Tuesday, 18 February 2025

KooyongKoot Alliance

John PESUTTO (Hawthorn) (13:40): I rise today to recognise the outstanding work of the KooyongKoot Alliance and its dedicated volunteers, who continue to make an extraordinary contribution to environmental restoration and community engagement in the Gardiners Creek catchment, much of which traverses my electorate. In the past year alone the alliance and its affiliated friends groups have contributed an astounding 17,000 volunteer hours towards the health of our local environment. Through their leadership new friends groups have been established, including Friends of Gardiners Creek Reserve and Friends of Wurundjeri Walk, expanding community stewardship across the catchment. The alliance’s impact extends beyond ecological restoration; it fosters community connection, bringing together people from all backgrounds to protect and enhance their local environment.

From university students passionate about taking tangible action to improve the environment to people who later in life are keen to get involved with their community, the alliance has become a valued institution throughout the eastern suburbs. The alliance was duly recognised with the 2024 Victorian Environmental Friends Network’s Habitat Connections Award, highlighting its vital role in both environmental and community-building efforts.

I wish the KooyongKoot Alliance continued success as they continue to provide enormous value to our community. It is currently seeking ongoing funding of $130,000 per year from various stakeholders, and I will be following and supporting this with interest.