Pip at top of the tree

Ms Newman’s passion for the environment was evident in 1997 when she brought city schoolchildren to the Peel Region to plant trees.

She joined Peel Men of the Trees in 1996, initiating the Million Trees Project, helping schools and students grow natives in school nurseries for planting and restoration of the coast and bushland.

Ms Newman plants between 800 and 3000 natives a year in her home nursery.

After 19 years of service to the Peel environment, work is constant with local government, the Peel Catchment Council, Greening Australia, Harvey River Restoration and more than a dozen schools, plus numerous bush and Coastcare friends groups.

A further recipient of her expertise has been K9 Animal Rescue where, in a two year project, Ms Newman planned and supplied plants to restore a wetland on the property.

Since 2007, she has supplied plants and organised plantings at Culleenup Island with the Over 55s Canoe Club, and is also a volunteer with Birds Australia, taking her kayak to the inaccessible areas of the estuary to carry out the migratory bird count necessary for Ramsar accreditation.

Her annual hosting of the Biggest Morning Tea for the WA Cancer Foundation is also part of her contribution to the community.

Mandurah MLA David Templeman said Ms Newman’s involvement as a volunteer and sharing of knowledge had raised awareness and the importance of a vibrant, connected, sustainable bushland.

‘Evidence of enthusiasm and dedication has a runaway effect and is obvious in every reserve, bushland or school project in the region,” he said.