2022 Amy Large Volunteer Award Recipients

Meet our 2022 winners

A great congratulations to the 2022 Amy Large Volunteer Award recipients. We acknowledge and appreciate your contribution to the Inner West Community.

Young volunteers

Our Young Volunteer recipients are:

• Ni Richardson for her work at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre
• Rory Gamble for his work at 20for1 Community
• Kate Storer for her work with Addi Road Volunteers
• Harry Sanderson for his work with Balmain Water Polo Club

Read their inspiring stories below. 

Ni Richardson

Ni has volunteered with the Information and Referral team at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre for over a year, spending her time working with locals who drop in to the centre seeking support or someone to talk to. Ni takes the time to listen, meets people where they are at and helps them overcome systemic barriers to access support. She also works on creating and updating important resource and information sheets accessed by hundreds of people each year. The impacts of her work are directly felt by the community in her welcoming attitude and by showing people the care and compassion they need – thank you Ni for inspiring and helping others.

Rory Gamble

Rory started delivering meals with his father as part of Duke of Ed volunteering, and this opened his eyes to the experiences of so many other people who were less fortunate. As he became more confident and developed a rapport with many of the recipients, he wanted to continue helping after completing the program requirements, so continued the weekly deliveries, taking more time to stop and chat to each person and providing an important connection and social contact. These interactions are meaningful for Rory and the recipients, and show the value of coming together and helping others in the community – Rory, we admire your dedication and selflessness.

Kate Storer

We celebrate Kate, who initiated a project of creating welcome messages and drawings for newly arrived Afghan refuges receiving Addi Road hampers. Beginning with just her own coloured pencils, Kate inspired other children and local schools to create their own drawings and messages of support to include, ensuring that the recipients would feel welcomed and to help them start their new lives in our community. Kate also helped to replenish supplies and with the packing, showing initiative and leadership and a drive to help others. Thank you Kate for your inspiring efforts to help others and make our community a more welcoming place

Harry Sanderson

Thanking Harry of the Balmain Water Polo Club and Balmain Tigers water polo team for his huge contributions to the life and culture of the club, balancing his training and playing commitments with a dedication to mentoring and coaching junior players, captaining the club, and organising successful social events that built the profile of the club and welcomed new members. He was integral to rebuilding the club on its return to Dawn Fraser Pool, and he went above and beyond to ensure everyone was included in the club’s activities. Harry, your strong commitment and work ethic is admirable and has benefited many.

Adult volunteers

Our Adult Volunteer recipients are:

• Angela Gallard for contribution to Sydney Local Health District
• Leone Cohen for dedication to providing JP services at Balmain Library
• Terry for dedication to services at Gunawirra
• Alan Earls for creating a pop-up safe space at the Little B.I.G House in Summer Hill
• Sharon Buckely for her work as airbase manager role at SES Leichhardt/Ashfield branch
• Andrew McVeigh for services as President of Burwood Football Club
• Deidre Browne for volunteering at Dress for Success Sydney
• Sabena Winston for contribution in the Marrickville Food Pantry at Addison Road
• Adam Farrar for work with the Information and Referral team at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre
• Rick Everett for running a community pantry and herb garden
• Nguyen Trung Ha for commitment to the Inner West Vietnamese Families Group and Marrickville South Collective
• Sandra Gates for work with Bill Crews Foundation
• Lisa Darke for work with the Asylum Seeker Centre
• Ann-Marie Miranda for her dedication to Balmain Water Polo Club
• Sue Byrne for being dedicated to her work through the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre
• Genevieve Longman for work with Balmain Tigers Australian Water Polo League
• Tracy Graham for her work with environmental education and sustainable design projects
• Luisa Ferronato for dedication to the Ashfield Cricket Club
• Lorraine Stevenson for dedication to the garden for the Salvation Army and Samaritan Women and Children Services
• Kim Davies for 20 years of environmental projects in the Inner West
• Paul Cragg for dedication to Stepping Stone House

Read their inspiring stories below.

Angela Gallard

Celebrating Angela Gallard - the treasured, volunteer leader of a local coffee group offering solace and a chance to laugh, commune and connect. Providing emotional and practical help, Angela’s coffee group ‘holds back’ loneliness - something that became especially important during the worst years of Covid. Angela's warmth nurtures the group, giving members something to look forward to and a tangible sense ‘that we are all in this together’. Thank you, Angela, for the connection and light you bring to others. 

