Trish Cook (Bullwinkel, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Having started environmental restoration projects myself, I know the effort it takes to bring them to life. I warmly congratulate Pat Hart and the staff and volunteers of the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group on their remarkable 30-year anniversary. Bullwinkel is fortunate to have such a dedicated organisation protecting its natural environment. Funded through the collaboration of two local governments, the group has become a cornerstone of environmental stewardship. Its work across the Canning and Wungong catchments, together with the bushland and wetlands restoration, has made a lasting mark on the landscape.

AGLG has consistently protected and restored ecosystems, improving water quality, and has strengthened community responsibility for the environment. Its impact goes beyond projects by inspiring people to learn, get involved and care. Much of this success reflects Pat Hart's leadership. Through her work securing funding and championing education and community engagement, AGLG has built a strong volunteer base and secured more than $5.6 million in grants and sponsorship as well as $10 million in federal funding for the Canning River, with support from neighbouring MP Minister Matt Keogh. Anyone who has visited Roley Pools in Roleystone knows how special a place it is, and places like this remind us that this takes years of care and dedication. I also acknowledge Cam Clay, Wayne van Lieven and Dan Walker for their important contributions, along with the councils and mayors of the city of Armadale and city of Gosnells for supporting the group over three decades.

The scale of AGLG's impact is extraordinary, with more than 1.4 million native seedlings planted over the last 30 years. On average, AGLG has maintained 25 project sites each year, hosted 600 community events and 200 school programs, and engaged thousands of students. More than 34,000 volunteers have contributed over 74,000 hours, valued at an estimated $2.7 million. This is more than environmental work; it is a long-term investment in the health, resilience and beauty of our natural space.

AGLG has made a lasting difference to both the environment and our community. Congratulations again to Pat and the team. May your important work continue for many more years to come.

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