Conservation volunteers recognised on International Volunteer Day

The contribution of volunteers to conserving the State environment was recognised today at a celebration to mark International Volunteer Day and Western Australia's Thank a Volunteer Day.

Environment Minister Donna Faragher presented the awards to volunteers who worked with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) in a wide range of projects which aim to conserve the State's biodiversity.

"Almost 3,500 volunteers have contributed 425,000 hours of their time to the department's activities in the past year," Mrs Faragher said.

"This is in addition to the countless hours contributed by others who served on community advisory committees or who were among the 1,800 wildlife carers who tend to sick and injured native animals, or the 350 campground hosts who meet and greet the travelling public throughout the State's national parks.

"This reflects an enormous level of commitment and enthusiasm that volunteers have for the department's day-to-day activities and, in turn, the high regard the department has for those volunteers."

Volunteers contributed to a range of DEC activities including, wildlife management and research; forest research; information services; interpretation; visitor surveys; participation in park planning and management; coastal rehabilitation; erosion control; historical research and work experience.

Volunteer of the Year Awards were presented to:

. Ms June Gaynor, Shoalwater, Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
. Mr Norm and Mrs Gwen Cole, Manning, Campground hosts
. Mr Trevor Nicholls, Marangaroo, Perth Royal Agricultural Show Conservation and Landcare display, wildlife rehabilitator and Yanchep National Park volunteer

Friends of North Lake Regional Park group volunteers:

. Mr Neil Goldsborough, Kardinya
. Ms Adele George, Kardinya
. Ms Lynne Steele, Kardinya
. Mr Viharo Wood, Coolbellup
. Mr Ray Robertson and Ms Terry Robertson, Kardinya

Outstanding Service Awards were presented to:

. Ms Lesley Kerr, Bibbulmun Track volunteer,
. Mr Andrew Greaves, Yanchep National Park volunteer, Yanchep
. Ms Lesley and Mr Glen Goudie, Morley, animal control agents and WILDCARE Helpline volunteers
. Ms Meg and Mr Stan Salazaar, Hillman, Penguin Island volunteers
. Ms Marlene Lievense, Mandurah, Penguin Island volunteer.

The Minister also acknowledged the support DEC receives from other volunteer organisations such as local bushfire brigades; State Emergency Service; Country Women's Association; Red Cross and St John Ambulance who assist DEC each summer during the perennial wildfires.

Minister's office  - 9213 7250