KRISTINA BÅTNES HESTDAHL
Finalists for the 2017 Cleaner Suburb Awards have now been announced.
The awards were developed by Brisbane City Council as a way to praise the achievements of both residents and groups who are making an effort to keep the city clean and green.
The awards are sorted into eight categories, including litter prevention, waste management and resource recovery. They can be given to individuals, community groups, businesses, workplaces and schools.
One of this year’s nominees is Michael Fox who runs Mt Gravatt Environment group, a coalition of five Habitat Brisbane Bushcare groups.
“It’s a real buzz because the nomination came from one of the people in the community,” Mr Fox said.
“I mean, you’re out there all the time, and people don’t always understand what it is that you do, so to have someone step up like that is pretty special.”
The environment group’s long list of activities includes restoration work, education and research in the local area.
Mr Fox is also the man behind the Pollinator Link initiative, which is encouraging people to create gardens designed for local wildlife.
“We now have Pollinator Gardens all across Brisbane that provide water, food and shelter for wildlife,” Mr Fox said.
Mr Fox said it would mean a lot to him and the group to win this award.
“Obviously there’s the cash prize, but it’s also about the recognition which gives you more respect in the community,” Mr Fox said.
“It would really help when we’re going for grants because we can say we’ve won an award for our work so they’ll know we’ll be able to use [the money] effectively.”
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony hosted by Lord Mayor Graham Quirk on October 10.