Leone Cohen

Thank you to - Leone Cohen who provides a very popular Justice of The Peace service at Balmain Library each Wednesday. Leonie will often go above and beyond to be accommodating and assist clients with their needs. Thank you, Leone, for being so generous with your time and for assisting so many community members with this essential service.  People like you make the Inner West great Leone.

Terry

Celebrating Terry who has been a treasured Gunawirra volunteer for nearly a decade, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across NSW through Gunawirra’s Five Big Ideas Program.   Encased in local Aboriginal culture, Five Big Ideas teaches children about health and nutrition and provides their families with ‘carepacks’ of essential items. Through her school networks Terry facilitates an enormous 50% of ‘carepack’ donations. Supporting others and building awareness that disadvantaged children and families can go without basic household items that many of us take for granted. Thank you, Terry, for helping others through Gunawirra. We respect and admire your tireless dedication.

Alan Earls

Sharon Buckely

Thank you to Sharon Buckley, a volunteer and airbase manager at the Leichhardt/Ashfield branch of the SES for over 15 years. Known for her warm personality and professionalism, Sharon’s efforts have been particularly appreciated over the last few years, volunteering at Covid testing and vaccination hubs, mentoring others in the organisation, and attending to incidents across the Inner West. She also regularly checks in with elderly or unwell members of the community and volunteers with Marine Rescue. Sharon is a team player whose motivation is to help others, thank you for being an exceptional member of the community.

Andrew McVeigh

Thanks to Andrew McVeigh, the President of Burwood Football Club for 11 years and the organisational backbone of the club, having managed hundreds of players and 50-60 teams each year, advocating for local infrastructure and amenities improvements, and facilitating a Junior Coaching program that employs other young members of the club. These achievements are testament to Andrew’s strong commitment work ethic and his leadership has been appreciated across the community. Our heartfelt thanks to Andrew for all that he’s done.

Deidre Browne

For the last 6 years, Deidre Browne has been a volunteer at Dress For Success Sydney, supporting women to achieve economic independence, through the provision of professional attire and accompanying support networks to help women and gender diverse communities in employment. Deidre has worked hard to help other volunteers and prepare submissions for business award recognition facilitate the growth of Dress for Success. We celebrate Deidre’s warmth and supportiveness, and the help she has given this organisation.

Sabena Winston

Thanking Sabena Winston, a Team leader in the Marrickville Food Pantry for the Addison Road Community Organisation. Sabena’s always goes above and beyond and seeks to contribute to and help others. She has been leading a project to examine recycling needs and has taken the initiative to research new solutions for the pantry. Thank you Sabena for your hard work and dedication to the success this project.

Adam Farrar

Adam Farrar is a regular volunteer with the Information and Referral team at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, working every week to help community members seeking support, responding to crises with practical help and listening to their stories. Adam helps people feel welcome at the centre, treats them with empathy and kindness and works to resolve each issue.  He assists in community events, works behind the scenes to support other volunteers and is an important and valued team member. Thank you for Adam for your outstanding work as a local citizen.

Rick Everett

Rick Everett runs a community pantry and herb garden and makes free coffees through his street window, an idea that started during 2020 Covid lockdowns to provide important support and connection to the community. It has become a place for people to meet, interact and foster human connection. Rick demonstrates the values of inclusion, care and justice for our community, also seen in his organisation of an “orphan’s Christmas” that helped forge new friendships. We thank and admire Rick’s selflessness in setting up these services for others and the way he demonstrates love and care for the community.

Nguyen Trung Ha

Ha is a committed and hardworking volunteer with the Inner West Vietnamese Families Group and Marrickville South Collective, working with and entertaining children, communicating with diverse multicultural groups, and making and sending craft and supply packs for local and remote communities. His work was especially important during Covid, helping families who may have felt isolated or required additional support and showing the spirit of compassion and mutual aid in the community. Ha, we are so grateful for your drive and community spirit – thank you.

Sandra Gates

Thanking Sandra Gates, a volunteer for the Bill Crews Foundation supporting local disadvantaged people, who has worked 185 hours in the last 6 months, interacting with guests to offer them assistance and someone to talk to, participating in activities with them and helping with other areas of need. Sandra’s positive attitude is very appreciated by the guests and those she works with, and her actions go a long way to making everyone feel welcomed. Thank you Sandra for showing such dedication to the community.

