Parks Victoria's Kookaburra Awards :

• Recognise and honour individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the Victorian park system;
• Raise awareness of the extent and importance of community involvement in the Victorian park system; and
• Encourage community involvement in the future development and conservation and use of the park system.

Recipients

2009

Individual Environmental Award - Ken Harris, Friends of Morwell National Park
As a founding member of the Friends of Morwell National Park, for more than 20 years, Ken has made a major contribution to conservation and revegetation, developed and maintains a park website, and identified, photographed and produced a successful book about the park’s flora and fauna.

Group Environmental Award - Friends of Kings Billabong
Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the friends members have in partnership with Parks Victoria and others, transformed a neglected historic area into a popular, regenerated wetland and outstanding community asset. Projects have included forming walking tracks, picnic settings and seating, camera hides, weed eradication, pest reduction, revegetation and environmental education.

Indigenous Award - The Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation
in recognition of its amazing and endless commitment to their continuing campaign to ensure the recognition and preservation of their living culture by ensuring the health and wellbeing of their Country and People working in partnership with Parks Victoria through their co-management agreement with Government and the broader community to Care for Country.

Community Partnership Award - Friends of the State Coal Mine
For 25 years the Friends of the State Coal Mine have provided tours of the mine, underground maintenance, gardening, carpentry and maintenance work, relocation and restoration of cottages, manning the Friends of the State Coal Mine Kiosk, located in the Visitor Centre as well as creating a whole of community commitment to the mine.

Kookaburra Healthy Parks Healthy People Award - Jonathan Kingsley
Jonathan has contributed a considerable amount of his time to help create a Parks Victoria DVD Healthy Country Healthy People: an Indigenous perspective. It has stimulated pride in culture and Country and promoted health and well being awareness amongst Parks Victoria Indigenous staff and into the broader Aboriginal communities.

Multicultural Award - Bronwyn Riddell
Bronwyn is actively involved in working in partnership with many local services and agencies, including Moonee Ponds Creek Coordination Committee and City Link on the City Link Creek Connections Project. The project was established to involve people from a diverse and disadvantaged community in environmental educational experiences.

Lifetime Achievement Award - Marion and Ian Taylor
Both have continuously strived to dedicate and support Coolart Wetlands and Homestead and many local community groups for over nearly three decades. Marion and Ian have organised social activities, participated in the bird banding project and in the weed and revegetation program, among many other activities. Leading by example Marion and Ian have been at the forefront of most of the friends’ activities, inspiring, organising and encouraging others.

2007

Chris and Doug Woods – (Individual) Environmental Award
Chris and Doug Woods, as members of the Friends of Kings Billabong Wildlife Reserve have contributed a great deal of personal effort, leadership and skill sharing for many years, and their commitment to improving access to the reserve for people of all abilities was particularly impressive. They devote huge amounts of their time to work with and engage other people, including supervising Corrections Department clients, schools and volunteer groups who often approach them for mentoring. The Woods' have also helped the Friends group become involved with other community groups such as the Mallee Catchment Authority, Mildura Rural City Council and The Sunraysia Bird Observers Club. Their entire family works tirelessly to help improve and protect the reserve.

The Victorian Malleefowl Recovery Group Incorporated – (Group) Environmental Award
The group contribute extensive voluntary efforts over many years to help conserve and raise the profile of this bird. Their work has greatly improved our knowledge and understanding of the Malleefowl and how best to manage it, and has influenced programs in other states. The group, which has grown to 90 members, has been monitoring Malleefowl nests and breeding activity since the year 2000. They have monitored and recorded data for over 1000 nests each summer, with a contribution of 3,670 volunteer hours in 2006/2007.

Denise Lovett - Indigenous Award
Denise has been an active volunteer for several decades. She has provided great support to her people to improve their health and help protect the Gunditjmara culture. She has also contributed enormously to help conserve her people's 'Country' and the broader environment, especially within parks.

