Award Recipient

Citation

Nominator

Anne Andrews & Glenda Horodecki

Anne Andrews and Glenda Horodecki teamed up to work on the rehabilitation of the historic West Wallsend Cemetery near Lake Macquarie in January 2000, following a devastating vandal attack.

The cemetery contains the remains of many of the early pioneers of the district, as well as coal miners and victims of the 1919 influenza epidemic. The pair began raising funds and generating local support for the repair of the cemetery. Working bees were organised and rubbish was removed.

As well as physical repairs, Anne and Glenda also researched details of the gravesites and produced a detailed plan of the cemetery. This means that visitors can now find gravesites of relatives much more easily.

The hundreds of hours they have contributed to this work, and their motivation of others, have made Anne and Glenda a winning team and worthy recipients of an award.

Jeff Hunter MP

Member for Lake Macquarie

Australian Heritage Fleet Volunteer Team

Colin Tooher accepting award on behalf of the volunteer team

Without the passionate assistance of its dedicated volunteers - about 656 at the last count - the Sydney Maritime Museum and the Australian Heritage Fleet in Rozelle would not exist. The 40 year old organisation depends on the hard work and enthusiasm of its officers, crew and ship guides, and the skills of its workshop, shipyard and office volunteers.

The Australian Heritage Fleet features the rebuilt 130 year old barque James Craig as its star attraction. The steam tug Waratah, the steam launch Lady Hopetoun and the schooner Boomerang are also more than 100 years old.

The shipyard workshop at Rozelle Bay has kept alive old skills such as riveting, pattern making and working with cast iron, so that these skills will not be lost but will be passed on to future generations.

Hugh Lander, Acting CEO, Australian Heritage Fleet

Bectric Hall Recreation Reserve Trust & Centenary Committee

Darryl Moore, President, accepting award on behalf of Committee

Bectric is a small farming community 35 kilometres from Temora in the Riverina. The whole community became involved in repairs to the dilapidated community hall, and the pace of work accelerated when it was decided to stage a ball to celebrate the centenary of the building this year.

With financial help from the Temora Shire Council local heritage fund, and the Department of Lands, the Bectric Hall Recreation Reserve Trust & Centenary Committee swung into action. Work on the hall was a socially binding diversion from the grim reality of the drought and dying crops and stock. A workshop on the art of repairing pisé passed on skills to members, and a post and rail fence appropriate to the period was constructed along the front of the property. The project has involved teenagers and 80 year olds and the result is a community in which people know each a lot better than before the work began. And they now have a fully functioning community hall as well. This surely is what the spirit of volunteering is all about.

Wilma McCubbin

Temora Heritage Committee

Marjorie Biggins

As Chair of the Friends of Tomago House Marjorie Biggins travels regularly from her home in Newcastle to open this significant Hunter Valley property for visitors.

She fulfils the role of acting manager in a voluntary capacity, conducts guided tours and arranges weddings and other functions at the property, as well as organising a team of volunteers for Heritage Festival events.

She is an enthusiastic and exemplary volunteer serving the heritage cause for the good of her community.

National Trust (NSW)

Howard Clark OAM

Howard has been able to see and seize opportunities, not always perceived by others, and thus has been able to further the interests of the museum and bring it to its present level of excellence.

Heritage Office

Constance "Consie" Dalgliesh

Consie Dalgliesh's love of the Berrigan region in which she has lived all of her life has seen her involved in many organisations in a voluntary capacity.

Over the last nine years she has been recording and writing the histories of prominent people in the district. This work has been deposited at the Berrigan Heritage Museum for the benefit of the whole community.

She has also been quietly persistent in chasing up past residents so that she can retrieve historical information and memorabilia from them for deposit in the museum.

In her quiet manner Consie has inspired others to enjoy and research local history and the stories of people who have made Berrigan what it is today.

Berrigan Heritage Museum Committee

Douglas Vale Conservation Group Inc.

Ian Cupit, President, accepting award on behalf of the group.

The homestead, vineyard and curtilage of Douglas Vale represent the last historic fabric of a wine industry in the Hastings Valley, which in the late 19 ^th century had more than forty vineyards.

Through the efforts of the Douglas Vale Conservation Group the community is now far more aware of the important role George Francis and his descendants played in Port Macquarie's early years, and of the establishment of the viticulture industry in the Hastings area.

The group has managed to return this once thriving homestead, which had been allowed to deteriorate, into a commercially sustainable venture, a treasure in the community, and one for future generations to appreciate.

