Judy Christie, convenor of the Friends of Orphan School Creek Bushcare Group and a consultant to the Blue Wren Subcommittee has received an award as the Overall 2015 NSW Environmental Educator of the Year by the NSW Chapter of the Australian Association for Environmental Education.

Judy Christie receiving her award from Costa Georgiadis, landscape architect and the host of the ABC TV's Gardening Australia (image: Australian Association for Environmental Education)
Judy Christie receiving her award from Costa Georgiadis, landscape architect and the host of the ABC TV’s Gardening Australia (image: Australian Association for Environmental Education)

Wilson Pedersen Landscapes were the successful tenderers for the refurbishment of John Street Reserve as a biodiversity garden and it is hoped that work can commence before the end of the year – they were the contractors that constructed the new wall on the western side of the Reserve. Given the complexity of the plans, it is important that a community information session be held before the work commences. The City has agreed to plant native flora in the grassed areas in front of the Town Hall in conjunction with the refurbishing of John Street Reserve.

Working bees continue to be arranged by The Glebe Palmerston and Surrounds Landcare Group in seven pocket parks on Saturdays and Wednesdays, and details will be publicised in the Bulletin. The writing of a management plan for the upper and lower sections of Palmerston Avenue Reserve has been identified as a priority. The City has proposed that a hackberry (Celtis australis) be removed from the William Carlton Garden and also three oleanders from the upper part of the Palmerston Avenue Reserve. A water tap is needed in the lower part of Palmerston Avenue Reserve so that newly planted native flora can be watered. In February 2016 it is proposed to letter box local residents to tell them of the work of the Group and call for additional volunteers.