From Left: Ray Turner, Dave Mulholland, Bill Brookes have all been awarded for their outstanding services at Yanchep National Park
Camera IconFrom Left: Ray Turner, Dave Mulholland, Bill Brookes have all been awarded for their outstanding services at Yanchep National Park Credit: Supplied/Emma Reeves

Dedicated volunteers lauded

Staff ReporterNorth Coast Times

Yanchep residents Bill Brookes and Dave Mulholland, along with Ocean Reef’s Ray Turner, received the awards from Environment Minister Albert Jacob at the annual Volunteer of the Year Awards on November 25.

Mr Brookes, who has volunteered at the park for nine years, has helped with park maintenance, koala care and rubbish collection since he was 15 years old.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Yanchep volunteer co-ordinator Ciara McIlduff said Mr Brookes had contributed more than 4000 hours.

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‘Bill is a dedicated, loyal, hardworking and much respected team member at Yanchep National Park and his commitment is extremely valued,’ she said.

Mr Turner and Mr Mulholland joined Yanchep as volunteers in November 2011 and July 2012 respectively, and have worked on revegetation, fauna monitoring and park maintenance.

‘Ray and Dave were also a fundamental part of a recent fauna study which required setting up and monitoring infra-red cameras in remote and difficult locations,’ Ms McIlduff said.

‘Both possess a wealth of knowledge with general maintenance and have been masterminds in creating and maintaining the reticulation system in the new revegetation area in the park.’

Mr Turner contributed 664 hours last financial year, and Mr Mulholland spent 688 hours volunteering in his first year.

More than 80 volunteers, school and community groups contribute their time to Yanchep National Park, clocking up more than 8200 hours in 2012-13.

‘Ray, Dave and Bill are an integral part of a larger team that works together to provide outstanding service to Yanchep National Park,’ Ms McIlduff said.

‘These three in particular were recognised for their dedication, commitment and passion for our local environment.’ Cervantes couple Keith and Rhonda Skelley were recognised at the volunteers of the year for their work to restore former pastoral leases in the Goldfields, and altogether, 15 volunteers across WA received outstanding service awards. ‘The spirit of volunteers who assist the department is exemplified by their efforts to take ownership of the wider community’s responsibility to protect the environment,’ Mr Jacob said. ‘The tasks undertaken by department volunteers are varied and often demanding, but ultimately rewarding. ‘Each department volunteer is making a valuable contribution to promoting and implementing park management and nature conservation programs throughout WA.’ To volunteer at Yanchep, call the park office on 9303 7759 or visit www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/get-involved/volunteering-opportunities. – Thank a Volunteer Day is held annually in WA on December 5.