Lisa Darke

Lisa Darke has given her time to the Asylum Seeker Centre for 7 years, in various roles including most recently supporting complex clients requiring intensive support. Lisa’s ability to engage with a newly arrived migrant to understand their need and help them to adapt to being in Australia. Her support has been crucial for many people at a time when they most need help. Lisa is a positive and approachable figure to clients and her fellow volunteers and has contributed greatly to the culture of the Asylum Seeker Centre we’re grateful for all of your work, Lisa.

Ann-Marie Miranda

We thank Ann-Marie Miranda, a life member of the Balmain Water Polo club for 30 years as a volunteer, allowing the club to successfully function and develop, and building up community support for the sport of Water Polo.  She has found ways to extend the club’s role into the community through outreach programs, bringing together past and present members to celebrate the club. Ann-Marie reflects the ethos of volunteering and giving back to local community sports, and it is this support and dedication that ensures that they can succeed and flourish.

Sue Byrne

We celebrate Sue Byrne for her dedication volunteering through the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. Sue has been an extraordinary advocate to ensure the wellbeing of her clients and has worked incredibly hard during the difficulties of Covid to ensure the best service and care was available. For one of these clients, Sue’s dedication helped save their life, and the bonds Sue has formed have been transformative. Sue’s selflessness and caring is an inspirational act of service and reflects the characteristics that have been so important the last 2 years – thank you Sue.

Genevieve Longman

Genevieve Longman is a key leader of the Balmain Tigers Australian Water Polo League team. Balancing her training, playing and travelling commitments with her contribution to the life of the club, mentoring junior players, captaining the club, managing social events and helping to rebuild the culture of the club after two years without a pool.  Genevieve leads by example and inspires those that she works with. Thank you Genevieve for your hard work and dedication.

Tracy Graham

Thanking Tracy Graham for nearly 20 years of volunteering in environmental education and sustainable design projects in the Inner West. Tracy has led workshops, trained volunteers and helped transform the sustainable learning site at Wilkins Public School, including bush regeneration and a community garden, growing a passionate and informed community and creating opportunities to engage with the natural environment. Tracy has shared her sustainable building design expertise, benefiting the whole community. Tracy your leadership and dedication have created an urban oasis in the Inner West.

Luisa Ferronato

Luisa Ferronato has spent innumerable hours to the Ashfield Cricket Club, most notably as Junior Secretary and Club events organiser, however she performs a variety of key roles to guarantee the club’s continued running and community presence. Building the club’s reputation and increasing her participation even after her children finished playing cricket. Luisa’s effort, work ethic and dedication contribute immensely to the success of the club – thank you Luisa for your hard work.

Lorraine Stevenson

We thank Lorraine Stevenson for volunteering in the garden for the Salvation Army and Samaritan Women and Children Services. Lorraine’s care has helped the garden to flourish and the chickens to live wonderful lives, and created a beautiful space for residents. Thank you, Lorraine, for being a valued member of the team and the community, and for sharing your enthusiasm with others.

Kim Davies

Celebrating Kim Davies, for 20 years of environmental projects in the Inner West, beginning with bushcare and bush regeneration every Sunday, leading a team of parents to create a native garden and outdoor education space in Lewisham Public School, then founding a community garden in Dulwich Hill. Enhancing local biodiversity, and creating a thriving, beloved local community hub, community events and harvest feasts. Kim’s commitment to beautifying and reviving our natural spaces and transforming them into key sites of the community has had huge benefits for the environment, residents and community wellbeing – thank you Kim for your wonderful leadership. 

Paul Cragg

Celebrating Paul Cragg for his contribution to Stepping Stone House and providing a safe space for young people who are at risk or experiencing homelessness. As a senior engineer at QANTAS, Paul was stood down due to the pandemic. In response, Paul signed up to a COVID emergency volunteering network, looking to assist others impacted by the pandemic. Taking on a maintenance role, Paul has had an enormous positive impact on the physical environment at Stepping Stone House. Always a friendly face, Paul has helped create a safe, attractive, welcoming environment where young people feel valued, supported and optimistic about the fresh start they have been offered. We want to acknowledge Paul’s compassion and thoughtfulness as he responded the COVID pandemic by looking to see how he can help others.

