2008 Port Phillip and Western Port Landcare Awards
Montmorency Friends Group volunteer Julia Davis was today awarded the Individual Caring for Public Land Award during the 2008 Port Phillip and Western Port Landcare Awards.
Ms Davis received one of 11 Awards during the event, at Zinc in Federation Square, which recognised our Landcare Heroes – the individuals, groups and organisations making a difference in caring for and improving our environment.
CEO of Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA) Mr David Buntine, said Ms Davis’ embodies the power of one - highlighting the vital work of the unsung heroes who give thousands of hours of their time to care for our environment.
“It puts the spotlight on the thousands of individuals out there making extraordinary contributions in caring for and improving the landscape,” he said.
Judges acknowledged Ms Davis exceptional contribution to the environment through her 40 years developing and sharing environmental practices in Nillumbik/Banyule areas, as a founding member of the Montmorency Field Naturalists, and her on-going monitoring and evaluation activities.
Assisting at the Edendale Indigenous Plant Nursery, Ms Davis shares her knowledge of propagation, insects and native grasses, does Waterwatch testing and reports results to Melbourne Water, is an active member of several local Friends of Groups, and assists local guides and scouts in developing their skills in environmental practices.
“It is very satisfying working with young people who largely have a genuine interest and thirst for knowledge of the environment and play a role in teaching their parents about nature and biodiversity,” Ms Davis said.
Her own fascination for the natural environment and was nurtured during her teenage years. “I was interested when no-one else was and I think people thought I was a little crazy,” she says.
“When I got off the ship from England in 1967 I could smell the eucalypts and I was so excited. I wanted to learn all I could.”
Ms Davis takes every opportunity to promote the values of Landcare through educational activities, and believes more can be done to engender environmental awareness in the community.
As a winner within the Port Phillip and Western Port Landcare Awards, Ms Davis will also go on to be nominated for the 2009 Victorian Landcare Awards.
Media inquiries: Anne Gigney – PPWCMA Communications Manager 03 8781 7900 |