By Casey Neill
“I’m a very small part of a group.”
Robyn Speering, Yarra Ranges Council’s Environmentalist of the Year, is every bit the typical humble award recipient.
The Mount Evelyn resident almost immediately passes the credit for her Australia Day honour to the Mount Evelyn Environment Protection and Progress Association (MEEPPA).
“It is a privilege and good for the group,” she said when asked how she felt about the achievement.
“It’s recognition for the work that people have done over many, many years.
“If you do a little bit it goes a long way.”
Ms Speering joined MEEPPA to “see what they were about” and found “good people, nice people”.
“I got involved possibly 10 years ago when they were fighting against Safeway,” she said.
“It’s about being part of your community.”
She’s also a member of Friends of the Mount Evelyn Aqueduct.
Her award citation said she was known by other members and in the community for her honesty, integrity and her willingness to lend a hand whenever she could.
“Robyn has been an asset to both MEEPPA and FOMEA as a knowledgeable and passionate volunteer and as treasurer for both groups for many years,” it said.
“These groups are responsible for managing substantial grant funding for the benefit of the environment.
“It’s important for groups to be served by an experienced treasurer like Robyn.”
Ms Speering moved to Mount Evelyn about 20 years ago.
“It’s a special part of the Yarra Ranges,” she said.
“It’s lovely to be able to live in that kind of environment.”
She said that up next for MEEPPA was installing a wooden carving depicting the area’s native wildlife at the Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve.
The group is also working on a wildlife tracker with Melbourne Water.
“A local business is providing a fauna database that the public is going to be able to access,” Ms Speering said.
“People who see local animals can log onto the database and record it.
“It gives a more up to date and accurate record of what animals are around.
“You just want people to be aware that ‘this is what is in your local area and it’s very special’.
“It needs taking care of, because once it’s gone you don’t get it back.”