She has contributed enormously to site surveying and protection as well as interpretation and environmental programs. Her input into the Discovery Bay Parks Management Plan and Grampians-Gariwerd National Park Plan, have resulted in park management plans seen to be well ahead of their time, particularly in relation to Indigenous content.

Denise has ensured that her people's culture is recognised as an integral part of the whole environment and that their sites, travel routes, gathering areas, stone dwellings and eel/fish traps at sites such as Lake Condah, are protected. Her significant endeavours contributed to the successful return of the whole of Lake Condah back to her people.

The Nhill Branch – Sporting Shooters Association Australia , Community Partnership Award
The Nhill Branch of SSAA work with Parks Victoria to reduce feral animal populations in parks. This is an exciting and groundbreaking partnership that highlights the benefits of cooperation between quite different organisations. Members of the Nhill Sporting Shooters Club were the first to be involved in the successful trials to apply expert marksman skills to reduce pest animal populations in Victoria 's parks. To date, the group have removed over 1000 goats, as well as foxes and feral cats in the Murray Sunset National Park. The positive effects include obvious signs of regeneration and the disappearance of many goat tracks that had caused land degradation. They have played an important role in testing and developing the rigorous training standards and procedures for members who want to be involved in the program with Parks Victoria and have shown enormous professionalism and commitment to helping conserve our parks and are setting a wonderful example already being followed by others around the State.

Travis Williams - Healthy Parks Healthy People Award
Travis has undertaken much physical work and personal research time to promote, construct and design sustainable Mountain Bike trails in parks. His outstanding efforts include constructing and maintaining over 50km of trails. He coordinates others in construction and maintenance work, leads bi-monthly working bees and undertakes research to ensure the trails meet international standards. Travis' work has influenced the riding experience of over 60,000 riding visits per year at the You Yangs at both a recreational and competitive level.

The Bilingual Park Guides Program - Multicultural Award
Thought to be the first program of this kind in Australia , the Bilingual Park Guides encourage wide cultural awareness of the value of parks. Newly arrived refugees and communities around Melbourne can learn more about parks and the environment through the tour guides who speak twelve different languages between them. The eleven graduate guides' commitment to undertake the ten week accredited course was particularly impressive and their passion and enthusiasm to interpret Victoria 's parks for multicultural communities has been extraordinary. Congratulations to the eleven guides, their teacher and coordinator, Dimi Bouzalas, from the Merri Creek Management Committee and all the partners on the project.

Lisa Freeman - Young Kookaburra Award
Lisa has become a regular and valued member of the Campground Host Program due to her enthusiasm for parks and her excellent ability to communicate with visitors and park staff. Lisa has greatly enhanced the experience and knowledge of many park visitors and has contributed over 150 hours of volunteer work at Grampians National Park and Cathedral Range State Park . She has helped with many projects including organising children's activities such as the inaugural Easter egg hunt at Cathedral Range State Park.

Lisa's ability to liaise well with and help park visitors of all ages and a variety of nationalities during the busy holiday periods has been exceptional and helped provide a positive camping experience greatly appreciated by visitors and park staff.

Uncle Albert and Aunty Rachael Mullett - Lifetime Achievement Award
They have given a Lifetime of volunteering to ensure the health, protection and survival of Indigenous culture and the broader environment, or “Country”, especially within our parks. Both have continuously strived to ensure that Indigenous culture is recognised as an integral part of the whole environment including their sites, travel routes, gathering areas, and spiritual places. Uncle Albert and Aunty Rachael have worked tirelessly to ensure their culture is recognised, protected and managed appropriately by developing strong relationships and lasting friendships with visitors, park staff and the broader community. These relationships have been very important for the development, cultural understanding and respect for ‘Country' of many park staff and community members.

