Local parks win state gongs

Local parks win state gongs

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Kylie Van Uden, mayor Terresa Lynes and Claire Bartron with their PLA WA Award wins.

Gosnells Council has won two awards at the Parks and Leisure Australia (WA) 2024 Regional Awards of Excellence.

It received the Environmental Stewardship of the Year Award for its restoration of the Canning and Southern River Confluence project, and Parks and Environment Technical Officer Kylie Van Uden received the David Aldous Emerging Leadership Award.

Mayor Terresa Lynes said the awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the City’s Parks and Environment team.

“I am incredibly proud to see our parks and environment staff recognised for the great work they are doing in the local community,” Ms Lynes said.

“The confluence project really demonstrates the environmental outcomes that can be achieved when there is commitment to long-term works, and when multiple stakeholders work together,” she said.

Ms Van Uden began her career at the city as a 17-year-old apprentice.

“Horticulture has always been a massive passion of mine both at work and outside of work. I love making positive changes in the community,” she said.

Coordinator of environmental management Claire Bartron, who led the confluence project, said it was great to see the project recognised by Parks and Leisure Australia (WA).

“It takes time and ongoing resources and support to protect, rehabilitate and enhance environmental areas, and this project is a great example of that,” she said.

Ms Van Uden and the restoration of the Canning and Southern River Confluence project are now finalists in Parks and Leisure Australia’s National Awards, which will be announced in October.