A record fifteen awards were presented to worthy environmental Bushcare volunteers at Council’s 22nd Annual Bushcare Awards.
The highest honour, Environmental Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Gillian Miller for her strong commitment to the restoration of Charles Kemp Reserve in Ebenezer, through the techniques of bushland regeneration. Councillor Amanda Kotlash presented the award to Mrs Miller for showing inspiring commitment and dedication to the Hawkesbury environment. She also received her 10 Years Long Service to Bushcare Award along with Michael Kemp, Eve Stones, Andrew Stones who also received their 10 Years Long Service Awards.
Mrs Miller has been recognised through her creative conservation efforts in promoting the preservation and improvement of Charles Kemp Reserve.
The target weed removal of Mother of Millions involved local Scouts and Cubs Group 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.
Mrs Miller was acknowledged for her “consistency and commitment to the local environment”, the Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Barry Calvert said.
“It is important that our Bushcare groups continue to be recognised for the vital work they do in the Hawkesbury,” the Mayor said.
“My congratulations and thanks to all of our award winning Bushcare volunteers. These awards acknowledge all your hard work throughout 2019, and I know you are continuing to do your very best in 2020.
“With all the damage to our bushland and riverbanks from the bushfires and the floods, we need you more than ever.
“The Hawkesbury Community Nursery Volunteer Group has 20 active volunteers who have grown over 40,000 plants over the past year,” he said.
“They have also contributed over 1800 hours of voluntary work at the community plant nursery and they all provide valuable services by protecting and enhancing our natural environment.
“We welcome more volunteers; just imagine how quickly we can regenerate our natural environment and habitat in the Hawkesbury if even more community members get involved.”
Award winners
- Environmental Volunteer of the Year Award – Gillian Miller
- The Hawkesbury Community Nursery Green Thumb Award – Michael Eggleton
- 10 Years Long Service to Bushcare – Michael Kemp, Eve Stones, Andrew Stones, Gillian Miller
- Certificate of Appreciation for Koala Fest Hawkesbury, Sunday, 8 September 2019 –
Hawkesbury Koala Working Group
- Toni May Memorial Award Excellence in Bushland Regeneration – Wendy Lawson
- Super Scriber Scripting Award – Jocelyn Howden, Patricia O’Toole, Wez Champion, Karen Barron, Patricia Butler, Viki Winton
- Lifetime Membership to Hawkesbury Bushcare – John Jose
