Commendation - Environment
Phil Hindley - Recipient of Commendation in the Environment category
Nominated by Conservation Volunteers Australia
Phil Hindley has been volunteering with Conservation Volunteers Australia in the Canberra region and surrounding countryside for around three years. He plants native vegetation in areas such as schools, creeks and nature parks. He also helps build and repair tracks for walkers to enjoy the natural environment.
Phil is retired and has a background in parachuting, having been actively involved in the sport as well as judging and administrating parachute competitions. It is clear that Phil likes a physical challenge.
This is useful for his volunteering, which can be quite physically demanding. Phil must use hand tools and carry materials to the work sites. Most of Phil's work is physical: tree-planting, weeding, fencing, erosion control, and creating and maintaining walking tracks.
The physical environment in which Phil works can be quite harsh. He has to face steep slopes, rocky terrain and temperatures ranging from sub-zero to high 30s.
Phil applies his talents and interest in the environment by conducting photographic surveys.
Phil is a great support person for the team leaders and mentors and encourages new volunteers. He is willing to try almost anything that needs doing, regularly volunteering up to three days a week regardless of the weather.