Hot off the Press! Nelson Coastcare Group wins a Victorian Coastal Award for Excellence
On Thursday evening, I had the great pleasure of being invited along to the 2014 Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence, which were held at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. It was really heartening to be gathered with so many people active in coastal conservation issues from all across Victoria.
The far South West corner of the state was duly represented, with Leila Huebner from the Nelson Coastcare Group there along with her daughter Belinda – so we sat together to watch the award ceremony unfold.
As it turned out, nominated groups didn’t know if they would be a finalist until these were announced during the proceedings – so we were very excited to see Nelson Coastcare up on the big screen announced as a finalist for the Community Action and Partnerships Award. And then in a great surprise, Nelson Coastcare was also announced as a joint category winner – so it was up to the stage for Leila to give a short acceptance speech on behalf of the group – what a great result!
For anyone living within a fair radius of Nelson, you will probably know that Leila has been a key driver of the Coastcare group since she helped found it many years ago – so it was really fitting that she was there to accept the award on the group’s behalf. NGT is very proud to be working with the group on our joint projects currently underway in Long Swamp.
Well done to Leila and the many other fantastic local people actively involved with the Nelson Coastcare group!
Leila Huebner accepts the Coastal Excellence Award for Community Action and Partnerships on behalf of the Nelson Coastcare Group from the Minister for Environment Ryan Smith – 11th September 2014
