Rotary Club of Burnside

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (15:49): Last week I had the pleasure of representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, the Hon. Ian Hunter, at the Rotary Club of Burnside's Leadership in Conservation and Volunteer Annual Award Presentation. The awards were initiated by the Rotary Club of Glen Osmond in 1984 as the Ranger of the Year Award, and the award has been broadened to the Leadership in Conservation Award as well as including the Volunteer of the Parks Award.

In 2009 the Rotary Club of Glen Osmond closed its doors with some members moving to the Rotary Club of Burnside. Thankfully, the Burnside club agreed to carry on with the awards. The attendees at the award night included members of the Burnside Rotary Club and other Rotary Clubs, staff from DEWNR and the member for Bragg, Vickie Chapman, who is an honorary member of the Burnside Rotary Club.

The Leadership in Conservation Award recognises the dedication of a DEWNR staff member. In particular, it recognises outstanding service such as innovation in a program and excellence in leadership, the positive impact made to the parks system and the support given to volunteers and community groups. This year's annual recipient was Dr Andrew Sharp, Landscape Programs Coordinator for Natural Resources Northern and Yorke, DEWNR.

Andrew has gained recognition for the program and project activities that are being undertaken in the region. He is well recognised for his team leadership and ability in meeting agreed milestones and the delivery of successful outcomes. In particular, he is recognised for the reintroduction of the mainland Tamar wallaby to the Innes National Park and the recovery of the yellow-footed rock wallaby population in the southern Flinders Ranges.

The Volunteer of the Parks Award is awarded to an individual or couple who exemplify the spirit and dedication of the DEWNR Friends of Parks movement. In particular, the award recognises outstanding service such as innovation in a program and a positive impact made to the parks system. This year's recipient was Peter Townsend, an active member of the Friends of Cobbler Creek Recreation Park. His contributions to the park are numerous. He is an accomplished leader, project initiator and project manager, and much of his time has been spent in leadership and supervision activities on a wide range of project initiatives undertaken by the group.

Peter's initiatives include the manufacture, installation and maintenance of park furniture, heritage stabilisation and, in particular, the Teakles Ruins restoration. He also supports a number of eradication programs including the control of the European olive and Coolatai grass infestations. Peter is involved in grant applications and management, and this has ultimately led to the conservation of the natural porosa woodland habitat and the development of shared use trails in the Cobbler Creek Recreation Park. Over the years Peter has development and maintained a positive working relationship with parks rangers and officers to deliver a productive partnership enhancing the amenities of the park, benefitting both the volunteers, staff and the wider local community.

The dedication and commitment shown by staff and volunteers who work in and with DEWNR onsite in the regions are enormous. They work incredibly hard to protect and conserve some of South Australia's most unique and valuable landscapes and natural assets. Public land management issues undertaken by DEWNR staff and volunteers are varied and complex. Not only do they include wildlife programs and species protection, education and visitor management, but also they work on emergency operations, bushfire suppression, and search and rescue activities.

Regardless of the task, staff and volunteers are driven by their passion for our environment and a real commitment to making a difference. I congratulate and thank all nominees for the Leadership in Conservation and Volunteer of the Parks awards for their hard work and significant contribution. I also express my gratitude to the Burnside Rotary Club for hosting these awards.