Senior volunteers

Our Senior Volunteer recipients are:

• Penelope Erikson for her dedication to Greenway Bushcare Group
• Farid Wilson Silwanis for several years of service at Sydney Multicultural Community Services
• Lyn White work with Balmain Hospital and Probus
• Sue Rawlings for her hard work at Addi Road Food Pantry
• Peter Bannigan for providing photography services at Randwick Petersham Cricket Club
• Barbara Johnson for her work with the Bill Crews Foundation
• Ying Ying for her work with the the Chinese Australian Services Society Ashfield Dancing Group
• Uncle Kevin Telford for his work in the Deadly Brothers group run by Deadly Connections
• Andrew Tighe for his work as President of the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club
• Kathryn Leaney for her work as President of the NSW Justice Association
• Susan Smith for 40 years of supporting the Australian Breastfeeding Association
• Marea Dorman for her dedication to Haberfield Conference of St Vincent de Paul
• Chris Jinga for his work in the Marrickville West Community Garden

Read their inspiring stories below. 

Penelope Erikson

Penelope Erikson is the longest standing member of the Greenway Bushcare group, having volunteered for over 20 years at local sites in Haberfield and Summer Hill. She gives her all and goes above and beyond what is expected, with an excellent level of knowledge and practical ability, and is involved with all aspects of natural area restoration. Penelope’s work acknowledges the importance of having these natural spaces in the community, which we can all benefit from – we celebrate Penelope’s determination and commitment to making the Inner West a better place.

Farid Wilson Silwanis

Thanking Farid Wilson Silwanis, a volunteer for several years at the Community Visitors Scheme of Sydney Multicultural Community Services. Farid dedicates his time to visit older people who live alone, providing much need company and support, ensuring that everyone is connected to the community and developing strong friendships. During periods of lockdown, Farid continued this through phone calls or emails to ensure everyone was still supported. These connections are what make our community special – thank you Farid for your compassion and companionship.

Lyn White

We acknowledge the work of Lyn White , who has volunteered with many organisations in the local area, including Balmain Hospital and Probus, helping retirees to meet each other, collecting donations for others and donating her own objects for others to use, including kids crafts at after school care. Lyn has been giving back to the community in various ways since the 1970s, and her goodwill and consideration of other peoples’ needs is a great example of someone who helps keep the community running – Lyn thank you for your decades of selflessness.

Sue Rawlings

Sue Rawlings has volunteered with the Addi Road Food Pantry for 5 years, helping prepare the shop multiple days a week. She is a hard and diligent worker, and she makes a big contribution to the food pantry, which plays an important role in providing affordable food options to those who need it as well as preventing food going to waste. Thank you Sue for your contributions and your hard work.

Peter Bannigan

Thanking Peter Bannigan, club photographer at Randwick Petersham Cricket Club for over a decade. Peter has captured many significant moments and helped construct a pictorial history of the club. Peter is happy to travel across Sydney to photograph players in action. His dedication to this role has a strong positive effect on all club members and helps to build up the sense of community – he is an integral team player and supporter of others. Thank you Peter for your continued hard work and generosity.

Barbara Johnson

Barbara Johnson has been volunteering at the Bill Crews Foundation for nearly five years, and never misses a Tuesday lunch, where she is always happy to help out in any way she can and chats to the guests. Her warmth and familiarity help the guests feel comfortable to be there, and she shows hospitality to everyone who comes through the doors. Her positive attitude is a huge asset and provides the friendly welcome and support that people need. Thank you Barbara for your humility and compassion to the community.

Ying Ying

Ms Ying is a member of the Chinese Australian Services Society Ashfield Dancing Group, helping Chinese speaking seniors to find social support and overcome language barriers, and Ms Ying performs a variety of roles to ensure that it can reach its potential. She is enthusiastic about helping members, coordinating and planning different activities and events, caring for members and ensuring they could all stay connected during lockdown. Her warmth has helped many members to overcome social barriers and feel included, and to become more active members of the community. Thank you Ms Ying for your support of those around you and empowering people to make new connections.

Uncle Kevin Telford

Uncle Kevin is a local Elder and community leader who assist in the weekly Deadly Brothers group run by Deadly Connections. He is known for always being available to help and offering assistance to the community-run Aboriginal organisation, sharing stories and knowledge and helping people to better understand their identity. His involvement at Deadly Connections has helped many people affected by the justice and child protection systems and helped young people to be proud of who they are. Uncle Kevin, we’re so grateful for your dedication and for sharing your stories – thank you for your service to the community.

