
under threat.
2. We also capitalise the names of places that we
have dubbed with an ‘official name’ as part of
a campaign.
Example: The Great Western Woodlands are a
national treasure.
3. Wherever possible, we spell out state names
in full.
Example: The Government of New South
Wales will meet on Thursday.
4. We use lower-case for points of the compass,
unless they are part of an official place name.
We hyphenate split direction.
Example:
• The situation is worse in
north-west Australia.
• The Kimberley boasts Western Australia’s
most spectacular coastline.
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE 35
5. If an Indigenous place name is known, we use
it alongside the non-indigenous name.
Example:
• They travelled to Gulaga
(Mount Dromedary).
• James Price Point (Walmadan) will be
spoilt forever if the gas hub project is
approved.
6. When referring to the planet, Earth, we use a
capital letter. We use lower-case when talking
about the world, the planet or the globe.
7. When talking about protected areas, we use
capital letters for ‘World Heritage Area’ and
‘Heritage Listing/Listed’, ‘National Parks’, and
‘Marine Sanctuaries’.
8. When talking about our amazing natural
places, we try to ‘value-add’ and provide
extra context.
Example: Much-loved tourist destination
36 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
3.7.6 Talking about the
Indigenous culture
• Do check spelling of people and group names
The Traditional Owners of Australia’s land deserve
our respect. That’s why we strive to use the most
sensitive and appropriate language when talking
about Indigenous people and Indigenous culture.
• Do be sensitive to the place of totemic animals
1. General do’s and don’ts
• Do use the most precise and inclusive
collective reference for Indigenous Australians
— ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples’. This is also the term used by the
Australian Human Rights Commission.
• Do spell Indigenous with a capital ‘I’.
• Do be sensitive to historical/political issues.
Indigenous is a short generic reference
covering all Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples.
• Do use a capital ‘A’ when referring to
‘Aboriginal’ communities or people, as we
• Do use people in pictures. Wild natural
would when referring to ‘Australian’ people.
• Do use a capital ‘T’ and ‘O’ when referring to
‘Traditional Owners’.
• Do: when talking about Indigenous Culture,
ensure that all content is signed off by
The Wilderness Society’s Indigenous
Conservation Team.
• Do remember, a general audience may well
• Do check which group is associated with a
place you want to talk about on the map of
Aboriginal Australia, showing language groups
and boundaries: www.aiatsis.gov.au/asp/
map.html.
with The Wilderness Society’s Indigenous
Conservation Team or online at www.nntt.
gov.au. Some spelling has changed over time.
in traditional communities (Example: don’t
use traditional Aboriginal symbols) and ensure
language is not offensive.
Example: The Wilderness Society supports
kangaroo culls is not as appropriate as The
Wilderness Society supports sustainable
management of the kangaroo population.
Some Indigenous audiences might find
a reference to ‘celebrating Australia Day’
offensive; many Indigenous audiences
recognise that day as ‘Invasion Day’.
landscapes invoke the concept of terra
nullius — an uninhabited land — which was the
justification for colonising Australia without
any form of treaty or agreement with the first
peoples. Also, we need to show that people
are a part of the solution rather than putting
forward a ‘people versus environment’ frame.
include Indigenous readers/viewers so your
language and imagery should take this into
account.
• Don’t talk as if Indigenous people are the
‘other’. Use inclusive language — remember
your audience may include Indigenous people.
• Don’t be patronising.
• Don’t generalise.
Example: Rivers are important to Indigenous
people is not as good as The Wenlock river
is important to its Indigenous Traditional
Owners, including the northern Kaanju,
Thaepithiggi, and Thanakwithi.
Example: This area is home to Indigenous
groups is not as good as This area is home to
the Mirrar.
• Don’t use acronyms unless you are writing for
a very knowledgeable audience.
• Don’t use names or images of deceased
people, or use a warning/disclaimer if you
do. Bereavement has definite cultural forms
and protocols in Indigenous communities,
and seeing images or hearing the name of a
recently deceased person can cause serious
offence. Please see Section 2.2 in the visual
style guide for the image disclaimer.
2. Communicating with Indigenous audiences
• When creating communications products
for an Indigenous audience, think about
the specifics of the audience you want to
reach. There is a great deal of variation in
image: Indigenous handcrafts in Cape York, Queensland | Kerry Trapnell
38 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
types of Indigenous audience — a ‘one size
fits all’ approach won’t work. An audience
may include many different segments of an
Indigenous audience or a mixed audience.
Are the people you want to communicate
with remote or urban? Are they educated
or not? Are they literate? Do they have
access to computers and the internet or
not? Are their values and lifestyle more
traditional or contemporary? All these will
affect the channels and messaging of your
communication.
• Consider also whether it is communication
to an Indigenous only audience or a
diverse audience.
• Acknowledgement of Country (if a Welcome
• Statement of recognition
to Country is not available)
When commencing formal public meetings or
any official event, we formally acknowledge
the Traditional Owners using a statement like:
“The Wilderness Society respectfully
acknowledges the [insert name of local
Indigenous group] as the Traditional Owners
of this land where we are meeting today.
I pay respects to the elders past and present
and those Traditional Owners who are with
us here today.”
OR peoples rights and interests, consistent with
national and international standards; not
“I would like to respectfully acknowledge the endorse conservation outcomes that infringe or
[insert name of local Indigenous group] as the inadequately address the rights of Indigenous
Traditional Owners of this land where we are peoples; and seek opportunities for and commit
meeting today. I pay respects to the elders past to Indigenous conservation outcomes (including
and present and those Traditional Owners who new tenure and management models such as
are with us here today.” Indigenous Protected Areas, Joint Management
and Homelands Development).”
In situations where Traditional Ownership
is unknown or controversial, we use a
statement like:
“The Wilderness Society respectfully
acknowledges the Traditional Owners
of this land.”
If you would like to put a statement on the
website or product of your choosing that
provides an overview of TWS recognition of
Indigenous Rights and our commitments. In
2011 NCC and NCT signed off on the following
‘Indigenous Imperative’ as part of our National
Campaign planning process:
“The Wilderness Society acknowledges that
‘Aboriginal sovereignty was not ceded’ and
this principle underpins our Indigenous
engagement and conservation strategies.
Indigenous rights and interests will be built
into all campaigns, policies and procedures.
The Wilderness Society will seek conservation
outcomes that address and advance Indigenous

