Re-Weavers Celebration 2018

An inspiring and enjoyable evening was had by all in attendance at the 11th annual Re-Weavers of the Tapestry Dinner held on Friday 1st June. As 2018 is the 30th Anniversary of the CVCC this year the work of 3 local environmental groups was celebrated. Peter Morgan (NPA), Leonie Blain (CVCC) and Claire Purvis (Aman) (CEC) gave presentations on the history and environmental work carried out by the 3 groups since their formation in the 1980's.

Special guest Jeremy Buckingham MLC, who spoke on the importance of community activism in protecting our environment, presented certificates to:
  * Clarence Valley Branch of the National Parks Association - accepted by Dr Greg Clancy
  * Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition - accepted by Bill Noonan
  * Clarence Environment Centre - accepted by Theo Jongen

Dr Greg Clancy, Bill Noonan, Theo Jongen & Jeremy Buckingham MLC

Jeremy Buckingham MLC, Leonie Blain, Claire Purvis (Aman) & Peter Morgan

REWEAVERS’ AWARDS HONOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS

The tenth annual ReWeavers Awards dinner was held in Grafton on June 2 in the lead up to World Environment Day.  These awards recognise the valuable contribution individuals have made to environmental protection over many years. 

 

This year’s recipients were Bill Noonan and Phil Redpath of Grafton and Bob Friederich of Canberra (formerly of Grafton).

Bill Noonan joined the newly-formed Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition (CVCC) in 1988 and was very active in the successful campaign to prevent the establishment of a chemical pulp mill on the Clarence River.  He later became CVCC president, a position he held for 16 years. Bill has participated in many environmental campaigns and has been an articulate advocate for the natural environment over many years.

As an ecologist working for the NSW Government, Phil Redpath achieved large wins for conservation and improved the understanding of several threatened species and vegetation communities.  Along with botanist John Benson, he redefined our understanding of the state of the Australian bush at the time of colonisation, fire ecology and the Aboriginal use of fire.

As an officer of the National Parks and Wildlife Service from 1979, Bob Friederich made a major contribution to the establishment of the service in this area during a period of great change and increasing environmental awareness. As a planning co-ordinator and later as Manager of Grafton District, Bob served for 21 years on the North Coast before transferring to the Northern Tablelands as Regional Manager for five years.

The ReWeavers Certificates were present by Clarence Valley Mayor, Councillor Jim Simmons.

Mayor Jim Simmons, Bill Noonan, Phil Redpath, Bob Friederich  Photo: J Edwards

RE-WEAVERS AWARDS - A WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY CELEBRATION

Clarence environment groups will be celebrating World Environment Day on 5^th June by holding the eighth Re-Weavers’ Awards Dinner in Grafton.

The Re-Weavers’ Awards recognise individual Australians who have made a significant environmental contribution.  These Re-Weavers have “greatly enhanced the tapestry of our Earth Community by re-weaving green threads of sustainability back into its living fabric”.

Those honoured this year are Roslyn Woodward of Wooloweyah and Nan and Hugh Nicholson of The Channon.

Roslyn Woodward is the President of Valley Watch, the environment group based in the Lower Clarence.  She has been active in various important local campaigns including those against the West Yamba development and clearing at Gulmarrad.  She has also been a strong advocate for effective action on climate change.

Nan and Hugh Nicholson were very active in the battle to save Terania Creek Rainforest in the late 1970s and early 1980s – a battle which became an important catalyst for other forest issues.   Following their establishment of a nursery specialising in rainforest plants, the Nicholsons published six books on Australian rainforest plants.  In recent years they have become involved in campaigning against moves to establish gasfields in the Northern Rivers.

The Re-Weavers’ evening, which is being held at the Masonic Centre, is being hosted by the Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition, Clarence Environment Centre and the Clarence Branch of the National Parks Association of NSW.

THE THREE 2014 RE-WEAVERS OF THE TAPESTRY

The Re-Weavers are "individual Australians who have greatly enhanced the tapestry of our Earth Community by re-weaving green threads of sustainability back into its living fabric."

 The seventh Re-Weavers Awards were presented by David Moase, editor of The Daily Examiner, at a dinner in Grafton on Friday June 6.  

Those honoured this year were:

ASHLEY LOVE of Coffs Harbour

Ashley Love played a pivotal role in the reservation of vast areas of forests in New South Wales as national park. He did this through guiding the development of the survey methods used in the Comprehensive Regional Assessments, and also the development of the predictive modelling and other processes used to ensure that the negotiated outcomes improved the adequacy and representation of our parks system. Since retirement, he has continued to lobby for protection of our region’s forests and improved management of our national parks.

DIANNE ROBERTS of Armidale

Mrs Dianne Roberts, nee Quinlan, was born into a loving Thunghutti family and community in the Macleay Valley. Dianne was taught profound respect for Country and for people. She is imbued with a lifelong love of learning and caring, sharing of knowledge and compassion with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Her achievements have been recognised with many awards including the Order of Australia medal. Although now retired as Principal of Minimbah School, Armidale, Dianne continues her involvement in her Church, other organisations and projects, providing inspiration for many along her life's pathway.

GRAEME PAYNE of Grafton

Graeme Payne was born and raised in the Clarence Valley.  He has worked as a full-time artist since 1974.  In his wildlife and landscape studies Graeme is seeking to portray the wonder and connectedness of all life.  The Earth Charter has been an important part of his Earth Community approach.

Ashley Love, Graeme Payne, David Moase and Dianne Roberts with the Re-Weavers' Tapestry

RE-WEAVERS AWARDS RE-COMMENCE

After a break of several years, the CVCC has re-started the annual Re-Weavers' Awards.  The Re-Weavers are "individual Australians who have greatly enhanced the tapestry of our Earth Community by re-weaving green threads of sustainability back into its living fabric."

 This years' Re-Weavers are Graeme Payne of Grafton, Dianne Roberts of Armidale and Ashley Love of Coffs Harbour.

This is the seventh year of the awards which will be presented at a dinner at the Masonic Centre in Bacon Street in Grafton on Friday June 6. The evening commences at 6 p.m. with those attending bringing food to share. If you wish to attend, please RSVP Stan (66427640).