Introducing Dave – volunteer profile

Volunteer Profile – David Lawson

I’m a Taswegian and have been living in the South East of South Australia since 2007 when doctors told me to go somewhere warmer for my arthritis. You don’t get any snow here, but I’ve found the weather in the South East to be similar to the north-west coast of Tasmania. I’m an electrician by trade and used to work mainly along the west coast of Tasmania in the mines or on the hydro schemes.

Dave Lawson leading our fencing work at Nobles Rocks in Discovery Bay Coastal Park

I’ve been volunteering with NGT since 2013, around the time the Eaglehawk Waterhole property was purchased. I am thankful for my friendship with Fred Aslin, who is also a regular volunteer, as he influenced and encouraged my involvement with NGT. I love spending time in the bush and being outdoors where it’s quiet, enjoy having something to do and meeting new people, and I get a lot of satisfaction in helping others. I also regularly volunteer with Mount Gambier Friends of Parks, Mount Gambier Men’s Shed, and Meals on Wheels. Helping out at Meals on Wheels is especially enjoyable as some of the clients don’t get to see many people except for Meals on Wheels volunteers, and they enjoy having a chat and hearing what’s going on.

The tasks I have helped NGT with are removing fencing (posts and wire) for re-use, wild pine removal on various properties, installation of a gate at Hutt Bay, and installation of a new fence and repairs to existing fencing at Mount Burr Swamp. I’m not a green finger, but I wouldn’t mind having a go at tree planting.

I’ve also worked at the Walker Swamp and Eaglehawk Waterhole properties. I also helped at Long Swamp with removing a fence. I’m proud of everything I’ve done with NGT, however removing old fencing and ringbarking wild pine trees growing in the scrub have been particularly satisfying.

Dave and other volunteers removing a fence post at Eaglehawk Waterhole