2005

Peter Skilbeck - Healthy Parks Healthy People Award
Peter is described as: Chair and regional champion of the Regional Environmental Employment Program; Mt Alexander Shire, Weed and Stream Committee, Tracks and Trails Committee, and Heritage Advisory Board; member and one of the driving forces behind the development of the Great Dividing Trail; contributor to and advocate of the Mount Alexander Diggings Project; local historian; and summer fire-tower watcher.

the late Jack Dugdale Myers - Communication Award
Jack made a major contribution especially to the Werribee Gorge and Lerderderg State Parks. Early access to the Werribee Gorge was via Jack's farm. He welcomed visitors interested in the gorge and through his enthusiasm contributed to others becoming interested in having the gorge reserved as a park. Jack was a member of the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria and of the first Lerderderg Forest Park Advisory Committee. He was ranger for the Gorge (initially voluntary), compiled the Geological History of the Gorge which was published by the National Parks in 1979. During the 1980's Jack was engaged by the National Parks to provide guided tours of the Werribee Gorge and other parks in the area. He was a founding member of the “Friends of Werribee Gorge and Long Forest Mallee” in 1983, and was made a life member in 1989.

Bob Anderson - Community Partnership Award
Bob is a leader and driving force behind the Friends of the Helmeted Honey Eater; Vice President of Kawarra Australian Plant Garden; Director of the Montrose Environment Group Co-op; and volunteer at the Cranbourne campus of the Royal Botanic Gardens; Bob is credited with having led the development of a strong partnership between Government, Parks Victoria and the community directed towards the survival of the Helmeted Honey Eater.

the late Uncle Norm Hunter – Wonga - Indigenous Award
The late Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Norm Hunter – Wonga, (Bronze Winged Pigeon), was from the Gunung-William Bulluk Clan of Melbourne . He worked passionately to ensure his culture continued to survive and to ensure the recognition and appropriate management of his culture through developing strong parks based relationships. From the late 1970's Uncle Norm Hunter-Wonga worked tirelessly re-discovering his ancestor's sites, gathering and ceremonial places and tracing his ancestors' travel routes; he was actively involved in the establishment of the parklands along the Yarra ‘Birrarrung' River and its many tributaries; he made an important contribution to site, protection, interpretation and environmental programs at Yarra Valley, Plenty Gorge, and many other parks. His was a good example of the importance of Indigenous people's connection and contribution to park management.

Gidja (Lee) Walker - Environmental Award
Gidja has been a tireless worker for protection of the environment for over 25 years. Gidja's knowledge of Indigenous flora is well known across the Mornington Peninsula and surrounding region. Her advice is often sought and widely respected by park management professionals and community groups alike. She has contributed much to weed removal, revegetation, conservation and interpretation projects at many sites and to the establishment of rare species monitoring and management programs and weed prioritization on the Peninsula . Of particular note are her contributions to the protection of coastal Moonah woodland, the removal of boneseed from Arthurs Seat and interpretation and education programs at Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve.

Gilmore Girls Secondary College , Footscray - Multicultural Award
Gilmore Girls College comprises some 340 students from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Many groups of girls from the College have undertaken Environment Corps activities at several park locations over the past five years. Examples include: planting netting and mulching for bank stabilisation at Herring Island ; weeding and mulching garden beds at Brimbank Park ; and weeding and mulching of garden beds and re-establishing a pathway at Greenvale Park . These activities have all been undertaken on a voluntary basis, involving approximately 20 girls at a time from as many as 9 different national/cultural backgrounds. The work that these girls have undertaken is leading to a much broader knowledge of parks and environmental values in the multicultural community.

Timboon P-12 School - Young Kookaburra Award
Timboon P-12 School is nominated for its Junior Park Rangers Program. This program is believed to be unique in Victoria ; it commenced in 2003, has already won the support of the South West Local Learning and Employment Network and is seen to be an example which other schools might follow. The program is focused on Port Campbell National Park . Students participate on a voluntary basis attending the Park some 15 times during a semester assisting with conservation work, bird counts, traffic monitoring, and receive basic first aid, health and safety and interpretive training. The program has strong support from the local community and has cemented the partnership between the School and the Park.