Andrew Tighe

We acknowledge Andrew, President of the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club, whose strong leadership has helped the club to overcome major challenges including maintaining the club as an 18 hole golf course and broadening the membership base to include the wider community and engage diverse groups. His leadership and vision has inspired members of the club and supported its growth, creating a positive culture that the community can be  proud of and that will continue to give back to its members. Thank you Andrew for the time you have given to this club and your vision for its future.

Kathryn Leaney

Kathryn has been the president of the Ashfield branch of the New South Wales Justice Association (for Justices of the Peace) since 2018, helping steer the association through the challenges of Covid, creating resources for fellow members and helping to train and support Justices of the Peace. Kathryn’s commitment and leadership has ensured that local JPs are able to help the community and continue the important services that they provide. Thank you Kathryn – we appreciate your leadership and contributions to our society.

Susan Smith

Celebrating Sue, a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor of the Australian Breastfeeding Association for forty years, working across the Inner West to provide support and education to local families. She has taken over 1000 calls on the National Breastfeeding Helpline, and has helped countless families in one of the most important times of their lives. Beyond her own support, Sue has worked extensively to train the next generation of breastfeeding counsellors. Thank you for your service to the community Sue, and the huge positive impacts your work has had on so many.

Marea Dorman

Marea has been an active community volunteer since becoming President of the Haberfield Conference of St Vincent Paul in 1999 and she held this position for 23 years, making a momentous contribution to the local community, assisting residents with financial support and access to other services, providing short and long term support, and organising annual fundraising appeals that collect thousands of dollars each year. Marea’s commitment to help those in the community and to be there to advocate forthem reflects the best of our community – thank you Marea for your service.

Chris Jinga

Chris is an integral member of the Marrickville West Community Garden, having been coordinator for nearly 15 years and managing a partnership with Marrickville West Public School’s Kitchen Garden program. This has enabled generations of students to learn about sustainability, gardening and cooking, while also becoming engaged in issues around climate change activism and the power of community. The human interactions between students and community in these gardens lead to lifelong positive memories and opportunities to learn from the land. Chris, we salute your amazing contributions to the gardens and wider community you’ve cultivated.

Volunteer Teams

Our Volunteer Team recipients are:

• Friends of Balmain Library
• Mood Active
• Ashfield Boys High Prefect Group
• Addi Road Volunteers
• Tempe P&C Executive
• Carmel and Frances Woods - 'Team Breakfast' at the Bill Crews Foundation
• Reverse Garbage Movers
• Australian Breastfeeding Association City West Local Group
• Tempe Birdos
• Greenway Birdos
• Friends of Whites Creek Valley Park Inc

Read their inspiring stories below. 

Friends of Balmain Library

We celebrate the Friends of Balmain Library, a volunteer group who since 1998 have supported and advocated for the library in the community and to government. Hosting regular speaker events, fundraising to enrich the library’s book collection, running an annual writing competition for local students and holding a monthly book group, the Friends of Balmain Library are an important local institution, fostering new relationships and bringing people together. Thank you for your support and hard work, and the welcoming community you have created.

Mood Active

Mood Active can only operate thanks to their dedicated team of volunteers across the areas of IT, Finance, Marketing, HR, Events and Exercise Instructors. With volunteers across NSW and QLD, Mood Active provides a place for people who believe in their mission to utilize their skills and connect with like minded others. Over the past 10 years over 100 individuals have given their time, sweat and tears (especially during the annual Burpee Challenge) to keep this community not for profit moving forwards. A special mention to volunteer Cathy, who is part of Mood Active at Camperdown Park running a weekly boxing class for people with a mental health condition. Despite many obstacles, she is always positive, and she shows care and compassion to everyone, seeking the best way to help them succeed. Thank you to all the Mood Active volunteers who enable us to make an impact.

Ashfield Boys High Prefect Group

Samuel has led a group of prefects at Ashfield Boys High School who have volunteered to arrive an hour early every morning to greet students and support them with Covid safety measures. Their dedication to the community has been well received by parents and younger students, giving a sense of care and security to the school, and their friendly greetings have had a positive impact on many students’ mental health. It’s inspiring to see how you have taken this role upon yourselves for everyone else’s benefit – thank you Samuel and Ashfield Boys prefects for your community service.

