COFFS Harbour Regional Landcare’s (CHRL) annual awards took place on Wednesday 5 November in the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.
These recognise outstanding volunteers who dedicate their time, energy and passion to caring for the environment.
“Every nominee for this year’s awards represents the very best of our community, people who quietly and consistently make a difference,” CHRL Vice President Barry Powells told News Of The Area.
“Their work inspires us all”.
CHRL presented awards across three categories.
The Eileen Moody Award celebrates the achievements of an individual Coffs Landcare volunteer.
Winner John Wackett was recognised for his outstanding and enduring contribution to bush regeneration and community-led conservation in the Arrawarra area.
As the founder and coordinator of Mullaway North Landcare since 1998, he has worked tirelessly to restore and protect native vegetation across challenging coastal sites.
A long-term part-time resident of Arrawarra, John is also an active member of Fuller Street Landcare and Mullawarra Dunecare, sharing his time, expertise, and knowledge across multiple groups.
The Dee Wallace Award recognises a Coffs Landcare volunteer group for its direct contribution to rehabilitating the environment.
The winner was Green Bluff Landcare group, which is described as a model of perseverance and collaboration.
It has shown exceptional dedication to restoring a site of ecological and cultural significance since 2004.
Despite major access challenges – including the loss of the Stingray Creek footbridge – volunteers have continued regular working bees, reaching the site via 4WDs, boats, and even wading across the creek.
The Pia Dollmann Award celebrates an individual, community group, business or school who have significantly contributed to conservation and/or sustainability in the Coffs Region.
The winner is Nick Lambert, a passionate citizen scientist, educator, and mentor whose industrious work has helped establish the Coffs Harbour LGA as a globally recognised biodiversity and citizen science hotspot.
A teacher at St Augustine’s School, Nick has personally logged over 177,000 iNaturalist (app) sightings across 12,600+ species, including rare and undescribed flora and fauna.
His work focuses on species distribution, ecological relationships, and seasonal patterns in remote or under-recorded locations and he collaborates with researchers, contributes to scientific publications, and collects samples for national and international experts.
He also leads local surveys, mentors students in fieldwork, and supports workshops with the Regional Botanic Gardens.
”“My hope is for more of our community to engage with our incredible local ecosystems and to increase people’s sense of connection to their environment,” Mr Lambert told NOTA.
“The understanding that comes with this connection ensures that people value our wild natural places and will hopefully improve future prospects for their preservation.”
By Andrea FERRARI
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