By Parker McKenzie
Yarra Ranges Council has recognised two Hills locals for their work protecting the environment in this year’s Australia Day Awards.
On 26 January, Jane Hollands received the Environmental Achiever of the Year award for her efforts to protect the natural environment of the Dandenong Ranges.
Ms Hollands said it was special to be recognised for her role as President of the Friends of Sassafras Creek.
“We work along the area of Sassafras Creek and we are concerned about maintaining the biodiversity there,” she said.
“It is very long and thin and has been severely impacted by a lot of issues enrolled by people living near there, weeds getting into it and deer are another one.”
Ms Hollands is also a member of the Community Weed Alliance of the Dandenongs.
She said she has been environmentally focused for most of her life but became particularly involved in the 1990s.
“In areas where habitat has been lost and some plants are no longer there, we seeking to put those plants back to maintain the right diversity,” she said.
“I couldn’t do the work I do if I didn’t have a very passionate group of people, both in the work we do and in the back working in social media. I can’t thank them enough for the work and the contribution that they make.”
11-year-old Allora Cumming won the Young Environmental Achiever of the Year award, for her dedication to protecting the environment and native wildlife in the Yarra Ranges.
She said she has raised money for a local wildlife shelter in Emerald by selling cupcakes.
“I did a post about reducing plastic, I’m trying to reduce plastic and I’m a vegetarian as well,” Ms Cumming said.
“It’s just really important because it’s where we live and to encourage other people to help the environment.”
She was awarded the School Environmental Leadership role at Tecoma Primary School in 2023 and volunteers with a local Food is Free program, helping cook meals for people in need throughout the local community.
Her mother Helen said she has encouraged Allora to be environmentally minded but it isn’t something she is required to do.
She’s done brilliantly and taking it upon herself. Knowing the fundraiser was all her idea, we’re proud,” she said.
“It’s lovely that there is this sort of award and it is a wonderful achievement.”
