Stockton named runner-up for statewide leadership award

ONE of the Surf Coast’s leading environmental advocates has been recognised on the statewide stage as a result of his leadership across the region.

Graeme Stockton’s thousands of hours of volunteer work with Surf Coast Environmental Group (SCEG) and Surfers Appreciating Natural Environment (SANE) has led to a runner-up award at the 2021 Volunteering Awards.

Mr Stockton was named runner-up for the Volunteer Leadership Award, an accolade he was quick to credit to those around him.

“Inevitably because of the privileged position I am in, this award has come back to highlight my contributions, but it isn’t really about me, it’s about the great teamwork that has happened over the years,” Mr Stockton said.

Mr Stockton’s work involving local community members, as well as addressing significant sustainability issues and climate change continues to impact on government planning policy and nearby ecosystems.

Landmark moments for Mr Stockton include the role he played in SCEG attaining a $10 million grant for a sustainable energy program in the Corangamite region and the completion of a whole body of restoration works at Bells Beach with SANE.

Mr Stockton explained SANE are “the foot soldiers” putting in all the hard yards to get rid of environmental weeds applying ecological stewardship to the area for the first time in 100 years.

Following the release of Surf Coast Distinctive Area and Landscape (DAL) Program’s settlement boundary, Mr Stockton is excited to take the next steps in restoring the ecosystem of Spring Creek valley.

“The opportunity now opens up for the community to purchase land within the Spring Creek valley through a community land trust arrangement,” Mr Stockton said.

“That means not just getting rid of the weeds, it means restoring the grassy woodland ecology, thinking about community energy, community transport and what’s best for the local economy.”

To help raise community interest for the trust, a Celebration of Nature will be held through an art exhibition opening on May 19 and a Community Information Day on May 28 both at Ashmore Arts.

A full list of recipients at the 2021 Volunteering Awards can be found at volunteeringvictoria.org.au/events/volunteering-awards-2021/.