In recognition of some of our volunteers who have passed away.
Any contribution in writing an article on an individual for this webpage would be most welcomed.
Jim Jefferis 1950 - 2022
A tall tree in our forest has fallen.
A tall tree in our forest has fallen.
After a short and one-sided conversation with cancer, Jim Jefferis our former Chairperson died on Saturday January 8th.
Jim has been a stalwart of Berry Landcare and a generous support and friend to many. He was chairperson from 2016 to 2021. Using skills honed during his career at IBM (1977-2007), he guided Berry Landcare through the ongoing deployment of NSW Environment Trust funding for the Bushlinks Berry Corridor Project, and mobilised numerous National Tree Day and UTS ‘Big Lift’ planting events.
Jim negotiated Landcare’s stewardship of the now naturally regenerated nineteenth century alignment of the ‘Link’ in Boundary Road. His popular acclaim for the shortest Annual General Meeting will surely stand for decades.
Over ten thousand trees have been planted, weeds cleared, and significant habitat values better managed through the actions of Berry Landcare under Jim’s Chairing role. Jim was a graduate of the University of Manchester (Pure Mathematics 1971) and post-graduate of Cardiff University (Education 1972). His passion for a sustainable life included off-grid electricity, an electric vehicle, and home produce, he was a former Secretary of Slow Food Shoalhaven.
Jim shared his enthusiasm for the natural values of the Berry district, and a conviction that through the collaboration and motivation of like-minded people, communities can make a real difference. He will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts, shared sorrow, and support go out to his partner Jill, his family and friends. His legacy, and cheeky, black sense of humour will continue to illuminate our lives, actions and memories.
Jim has been a stalwart of Berry Landcare and a generous support and friend to many. He was chairperson from 2016 to 2021. Using skills honed during his career at IBM (1977-2007), he guided Berry Landcare through the ongoing deployment of NSW Environment Trust funding for the Bushlinks Berry Corridor Project, and mobilised numerous National Tree Day and UTS ‘Big Lift’ planting events.
Jim negotiated Landcare’s stewardship of the now naturally regenerated nineteenth century alignment of the ‘Link’ in Boundary Road. His popular acclaim for the shortest Annual General Meeting will surely stand for decades.
Over ten thousand trees have been planted, weeds cleared, and significant habitat values better managed through the actions of Berry Landcare under Jim’s Chairing role. Jim was a graduate of the University of Manchester (Pure Mathematics 1971) and post-graduate of Cardiff University (Education 1972). His passion for a sustainable life included off-grid electricity, an electric vehicle, and home produce, he was a former Secretary of Slow Food Shoalhaven.
Jim shared his enthusiasm for the natural values of the Berry district, and a conviction that through the collaboration and motivation of like-minded people, communities can make a real difference. He will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts, shared sorrow, and support go out to his partner Jill, his family and friends. His legacy, and cheeky, black sense of humour will continue to illuminate our lives, actions and memories.
Charlie Weir 1928 - 2021
Charlie was the founder of Shoalhaven Riverwatch after becoming involved in a NSW Fisheries mangrove planting program in 1996. Since then Charlie undertook considerable bank restoration work on the Shoalhaven River with the support of many Riverwatch volunteers.
Charlie's drive and passion has been an inspiration to so many Riverwatch and Shoalhaven Landcare volunteers.
Charlie's drive and passion has been an inspiration to so many Riverwatch and Shoalhaven Landcare volunteers.
Peter Walsh 1923 - 2016
Peter Walsh was one of Shoalhaven’s longest continual links with retailing in the Nowra CBD.
Peter was also a strong supporter of Shoalhaven Riverwatch and joined Riverwatch as a member in 1998.
Peter had a great understanding of the importance of the Shoalhaven River to the Shoalhaven Community and often related stories about his experiences.
He regularly attended meetings and made considerable contributions to the direction of Riverwatch.
Peter was also a strong supporter of Shoalhaven Riverwatch and joined Riverwatch as a member in 1998.
Peter had a great understanding of the importance of the Shoalhaven River to the Shoalhaven Community and often related stories about his experiences.
He regularly attended meetings and made considerable contributions to the direction of Riverwatch.
Alan Voysey
Alan Voysey was the Chair of the Shoalhaven Heads Dunecare Group. Alan was also a long time member of Shoalhaven Riverwatch as well as being a member on Shoalhaven City Council's Shoalhaven Flood Plain Management Committee. Alan was also a founding member of the Shoalhaven Total Catchment Management Landcare Committee, which preceded Shoalhaven Landcare.
For nearly 20 years, Alan, together with the Dunecare Group, had worked tirelessly to protect the dunes at Shoalhaven Heads and have won many awards for their efforts as founding members of the Shoalhaven Heads Dunecare group.
The Dunecare Group won the NSW Landcare Award in the Community Landcare Group category in 1991.
