Caves group are best friends

Posted on August 19, 2008, 7:07pm and updated on August 20, 2008 at 10:06 am

The Friends of Naracoorte Caves have been named “Friends Group of the Year”.

Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill made the announcement at the Annual Friends of Parks Forum.

The awards recognise the valuable contribution volunteer groups make to the State’s conservation projects.

Six awards were presented including best biodiversity project, Friends Group of the Year and the best friends medallists.

DEH regional director Trevor Naismith said the Friends of Naracoorte Caves were recognised for their ongoing commitment to help manage the World Heritage area.

“Given the Friends of Naracoorte Caves group was only established four years ago, this is a tremendous achievement,” he said.

“The volunteers play a pivotal role in supporting DEH staff on various projects such as the conservation of the critically endangered Southern Bentwing bat, supporting researchers retrieving fossil material and, most recently, restoring the grave of the previous caves caretaker, William Reddan.

“DEH would like to take this opportunity to not only congratulate the winners, but to also thank all of the volunteers who donate their time to ensure the long term survival of the State’s most precious resources.”

The forum, which was hosted by the Friends of Flinders Rangers National Park at Old Wilpena Station, was attended by more than 200 volunteers and 50 DEH staff.

The other winners were: Threatened Plant Action Group (Best Biodiversity Project); National Parks Heritage Committee (Best Heritage Project); Volker Scholz, Senior Ranger, Deep Creek Conservation Park (Most Supportive Staff Member to the Friends Network); Sporting Shooters Association of Australia - Hunting and Conservation Branch (Friends Group of the Decade 2008); and Tom Hands and Sue Smith, Friends of Scott Creek Conservation Park (the Best Friends Medallists).

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