The Werribee River Association are delighted that a long-standing corporate partnership of theirs was recognised by a special award at the Holcim Australia New Zealand Conference in late February 2023.
Holcim’s Annual Awards are designed to celebrate the best individuals and teams within this global large construction materials business. The award categories include Growth, Products and Solutions, Sustainability, Performance, Safety and the coveted One Holcim Spirit. Due to pandemic this was the first awards night in three years, and the calibre of the nominees was very high.
Winning the Community Award – The Holcim Spirit, was the Werribee River Association initiative, led by Graeme Jones from Werribee Quarry. Graeme has developed a strong relationship with the Werribee River Association that has been in place for over 10 years.
In 2014, Holcim Australia and Birdlife Australia signed a three-year Australia-wide agreement to work together on improving awareness of threats to wetland birds. This partnership led to significant plantings around Cheetham Wetlands, and was followed on with other sites being developed, including Presidents Park, working closely with the land managers, Wyndham City.
Each year employees and contractors from Holcim participate in cleaning up the river and tree planning days. A direct result of the partnership between WRA and Holcim is an estimated 22,000 trees, shrubs and grasses have been planted in the catchment; and the removal of approximately 5 tonnes of litter.
Werribee Riverkeeper John Forrester has been instrumental in maintaining this important relationship that also extends to working closely with Wyndham City, and other Werribee River Association volunteers.
Lisa Field, Community & Business Development Manager said “the Association thrives on partnerships and welcomes new individuals and business to get involved, to sponsor and be a part of improving local waterways and amenities along the riverine parklands.” Visit www.werribeeriver.org.au for more details.