Dedicated duo awarded for decades of environmental stewardship
For the past decade, Robe couple Jim and Judy Smith have volunteered their time to protecting and enhancing our local parks. Now, with a total of 30 years of parks volunteering across the state, they’re making the move to Mount Gambier.
The Department for Environment and Water has recognised the couple’s 30 years voluntary conservation stewardship by awarding them 30 years of service badges, and a Parks Gold Pass.
Senior Ranger Cath Bell said throughout their volunteer history with Friends of Parks groups in Robe and the Adelaide Hills, Jim and Judy have made a significant contribution to protecting these natural areas.
“As President and Treasurer respectively, Jim and Judy have worked with the Friends of Little Dip group and local parks staff on a multitude of projects,” Cath said.
“We really value having such passionate community members involved in the conservation of our local Parks and reserves, and we’re so grateful for the time and effort towards improving and protecting the local parks and coast”.
With the dedicated duo moving on, Friends of Little Dip are looking for new members and to fill the President and Treasurer positions at their upcoming AGM.
Jim said the group’s activities can be broad, and it’s up to the particular interests of the volunteers as to which activities the group undertakes.
“We have members interested in a range of things form revegetation and bird surveys, to beach clean ups and monitoring,” Jim said.
“Becoming a volunteer with Friends of Little Dip is a wonderfully rewarding way of experiencing and enjoying the park as well as giving something back.”
“If you’re interested in doing your bit to help conserve and improve our local area, come along to our upcoming AGM. Everyone is welcome.”
For more information on the group or other volunteering activities in parks, attend the meeting on 2nd June or contact Cath Bell catherine.bell@sa.gov.au.
