Bushland angel’s golden moment

BUSHCARE volunteers who maintain and conserve bushland habitat in Hobart celebrated the organisation’s 25th birthday yesterday.

This year Bushcare volunteers racked up over 2800 hours of work, attacking weeds in the city’s bushland reserves, mopping up after the devastating May floods and planting trees.

South Hobart woman Janet Stone was honoured for her 17-year volunteering crusade with Bushcare at the event at the soon-to-be-opened community hub at the Queen’s Domain.

Ms Stone was awarded the Bushcare Legend Golden Secateurs Award, which recognises an individual’s positive and lasting impact on Hobart’s bushland.

“I just feel God has given me a passion for the environment and stewardship for his creation,” she said.

“I really don’t think I deserve it I’m very humbled that I’ve been noticed.”

Bushcare was established in 1993 when a group of South Hobart residents became the first in urban Australia to attract Landcare funding, using it to restore bushland on a steep, eroded bank.

The council supported their efforts, laying the groundwork for the program.

There are now 13 volunteer Bushcare groups working in reserves across Hobart maintaining and conserving bushland habitat.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds presented the award to Ms Stone and thanked volunteers for their support.

“It’s one of our longest running programs at Hobart City Council and for it to survive for 25 years shows we are really on to a really good thing

“It is a remarkable success story that recognises the value and strength of volunteers,”