Preserving bushland a lifelong passion

Since the 1980s, Mrs Curry has worked tirelessly for the environment, leading groups such as Friends of Star Swamp bushland and Friends of Lake Gwelup.

Mrs Curry said she was surprised, but very honoured to be recognised for her many years of volunteer work.

“The highlight is that after 30 years we’ve still got areas of bushland which have been reserved forever and are continuing to be maintained and managed to their full potential as natural bushland,” she said.

Over the years, Mrs Curry has noticed the changes in attitudes towards conservation.

“Back then, people never realised and never saw the coastline as something that needed to be preserved, but as it has disappeared it has become more precious,” she said.

“The built-up areas have increased a lot.

“When we moved, there was bushland from the end of our street right through and that has gradually been pared back.”

Mrs Curry is still actively involved in the Star Swamp bushland group and organises the annual Clean-Up Australia event in the area.

“I still take an interest in pockets of urban bushland, not only in the northern suburbs but all throughout Perth because they are so important to maintain native wildlife,” she said. “I’ve always felt that I needed to do whatever I could to improve the environment around me.

“Everyone should make an effort to contribute something in a voluntary capacity to their community – that would really make the world a better place.”