Goya Dmytryshchak
An environmental volunteer who aims to raise awareness of the municipality’s “precious wetlands“ has been named Hobsons Bay Young Citizen of the Year.
Newport’s Melissa Sheedy volunteers with the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre, a community group that aims to establish a purpose-built centre near the world-recognised Cheetham wetlands in Altona’s backyard by 2025.
“It’s RAMSAR recognised, so it’s internationally recognised as significant,“ Ms Sheedy said of the wetlands.
“We want to build a centre for people to come down and appreciate it while also preserving the wetlands.
“I hope that with this award, our wetlands down in Altona will be recognised for their timeless beauty, and the critical role they play in our ecosystem can be appreciated.“
Ms Sheedy’s voluntary role as the centre’s social media co-ordinator involves sharing information with the community to help “grow their appreciation for the environment“.
“I actually never knew of the wetlands prior to living here,“ she said.
“Our goal is to reach out to a wider audience who don’t know that we’re there.“
Ms Sheedy, who is studying environmental science, wildlife and conservation biology, said she was “very surprised“ at her civic honour.
She praised last year’s citizen of the year, Marilyn Olliff, who she learned had nominated her for the award.
“She’s actually the founder of our wetlands centre,“ Ms Sheedy said.
“She’s such an inspiration.
“I’m so grateful that my work is being recognised … it means a lot to be acknowledged.“
