Twenty years of volunteering recognised with prestigious award
Volunteers from the Friends of Burra Parks groups and staff from Natural Resources Northern and Yorke recently ran a working bee at Pualco Conservation Park in the Rangelands, around 100 kilometres north east of Burra.
Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Landscape Ranger Darrin Bennett said the working bee concentrated on pest plant control and road works and repair.
“As Pualco Conservation Park is quite remote the group decided to set up camp and spend the night under the stars, a memorable experience for all,” Mr Bennett said
“A significant number of African boxthorn infestations dotted around the park were controlled using equipment recently bought by the group with funds provided through a bite-sized grant awarded by the Northern and Yorke NRM Board.
“Other works undertaking included repairing a road which had been impacted by various washouts.”
Mr Bennett said that a highlight of the trip was presenting a 2019 Premier’s Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Service to long-time Friends of Parks volunteer Arthur Simpson.
“The Friends of Burra Parks President Bob Lamb and I had the honour of presenting Arthur with this significant award,” Mr Bennett said.
“Arthur has contributed over 20 years of volunteer service to a range of organisations and volunteer groups. It was wonderful to see his hard work and commitment acknowledged and rewarded with such a prestigious award.”
Mr Bennett said that the work completed by the Friends of Burra Parks continues to prove invaluable.
“The work undertaken by the group is so important, they achieve so much across our state’s parks that just wouldn’t be possible for staff to accomplish on their own,” he said.
The Friends of Burra Parks group plan to hold another working bee at Pualco Conservation Park next year, to continue the successful weed control undertaken and new volunteers are always welcome.
For information about the Friends of Burra Parks group and volunteer opportunities in the Northern and Yorke region, contact the Natural Resources Centre at Clare on 8841 3444.