the late Jack Brooks (1911-2005 ) - Lifetime Achievement Award
Jack Brooks was the instigator of the Mount Worth State Park . He was also a long time member and Honorary Secretary of the Warragul Field Naturalists Club. In 1970/1971 he began what became a personal crusade for a national park in the Strzelecki Ranges . Having ensured the reservation of a core area in 1975 he then pursued expansion of the area and its management and monitoring. Jack also initiated a Friends Group and led it until 2003. He was a tireless advocate and lobbyist and member of the Conservation Council of Victoria; he won the strong support of the then Warragul Shire and exercised his influence on many Government Ministers and environmental and conservation organisations. It is said that had it not been for Jack's efforts we would not have the present Mount Worth State Park today.

2002

Tim Allen and Chris Smyth - Kookaburra Parks' System Establishment Award
On 16 November 2002, 13 Marine National Parks and 11 Marine Sanctuaries were proclaimed, covering 54,000 hectares or 5.3 percent of Victoria 's waters. Tim Allen was the Coordinator of the Marine and Coastal Community Network, and campaigned for the inclusion of marine protected areas into the Victoria National parks system for 11 years. This has involved a significant public education and awareness raising campaign. Chris Smyth's role of Marine Campaigner for the Victorian National Parks Association has included extensive networking and public education, working with various interest groups and all political parties. He has invested significant personal time in helping achieve the inclusion of marine protected areas into the National Parks system in Victoria .

Colin Walker - Kookaburra Indigenous Community Award
Colin Walker is a Yorta Yorta man and an Elder, born and raised on the edge of the Barmah Forest . He was educated by his father and grandfather on the cultural significance of the forest, and believes in sharing his knowledge with everyone. He is admired and respected by both indigenous and non-indigenous for his tireless efforts and passion in educating the community about the Barmah Forest and associated cultural heritage. He is frequently contacted for his advice on cultural matters relating to the land and has carried out this work both in his role as Cultural Heritage Officer with the Yorta Yorta Nation and on a voluntary basis.

Don Marsh - Kookaburra Environmental Protection Award
In 1969, with two friends, Don Marsh initiated the Maribyrnong Valley Committee of the Victorian National Parks Association, later renamed Friends of Organ Pipes. For three years this group campaigned for recognition of the conservation and natural heritage values of areas to the west of Melbourne . The hard work of the group lead to the transformation of Organ Pipes National Park . Don was very active through the Victorian National Parks Association in inspiring others to set up similar groups devoted to the care and restoration of other National Parks. The Friends of Organ Pipes has been the model for the operation of many other Friends groups around Victoria . Don is also commended for his contribution in building awareness and recognition for parks and for his contribution towards park system establishment.

Ian Weir - Awareness and Recognition of Parks Award
Ian Weir is a passionate advocate for protection of natural areas and has a life-long association with parks in Victoria . He worked with the National Parks Service from 1975-1991, culminating with his appointment as Deputy Director of the National Park Service. He has been the Deputy Chair of Phillip Island Nature Park Board of Management since 1984. Ian contributed significantly to the planning and development of parks and their recognition in the wider community. He has been the major instigator and advocate for the establishment of the Mornington and Western Port Biosphere Reserve, volunteering his skills and expertise to the project.

2000

Malcolm Calder - Kookaburra Lifetime Contribution Award
Coupled with his scientific knowledge and botanical expertise as the former Head of the School of Botany at the University of Melbourne , and his involvement in the Land Conservation Council, Malcolm has made an outstanding contribution to the establishment of Victoria 's park system. Previously the president of the Victorian National Parks Association and the Victorian Field Naturalists Club, he has contributed much voluntary time to both roles. He continues to provide advice and expertise to the VNPA in a voluntary capacity and as a leader of walks and activities aimed at raising community awareness of the value of the parks and reserves system.