Alan was featured on the cover of the local Shoalhaven Telephone book for his work at Shoalhaven Heads.
Alan was awarded an OAM posthumously in 2003 for his services to the Shoalhaven Heads Community.
Alan passed away in 2002 and a park seat commemorates Gary Jones and Alan Voysey who were foundation members of the Shoalhaven Heads R.S.L. Club.
For nearly 20 years, Alan, together with the Dunecare Group, had worked tirelessly to protect the dunes at Shoalhaven Heads and have won many awards for their efforts as founding members of the Shoalhaven Heads Dunecare group.
The Dunecare Group won the NSW Landcare Award in the Community Landcare Group category in 1991.
Alan was featured on the cover of the local Shoalhaven Telephone book for his work at Shoalhaven Heads.
Alan was awarded an OAM posthumously in 2003 for his services to the Shoalhaven Heads Community.
Alan passed away in 2002 and a park seat commemorates Gary Jones and Alan Voysey who were foundation members of the Shoalhaven Heads R.S.L. Club.
Carolyn and Mal Whan
Carolyn and Mal Whan passed away in 2012 and 2016 respectively.
Milton Rural Landcare would not be where it is today without the hard work of Mal and Carolyn Whan. They, with a handful of likeminded enthusiasts, created the Milton Rural Landcare nursery and it stands as a tribute to their passion and hard work.
Shoalhaven Landcare and the Milton Rural Landcare will continue to miss them.
Milton Rural Landcare would not be where it is today without the hard work of Mal and Carolyn Whan. They, with a handful of likeminded enthusiasts, created the Milton Rural Landcare nursery and it stands as a tribute to their passion and hard work.
Shoalhaven Landcare and the Milton Rural Landcare will continue to miss them.
Jim Wallace
Jim Wallace died on 17 March 2015.
Jim was a leader in environmental education and a person who had many ideas advanced for their time.
Many members of the Shoalhaven Landcare Association had a long association with Jim on a range of projects and committees.
This tribute is a summary of the various projects and committees that Jim was involved in over 30 years.
Summary of his volunteer work:
· Re-introduction of traditional indigenous Australian weaving to the south coast;
· Production of a Riverwatch CD_ROM on the Lower Shoalhaven River detailing the local geology, geography, flora and fauna, industry and Aboriginal and European heritage and the role of Landcare in repairing environmental damage;
· Establishment of a nursery and frog pond at Greenwell Point Primary School;
· Propagation, growth and planting of thousands of indigenous plants. This includes the line of Swamp Oak beside the road to Greenwell Point, around wetlands beside Bomaderry Creek (Everson property), private property at Greenwell Point;
· A founding member of Riverwatch (Project Officer), a local Landcare group which planted mangroves and riparian vegetation to stabilise the banks of the Shoalhaven River;
· Founding member of the Lower Shoalhaven Catchment Management Committee (CMC) and the Shoalhaven CMC (chair);
· Facilitation of the establishment of Milton Landcare;
· Founding member of the Bundanon Landcare group and Bundanon Community Committee;
· Privet eradication in Kangaroo Valley;
· Promotion of local Aboriginal cultural heritage via assistance in the development of native food plant gardens at Greenwell Point Primary School, Tomerong Primary School, Sussex Inlet Primary School, Sanctuary Point Primary School and Shoalhaven High
· Photo-library covering thousands of species of flora and fauna.
Jim was a leader in environmental education and a person who had many ideas advanced for their time.
Many members of the Shoalhaven Landcare Association had a long association with Jim on a range of projects and committees.
This tribute is a summary of the various projects and committees that Jim was involved in over 30 years.
Summary of his volunteer work:
· Re-introduction of traditional indigenous Australian weaving to the south coast;
· Production of a Riverwatch CD_ROM on the Lower Shoalhaven River detailing the local geology, geography, flora and fauna, industry and Aboriginal and European heritage and the role of Landcare in repairing environmental damage;
· Establishment of a nursery and frog pond at Greenwell Point Primary School;
· Propagation, growth and planting of thousands of indigenous plants. This includes the line of Swamp Oak beside the road to Greenwell Point, around wetlands beside Bomaderry Creek (Everson property), private property at Greenwell Point;
· A founding member of Riverwatch (Project Officer), a local Landcare group which planted mangroves and riparian vegetation to stabilise the banks of the Shoalhaven River;
· Founding member of the Lower Shoalhaven Catchment Management Committee (CMC) and the Shoalhaven CMC (chair);
· Facilitation of the establishment of Milton Landcare;
· Founding member of the Bundanon Landcare group and Bundanon Community Committee;
· Privet eradication in Kangaroo Valley;
· Promotion of local Aboriginal cultural heritage via assistance in the development of native food plant gardens at Greenwell Point Primary School, Tomerong Primary School, Sussex Inlet Primary School, Sanctuary Point Primary School and Shoalhaven High
· Photo-library covering thousands of species of flora and fauna.