RBWG Awards

ROEBUCK BAY WORKING GROUP WINS 2019  STATE & TERRITORY COASTCARE AWARD

The award focused on the collaborative Keep Our Bay Clean campaign (2005-19) to reduce anthropogenic nutrient sources contributing to Lyngbya majuscula blooms which threaten Roebucks Bay’s biodiversity, indigenous heritage and economic values. The entry is now a contender for a 2020 National Coastcare Award.

Thanks RBWG Management Committee members  and Yawuru Rangers who have been involved in all Keep Our Bay Clean projects, along with Parks and Wildlife staff. Moreover, the Shire of Broome, joint partners on the McMahon Reserve to plant the riparian zone of an upper catchment drain with a bush tucker trail.

School children planted hundreds of native plants along the McMahon Reserve walkway and stormwater drain with help from Yawuru Ranger Curtis Robinson and Broome Shire Rangers. Kandy Curran

Special thanks to Grant Pearson who coordinated the first Lyngbya Forum and  Dr Sora Estrella on board to undertake post doctorate studies on the effects of nutrient enrichment on toxic blooms of Lyngbya and benthic invertebrates and migratory shorebirds of the Roebuck Bay Ramsar site. Hydrogeologist Dr Ryan Vogwill,  who helped run the Lyngbya forums and supervise four post graduate studies on groundwater and surface water nutrient inputs to Roebuck Bay.

Thanks to the Shire of Broome who provided grant funding for Acting Project Manager Kandy Curran to attend the  Gala Awards.

These independent peer reviewed studies were critical drawing attention to RBWG concerns regarding; nutrient seepage into groundwater from the unlined ponds at Broome South Waste Water Treatment Plant, adjacent golf course irrigated with treated wastewater; and the aging network of stormwater drains discharging into Roebuck Bay.

ROEBUCK BAY WORKING GROUP WINS STATE COASTAL AWARD

Grant Pearson and Kandy Curran from RBWG accept an Environment Award.

This is an outstanding achievement by a passionate group formed in 2004 in Broome.  Funded by Rangelands NRM, the National Landcare Program, State NRM with support from Royalties for Regions and Inspiring Australia, the group’s outstanding community work is aimed at protecting, restoring and maintaining the highly biodiverse catchment that is one Australia’s most important migratory shorebird sites, holds high cultural values and biodiversity, has an exceptional biomass of invertebrates and is a hotspot for Australian snubfin dolphins. The Gala Awards were held at Perth Convention Centre on 18 October 2013. The award acknowledges groups who show a proven passion and dedication to reducing environmental impacts in rural and regional areas.

“Sincere thanks to RBWG’s members and Management Committee, Yawuru Traditional Owners, our web/graphics people Tasty Pixels, Peter Strain, Prof Ryan Vogwill, Tom Harley and Broome schools.  Moreover, the staff at Rangelands NRM, National Science Week and Inspiring Australia who have provided outstanding support for the innovative projects we deliver ” Kandy Curran, Project Manager of RBWG said.

ROEBUCK BAY WORKING GROUP WINS 2007 WA COASTAL AWARD – ‘COMMUNITY GROUP’

The judging panel congratulated Roebuck Bay Working Group for considerable progress in building local capacity to care for the natural and cultural heritage of Roebuck Bay and strong commitment to Yawuru and community involvement. Please read COASTLINES »

Yawuru custodian Neil McKenzie gave a winning speech at the 2007 State Coastal Conference.

Neil McKenzie and Kandy Curran accept a WA Regional Achievement Community Awards for RBWG.