Pamela Catling
A love of indigenous plants and local native bushland has led to more than 27 years of volunteering for Pamela Catling, who was the recipient of the 2021 Bill Wilkins Volunteer Award.
At 90 years young, Mrs Catling has enjoyed a long association with Heathmont Bushcare and CRISP Nursery and has significantly contributed to both the preservation and rehabilitation of valued environmental areas in Maroondah.
Mrs Catling has been a champion for the protection of Maroondah’s biodiversity. Her volunteering efforts have helped propagate thousands of plants that have, in turn, improved the health, biodiversity and ecosystems of our natural bushland areas, green spaces, and our local community,
There are six bushland sites overseen by Heathmont Bushcare that have been improved over the course of her involvement, where we now have a notable increase in native plants and improved habitat for local wildlife,
Mrs Catling has also volunteered at Maroondah Hospital for 17 years and Delivered Meals for four years.
“I was just happy to be nominated, I never expected to actually win,” she said.
“I only do what I do because I love doing it so much.”
In nominating her mother for the award, Pamela’s daughter Wendy said:
“Pam is an inspiration to other volunteers. Her commitment to CRISP and continuous involvement in both the work and social aspects of the nursery are admired by many of our younger volunteers and members.”