Eileen Collins - Kookaburra Lifetime Contribution Award
Eileen Collins has been instrumental in promoting community involvement and raising awareness of the values of the Box-Ironbark forests. She has been both convenor and member of the Friends of Chiltern Box-Ironbark NP for over 10 years. She has been active in leading and organising Friends activities, giving talks to local schools and groups in the community. Eileen has worked tirelessly for the addition of further parks in the local area and donates much of her time to local biodiversity conservation issues.

Leon Costermans - Kookaburra Lifetime Contribution Award
Leon's contribution to community knowledge and appreciation of native flora has made an outstanding contribution to environmental protection in Victoria through raising awareness and the level of community knowledge. Through his two publications Trees of Victoria and Native Trees and Shrubs of South-eastern Australia , Leon has contributed to the enhancement of community recognition and appreciation of our native flora. Leon has been actively involved in local community groups, assisting community groups with editing publications on a voluntary basis, and providing time to lead walks and talks for a wide range of organisations including the VNPA, Friends Groups, Scouts Association, Field Naturalists and Teacher Subject Associations.

Jane Calder - Kookaburra Lifetime Contribution Award
Jane Calder is a noted naturalist and botanist, and a long-standing supporter of Victoria 's parks and conservation reserves system. She has made an outstanding contribution to promoting the natural values of parks and raising community awareness, through her contributions to teacher's guides and school programs, and through leading nature education walks in parks and conservation reserves. Jane is the author of Victoria's National and State Parks and The Grampians – A Noble Range .

David Ashton - Kookaburra Lifetime Contribution Award
Dr David Ashton's depth and breadth of knowledge in the field of plant ecology is outstanding in contributing to the conservation and recognition of parks and reserves. While his research has focused on Mountain Ash, Dr Ashton is widely acclaimed for his ecological studies both in Australia and abroad. A leading figure in conservation, he has been a member of many Government advisory councils and committees. His knowledge of conservation has influenced many people now working in research and land management agencies.

David Tatnall - Kookaburra Lifetime Contribution Award
David Tatnall has been photographing Victoria 's National Parks and natural areas since the 1970s. As well as making a memorable and visually stunning record of Victoria 's icon parks, David has consistently exposed the dignity and beauty in areas others saw as quite ordinary bits of bush. Often his photographs have been instrumental in gaining public support for new parks. He has quietly, but very effectively, helped people look at nature with new eyes and encouraged Victorians to honour and respect their park system.

1998

Mr Geoff Durham - Kookaburra Lifetime Contribution Award
For over 40 years of tireless volunteer involvement through the Victorian National Parks Association, the National Parks Advisory Council and the Friends Network Committee. He has been a strong advocate of community involvement in Victoria 's parks and has significantly increased and supported a large number of Friend's groups around the State.

The Hon Bill Borthwick - Kookaburra Lifetime Contribution Award
For being primarily responsible for the establishment and expansion of the National Parks Service through his service as Conservation Minister from 1972 to 1979. During this time, the Land Conservation Council was created and twenty additional Parks including four National Parks were declared.

Don Saunders - Kookaburra Lifetime Contribution Award
For his dedication to the National Parks system that has been evident throughout his long career in leadership roles in the National Parks Service, Land Conservation Council and the Environment Conservation Council. Don was Director of National Parks for fifteen years.

Sir Rupert Hamer - Kookaburra Lifetime Contribution Award
For making an outstanding contribution to the establishment of the National Parks system and the Melbourne Metropolitan parks through personal commitment and support during his nine years as Premier of Victoria. In the later of this he volunteered with the Friends of the Royal Botanical Gardens and Yarra Bend Park.

John ‘Ros' Garnet - Kookaburra Lifetime Contribution Award
As one of the founding members of the Victorian National Parks Association and it's Secretary from 1952 to 1973, John ‘Ros' Garnet played a significant role in promoting the creation of a dedicated National Parks Service and campaigning for a National Parks Act. Involved in campaigns such as the extension of Wilson 's Promontory National Park and establishment of Brisbane Rangers National Park . His inspirational leadership in the Victorian National Parks Association continued for more than 50 years.