Heritage Office

Harry Hill OAM

Harry Hill has lived in Tumut, near the northern boundary of Kosciuszko National Park, for his whole life. He has an extensive knowledge of the place through years of camping, bushwalking, research, exploration, photography and writing. But his biggest contribution to the park has been in the area of hut conservation. Harry has done more than anyone to save and conserve two of the most historically significant huts: Old Currango and Cooinbil. In the past 20 years he has organised and been involved in over 50 work parties. He also acquired much of the materials required for the work, including rough-cut floor slabs, round timber, structural timber and window frames. As well as his involvement in the physical conservation work, Harry has also researched the history of both buildings, recording their conservation in text and pictures, and collecting oral histories from people associated with the huts. The two books he has published from this research have made a major contribution to the community's understanding of the cultural heritage significance of the Kosciuszko National Park.

Mark Cleghorn, President Kosciuszko Huts Association

Rhonda James

Rhonda James has been an inspirational leader and worker for bushland regeneration and the environment in Tweed Shire for many years, tackling her multiple roles of banana farmer, cattle producer, TAFE teacher and volunteer with enormous enthusiasm and energy.

Her advocacy of the Tweed Coast Bitou Bush Control Strategy has resulted in the recent aerial spraying of 200 hectares of infestation. She has also been a member of dunecare groups involved in the rehabilitation of threatened species in the region.

She has even formed her own bushland regeneration company that has carried out several projects for Tweed Shire Council and the Department of Environment and Conservation.

Rhonda is the very epitome of the saying: 'if you want something done, give it to a busy person.

Nigel Greenup, Area Manager Tweed Department of Environment & Conservation

Kay Jeffery

Kay Jeffery contributes over 400 hours of voluntary work a year to land and dune care activities on the north coast, principally through the Iluka Land and Dune Care Group. The group works in an area of 160 hectares, over half of which is World Heritage listed rainforest.

Kay was instrumental in obtaining funding for restoration and rehabilitation works. She also propagates over 1000 plants each year for these works.

Kay received a Silver Award in the State Land Care Environment Awards for her work in the National Land Care Program in 2000.

John Kennedy, Area Manager Clarence North Department of Environment & Conservation

Leonie Knapman

Apart from her thorough research and publications on these important places she is also a tireless organiser, speaker and motivator.

She is a past President of the Berrima and District Historical Society and was instrumental in organising the annual conference of the Royal Australian Historical Society in Mittagong in 2003. She was also a major contributor to the Royal's Bridging the Murray project with the RTA, and researched and developed 18 posters for that project. Through her energy and dedication she has made an outstanding contribution to the community's understanding of our history.

Heritage Office

Barry & Nanette Lewis

As a retired couple, Barry & Nanette Lewis have played a crucial role in the conservation work being undertaken to the nationally important 1824 St Thomas' Church in Port Macquarie. They have organised expert supervision of the project, hired tradesmen and obtained the materials to get major work done to the exterior of the church.

They have also run a determined program to obtain both private and government support. Work completed to date on this project totals $566,000.

And more work is yet to be done. They need another $112,000 for the next stage of work. Barry and Nanette have not given up. The Minister has already approved of a further $30,000 towards the project. On the basis of their past record I have no doubt that they will raise the rest of the funds and complete this project in great style.

Heritage Office

Hazel Magann

Hazel Magann has been nominated for the dedication and enthusiasm she brings to the ghost tours of St Bartholomew's Cemetery at Prospect in Sydney's west.

The tours are held on a Saturday evening each month, and are booked months in advance. As head guide and researcher, Hazel not only coordinates the tours, she has also acquired a formidable array of information about the people buried at the cemetery and also about the Western Sydney region.

She coordinates the production of a regular newsletter about the site, a rarity in a field where most publications are based on the activities of heritage and history organisations.

Hazel is able to successfully inject genuine fear and trepidation into her tours and there are many ghost 'sightings' that generate continued interest in the cemetery and the people buried there.

Sue Galt & Nicole Secomb Blacktown City Council

Wilma McCubbin

Wilma McCubbin was the volunteer coordinator of the Temora Shire community-based heritage study.

She has thoroughly and systematically assisted the shire districts to prepare extensive histories as the basis for the study. The histories now also underpin the shire's cultural tourism initiatives.

She has organised meetings, conducted research and collated information to make sure the study is as wide-ranging as possible.

In addition to the thousands of phone calls and kilometres she has contributed to the study, she has also been the primary coordinator for annual Heritage Festival activities, and has organised tours and produced publications, as well as contributing many hours to the cemeteries Friends group and the Temora Heritage Committee.

