Caring for our environment has been the inspiration behind this year’s Volunteer of the Year.
Landcarer Julie Ho from Port Macquarie was presented with her award last week by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Administrator Neil Porter during the Volunteers Expo at Port Panthers, along with $1000 to donate to a not-for-profit organisation of her choice.
This year, there were 10 nominees considered for the annual award which recognises and celebrates local volunteers whose work contributes to the social and cultural well-being of the community.
Julie is an ambassador for the local environment and has been volunteering for conservation groups in Port Macquarie for the past 25 years.
She has worked closely on many projects in the Kooloonbung Nature Park, at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre and with Landcare.
As well as working tirelessly on conservation projects, Julie spends countless hours on committee tasks including administrative work, lobbying for environmental issues, publicity campaigns, writing funding applications and reports.
Julie has helped build local Landcare volunteer numbers to over 130 and is integral in providing the group with the necessary equipment and skills to implement its valuable work at local reserves.
Thanks to her ability to secure funding, Port Macquarie Landcare was able to set up a state-of-the-art Community Nursery which continues to grow and provide a diverse selection of native plant species for environmental restoration projects throughout the Hastings.
In accepting this prize for Port Macquarie Landcare Group, Julie said she knew the whole community would benefit.
“Through our Community Nursery and the environmental repair work we do, everyone’s quality of life is improved,” she said.
She said all the nominees deserved to win, but it was gratifying that environmental work had been recognised in this way.
“Our natural surroundings are wonderful, that’s the reason we want to live here. We love caring for it,” Julie said.
“I have enjoyed volunteering - in Sea Acres, in Kooloonbung Nature Park and in our other bushland corridors.
“And meeting kindred spirits is one of the best things about it.
“One of my jobs has been securing funds to repair degraded bushland, build up the Nursery and fund the group.
“We also have to buy the equipment and safety gear for our volunteers. Transport is another big cost as we have 17 project sites across town.”
Julie said the generous cash award would help all Landcare members to do their essential work.
