Conserving and protecting our unique natural environment, rescuing native animals, preserving habitat, and campaigning for change, are just some of the valiant efforts recognised by the Northern Beaches Eco Awards 2022.

The awards recognise community members who have volunteered their time and effort to enhance the region's diverse and valuable natural habitat across eight categories.

2022 Winners: Northern Beaches Eco Awards

Caring for our Bushland:

Winner: Ann Collins

Ann Collins is passionate about biodiversity and green living space. She has made great efforts to keep a living war memorial intact at Manly War Memorial State Park and has been involved in saving Manly Dam Catchment bushland.

Caring for our Waterways:

Winner: Tom Hazell

Tom Hazell has spent over 15 years establishing the Manly Lagoon Bushcare Group, creating a lush habitat out of bare land and significantly improving the habitat of the lagoon, for wildlife.

Caring for our Coast:

Winner: Wendy Orchard

Wendy Orchard has worked since 2006 as a volunteer with Long Reef Aquatic Reserve Fishcare group, helping to protect the diversity of this important ecosystem for Northern Beaches residents and organising the guided walks.

Caring for our Native Animals:

Winner: Lorraine Woodward

Lorraine Woodward has been involved with Sydney Wildlife Rescue since 2011. She responds to calls 24/7and has shown unflappable commitment to rescuing and caring for wildlife patients on the Northern Beaches.

Special Commendation

Earlier this year six local men trekked 680km over six weeks, through rugged terrain, across three states and raised $20,000 to purchase a Search and Rescue ATV (all- terrain vehicle) for Sydney Wildlife. This vehicle will assist rescuers on the Northern Beaches to reach distressed wildlife in difficult locations, especially after flooding and fires. The Alpine Odyssey group included: Connor Greig, Ben Harris, Yannick Muller, Harry Peters, Alex Burton and Jonty Earp.

Sustainable Resources Award:

Winner: Marina Barker  

Marina Barker is an inspirational figure working to reduce waste with innovative initiatives including Boomerang Bags and Piskie Parties that seek to reduce single use plastic on the Northern Beaches.

Sustainability and Climate Change Award:

Winner: Nigel Howard

Nigel Howard is passionate about renewables. As an energetic volunteer member of the Solar Alliance in Brookvale he is actively working to help the LGA transition to solar and by doing so, reach ambitious 2030 targets.

Achievement Award - Youth (16-25 yrs)

Winner: Taylor Springett

A tireless devotee of the Manly Penguin Wardens who serve to protect the endangered Little Penguin colony from predators. She is seeking to foster greater public awareness via education to help protect them.

Achievement Award - Lifetime (25 yrs +)

Winner: Dr Judy Lambert

Dr Judy Lambert has been strongly focused on North Head for becoming a national heritage site. Among many important conservation efforts, Judy is a Founding Member and ongoing member of the Friends of Quarantine Station as well as the Founding President of the North Head Sanctuary Foundation, fondly known as Bandicoot Heaven. Judy was one of the leading advocates for the listing of Cabbage Tree Bay as a No Take Aquatic Reserve and is also a Founding Member of the Friends of Cabbage Tree Bay and continues to volunteer for this group who celebrate 10 years this year.

Learn more about our Northern Beaches Eco Awards 2022 here.