Volunteers recognised for dedication to local bush care

Judy and Glenn Burns have been doing environmental work for 30 years.

Years dedicated to restoring the environment and volunteering with Bushcare Sunshine Coast has seen Glenn and Judy Burns presented the 2021 Silver Mattock award.

The couple is involved with the Waterwatch Program run by Maroochy Waterwatch and attend regular working bees with Gulung Gung Bushcare Group at Nambour’s Quota Memorial Park and Namba Creek Group at the Model Railway Park.

“Glenn and Judy have been involved in the Bushcare Sunshine Coast program for more than 10 years and have been enthusiastic members of Nambour surrounds environmental restoration, for over 30,”  said Sunshine Coast Councillor Maria Suarez.

“The pair has donated hundreds of hours of their own time to rehabilitating and enhancing our environment and bushland reserves – and on behalf of our community and council, I thank them.”

Glenn and Judy said their work alone was rewarding.   “We both enjoy the opportunity to work outdoors and, with like-minded others, planting up the Petrie Creek riparian corridor,” Mr Burns said.

“One of the attractions of Nambour is its green heart with its much-appreciated walkway along the creek, and over the years it’s been our privilege to help rehabilitate this corridor.”

Mrs Burns agreed, saying the couple enjoyed the company of their fellow ‘revegetators’ at working bees, and the morning teas. 

“We see landscape rehabilitation vital to the Sunshine Coast,” Mrs Burns said.

Cr Suarez extended council’s praise to the more than 2000 BushCare volunteers for their contribution to protecting our environment over the past year.

“Year upon year Bushcare volunteers continue to be tremendous contributors to the health of our region’s environment; and in the past year have donated an incredible 12,211 of combined hours of their time,” Cr Suarez said.

•  To learn more about helping to rehabilitate the local environment visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/bushcare.