Committee volunteers recognised

June 3, 2022 BY

By Lachlan Ellis

Hard-working volunteers from parks and reserves across the Grampians region have been recognised for their efforts as part of National Volunteer Week, including members from four Moorabool groups.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) oversees around 1,500 Crown land reserves across Victoria, managed by 1,200 Committees of Management – and on Wednesday 18 May, DELWP acknowledged 42 of the most exceptional volunteers.

The ‘2022 DELWP Grampians Committee of Management Recognition Awards’ were held online, and featured a thank you message from Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio.

“The passion and dedication of volunteers across Victoria’s almost 1,200 Committees of Management is simply amazing, and they remain critical to how we manage public land across the state,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“Whether conserving our natural environment, protecting historic buildings, or taking care of community assets – like halls, recreation reserves, and rail trails – the extra effort our volunteers have made to care for places local communities truly value has not gone unnoticed.”

Among the Recognition Award recipients was Dina Bowman from the Gordon Public Park and Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, who served for three years as the Committee’s Secretary and Treasurer.

Ms Bowman said it was an honour both to serve on the Committee and, be acknowledged for her work with the Recognition Award.

“I think it’s tremendous, it’s great to be recognised. We’ve served almost three years and made a big difference in the park, so it’s great that that’s been recognised. When we started, I think only about three people turned up to the public meeting, and the park looked abandoned in a way,” she told the Moorabool News.

“Working with Ballan & District Community Bank Branch, the Moorabool Wind Farm, Moorabool Shire Council and the Federal Government through Catherine King…after three years, it’s great to see we’ve got a new kitchen, an energy upgrade, an air conditioner, solar system, garden beds and more,” Ms Bowman said.

COVID lockdowns proved particularly difficult to navigate for the Gordon Public Park and Recreation Reserve Committee – Ms Bowman said getting people involved and attracting funding had been “hard work, but rewarding”.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-05-31/8

in the 31 May 2022 edition
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pick up a paper around your town.