Our Members in Action – Walter Lamond
By Alison Rogers, Secretary EcoNetwork. Photos: Henk Tobbe.
Over 60 people attended Walter Lamond’s book launch last month at the Tomaree Library. His book is titled Reflecting on Landcare and it traces the history of landcare in Soldiers Point and Salamander Bay. The NSW landcare program is funded and co-delivered by Landcare and NSW Local Land Services. The purpose is to unlock the potential of an extensive volunteer base. Walter Lamond has been volunteering with Landcare since he moved to Port Stephens in 1995.
Walter has always had an interest in bushwalking, skiing, trout fishing and the care of habitat. He has a professional background as a licensed surveyor. He has experience not only in surveys for residential areas but also remote areas around Australia. He was even involved in surveying for the Brisbane International Airport and the Tarcoola Alice Springs railway.
It took him over 12 months to write the book. He compiled the information from multiple sources but mainly from the records that he kept over the many years of involvement. Walter said, “While the book does not purport to be a definitive historical document, I have tried to capture the evolution of Landcare in Salamander Bay and Soldiers Point. I have reported on the many challenges and successes of the group.”
The book was officially launched by Deputy Mayor Leah Anderson. She noted in her speech, “This book will be an important document about the growth of Landcare in the area. It is also about the growth of the substantial environmental movement on the Tomaree Peninsula.”
Leah went on to say, “Walter and Margaret have been key figures in the environmental movement on the Tomaree Peninsula. Their work will contribute to the RAMSAR committee as they guide the Port Stephens Council and the NSW Government to recognise Mambo Wetlands as a designated RAMSAR site.”
The Convention on Wetlands is the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Walter is a member of the local RAMSAR committee. President of Econetwork Iain Watt noted that “This document will be useful tool when advocating for the Mambo Wetlands to be recognised under the RAMSAR convention.”
Family and friends enjoyed a lovely event organised by Roz Armstrong in collaboration with EcoNetwork Port Stephens, Colorfast and Readers Retreat. There was a delicious array of food on offer and Matt Spillard, the local nature photographer, provided some entertaining commentary. Henk Tobbe was on hand to take some great photographs to capture the moment.
Copies are available for $20 – just email secretary@econetworkps.org
