NSW Crown Land managers honoured during National Volunteer Week

Three Crown land managers are being honoured for a combined 99 years of volunteer service on the board of the historic Lambton Mechanics Institute, located in Lambton, Newcastle.

Dr Ron Robinson, Pamela Ellen and Kevin Goodwin, who have each served over 30 years on the institute’s board, will receive Crown Lands Service Recognition Award certificates for their outstanding contributions at a ceremony at the Lambton Mechanics Institute today. Fellow board member Alison Eaton will also receive recognition for 10 years of volunteer service on the board.

The event is taking place during National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. There are over 2,500 volunteers involved in Crown reserve management across the state, freely giving their time, skills and energy for the good of their local community.

Over coming months, many more long-term Crown land volunteers will receive award certificates for their service, including another 28 individuals who have volunteered their services to the management of Crown land for over 30, 40 and some have served on a board for over 50 years.

Lambton Mechanics Institute was established in 1870 as a place of learning for miners and the existing building was constructed and opened in 1894. It ceased its original function in 1958 and remained under a trust until 1991. A new trust was established in 1992 with Dr Robinson, Ms Ellen and Mr Goodwin its founding members.

Lambton Mechanics Institute and adjoining Institute Hall is an important local heritage site, now used as a base for the Newcastle Family History Society, Hunter MG Car Club, and the Lambton Meals on Wheels.

Crown Land volunteer and award recipient Dr Ron Robinson said he’s honoured to receive the award.

“Three generations of my family have lived and worked in the Lambton area, and I have the great pleasure of being able to facilitate the continued use of this building by the local community and see so many social groups involved in its day-to-day use,” Dr Robinson said.

Crown land volunteer and award recipient Pamela Ellen said she’s proud to have preserve this important piece of Newcastle history.

“I have lived in Newcastle my entire life and am proud to have helped preserve Lambton Mechanics Institute’s heritage and keep it open and functioning as a space for the community,” Ms Ellen said.

Crown land volunteer and award recipient Kevin Goodwin said his family has deep ties to the Lambton community.

“I have lived in the Lambton area since 1945, and it fills my heart with joy the way Lambton Mechanics Institute is being used by the community today,” Mr Goodwin said.

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said Crown Land managers play a vital role in ensuring public assets are accessible to the public.

 “Lambton Mechanics Institute is a fantastic piece of local heritage and I thank all the volunteers who have dedicated their services over the past 30 years to ensure this piece of Crown land and heritage buildings are maintained and accessible to all,” Ms Hornery said.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said National Volunteer Week is the perfect time to stop and thank all the volunteers who help improve Crown lands.

 “This National Volunteer Week, we acknowledge and thank all Crown land managers across the state who provide outstanding service to their community, including the dedicated long-serving volunteers in managing the Lambton Mechanics Institute,” Minister Kamper said.

“Crown reserves play an important role protecting the environment and supporting communities with everything from green open space, parks and walking tracks to showgrounds, sporting ovals and community halls.”

“There are over 700 Crown reserves managed by volunteers who play an important role in the management of these valuable community assets for the people of NSW.”

Find out more about volunteering to be a Crown land manager for your community.