Congratulations to dedicated Friends of Kings Park volunteer Dr Tony Scalzo, who has won the prestigious Members of Parliament 2012 Volunteer Award for the Environment and honoured as Volunteer of the Year.
The awards were presented by the Hon. Julie Bishop on Thursday, 13 December, in a ceremony recognising and celebrating the remarkable dedication of volunteers in the Curtin Electorate.
Tony was honoured for his impressive 18 years of service to the Friends of Kings Park volunteer group and his significant contribution to the environment. His level of commitment is vast and varied; including his role as co-leader of the weekend Bushland Carers, editor of the Friends of Kings Park quarterly publication For People & Plants, member of the Growing Friends and a familiar face on the volunteer groups' Management Committee.
With his ability to motivate and inspire, Tony has been pivotal in the development and training of other volunteers who share a love of Western Australian native plants and conservation projects. As a magazine editor, Tony consistently delivers a high quality publication that highlights the incredible efforts of Kings Park staff and volunteers to the local and environmental community.
'I initially began volunteering with the Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteering some 30 years ago in Melbourne, after finding an article in the local paper describing the practical conservation work this recently formed group was doing. A few years later, I accepted a job offer at the University of Western Australia in Perth and that allowed me to explore the fascinating diversity of Western Australian flora in my spare time. Joining the Friends of Kings Park provided a great opportunity to get back into practical volunteering and share my passion for conservation with other, like-minded people in a social setting.
It has been extremely fulfilling to see the group quadruple in size since I first joined and to work alongside the dedicated people that I do; both in the nursery organising plant sales and through the coordination of the magazine. Volunteering is such a rewarding community activity; it’s the reason I have remained committed for as long as I have and I encourage all others with a similar passion for Western Australian native flora to give it a go.' Tony said.
Tony's passion and enthusiasm for Kings Park and wider environmental issues is greatly appreciated and we sincerely congratulate him on his well deserved accolade.
If you would like to join the energetic team of Kings Park volunteers, please contact us for more information.