3. Specific language
Identity
Correct usage
• Aboriginal person
• Aboriginal people(s)
• Aboriginal preferred in
South Australia
• Indigenous peoples
• Use Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islanders when
speaking about all of
Australia.
Incorrect usage Reason
• Aborigine • Aborigine has a racist
history.
• ‘Aboriginals’ for all
Indigenous peoples. • Write peoples instead of
people where appropriate
because there are often
different groups that will
have different identifiers.
• We don’t want to exclude
Torres Strait Islanders.
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
In conversations
Correct usage
• NSW: Koori, Goorie, Koorie,
Coorie, Murri
• VIC: Koorie
• SA: Nunga, Nyungar,
Nyoongah
• WA: Nyungar, Nyoongar,
Aboriginal peoples or
Indigenous peoples
• NT: Yolngu (top end),
Anangu (central)
• QLD: Murri
• TAS: Palawa, Koori
• Southern Australia
generally: Koori’s
• In general: Indigenous
Mob(s).
Incorrect usage
• Don’t use identifiers in any
publications.
• Don’t use identifiers in
conversation unless you
really know the background.
• Don’t refer to a person with
an identifier.
Example: A Murri might
refer to him/herself as a
Murri but might not want
you to address him/her as
Murri.
39
Reason
• Traditional Owners often
use these identifiers for
other Indigenous peoples
in different parts of the
country.
• This is for information
purposes only — not for use
in publications.
• Only in colloquial or spoken
context.
40 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE

General usage When talking about land and sea

Correct usage Incorrect usage Reason Correct usage Incorrect usage Reason

• Traditional Owner(s)
• Use specific group names if
possible.
• Full names rather than
surnames
Example: ‘David Claudie’
‘Noel Pearson’. • Country
• Indigenous groups
• Language groups
• Clan estates (subset of
language groups) — linked
to parts of Country. Live on
Country.
• The native people or native
local people
• Surnames — ‘Claudie’ or
‘Pearson’
• Tribes, native groups,
Aboriginals
• Capitalise this term.
• Colonial
• Full names are more
respectful for TWS.
• Sometimes the use of
‘tribes’ is okay. Please check
with the groups prior to
using the term or use safe
language.
• Indigenous land and sea
country
• Homelands
• Land and sea rights
• Land and sea country
• Sea country
• Saltwater country
• ‘on Country’ (only use in
reference to Traditional
Owners who are on their
specific country)
• Speaking for Country (only
in cases where Traditional
Owners are speaking for
their specific country)
• Aboriginal lands • When referring to Torres
Strait lands then Aboriginal
lands is not be appropriate.
• Depends on context but
must remember the concept
of sea rights.
• Traditional Owner’s usually
speak about their ‘people’
(aka ‘mob’) and their
‘Country’.
• These ‘countries’ are often
separated by geological
or ecological features but
can only be mapped by the
Traditional Owner’s.
• Within each ‘Country’ there
can be a number of ‘clan
groups’ or ‘skin groups’
and potentially different
languages or dialects.
• Extended families are
defined by ‘kinship’ models.
• Contact between clans has
very strict protocols.
• When speaking of a specific
‘Country’, please capitalise.

