Congratulations to the NSW Environmental Trust's Aboriginal Programs Officer Maggie Bushel for winning the Environment, Energy and Science's (EES) Group's Carol Kendall Award 2020.
"Maggie is a proud Ngunnawal woman who has excelled in delivering the Environmental Trust's Protecting our Places (PoP) grants' program," Director Grants Tina Bidese said.
"For the past two years Maggie's enthusiasm, passion and commitment has been integral in the roll-out of the recently restructured PoP program."
PoP grants help manage significant Aboriginal cultural landscapes.
Uniquely, for the first 6-12 months, PoP participants focus on project planning and capacity-building, with regular communications and face-to-face workshops establishing clear workplans and building supportive relationships.
"It's an honour to receive an award in the name of Carol Kendall, who was tireless in campaigning for justice and recognition of Aboriginal people, particularly for the Stolen Generations – of whom she was one," Ms Bushel said.
"When Carol worked with National Parks, part of her role was reconnecting Aboriginal elders back to Country, while also working with members of the Stolen Generations."
Carol Kendall passed in early 2002, just before she was to receive an Order of Australia. She was renowned for her work around the Stolen Generations, campaigning for a national apology, and was widely respected as an Aboriginal Women's Heritage Coordinator with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services.
The Carol Kendall award recognises outstanding achievement in the area of Aboriginal culture and heritage.
In addition to Maggie's outstanding work in delivering the POP program, she regularly advocates for increased Aboriginal employment opportunities through the Trust's programs and readily shares her knowledge on ways to better communicate and engage with the Trust's Aboriginal clients.
Established in 1998, the Trust promotes environmental outcomes through grants to the community, non-government organisations and government organisations. Its mission is to ensure that current and future generations can enjoy a thriving natural environment in New South Wales.
