By JESSE GRAHAM
THE HEALESVILLE Green Army officially put their tools down yesterday, graduating from the unit after months of work to improve parklands in the Yarra Valley.
Eight members of the unit were joined by Parks Victoria and Conservation Volunteers Australia, and Casey MP Tony Smith for the graduation on Thursday 18 February, at Maroondah Dam.
Green Army member Shannon Walsh ran a slideshow for the dignitaries with photographs of their work around Warburton and Healesville, including clearing three kilometres of path at Mount Donna Buang.
Ms Walsh said that during work at the Maroondah Dam the group uncovered stonework and terracotta drains along the path near the foot of the dam wall, and proceeded to fully uncover the path-sides.
They then weeded and cleared up the areas near the valve houses at the dam wall, and found more stonework around them that had been covered by mud and grass.
The group also cleared more than three hectares of weeds from the Yellingbo Conservation Reserve, among other jobs clearing weeds and landscaping areas around the valley over the last six months.
Supervisor Rod Hawksworth said the group worked “like a plague of yellow locusts” in clearing weeds away from the bush.
“It’s outstanding,” he said.
Ms Walsh, along with fellow Green Army members Angus Hollamby, Nadia Ly, Denver Orme, Jye Andersen, Stephie Barber, Irene Brouwer and Erin Golcuk were all given certificates for their efforts from Mr Smith, who commended them for their efforts.
“You’ve done something wonderful for the wider community,” Mr Smith said.
“Tourists that come in for a look can see the beauty and the history that was literally covered up by weeds and dirt – you should all be very proud.”
He said the members would take the skills they had learned, such as working in a team, into other facets of their lives.
“And whether you’re from the Yarra Ranges, or the centre of Melbourne, I can very safely predict that you’ll come back here many times in the years to come,” he said.
The former Healesville group will run a hand-over to a new group of members, who are expected to work in the area until mid-year.
