State-wide finalists for Crown Land awards announced

Some of NSW’s best Crown land managers have been selected as finalists for this year’s Community Achievement Awards for their tremendous efforts managing public reserves for the benefit of their local communities.

Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure supports three categories at the statewide awards with 12 finalists named this year for exceptional efforts:

• Individual Excellence in Crown Land Management Award for outstanding individuals who are a member of an organisation or committee that manages a Crown reserve. This award recognises a person involved in Crown reserve management who demonstrates outstanding community service and makes tangible improvements to public land for the benefit of all. For the first time for the award category, all the finalists are women.
• Crown Land Management Excellence Award for outstanding organisations involved in the care, control or management of a Crown reserve. This award recognises a voluntary Crown land manager board that has done exceptional work to care for and manage a Crown reserve, including maintaining, improving and renovating facilities and holding community events.
• Council Crown Land Management Excellence Award for local councils that have done an outstanding job in managing Crown reserves. There are more than 6,500 Crown reserves managed by 128 Local Councils across NSW. This Award recognises a Council that has demonstrated outstanding service to their communities as a Crown land manager.

Colleen Graham, secretary of the Tingha Recreation Reserve Land Managers and 2023 winner of the Crown Land Management Excellence Award said:

“To be nominated was truly amazing, especially since we were in the company of other volunteers who all did amazing things for their community. We were thrilled to win, but I truly believe that everyone who is nominated for these awards is a winner in my book.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“It is a great honour to be patron of the 2024 Community Achievement Awards, which recognise the significant efforts and achievements of those who go above and beyond to contribute to the health and vibrancy of their communities.

“Crown land is public land set aside for the public good and community reserves rely on Crown land managers who generously dedicate their time and energy to ensure land is managed effectively for the benefit of all. I congratulate the finalists and wish them the best of luck at the awards night.”

INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE IN CROWN LAND MANAGEMENT AWARD FINALISTS:

Debbie Coddington of Temora – Debbie is the driving force behind maintaining the historic Bectric Recreation Reserve. Constructed in 1904, Bectric Hall is the last standing pisé (mud) hall in Australia. Thanks to Debbie’s relentless hard work, the hall has been restored for its centenary and the facility has gone from strength-to-strength, including hosting the annual Bectric Rocks music concert that brings together local country artists and poets.

June Dangar of Armidale – Under June’s astute and collaborative leadership, significant capital improvements have taken place at Armidale Showground, including the restoration of the showground’s historical grandstands. Her commitment to enhancing accessibility, community involvement, and the preservation of historical features have significantly contributed to the Showground’s success as a vibrant and inclusive community resource.

Cheryl Krutli of Broken Hill – Cheryl has helped turn the Broken Hill Regional Events Centre and Racecourse into a thriving outback community resource. This sprawling 80-hectare multipurpose facility is a community hub that frequently hosts weddings, conferences, social club picnic days and school activities. Under Cheryl’s tenure on the board, the site’s primitive camping facilities have been expanded to allow more campers to stay at the site, which helps accommodate tourists who attend well-known events like the annual Mundi Mundi Bash.

Meg Low of Oberon – As the Chair of the Oberon Showground Land Manager, Meg has been instrumental in helping the showground host both big and small events. Meg excels in liaising with community groups and enhancing the camping experience and works tirelessly to promote the showground.

CROWN LAND MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD FINALISTS:

Armidale Showground Reserve Land Manager – A dedicated group of volunteers manages this multipurpose site that includes a main pavilion, a showring, exhibition centre and other spaces such as dedicated camping facilities. Over the past 12 months the volunteer board has sourced funding to renovate its facilities, including a grandstand.

Calarie Recreation Reserve Land Manager – the volunteers of this community centre in Forbes have ensured it remains a thriving hall that benefits the entire community. Under the board’s management over the last 12 months, solar panels, a fully functional camp kitchen with external electric BBQ and a new accessible bathroom have been installed, ensuring the facility is primed to host local events.

Kempsey Showground Association – the volunteers at this 10-hectare multi-use facility have kept the showground at the heart of the Kempsey community. The showground hosts about 430 events and activities each year, as well as offering primitive camping. The volunteers have driven infrastructure improvements, including refurbishing an on-site cottage, improved lighting at the main hall and improving access to onsite amenities.

Kendall Community Centre – the active volunteer board manages the three buildings that are located on the Kendall Community Centre - the Kendall Hall, The Rural Transaction Centre and Bookends. The six-person board has ensured the centre is a thriving space for people of all ages and has improved facilities by installing solar panels and increasing battery storage.

COUNCIL CROWN LAND MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD FINALISTS:

Broken Hill City Council: The council has built an exciting new inclusive playground at Queen Elizabeth Park, which includes an upgraded amenities block, new car parking, new barbecues and picnic tables, seating, new large and small dog parks, renovated historic rotunda, refurbished canteen, and a fully operational historic Penrose Park picnic train. The park is powered by wind and solar energy and used by a wide array of community groups.

Clarence Valley Council: The council has revamped the local Corcoran Park including by constructing a new accessible dog park. The dog park is located on a former landfill site, but through careful management the area has been remediated into a thriving space for owners to watch their pets play. The project included an accessible nearby picnic area and a pontoon to increase river access.

Port Macquarie Hasting Council: The council has rejuvenated Westport Park by expanding its Livvi Playground to include waterplay, which is a disability friendly design for people of all ages. The park now has upgraded shade sails, a picnic shelter, connecting paths and landscaping, and parking at the local boat ramp was also improved.

Tweed Shire Council: The council oversaw improvements to the Jack Evans Boat Harbour Precinct, which serves as a recreational and tourism hub for the Tweed City Centre. The council spearheaded development and implementation of the Goorimahbah - Place of Stories Inclusive Playspace. This initiative included construction of a youth recreation area, including a skate park and half court basketball facility, a new picnic and barbeque precinct, and revitalisation of the swimming area.