Recognition for conservation efforts has seen a small hunting club grab a hat full of awards at the Field and Game Australia AGM in Melbourne on Saturday, October 12.
Rushworth Field and Game Club was presented with the prestigious Blue Wing award for the group’s volunteer conservation and habitat improvement efforts in the Rushworth area.
The popular award is hotly contested between F&G branches across Australia, so was a coup for the Rushworth group and largely recognised their efforts in bird nesting box construction and fox control.
The club’s conservation officer Graeme Wall was presented with a certificate for his outstanding service to the aims of Field and Game.
Notable and regular volunteer David Cox from Shepparton F&G was presented with a certificate for his outstanding service to the sport’s aims.
Mr Cox helps out at Rushworth and across northern Victoria.
Despite the Grampians F&G Club winning the Vermin Award for their continued work removing various pests in their area, Rochester was recognised for its fox control program which has allowed for increased numbers of brolgas hatching in local wetlands.
Mr Wall praised the efforts of the club community.
“Without the support of members through fox shoots, the building repair at the public park and the extensive conservation work, these awards would not have been possible,” Mr Wall said.
Rushworth F&G president Robbie Donovan was overjoyed with the awards given to such a small branch and also praised its members, regardless of their contribution.
“For a small club of 70 members against branches with hundreds and in some cases thousands, this is testament to the branch’s commitment to Field and Games values,” Mr Donovan said.
Mr Donovan was given the media award for promoting the aims and efforts of FGA to members and the wider community.