no shark fin for yarra ranges?

At next week's council meeting (24/7) I'll be moving a motion in relation to shark fin products.

Cr Samantha Dunn and the Yarra Ranges Young
Environmental Achiever of the Year for 2011,
Jordan Crook.

The current Yarra Ranges Young Environmental Achiever of the Year, Jordan Crook, is embarking on a new project, Fin Free Ranges. Jordan wants to raise awareness of the plight of the world's Sharks and the impact of shark finning on the population of this apex predator. With Fin Free Ranges Jordan aims to rid the Shire of Yarra Ranges of Shark Fin Soup and contacted me to ask if council could assist him in his efforts.

I'm told by Jordan this motion is a first for Australia. I'm delighted to be able to bring this motion before Yarra Ranges councillors for their consideration.

Jordan continues to be a leader in our community on environmental matters and his latest initiative, Fin Free Ranges, is another example of his passion for the broader environment.

Jordan's actions are commendable and his passion for environment has made him a worthy winner of Young Environmental Achiever of the Year in the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

I wholeheartedly support Jordan and Fin Free Ranges and certainly hope my colleagues support Jordan as well by voting in favour of the motion.

samantha in the press - environment

Sassfras teen changing the tide
Leader Newpapers
by Laura Armitage
18 Apr 2012

samantha in the press - environment

Sassafras teen changing the tide
Leader Newspapers
by Laura Armitage
18 April 2012

environmental achievers keep on keeping on

It was terrific to catch up with our Environmental Volunteers over the weekend at the Yarra Ranges Thank You event.

Here I am pictured with our Young Environmental Achiever of the Year, Jordan Crook and Environmental Achiever of the Year, Irene Peary of Macclesfield Landcare Group promoting Fin Free Ranges and Sharkwater (for more info see below).

Our environmental volunteers do a great job protecting, enhancing and restoring our environment. Passionate about our region, they spend countless hours working to make Yarra Ranges a better place.

Our Young Environmental Achiever of the Year, Jordan Crook, is embarking on a new project, Fin Free Ranges. Jordan wants to raise awareness of the plight of the world's Sharks and the impact of shark finning on the population of this apex predator. With Fin Free Ranges Jordan aims to rid the Shire of Yarra Ranges of Shark Fin Soup.

On Friday the 13th of April (6pm) Fin Free Ranges will launch at the Belgrave Library with a screening of multi award winning documentary “Sharkwater” followed by idea sharing on how to raise awareness and take action for Sharks. You can find out more about the event on facebook.

Jordan has asked that I raise a motion on the issue at council. I'll be working with Jordan on learning more about how the City of Toronto became Shark Fin Free to help inform that motion.

It's terrific to see young people dedicate countless hours to the protection of the environment, Jordan certainly is a worthy winner of our Young Environmentalist of the Year.

australia day, citizenship and awards

Australia Day is always a big day in local government. At Yarra Ranges it's a day where we award community contribution with our Australia Day Awards and also hold a Citizenship Ceremony as part of the day.

It is always a delight to see a Lyster Ward resident take up citizenship at a Citizenship Ceremony.

I started my day at Burrinja, my official role at the Citizenship Ceremony was to do the "Welcome to New Citizens" speech on behalf of council. It's a privilege to be part of the proceedings.

"...As a Yarra Ranges Councillor I welcome, embrace and value the diversity of views and backgrounds of our citizens. You enrich the social fabric of our wonderful shire..."

Always a joyous occasion, it's great to be able to share the event with people from all walks of life, some who've only been here a short time, some who've been here a very long time.

Burrinja was also the venue for the Yarra Ranges Australia Day Awards. It was wonderful to be able to present the Ken McIntosh Memorial Award for Young Environmental Achiever of the Year, Jordan Crook.

Jordan Crook and Cr Samantha Dunn, Lyster Ward at the Yarra Ranges Australia Day Awards.

This award honours the contribution of Ken McIntosh who was a driving force in environmental and conservation issues in the Yarra Ranges.

Jordan is a passionate advocate on the environment and social justice. During his time as a student at Sherbrooke Community School, Jordan was committed to the education of fellow students as well as the broader school on a range of environmental issues.

Supporting the Sea Shepherd is one of Jordan's key passions and the issue of whaling got a mention in Jordan's acceptance speech as well as the issue of logging in the Toolangi forests.

He played a key leadership role at his school and led the charge in making the school more sustainable. He has continued his leadership role and is currently involved in the Belgrave Survival Day organising committee.

He is an inspirational example of a young person committed to protecting the environmental and cultural values of our region, now and into the future.

Winners for the day include:
Citizen of the Year - Andrew Fullagar
Young Citizen of the Year - Joshua Watson
Community Group of the Year - Millgrove Residents Action Group
Environmental Achiever of the Year - Irene Pearey
Ken McIntosh Memorial Award 2012 Young Environmental Achiever of the Year - Jordan Crook
Mayors Lifetime Achievement Award - Leslie Skate
Ian De la Rue Community Leadership Award - Margaret Brooks
Certificates of Recognition - Alice Keogh, Jillian Hess & Dorothy Barber.

Congratulations to all our winners, your contribution to the shire is exemplary and you make Yarra Ranges a great place to live.

sea shepherd fundraiser a success

Last night I attended a fundraiser organised by Sherbrooke Community School student, Jordan Crooka to raise money for the Sea Shepherd.

To read on visit
Samantha Dunn
Greens Candidate for Eastern Victoria