Local environmental leaders applauded at the 2018 Community Environment Awards

Last night Environment Victoria recognised the achievements of six remarkable community groups and individuals from around the state for their outstanding contribution to protecting our state’s unique environment.

The 2018 Community Environment Recognition Award recipients are all leaders in their communities. They have driven innovative and highly successful grassroots campaigns to protect nature, cut pollution, tackle global warming and stand up for special places, often with very limited resources.

Those recognised for their contributions on the night were:

WOTCH (Wildlife of the Central Highlands) for tireless campaigning to protect Victoria’s magnificent native forests and the threatened native species that reside within.

Seed/AYCC for providing an inspiring and outstanding example of indigenous leadership and solidarity and driving powerful environmental justice campaigns that protect and strengthen people and country.

MASH (the campaign for More Australian Solar Homes) for repowering central Victoria with over a thousand solar installations since their launch in mid-2014, and for their dynamic community engagement.

Save Westernport for their swift and decisive action to defend Westernport Bay from AGL’s plan to build a damaging gas import terminal at Crib Point. With the help of other community groups they secured an Environment Effects Statement to independently assess the risks of the project.

Doug Gimesy & the Victorian Alliance for Platypus-Safe Yabby Traps for successfully campaigning for a ban in all Victorian waterways on the use of enclosed yabby traps, which are responsible for drowning platypus.

Linda Parlane was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for extraordinary contribution, for over 40 years of leadership of environmental and community groups, and mentoring generations of activists. Starting in the 70s working to save East Gippsland’s forests she has been an effective and passionate advocate for our environment and for volunteers driving the environment movement.

Environment Victoria CEO Mark Wakeham said:

“These environmental champions are inspiring examples of community groups and individuals all over Victoria working tirelessly to protect nature and stop global warming.

“Strong community voices have been fundamental to every major environmental outcome ever achieved in Victoria.

“Speaking up for our environment can be a challenging and relentless task, so it’s a pleasure to be able to recognise the amazing work of these groups and individuals.

“Environment Victoria thanks them, and the many other local groups and individuals across the state for the hard work they do in providing a voice for nature.”