Lois Simpson has taken home the top gong at the annual Lake Macquarie Landcare Environmental Excellence in Landcare Awards.
More than 60 local Landcarers attended the awards ceremony on Friday 18 November, giving volunteers the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of Lake Macquarie Landcare groups in 2022.
Lake Macquarie Landcare Volunteer Network Chair Lois Simpson received the John Hughson Soaring with Eagles Award. The award represents the pinnacle of the Lake Macquarie Environmental Excellence in Landcare awards, being awarded to an individual who has achieved all of the previous awards and who makes a regionally significant contribution to Landcare.
Landcare Coordinator Jason Harvey said Lois had been an exceptional Landcare representative Landcare for more than 10 years and was very deserving of this award.
"Lois is an exceptional hard worker, making a positive difference at multiple Landcare sites," Mr Harvey said.
"She shines when working with others as she shares her exceptional enthusiasm and strong ethic for nurturing our environment, and the people that love it.
"She shares the Landcare ethic far and wide through her involvement in the network, local and regional events and through content for our newsletters and videos.
"Her efforts in continuing to champion the Landcare movement should be commended".
Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison MP presented the awards for newcomer and longstanding groups, with Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper MP and Mackenzie Robson, on behalf of Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi, presenting awards for individual Landcarers in categories including community education, Landcare achievers, local legend and 10 years' service.
Mr Harvey expressed his thanks to all the volunteers that have shown dedication to improving their Landcare sites in 2022.
"So far this year, our dedicated Landcarers have performed more than 12,982 hours of recorded work," Mr Harvey said.
"More than 3500 native plants have been planted by volunteers across Lake Macquarie and an area of 8.9 hectares has been weeded.
"In the nursery, volunteers have helped propagate 45,578 plants.
"This is an amazing contribution not only to the environment, but to the greater community."
