RICHIE Benson of Cumberland Reach, who grew up on the river, is the Hawkesbury’s Environmental Volunteer of the Year for 2017.
Mr Benson, 19, said he didn’t know where he got his passion for getting in there and restoring the environment along the river, but he’s always had that drive.
“Because I live on the river I want to care for it and keep it as healthy as I can,” he said. “There is a high level of land clearing in the Hawkesbury. I want to get in and create habitat for endangered species such as koalas and platypus and long-nosed bandicoots.”
He has seen bandicoots at Yarramundi while doing his Certificate III in Natural Area Restoration with TAFE, but not down where he lives at Cumberland Reach. “I’ve seen tracks though,” he said.
He is quite excited about the revegetation work he’s done down on the river near his home, planting eucalyptus deanei, a huge eucalypt which white bellied sea eagles and wedge-tailed eagles build their big messy nests in. He’s seen both birds there.
He’s also helped form the Cumberland Reach Landcare group, is a Hawkesbury Environment Network Committee member, and has been actively raising awareness of sites in need of urgent attention. His passion got him a great job too – at Hawkesbury River County Council in the Priority Plants section (formerly Noxious Weeds).
He said it was “definitely a shock” to get the award. “It’s driven me to get out there and do a lot more!” he said with a smile.
The award was presented at Hawkesbury Council’s 20th Annual Bushcare and Landcare Awards, held in partnership with Hawkesbury River County Council, Hawkesbury Environment Network, Hawkesbury Landcare Network and Greater Sydney Landcare Network.
Eleven other awards were presented by Councillor Danielle Wheeler to hardworking groups and individuals who were all congratulated heartily by Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett who also praised the 1800 hours of volunteer work done by the 20 Hawkesbury Community Nursery Volunteer Group members.
Environmental Group of the Year was won by Wetland Warriors for their efforts in promoting the preservation and improvement of the wetlands throughout the Hawkesbury via working bees, open days and community newsletters. The group have been going strong now for more than three years.
Hawkesbury Community Nursery Green Thumb Award - Rosemary Otten
20 Years Long Service to Bushcare and Landcare - Eric Brocken and Peter Mobbs
21 Years Long Service to Bushcare and Landcare - Robin Woods
The Super Scriber Scripting Award - Viniana Vereua, Dana Pank, John Jose, Jeff, Cottrell and Robin Woods
Rookie of the Year - Phil’s Forest Bushcare
Landcare Buddies - Prue Gargano; Janet Fox.