Kris Dunstan Director of Environmental Services Temora Shire Council

Ben Meek OAM

Ben Meek was instrumental in establishing a branch of the National Trust in the Illawarra. He served as the founding Chair and has held various positions since. He is an outstanding motivator and leader of those who assist him.

Ben has worked tirelessly towards the conservation and presentation of the old Wollongong Court House, not only for the building itself, but also with the aim of raising local awareness of the role of the National Trust in furthering the cause of heritage conservation generally.

He also represents the Trust on the Wollongong City Council Heritage Advisory Committee and the Shoalhaven City Council Heritage Steering Committee.

National Trust (NSW)

Dennis Milne

Accepting the award on behalf of Dennis Milne is Sue Elks, Manager for Community Programs with the Department of Environment & Conservation.

Dennis Milne is a founding member and President of Yuraygir LandCare on the north coast. 16 months ago he established a community nursery at Minnie Water to propagate rare plants and local species. The 4,500 seedlings he has developed will be used for regeneration and land rehabilitation projects.

In addition, Dennis has organised and run several plant propagation workshops and weed control forums for volunteer groups in the Clarence Valley.

Bad weather is no impediment to Dennis. He will always be working on weed control at Minnie Back Beach one or two days a week rain, hail or shine.

His deeds as a volunteer deserve public recognition. The Department of Environment and Conservation is deeply indebted to him for his efforts over the years.

Andrew Lugg Area Manager Clarence South Department of Environment & Conservation

Ken Ohlsson

During the last three years Ken Ohlsson has donated over 800 hours of his time so that tens of thousands of people can gain access to the Cape Byron Lighthouse Maritime Museum and explore the maritime history of Byron Bay.

Ken is a genuine lighthouse enthusiast, and his expertise on lighthouse history and his sourcing of artefacts for the museum has been essential to its success.

He has also been centrally involved in the coordination and training of other volunteer staff so that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to open and interpret the museum by themselves.

He is an enthusiastic, professional, reliable and dedicated member of the Cape Byron volunteer team.

Sue Walker Area Manager Department of Environment & Conservation

Woo Wei Richards

This award recognises Woo Wei Richards' efforts in raising concern about forest dieback associated with bellbird colonies, as well as her work helping to establish a multi-agency working group addressing the issue, and her significant contribution as an active volunteer member of the working group representing the North East Forest Alliance.

This form of dieback affects many thousands of hectares of rural land, with serious impacts on the environment and the associated threat to many plant and animal species. Woo Wei has attended workshops in other parts of the state so that she fully understands the dieback problem and how to address it.

Without the dedication and energy of volunteers like Woo Wei Richards the threat would be far greater than it is today. When a cure is finally found it will be substantially due to her energy, knowledge and diplomatic skills.

Stephen King Ranger Department of environment & Conservation

Eric Richardson OAM

Following his retirement from a highly successful military career, Eric Richardson has been outstandingly active in local community projects in the Taree area. He is a natural leader, motivator, communicator and organiser.

He was responsible for the regeneration of the Manning Valley Historical Society, and he conducted research and raised the public profile of local history through tours and promotional media opportunities.

He served with distinction as Chairman of the Greater Taree Heritage Committee during his time as a councillor on Greater Taree Council.

He was the driving force behind the commissioning and publication of two histories of the area. He has campaigned for the protection and conservation of many local heritage items and was the driving force behind last month's sesqui-centenary celebrations of the first land sale in Wingham.

He is a dynamic leader, as well as an untiring and multi-skilled worker for the heritage cause, and for the greater good of the Taree area.

Heritage Office

PS Ruby Restoration Committee

Leon Wagner, Chairman, accepting the award on behalf of the Committee

The Paddle Steamer Ruby Restoration Committee was formed in 1996 to bring the 97-year-old paddle steamer Ruby back to life. Members of the committee had a variety of attributes, ranging from management experience through to practical trades skills.

The project involved replacement of the hull, re-building of the superstructure and substantial fundraising and community involvement. After seven years, the expenditure of more than $200,000 and 55,000 volunteer hours, the vessel was re-commissioned at Wentworth in July this year.

Hirings and educational programs will make the Ruby a self-funding local attraction for years to come.

Luke Guthrie Secretary PS Ruby Project

George Schuler

Through his work on the Cape Byron Habitat Restoration Program George Schuler has made a significant improvement to the environmental and scenic values of the Cape Byron Headland Reserve, particularly the conservation of high profile sites such as the Cape Byron Lighthouse Precinct, Palm Valley and the popular Cape Byron Walking Track.

His work has contributed greatly to the enjoyment of the 800,000 visitors the reserve attracts each year.

