GREEN thumb volunteers across the Hawkesbury were awarded for their environmental efforts at a special awards ceremony hosted by Hawkesbury Council last month.
The 21st annual Bushcare and Landcare Awards held at McMahons Park, Kurrajong - in partnership with Hawkesbury River County Council, Hawkesbury Bushcare and the Hawkesbury Landcare Network - recognised nine individuals and teams for their work in the region throughout 2018.
The highest honour, Environmental Volunteer of the Year, was awarded to Patricia O’Toole for her commitment to the restoration of natural areas in the Kurrajong area, through the techniques of bushland regeneration.
Mrs O’Toole’s has been working hard to restore these areas for more than 14 years, and has been involved with Mill Road Bushcare (Singletons Reserve) and Matheson Park Bushcare.
The Environmental Group of the Year award went to Charles Kemp Reserve Bushcare for their efforts in promoting the preservation and improvement of the Charles Kemp Reserve, with specific on-target weed removal of Mother of Millions and the innovation of Geocaching through Bushland Regeneration.
Volunteer numbers have ranged from 9 to 26 people each month, with a major focus on education in bushland regeneration.
Other awards presented at the ceremony were: The Hawkesbury Community Nursery Green Thumb Award – Laurie Camilleri; 10 Years Long Service to Bushcare – Merv Sharkie; 10 Years Long Service to Bushcare and Landcare – Janet Fox; The Super Scriber Scripting Award – Wendy Lawson and Richie Benson; Rookie of the Year – Windsor Wharfies Bushcare; Certificate of Appreciation for Koala Fest @ Kurrajong, Saturday, 15 September 2018 – Hawkesbury Koala Working Group.
Hawkesbury Mayor Barry Calvert praised all the winners and their work.
“It is important that Bushcare and Landcare groups continue to be recognised as vital for the Hawkesbury,” he said.
“The Hawkesbury Community Nursery Volunteer Group has 20 active volunteers who have grown over 40,000 plants over the past year.
“They have also contributed over 1800 hours of voluntary work at the nursery and they all provide valuable services by protecting and enhancing our natural environment.”
Members of the community can visit their local Bushcare or Landcare group as well as the Hawkesbury Community Nursery and lend a hand.
To get involved, contact Martin Gauci, Council’s Community Bushcare Officer on 4560 4525 or mgauci@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au, or Xuela Sledge, Local Landcare Coordinator for the Hawkesbury Landcare Network on 0410 616 139 or landcare@hrcc.nsw.gov.au.
The Community Nursery Group meets every Wednesday at 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave (next to the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter) from 9am to 1pm. To find out about joining, email jutta.hamilton@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au or call 4560 4651.
