Moyengully in running for major environmental award
TAFE Illawarra’s Moyengully Enterprise has been shortlisted as finalists for the prestigious Banksia Foundation Environmental Sustainability Awards.
Developed in partnership with Wingecarribee Shire Council, Moyengully was nominated for the Indigenous Caring for Country Award.
Made up of a dozen members, Moyengully Enterprise was chosen for its conservation and land management program which was recognised for the positive changes it had made to the local environment. The team was also congratulated for the awareness of culture and country it had instilled amongst its members.
“The Moyengully mob meet at least once a week and tackle local areas in need of bush regeneration and rehabilitation,” said Council’s Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Ross Evans.
“Of late they’ve been hard at work removing weeds and planting native grasses and shrubs around the Cecil Hoskins Reserve in Moss Vale.”
Established in 1989, the Banksia Foundation is a national not-for-profit organisation that promotes environmental excellence and sustainability through its Awards program and associated events. The Banksia Sustainability Awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious environmental awards in Australia.
“Apart from promoting innovative and sustainable development practices, these awards also recognise and congratulate those delivering excellence in stewardship of the land, waterways, wildlife habitats, and native flora and fauna through demonstrated indigenous leadership and community programs,” Mr Evans said. “And it’s for these reasons the team is justifiably chuffed at being nominated.”
Moyengully Enterprise members combine their hands-on rehabilitation works with conservation and land management lessons at TAFE Illawarra.
“Apart from making a real difference to their local environment, the team are also learning new skills that are being used to make a real difference to future employment prospects,” Mr Evans added.
The Moyengully Enterprise program was developed by TAFE Illawarra in partnership with Wingecarribee Shire Council, Moyengully Natural Resource Management group, Hawkesbury Catchment Management Authority, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the D’harawal and Gundungurra Land Councils and Elders.
The Banksia Awards will be presented at a Gala Dinner in Melbourne on Wednesday 9 October.
For more information on Moyengully Enterprise, contact Council’s Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Ross Evans on phone 4868 0856.