local landcare legend

It was terrific to learn that local environmental dynamo, Vicki Boyle, was awarded the Landcare "Individual Caring for Public Land" at the 2010 Port Phillip and Westernport Landcare Awards.

Vicki Boyle, Cr Samantha Dunn and Greg Coventry in front of "Nature's Highrise Apartment Block". Greg built the wonderful Nature's Highrise Apartment Block to use as a learning tool (see blog). Greg is a great example of Vicki getting volunteers on board. Greg has been helping Vicki weed down at the trestle bridge (the bamboo on Nature's Highrise was hand weeded by Greg at this very site!). Vicki has been talking to him about an idea for a learning aide to help teach people about the importance of tree hollows. From their conversation Greg built Nature's Highrise, which will be a great tool and a lot easier to carry around for the Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group than a bonafide tree hollow.

Vicki was nominated for the award by her peers in Landcare and I was pleased to assist by providing a letter of support. Vicki works tirelessly in our community, relentless in her passion for the environment and enthusiastic in harnessing the energy of others to work alongside her.

Vicki has been weeding the area near the Puffing Billy trestle bridge for over 15 years, initially starting alone, but through her actions she's attracted interest from all sorts of people to the point she was encouraged to start a friends group, which has evolved into the Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group.

She has worked around the Monbulk Creek region, throughout the Dandenong Ranges and in fire affected regions assisting with revegetation efforts. She has encouraged others to start Friends Groups along the Monbulk Creek to spread the enormous work load and ensure that no one is overburdened with task of tackling weeds in our environment.

She is truly the silent achiever, never one to blow her own trumpet and humble in her award by recognising all the volunteers who've helped along the way.

Congratulations Vicki, you are a credit to our community and our environment is a healthier one due to you passion and persistence.