Awards recognise bushland passions

Two volunteers who have gone above and beyond to help care for Hobart’s bushlands have been recognised with awards.

The Bushcare Legend Golden Secateurs Award is presented each year to a worthy volunteer who makes a positive and lasting impact on the local bush environment.

Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnet presented the 2019 award to Rodney Arnold, who joined the Friends of Knocklofty Reserve group in 2013.

“Since then, he has become a dedicated and reliable volunteer, offering his services to Bushcare two days a week,” Cr Burnet said.

“Rodney is unstoppable,” Cr Burnet said. “He has spent many, many hours removing weeds and participating in working bees. He willingly became a volunteer supervisor and has led by example.”

An honorary mention went to long-serving Bushcare volunteer Robert Rands, who has made significant contributions during 26 years with the Waterworks Valley Landcare group.

This year, the inaugural Trackcare Legend Award was added to the presentation to recognise the contribution from volunteers to the maintenance of the mountain bike and bushwalking tracks on kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

Cr Burnet said recipient Jeff Thomas brought great energy and enthusiasm to the Trackcare program.

“Jeff has been a regular Trackcarer since 2017 and has helped to inspire and engage other volunteers to grow the Trackcare program.

“He has been a great advocate for Trackcare. He comes up with great ideas and often gets his family involved.

“As a rider and racer, Jeff is also an invaluable representative on the City of Hobart Mountain Bike Advisory Group.”

Parks and Recreation Committee Chair Alderman Jeff Briscoe said more than 500 people volunteered their time to Bushcare programs during the past 12 months.

“Trackcare, in particular, has proven extremely popular this year, welcoming 94 new volunteers,” Ald Briscoe said.

“In total, volunteers have contributed 4057 hours of their time to improve habitat for wildlife, conserve rare and threatened species and maintain tracks for the enjoyment of bushland visitors.

“It’s a big team effort that is greatly appreciated by the City of Hobart. Our thanks go all of the dedicated Bushcare volunteers for their efforts and passion for our bushland areas.”