Aidan Curtis
THE Limestone Coast has taken a clean sweep at an annual environmental awards ceremony, with both awards going to Mount Gambier / Berrin conservationists.
In May, the Rotary Club of Burnside announced the winners of its annual Leadership in Conservation and Volunteer of the Parks awards, with both going to Limestone Coast locals.
National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia district ranger Ross Anderson took the honours for the Leadership in Conservation award, while Friends of Mount Gambier Area Parks president Kevin Mott was named winner of the Volunteer of the Parks award.
Mr Anderson told The Border Watch it was an honour to even be nominated and the wins showed our region was “having a go” at good conservation practices.
“I was nominated by volunteers, which was really nice that they appreciated my efforts,” he said.
“I think it does demonstrate that the community do appreciate the efforts in conservation, but there are a lot of good people all around the state putting a lot of effort into conservation outcomes or projects.
“As much as I appreciate being nominated, it’s about the other hands on deck, whether it’s staff or volunteers that help deliver those projects.”
Mr Mott described winning the award as “a bit of a shock” and said he was grateful to have been recognised by his peers.
“It’s certainly encouraging because you don’t do it for reward, but you realise there are a lot of people who do appreciate the effort you put in,” Mr Mott said.
“It’s good acknowledgement and shows you you’re probably doing the right thing, but there are a lot of other people putting a lot of effort in as well.
“It’s not just one person, it’s a whole community of people working together to help present the parks to people in a way they can enjoy.”
Mr Mott encouraged others to have a go at volunteering in the region’s parks as it was very rewarding.
“If people want to come out and get involved, they can certainly contact us and we’re more than happy to have people come in and join us in the work we do,” he said.
“We’ve got a pretty good band of local volunteers who have a pretty keen interest in protecting the environment around the area.
“And also, besides protecting it, they like to share it with local community and things like keeping walking tracks open and removing pest plants.”
