Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

My electorate of Indi has a number of vibrant Landcare groups. Today I would like to acknowledge two recent winners of the Victorian Landcare awards. The Rural City of Wangaratta was the winner of the Victorian Partnerships with Landcare Award. An example of the partnership is the Wangaratta Urban Landcare Group's bush regenerator, Adele Ritchie, working alongside the volunteer members in restoring habitats and bushland areas right along the Ovens River and creek frontages in the city. Another example of a partnership is Kaluna Park, supported also by the Wangaratta Urban Landcare Group. It is a 29-hectare reserve. It has been restored to natural bush parkland right in the heart of the Wangaratta city.

All 12 of the Landcare groups within the Rural City of Wangaratta are absolutely delighted with their award. I particularly would like to acknowledge council staff person Bronwyn Chapman, Manager of Environment and Community Safety. Today I would also like to acknowledge in the House Lyn Coulston OAM, Chair of the North East CMA, from Shelley. Lyn was awarded the inaugural Joan Kirner award for Landcare. Lyn, this is well and truly deserved. I am so proud of you. It is so well named. We know all the volunteer work you do and continue to do for the environment of Indi. Thank you very much. It is wonderful to have all the CMAs in parliament today.

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