Conservationists recognised with Australia Day Award
Published 23 January 2019
John Oxley Reserve has flourished under the tender loving care of local conservationists Richard and Carole Green from Whiteside, who have been named as recipients of the Moreton Bay Regional Council 2019 Australia Day Award for Environment.
The couple has dedicated the last 30-odd years to restoring habitat and advocating for the interests of native species.
Richard has been a valued member of the Pine Koala Care Association since the 1990s, providing rescue, education and advocacy services. Richard also lends a hand to wildlife carers, supplying leaves for koalas in their care.
As a member of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, Richard often mans information stands at community events. In 2016 he received the prestigious Margaret Thorsborne Award from the society for his outstanding commitment to conservation.
Carole has spent some 30-odd years coordinating volunteer activities in John Oxley Reserve, from planting native species to weed control. Thousands of native plants are now thriving in the reserve thanks to her stewardship, transforming what was once a degraded landscape into a model of ecological restoration.
Having championed the design and installation of interpretive signage along the much-loved boardwalk through the reserve, Carole has created a legacy that locals and visitors to the area will continue to enjoy for decades to come.
Over the years Carole has also regularly assisted schools with outdoor environmental education and facilitated many events within the reserve. In particular, Carole worked tirelessly with local school children to raise their self-esteem through engagement in meaningful community activities.
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland congratulated the couple on receiving the Australia Day Award for Environment.
“In a world where stories of environmental degradation often dominate the headlines, Richard and Carole serve as a reminder to us all that we can make a difference,” Cr Sutherland said.
Councillor for Division 7 Denise Sims said the couple’s contributions to restoring John Oxley Reserve, promoting the use of plant species endemic to the region and protecting koalas, an endangered species, were worthy of regional recognition.
“I’m delighted for Richard and Carole, they are incredibly deserving of this award and I would like to thank them for their efforts over all these years,” Cr Sims said.
Carole and Richard were presented with their award at a special function for the region’s Australia Day Award recipients on Thursday, 17 January at Clear Mountain Lodge.
Other Australia Day Award recipients for Moreton Bay
Citizen of the Year - Elisha Wright, who has been instrumental as a disability advocate in the region through collaboration with Moreton Bay Regional Council on its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.
Volunteer of the Year - Des Dewar, whose work with Deception Bay Meals on Wheels has helped nourish the people in need for more than 25 years.
Sports Award - Mitchell James, an accomplished tennis player who has held the #2 ranking in Australian Singles for six years and currently holds the #1 ranking for Australian Doubles.
Youth Sports Award - Fraser Vaughan, a young BMX racer who has secured some incredible results in recent years both nationally and internationally.
Arts and Culture Award - Carmel Bond, who has made a valuable contribution to Dayboro and the greater region by preserving the town’s history.