Annual Ahern award to

By Kath Gannaway
THE contribution made by a Steels Creek couple who died in the Black Saturday fires will be commemorated annually through an award made in their name.
Leigh and Charmian Ahern had a passion for the natural environment and Leigh was a member of the Yarra Glen and District Historical Society (YG&DHS).
The Ahern Natural History Award will be presented by the society to the graduating student of Yarra Glen Primary School most interested and talented in the field of natural history.
The inaugural award, an impressive book on native wildlife, was presented to Corey Dumergue by the couple’s children, Dale and Chloe Ahern, on 11 December.
YG&DHS spokesperson Helen Mann said the award commemorated not only their contribution to the ecology and conservation of the natural environment, but to the society and the Steels Creek and Yarra Glen communities.
“Leigh Ahern was a man of many skills and talents, which he applied quietly, effectively and with much good humour,” she said.
“Charmian is remembered for her gentle, caring nature. Both have inspired others with their ability to apply these attributes in their workplace, to share their knowledge and to encourage others,” Ms. Mann added.
She said Dale and Chloe were raised, surrounded by the bushland they all loved.
“Through the children’s education at Yarra Glen Primary School, Leigh and Charm developed an active and supportive association with the school. For a period of time Charmian was an integration aide at the school. More recently she worked as an aide to special needs children at Birralee Primary School,” Ms Mann said.
Ms Mann said Leigh was a member of the Yarra Glen & District Historical Society for many years and that one of his lasting legacies for the Yarra Glen community was the work he did for the society, including the recording and transcription of oral histories of the district’s senior citizens and the design and production of brochures and publications.