Creek work thanks

ENVIRONMENTAL warriors Hamish and Rosemary Russell of The Patch have been recognised for their work on a creek management program.
The couple and a number of hills environmental groups and others involved in Melbourne Water’s river health programs were invited to Pakenham for a dinner recently.
The dinner was held on Thursday, 8 March at the Cardinia Cultural Centre to commend everyone involved in the river programs.
Mr and Mrs Russell are two of the many people who have taken time to rehabilitate creek frontages in the hills.
They have spent the past 10 years helping Melbourne Water with its stream frontage management program and helping to rehabilitate the Bob Mann Creek, which is adjacent to their property.
Chris Chesterfield of Melbourne Water said the night was aimed at formally thanking everyone who has been involved in helping to improve the health of local waterways.
“These people are involved in caring for or monitoring their local waterways and their work is vitally important to help us meet our long-term goals of improving river health,” he said.
“We are delighted to be able to recognise the hardworking, loyal volunteers that dedicate their time and energy to improving the health of the region’s rivers and creeks.”
Mr Chesterfield said the Russells were some of the many people who have been helping Melbourne Water for years.
“I really hope everyone got a sense of how much we appreciate their efforts – big or small,” he said.
Mr Russell said Melbourne Water has been a great help over the years providing both funds and advice on issues such as weed removal.
He said pulling out weeds and planting indigenous trees and shrubs along the creek edge has helped to improve the water quality.
Mr Russell said he would continue to rehabilitate the creek and the surrounding area for as long as he is able to.
Mr Chesterfield says everyone has the responsibility to look after the waterways and that there are many ways that can be done.
“Volunteering for practical hands-on work can be very rewarding but even simple things like disposing of litter correctly and keeping chemicals out of the street gutters can have a positive impact on our waterways,” he said.