WHEN the Leonard Wall Valley Street Bushcare group fell into decline and was under threat of disbanding, Vicki Martin pounded the pavement, letterbox dropping the surrounding streets to keep it alive.
She found Debbie Chung, with whom she has formed a dynamic duo, meeting fortnightly and combating the tide of forget-me-nots and other weeds in the area.
As this year’s Bushcare Golden Secateurs Award winner, Ms Martin has been recognised for this commitment and passion for her local area.
Known among Bushcare volunteers for her warm-hearted, positive, bubbly personality, Ms Martin has been with Bushcare since the earliest days of the program.
Her contributions extend beyond the West Hobart Leonard Wall Reserve, having spent many years working alongside the Friends of Knocklofty Bushcare Group. She is also a coordinator and active member of her Wildcare Island care group and the Hobart Walking Club.
“It’s a huge honour,” The award recipient said. “To be recognised is wonderful.”
Ms Martin spent a number of years assisting Marjorie Wall up and down the steep slopes of Leonard Wall Reserve – named for Mrs Wall’s late husband, a leading Tasmanian ornithologist. Her assistance helped Mrs Wall stay connected to the reserve in her senior years.
“Our reserve, we want it for our native wildlife,” Ms Martin said. “When the forget-me-nots grow, the grass doesn’t and there’s nothing there for the wallabies.”
Acting Lord Mayor Helen Burnet, who presented the award last night, praised the efforts of Bushcare volunteers.
“Through countless hours of weed control, planting native species, monitoring, mapping, and more, these volunteers help create healthy ecosystems and a healthy Hobart community,” Cr Burnet said.
“We’ve had almost 500 people volunteer with the City of Hobart’s Bushcare program so far this year across around 120 Bushcare, Trackcare, and Crag Care activities.”
The Bushcare program has welcomed more than 300 new volunteers in 2021, and contributed in excess of 3500 hours of work maintaining bushland reserves.
Also presented on the night was the Trackcare Legend award to Petr Otahal.
A regular presence at Trackcare working bees, Mr Otahal has become an integral member of the team, even passing on his passion by getting his children involved as well.
A keen mountain biker, Mr Otahal has brought a well-rounded perspective to the Trackcare team, benefiting all involved, particularly the local riding community who have benefited from improved access and riding experiences at trails across Hobart.
There have been six Trackcare working bees across the year, and have been vital in maintaining the tracks and trails around Hobart.
“I really want to thank every one of our volunteers for the vital role they’ve played in looking after our precious natural environment.” Cr Burnet said, “The time and energy they have put in has made Hobart a better place.”
