ENVIRONMENTAL volunteer, advocate, and former microbiologist and science teacher Stuart McCallum has been recognised as a Golden Plains Shire Senior Citizen of the Year nominee for 2021.<\/p>\n
Mr McCallum is a pillar of the Friends of Bannockburn Bush, secretary of the Geelong Landcare Network, a member of the Ballarat Environment Network, and is working to establish a new group to nurture the Bruces Creek area.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great honour to be nominated. I appreciate that people are recognising that we\u2019re trying to make a difference, improve biodiversity, and attitudes in the community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d like to accept the nominations on the behalf of all the members of Bannockburn Bush, for all the work they\u2019ve done, because we\u2019ve really set a standard for how you can look after reserves.\u201d<\/p>\n
In protecting Bannockburn Bushland Nature Reserve\u2019s biodiversity, Mr McCallum and the friends have had fencing installed to prevent the entry of trail and quad bikes, cars, and four-wheel drives.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has opened up the bush to many more people for safe activities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr McCallum is also proud of the Friends\u2019 partnerships with First Nations Peoples from the local Wadawurrung and Wathaurong communities, all about natural resource management, and connecting to country.<\/p>\n
The reserve\u2019s 2021 Full Moon Festival was organised by Mr McCallum, encouraging locals to connect with the environment, and appreciate it even more. He has also run Yellowgum festivals in the past.<\/p>\n
Mr McCallum said he loves a challenge, but couldn\u2019t do as much as he does without the \u201cinvaluable\u201d support of his wife, Philippa.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s also nominated for the Citizen of the Year Award.<\/p>\n
Other nominees for the Golden Plains Shire Senior Citizen of the Year Award include Barry Wemyss of Smythesdale, Ruth Georgalis of Dereel, Joan Coker of Haddon, and Peter Trevaskis of Inverleigh.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ENVIRONMENTAL volunteer, advocate, and former microbiologist and science teacher Stuart McCallum has been recognised as a Golden Plains Shire Senior Citizen of the Year nominee for 2021. Mr McCallum is a pillar of the Friends of Bannockburn Bush, secretary of the Geelong Landcare Network, a member of the Ballarat Environment Network, and is working to […]<\/p>\n