Special honour for dedicated volunteers

Some of the Central Coast’s most dedicated volunteers have been honoured with service recognition awards from the NSW Government for their efforts to maintain and improve two key Crown land reserves in the region.

The certificates, signed by Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson recognise long-serving volunteers at Norah Head Lighthouse

Reserve and the Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy.

“The Norah Head Lighthouse Land Manager Board manages the 15ha lighthouse reserve which attracts thousands of people each year and is one of the region’s most spectacular locations, taking in sweeping Pacific Ocean views,” Anderson said.

“The Tuggerah Lakes Reserve Land Manager Board manages the 175ha Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy, which provides enormous community value as a wetlands education centre, for nature walks, bird watching, picnics and relaxing in the natural environment.

“Both these Central Coast icons are great examples of how hard-working volunteers help ensure Crown land reserves can serve and benefit their entire community.”

North Head Lighthouse Land Manager volunteers to receive service recognition were include Neil Rose (10 years) and Colin Paulson (10 years) and retiring members Ian McNaught (five years), Doug Darlington (five years) and Ken Greenwald (two years).

Tuggerah Lakes Reserve Land Manager volunteers at Central Coast Wetlands –Pioneer Dairy to receive awards were recently retired members Dellas Johnston (20 years), Marlene Pennings (18 years) and Gerardus Pennings (four years), as well as continuing board member Jed Field (10 years).

Norah Head Lighthouse, built between 1901 and 1903, is of heritage and environmental significance and a popular spot for whale watching, lighthouse tours and weddings, with volunteers donating thousands of hours to manage the reserve together with NSW Government funding assistance.

Central Coast Wetlands –Pioneer Dairy is home to over 200 bird species and an enormous biodiversity of plants and animals, as well as historic buildings, licenced cattle grazing, a golf driving range, plant nursery, wetlands rehabilitation, community gardens and education activities.

Source: Media release, Feb 14 NSW Government