Correct usage
• Native Title (refers to title
over land or sea)
• Wild Rivers in Queensland
• Be specific about
Indigenous groups.
Example: ‘X river is on the
homelands of y group’
Incorrect usage
• ‘Queensland’s wild rivers’
• ‘Our’ river/forest etc.
Reason
• It is a very specific legal
term. Only use it when you
actually mean Native Title.
Alternatives are Traditional
Lands or Homelands.
• When written incorrectly
it indicates possession by
the State.
• When used incorrectly, it
can reflect dispossession.
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
Definitions
Correct usage
• Indigenous ecological
knowledge
• Before using following
terms please confirm with
The Wilderness Society’s
Indigenous Conservation
Team.
— Elder
— Law boss
• Working together
41
Incorrect usage Reason
• Traditional ecological • Indigenous ecological
knowledge knowledge is evolving —
it’s both traditional and
current.
• Indigenous people have
valuable benchmarks due
to traditional knowledge
as well as the best current
knowledge from living on
country and observing
change.
• ‘Elder’ for someone who is • Elder is a term indicating
not an elder. seniority.
• Check with The Wilderness
• ‘Law boss’ for someone who Society’s Indigenous
is not a law boss. Conservation Team. Know
who you are talking about
and their status in law or
custom.
• Elder is not just an old
person. For example, a
50-year-old person can refer
to a 30-year-old as their
elder.
• Avoid paternalism • Indicates that our work is
and subservience. The in partnership and mutual
Wilderness Society works respect.
together with Traditional
Owner(s), not for them and
vice versa.
42 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE
Definitions (cont.)
Correct usage
• Don’t speak as if Indigenous
people are intrinsically
different from others.
• ‘The Wilderness Society’s
position is...’
• Working together to
protect Country
• Use direct quotes from
Indigenous people.
Murrandoo Yanner says:
“Healthy rivers are the
lifeblood of our people.”
Incorrect usage
• ‘TWS and Indigenous
people hold the view...’
unless we actually have
a joint position in which
case we will reference the
Traditional Owner(s) with
whom we hold a joint
position.
• Anything that suggests we
are speaking for Traditional
Owner(s) and their rights.
• Paraphrasing: “Murrandoo
Yanner likes rivers…”
Reason
• Indigenous people are
people like everyone else.
They do not have magical or
mystical properties!
• Be accurate about the way
we work with groups.
• Don’t be presumptive about
speaking for Indigenous
groups. Speak for TWS
not for Indigenous groups
— they can speak for
themselves.
• Avoid sanctimonious tones
that convey ‘We represent
Indigenous interests better
than someone else’ or
that we are defending
Indigenous rights/interests.
• TWS is about protecting
environment. We work
with Traditional Owner(s)
to protect country — we
respect their rights.
• Indigenous people need
to speak for themselves.
Otherwise, adopt a
‘reporting’ style so that
things can be objectively
communicated.
Correct usage
• Use the Indigenous name of
a place, if known, alongside
the non Indigenous name.
Example: Mount Warning
(Wollumbin) or Gulaga (Mount
Dromedary)
• Law
• Laws and customs
• Partnerships
• Indigenous Protected Areas
Incorrect usage Reason
• TWS has a role in promoting
the use and recognition of
Indigenous place names.
• Lore • Law refers to Aboriginal Law in
the context of law and justice,
etc.
• Instead of ‘lore’ use: traditional
knowledge, customs etc.
• Native Title terminology
includes ‘in accord with the
laws and customs of...’
• Only talk about partnerships
when it is actually a partnership.
• Use great consideration when
speaking of protected areas.
• National parks have been used
as tools of dispossession and/or
injustice in the past.
• A lot of Traditional Owners’
remember being forced off
their land because of a
wilderness protection model
or national park.

