Landcare on the south coast was a star at last night’s State NRM conference gala awards dinner.
South coast landcarers took out two awards, the Australian Government Individual Landcarer award and the Junior Landcare Team award.
Rhonda Williams from Jerramungup was awarded the Australian Government Individual Landcarer award. Along with her husband Ross, they have been farming in the area for more than 30 years.
Landcare plays a critical role in their farm management as the key to long term sustainability and profitability. Rhonda’s involvement in landcare has continued beyond the farm gate, by representing landcare at the local and regional level across 12 landcare based organisations and local government since 2002 volunteering over 8,100 hours to landcare. Rhonda is also the current deputy chair of the South Coast NRM Board of Management and has been involved with the organisation for more than 20 years.
“Rhonda’s recognition is fantastic and well deserved,” said David Broadhurst, Regional Landcare Facilitator from South Coast NRM. “Working with Rhonda is a rewarding experience. She is someone who walks the talk and is happy and supportive in everything she does,” said Mr Broadhurst.
Esperance Senior High School Bush Rangers Cadets won the Junior Landcare Team award. The cadets work on a range of environmental programs across the Esperance region, and have been supporting South Coast NRM projects and activities since 2008.
Mr Craig Snow from Esperance Senior High School thanked the cadets for all of their hard work. “I would also like to thank South Coast NRM and the Shire of Esperance for allowing us to work with them on projects. It’s excellent that the cadets can get hands on experience in local projects,” said Mr Snow.
“Working alongside the Bush Rangers has been a fantastic experience” said Robyn Cail, South Coast NRM biodiversity project officer. “They are a very positive group who provide a crucial support to our coastal restoration projects. I look forward to continuing to work with them into the future,” said Ms Cail.
“On behalf of South Coast NRM, I would like to congratulate both worthy winners on their success,” said Carl Beck, CEO of South Coast NRM. “Both Rhonda and Ross, and the Esperance Bush Rangers have been important partners in delivering activities as part of the National Landcare Programme.’
Rhonda and the Esperance Senior High School Bush Ranger Cadets will join the other State winners in representing Western Australia at next year’s National Landcare Awards.