Addi Road Volunteers

Celebrating the hard work of the Addi Road volunteers, who collectively packed 68,000 hampers for charity during the Sydney lockdown, fed 280,000 people and rescued 340 tonnes of food from landfill. This huge effort was done by volunteers dealing with constantly changing public health guidelines and the mental toll of a health crisis, but they came together to keep Addi Road running for the benefit of so many others. Their selflessness and determination are something we should all be proud of – thank you for your amazing efforts.

Tempe P&C Executive

The Tempe P&C Executive has worked tirelessly over the last 2 years to keep their school community connected during lockdowns, including organising online discos, fundraising to support the school and an online fun run, raising $15,000 for school playground upgrades. Their efforts highlight the importance of maintaining connections especially during an isolating time, and they used this opportunity to even greater benefits for the school’s future and the wellbeing of its students and families.  Congratulations and thank you to the Tempe P&C for consistently being there for the community.

Carmel and Frances Woods - 'Team Breakfast' at the Bill Crews Foundation

Carmel and Frances have volunteered hundreds of hours at the Bill Crews Foundation over the last six years, always ready to answer callouts for volunteers and to help with meal preparation and assisting guests. Their selflessness and willingness to give back is always appreciated by residents and at the many other charities where they also volunteer their time. They enjoy being able to give back to the community and to build meaningful relationships with the people they are helping – Carmel and Frances, we’re inspired by your commitment and willingness to help, thank you for your service to the community.

Reverse Garbage movers

Acknowledging the amazing efforts of the volunteer Reverse Garbage movers, who over December and January spent many hours helping the team from Reverse Garbage move their warehouse from one side of Marrickville to the other. With over 40 volunteers pitching in to pack and unpack hundreds of boxing, loading trucks, cleaning and constructing, these volunteers played an enormous role in ensuring the move was successful and devoting time to this local institution. It wouldn’t have been possible without their great attitudes and spirit to get the job done.

Australian Breastfeeding Association City West Local Group

Thanking the Australian Breastfeeding Association volunteers of City West Group, who support, educate and advocate for a breastfeeding inclusive society and assist local women to make choices around breastfeeding. They host regular group meetings, online support groups and resources, provide free counselling services and have 7 hospital grade breast pumps for hire. Some of our local volunteers have been dedicated to the organisation for up to 30 years, forging connections across generations and passing on important knowledge and experience, providing an essential service to support the parenting journey. The sense of community that comes from the group is important for so many new mothers, and we thank the volunteers for their tremendous impacts in the community.

Tempe Birdos

The Tempe Birdos are celebrating ten years of conducting bird surveys at Tempe Wetlands and Tempe Reserve, with a group of 10-20 volunteers meeting one early Saturday morning each month to identify and track local bird populations. They have recorded 123 bird species, and the long term data has been used by council and other agencies. Their efforts have been acknowledged as integral to understanding our environment and for supporting the ongoing biodiversity of the region. We celebrate their dedication to the local birds and their hard work to ensure that their habitats can thrive.

Greenway Birdos

Greenway Birdos are a community group who meet for fortnightly early morning bird surveys along the Greenway corridor. This is an opportunity to meet other locals and enjoy gathering in nature, while recording important data. They are a welcoming group that encourages us to get out and enjoy our local environment, and they have collected 6 years worth of data, which can be used by council and other agencies to inform conservation efforts. The group has also produced a colour photo guide to local birds and provided residents with free native understorey plants, helping to involve the wider community. Greenway Birdos, we celebrate your hard work to conserve our local environment and to make it accessible for everyone.

Friends of Whites Creek Valley Park Inc

The Friends of Whites Creek Valley Park has been an active community organisation since 1997, working to create beautiful, biodiverse public spaces for the community to enjoy. Their work began in Lilyfield as an attempt to stop an historic cottage and stables from being demolished, and with the work of council and local community members they succeeded in having them retained as community spaces, alongside the creation of a community garden, park, wetlands and multi purpose facilities. They now have 200 volunteers who help manage these spaces, secured funding for their Food Forest, and provide opportunities to showcase local history, host artists in residence, and for residents to grow their own food. The group created a park for everyone, benefiting many in the community and bringing diverse groups together. Thank you Friends of Whites Creek Valley Park for this great example of local democracy and civic participation at work.