As usual, Bushcare was well represented in this year’s BMCC Senior’s Week awards. Typical of Bushcare volunteers, these fabulous people were recognised not only for their commitment to looking after our stunning mountains landscape, but also for their many contributions to the broader community. 

Morag Ryder 

Morag has been a Bushcare volunteer for many years, working with the Water Nymphs Dell, Braeside, Gibbergunyah (Gloria Park), Coates Park and Horseshoe Falls Bushcare Groups. Over the years Morag has also been involved in many Bushcare events doing weed control and planting. She has also created some beautiful and artistic banners and bunting for Bushcare Groups and the Bushcare Picnic. Morag often provides surprise gifts to people.

Susan Jalaluddin

Susan is an active and dedicated member of the Vale Street, Cumberland Walkway and Woodford Glen Bushcare Groups, as well as Swampcare Events.  Susan also has a strong involvement in the Bushcare Network and the Leura Falls Creek Catchment Group. She also regularly volunteers at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney to assist with their plant identification work. In recent times, Susan has been advocating to improve access of a pathway through a park in Hazelbrook to assist the local community. Susan also provides knitted items for the shop at Katoomba Hospital, which provides funds back into the Hospital. Susan collects cards, calendars and pictures to provide to a school in Malaysia, which the students use to make artwork to sell to raise funds. Susan also helps to care for her elderly Father.

Robert Trenchard-Smith

Robert is a very dedicated member of the Everglades and Minnehaha Falls Bushcare and Landcare Groups. His meticulous and thorough approach makes him a valued member of all three groups. Robert also works at Everglades as a volunteer in the gatehouse and shop, assists with events, traffic marshalling and guiding visitors around the gardens and house. His multi-lingual skills are a great asset in this regard. Robert’s friendly and helpful nature makes him an important part of the Everglades voluntary community.

Bozena (Bea) Pavlicek 

Bea Pavlicek – Photo credit Helen Boundy

Bozena (Bea) has been an active, enthusiastic and regular member of two Bushcare Groups – Tree Fern Gully and Marmion Swamp (both in north Leura).  Her attendance has literally kept one Group going. Bea is also a great support to her local community – helping a neighbour and friend when they were very ill and walking the dog of another neighbour.