EcoNetwork commends the recipients of the Port Stephens Council environmental awards. Many recipients have played, or are playing, an important part in EcoNetwork’s programs, events, or as active affiliates or members. We congratulate these recipients on their worthy achiements
2025 Environmental Award – Sue Johnson
” Sue’s dedication to ecological preservation and community involvement makes her an exceptional nominee.
Her work with the Soldiers Point-Salamander Bay and Mambo Wanda Wetlands Landcare groups showcases her commitment to conservation. With expertise in bush regeneration and animal care, Sue has enhanced her team’s ecological efforts.
She also volunteers at the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, drawing on her zookeeping experience and many years as a wildlife rehabilitator. Sue’s community spirit shines through her educational events at Tomaree High School, inspiring students and peers alike.
Her leadership and enthusiasm make her a respected community figure. Since 2022, Sue’s transformative presence in Port Stephens highlights her lasting commitment to nature and the community.” Port Stephens Council citation
2024 Environmental Award – Betsy Hussin
“Betsy has been a pillar of environmental knowledge and has emerged as a local legend in the environmental space.
Not only has she taken on leadership with the Nelson Bay West Landcare Volunteers Group, working diligently to deliver meaningful and thoughtfully planned regeneration projects, she has donated many hours of her time and organisational skills to the Ngioka Nursery to help see it recognised as an operational asset in the community.
Betsy prioritises honesty and fairness to foster a space of connectedness to service the environment.” Port Stephens Council citation
2023 Environmental Award — Nelson Bay Civic Pride Group
“This group is led by Margaret Wilkinson and her dedicated team of volunteers, Rory Milne, Ian Spight, and Judy Washington, have been voluntarily maintaining the gardens in Nelson Bay CBD since 2018.
Initiated by the Tomaree Business Chamber, now Business Port Stephens, this group ensures that the gardens are beautifully planted and maintained, providing a positive and visually stunning feature for both tourists and locals in Port Stephens.” Port Stephens Council citation
2022 Environmental Award — Casey Freeman
“Casey Freeman is a young mother to 3 girls and is a passionate Koala carer, volunteering with the Koala rescue team at Port Stephens Koala Hospital. With her work, she actively contributes to the Conservation of the Port Stephens Koala population.
Not only is Casey an active volunteer, she’s passionate about making a difference in Koala conservation and, with her daughters, she developed, manufactured and installed Koala signage across the LGA to help drive Koala awareness. These signs were recognised and supported across the LGA.
Casey is now working with council staff on a new program of Koala awareness signage.” Port Stephens Council citation
2021 Environmental Award – Leonie Bryson
“Leonie Bryson is the vice-president and a key member of Climate Action Port Stephens. Leonie has been actively involved in educating the Port Stephens community about climate change and sustainability and has worked on events such as School Strike for Climate. Through her dedication and hard work, Leonie secured grant funding to install renewable street furniture in Raymond Terrace – known as a Smart Solar Bench – that uses energy from the sun to enable users to charge their phones and connect to Wi-Fi.” Port Stephens Council citation
2020 Environmental Award — Lia and Ryan Pereira
“Lia and Ryan are the founders of Sea Shelter — a not-for-profit marine conservation, research and rescue organisation. They are passionate about preserving the local environment and supporting threatened and endangered animals through breeding programs, research, rehabilitation and rescue.” Port Stephens Council citation
2019 Environmental Award — Nigel Waters
Nigel won the inaugural environment award testify to his immense contribution to ou sport Stephens community.
“Nigel is a community champion of Port Stephens who has given his time to numerous volunteer groups including EcoNetwork Port Stephens, Port Stephens Greens, Climate Action Port Stephens, the Tomaree ratepayers and Residents Association, and the recent Anna Bay 7 Day Makeover. Nigel is passionate about making Port Stephens a great place!”
Port Stephens Council citation
Update: Nigel moved to the UK early 2025; you may like to see and read here the appreciation and impact of Nigel’s contribution to our community.