Correct usage Incorrect usage Reason
• Customary Tenure • Very specific, not for general
audience.
• Relates to traditional ownership
under cultural law and custom
— not formalised under Native
Title or other commonwealth
mechanism but is understood in
Aboriginal law and custom (like
Aboriginal common law).
• A way of mapping out peoples
‘Country’.
• Co-management • Joint management • Public protected areas (such as
national parks) jointly managed
by Indigenous groups and state
departments.
• ‘Hand back-lease back’ • A land justice policy measure
referring to protected areas like
national parks where they are
handed back to their Traditional
Owner(s). Then the protected
area is leased back from
Indigenous owners by the state.
• Lease arrangements include
co-management boards and
Indigenous ranger jobs.
• Limited tenure protected areas
which need to be renegotiated
periodically.
Example: Uluru.
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — WRITTEN STYLE GUIDE 43
Correct usage Incorrect usage Reason
• Aboriginal Owned and • If it’s Aboriginal owned and • Aboriginal owned land jointly
jointly managed jointly managed National managed with the state.
Park then call it that, don’t The more we promote this
just call it a National Park. as a real outcome, then the
more accepting Traditional
Owner(s) will be of the idea
of National Parks. Remember
that there is a lot of history to
get past and this is one way
to help.
• Homelands Development • People on Country building
on traditions, etc. which have
been adjusted to the needs
of modern times. Before use
please contact The Wilderness
Society’s Indigenous
Conservation Team.
• unspoilt • pristine • Means untouched and
without people.
• perfect • wild
• beautiful • wilderness
• natural and cultural
• pure
• wonderful
• inspirational
image: Mungo National Park, New South Wales | Dennis Harding
 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — ANNEXES 45

4 Annexes Commonly break up (verb)

businessman
misspelt words by-law
by-line

C
This is an alphabetical list of some common problem capacity building
words and expressions. If a word is not in this list, capitalise
consult the Macquarie Dictionary. If you don’t have a caregiver/caregiving
case study
print version and need a subscription to access the cash for work (CFW)
online version; you can refer to the Oxford Dictionary, catalyse
www.oxforddictionaries.com. categorise
CD-ROM
The most important point to bear in mind is ceasefire
central Africa
that usage should be consistent throughout a Central America
manuscript. central Asia
central Europe
A centralise
ad hoc (not italic) centre
advertise/advertisement century: from first to tenth century, number spelt out;
advice (noun) thereafter in figures: 11th century, etc.
advise (verb) Chancellor Merkel but the chancellor said...
ageing changeover (noun)
analyse change over (verb)
anti-personnel childbirth
apprise child care
arise childcare centre
Pacific Ocean but the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans coastguard
audiovisual coexist
authorise/authorisation coexistence
awareness-raising co-management
community-based first aid (CBFA)
B comprise
backup compromise
bilingual computerise
billion = thousand million cooperate/cooperation
blood donor but blood-donor centre coordinate/coordination
break-up (noun) criticise
46 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — ANNEXES

D etc. (with full stop and followed by a comma in the middle G

databank/database of a sentence) galvanise
death toll euro (currency) generalise
debt relief (noun) but debt-relief process (adjective) Eurocentric goodwill (of a firm) but good will (virtuous intent)
decision-maker/decision-making excise grassroots
demise exercise guideline(s)
dependant (noun)
dependent (adjective) F H
despise far-reaching haemorrhage/haemorrhagic
destabilise feedback half-hour but half an hour
devise fertilise handbook
diarrhoea finalise hand-picked
disenfranchise first aid but first-aid courses (never First Aid with initial hardline
disguise capitals) hardest-hit countries but the hardest hit are....
firstborn harmonise
E first-class health care
East (the) (but the earthquake struck the east of the first-hand high-income countries
province) first-rate high-quality products but the product is of high quality
East Africa floodgate(s) high-risk areas but the community is at high risk
eastern Africa flood plain hi-tech material
east Asia flood waters HIV-positive
Eastern (of or relating to the East) ...fold (as in twofold, tenfold) Human Development Index (HDI)
Eastern bloc (historical) focused, focusing (not focussed, focussing) Hurricane Katrina but a hurricane hit the region
eastern Europe food security (FS)
e-commerce follow-up (noun) I
economise follow up (verb) i.e., (with full stops and followed by a comma)
e.g., (with full stops and followed by a comma) foothold ill-advised
email forego (to precede) ill health
emphasise forever immunise
en bloc (not italic) forgo (to relinquish, give up) improvise
enfranchise formalise incise
enquiry (Note: use enquiry for the act of asking formulas (but scientific or mathematical formulae) industrialise
a question, especially of a person; use inquiry forums (never fora) inquiry (Note: use inquiry when referring to an
when referring to an investigation, especially front line but front-line operations investigation, especially an official one; use enquiry for
an official one.) fulfil/fulfilment the act of asking a question, especially of a person.)
en route (not italic) full time but full-time job in so far as
enterprise fundraise, fundraising, fundraiser institutionalise
equalise interact/interaction
 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — ANNEXES 47