He has been involved in coral tree removal, the planting of trees at degraded sites, and the regeneration of Banksia woodland and Aboriginal midden sites, as well as helping with education activities and the training of volunteer staff.

Sue Walker Area Manager Department of Environment & Conservation

Yvonne Stewart

In her voluntary roles as spokesperson for the Arakwal Aboriginal people of Byron Bay and Chairperson of the Cape Byron Trust, Yvonne Stewart has played a major part in promoting and protecting Aboriginal culture in the region and involving Aboriginal people in the management of national parks.

Yvonne has also put an enormous amount of time and energy into producing educational resources that enable school groups to explore the living culture of the Arakwal people.

Yvonne Stewart's achievements in the field of reconciliation and Aboriginal cultural heritage are extraordinary.

Sue Walker Area Manager Department of Environment & Conservation

Sheila Swain AM

As the former Mayor of Hunter's Hill, Sheila Swain was a driving force behind the purchase and conservation of the National Trust's Vienna property.

The ongoing management of this important property owes a great deal to her leadership, organisational and communication abilities, her resourcefulness, initiative and determination.

And Sheila is not just an inspiring leader. She's also performed many of the less glamorous tasks involved in running a heritage property.

Research, guiding, fundraising, housekeeping, gardening, typing, catering and equipment purchasing, are just a few of the many tasks she has performed.

Her high profile, the respect she engenders, and her good media contacts have enabled her to make Vienna a focal point for heritage and conservation issues well beyond the confines of Hunter's Hill.

National Trust (NSW)

Norah Taylor

Norah Taylor has been a dedicated member of the National Trust in Bathurst for more than 25 years. Her vision and community networking for Miss Traill's House have been one of her greatest strengths.

Norah is currently in charge of the newsletter and publicity for the National Trust Women's Committee, and she has initiated numerous projects involving the presentation, interpretation and public awareness of this outstanding heritage property.

She has successfully canvassed and recruited volunteers to undertake numerous tasks on the property while also fostering awareness and involvement from local businesses.

National Trust (NSW)

Harry Trueman

Harry Trueman has been one of the foremost advocates for the conservation of engineering heritage in the past two decades. He can be truly proud of his legacy, which can be seen in the continuing existence of unique engineered structures such as Pyrmont Bridge, Hampden Bridge at Wagga Wagga and the Gundagai road and rail viaducts.

Before his retirement in 1998 Harry was the principal partner in the Nationally Deputed consulting engineering firm of Hughes Trueman and was highly respected as a civil engineer. In the last years of his career he specialised in the conservation of engineering heritage.

In addition to his extraordinary influential professional career, he has also served for more than two decades in a voluntary capacity, applying his extensive knowledge and skills as an activist, an advocate, in awareness raising, in educating colleagues and in serving on advisory groups and committees.

This award is in the form of a Lifetime Achievement Award and recognises his outstanding contribution to the field of engineering heritage in both a professional and volunteer capacity.

Institution of Engineers Engineering Heritage Committee

Judith Webb

Judith Webb was a resident medical officer at Bathurst Hospital in the 40s when she became aware of the city's rich stock of heritage buildings and townscapes.

Judith Webb has been a driving force behind the operation of Miss Traill's House and in encouraging young people to become involved in heritage conservation, a task as urgent and important as the conservation and interpretation of the place itself.

National Trust (NSW)

John Webber

John Webber was one of the founding members of the Angourie Dunecare Group on the north coast, which has been running successfully now for 15 years. He gives 500 hours of his time each year for weed control and the regeneration of native species.

He has been the driving force in obtaining funding and resources to support the group's activities, including employment programs and GreenCorps. He has also been raising awareness of the menace of cane toads.

Through his work conserving the natural environment John has also stabilised Aboriginal midden sites that had previously been disturbed by sandmining activities.

John Kennedy, Area Manager Clarence North Department of Environment & Conservation

Cazna Williams

Cazna Williams has a strong sense of Aboriginal identity and a close association with the natural environment that she hopes to pass on to the next generation. She has made a long-term commitment to representing the cultural heritage of the Githabul Aboriginal community, and this has resulted in the authoritative advice she has given on the management of national parks for her community. She is a passionate advocate for the use of traditional food gathering methods by Aboriginal people in national parks.

She trains young people in these methods, as well as sharing her knowledge of cultural sites with appropriate Aboriginal and non-indigenous women.

Cazna has also given generously of her time to advise government agencies on the siting of new parks infrastructure and communication facilities. She has been an excellent cross-cultural communicator and has shown great dedication in protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage, while also recognising the interests of other groups of the community as users of the national parks system.

Stephen King Ranger Department of Environment & Conservation