Long time Landcare volunteer and Faraday resident Christine Brooke has been recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours list with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the environment and the community.
Christine told the Mail she was surprised but deeply honoured to be recognised.
“I had no idea until I received the letter from the Governor General’s office,” Christine said.
“It is lovely that your peers think enough of your efforts just to nominate you, let alone all those who stepped forward and took the time to add their support to the application,” she said.
Christine has worked in administration and volunteer administration roles for much of her life.
When Christine and husband John made their treechange to Pyramid Hill in the mid 1990s they joined the Loddon Vale Landcare Network with Christine going on to hold the role of secretary.
“There was a lot of work to be done on our 500 acre property and the surrounding region. There were hardly any trees on our farm when we arrived. We planted hundreds and it just grew from there,” Christine said.
In later years her involvement with Landcare expanded to the board of Landcare Victoria, a committee representative position with Australian Landcare International, and the North Central Catchment Management Authority where she was Deputy Chair from 2011-2013.
Christine also played an active role in local government as a councillor for the Loddon Shire Council from 2005-2012 and mayor from 2007-2009.
Christine said each professional and volunteer role she has taken on has expanded her skills and enabled her to bring valuable knowledge to the table to assist the local organisations she was passionate about.
“I even took on the role of Loddon Valley Netball League president for a time as there was no-one else to take on the job. I’ve never played netball but the girls needed me,” she laughs.
After downsizing and moving to a smaller 90-acre property at Faraday 10 years ago, Christine wasted no time getting involved in the Sutton Grange Landcare group, Connecting Country and joining the committee of the Faraday Community Association which hosts regular community events at Dunstans Flat to maintain community engagement and connectedness.
Christine said while it is lovely to be acknowledged for her role in all these wonderful organisations many volunteers have been part of making all those projects a success along the way.
“This is an award for all those incredible volunteers. It wouldn’t have been possible without them,” she said.
Christine also thanked her husband John for his tremendous support.
“He is always there encouraging me to have a go and do what we can to make a difference. He has also done a huge amount of work. In light of the issues, we face with climate change and other factors caring for our environment has never been so important,” she said.
“We are proud to be part of this grassroots movement managing environmental issues in the local community and also working to support farmers and private landowners to make a difference,” she said.
Christine encourages those considering a volunteer role to give it a go.
“It doesn’t matter how big or small your contribution is every little bit helps. Whether you can help behind the scenes or on the ground planting trees. Every role is important and valued,” she said.