intergovernmental M O
internally displaced people (IDPs) macro-economics offshore
internet (lower case i) man-made ongoing
interpersonal manpower online
interracial marketplace organise
interrelate market research overrate
interstate materialise
intertribal maternal and child health worker P
intranet (lower case i) maximise Pacific islands (but a Pacific Islander)
medium-sized organisation but a small organisation, a Pacific Ocean (but the Pacific and Atlantic oceans)
J large organisation paralyse
jeopardise memorise patronise
micro-credit peace talk(s)
K micro-economics peacetime
know-how middle-income countries per cent: use % sign. (Note: percentages are always
minimise written in figures: 6%, 17.5%)
L Ministry of Health, Ministry of External Affairs (but the policy-maker/policy-making
labour-intensive ministries of health and external affairs) politicise
laissez-faire (not italic) mobilise postnatal
landlocked multicultural post-traumatic stress disorder
landmine multidisciplinary postwar
landslide multilateral practice (noun)
large-scale operation; but on a large scale multinational practise (verb)
Latin America multiracial premise
learnt (not learned, as in lessons learnt) prenatal
leukaemia N Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai (but the prime minister
licence (noun) nationwide agreed...)
license (verb) needs-assessment survey but a needs assessment was prioritise
lifesaving/lifesaver carried out… privatise
lifestyle non-governmental organisation (NGO) problem-solving
like-for-like (as in like-for-like comparison) no one (no hyphen) program
localise North (the) (but the people live in the north of the programmer
long-term country) promise
loophole North Africa -prone (as in a disaster-prone area)
low-income countries North America pro rata (but on a pro-rata basis)
lowland northern (of or relating to the north) publicise
low-tech northern Europe
48 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — ANNEXES

starting point wartime

R state(s) (but New York State, the State of New South water and sanitation (write out in full, not WatSan or
radioactive/radioactivity Wales) watsan)
raise stationary (not moving) web
realise stationery (paper, envelopes, etc.) website
real-time subcommittee wellbeing
recognise subcontinent well-established program (but the program is well
regionalise subregion/subregional established)
-related (as in pregnancy-related diseases) sub-Saharan Africa well-known organisation (but the organisation is well
represent (but re-present (to present again)) subsidise known)
-resistant (as in drug-resistant tuberculosis) substandard West (the) (but the program was carried out in the west of
revise subtotal the country)
revitalise summarise West Africa
rise supervise western Africa
River Thames (but the Yarra and Fitzroy rivers) surmise western Europe
round table (but round-table talks) worldwide
T
S task force X
scaling up team-mate X-ray
schoolchild/schoolchildren (but a pre-school child) team spirit
search and rescue (but a search-and-rescue team) teamwork
Second World War (not World War II) televise
secretariat think-tank
Secretary General Bekele Geleta (but the secretary- traumatise
general said) tsunami (as in Indian Ocean tsunami)
self-interest turnout
Senator Jones (but the senator said…)
sensitise U
short-term losses (but in the short term) undergrowth
small-scale project (but on a small scale) underrate
South Africa (the country) but southern Africa (the region) under way (as in negotiations are under way...)
South America up-to-date information (but the information is up to date)
South Asia urbanise
South (the) (but the south of the region was flooded) utilise
South-East Asia
southern (of or relating to the South)
southern Africa V
specialise visualise
stabilise
standardise W
 THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY STYLE GUIDE — ANNEXES C

Need more
style guidance?
When in doubt, ask a member of
our friendly Communications Team:

comms@wilderness.org.au
(03) 9038 0801
(03) 9038 0827

Or refer to:

1. The Macquarie Dictionary (paid subscription)

www.macquariedictionary.com.au

2. The Oxford Dictionary

www.oxforddictionaries.com

3. The Wilderness Society Resource Library

resources.wilderness.org.au

4. The ABC Radio National style guide

style.radionational.net.au/glossary.

printed on 100% recycled

post-consumer waste paper