Friends of Kororoit Creek (FOKC) has won an Environment Victoria award for its work protecting and enhancing Kororoit Creek’s habitat and surrounding areas.
The volunteer community group won the award at the community environment awards last month.
Volunteer Susanne Thomas nominated the group for the award.
“I just find it so inspiring … I found this group through Landcare and I nominated because it’s just a jewel in the west with the creek and what they’ve done and what they’re doing with it,” Ms Thomas said.
Ms Thomas, who lives in Carlton, said she was surprised to see the difference between the lack of greenery in the west compared to the east and north.
She said she loves volunteering with the group for its sense of community, and for the feeling of doing something good for the environment.
President Jessica Gerger said it’s great for volunteers to be acknowledged for their work.
“It’s really good to keep volunteers going with recognition. Everyone puts in so much hard work and they do it for the love of the creek,” Ms Gerger said.
“Our team does a lot of planting, a lot of revegetation work, a lot of weeding, plant care and maintenance. We install habitat features like bogs and rocks, frog bogs, and major art projects.
“A bit of recognition goes a really long way to keep people continuing on and happy with what they do.”
The group also works with schools, and engages community members in workshops and educational initiatives.
“We try to do as much as we can to keep everything interesting and everyone engaged,” Ms Gerger said.
