Volunteers join forces to clear track at Mt Worth State Park

Volunteers from the West Gippsland Bushwalking Club and Friends of Mt Worth have come together for a working bee to clear the walking track at Mt Worth State Park on Tuesday morning.   

Using equipment purchased with funding from the Baw Baw Shire Council 2021 Community Development Grants Program, the group of over thirty volunteers braved the summer sun to clear bush and debris along the popular Moonlight Creek Track.  

Following the working bee, Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Michael Leaney was joined by Parks Victoria Ranger Yani Cornthwaite and other attendees for a lunch and presentation from Drouin resident Les Hurst. Mr Hurst gave a short talk outlining his memories as a child growing up on the farm that was once part of the current Mt Worth State Park. 

West Gippsland Bushwalking Club member Yola Samplawski, who led the initiative to seek Council grant support for the club, said “we’ve been doing track clearing for 6 years and most members bring their own equipment. Over time these have become blunt and unsuitable for working in the bush. That’s why I got the idea for the grant and the committee agreed”. 

The team was successful in obtaining a $1,400 equipment grant that was used to purchase track clearing tools and equipment that will support maintenance activities in both Mt Worth State Park and Bunyip State Parks. 

In 2018, the club was also successful in obtaining Council support to source handheld GPS equipment.  

“We are so grateful to receive the grants from the Council to support the club projects,” said Mrs Samplowski. "Without the grants we might not be able to achieve these maintenance works”.  

Council’s annual Community Development Grants program supports community and volunteer groups to assist with funding projects, programs, equipment and events that ultimately benefit the wider community. 

“We do this for the community,” said Club President, Megan Major. “We take great pride and value our parks within West Gippsland. Our track clearing volunteer work is our way to give back and show our appreciation”.   

Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Michael Leaney 

“Congratulations to the West Gippsland Bushwalking Club in obtaining an equipment grant through the 2021 Community Development Grant program. It is fantastic to see the project outcomes come to life.

I thank all the volunteers from both the West Gippsland Bushwalking Club and Friends of Mt Worth for all their hard work and ongoing dedication towards the maintenance and upkeep of these fantastic community assets.  

The Community Development Grant applications come around every year and I highly encourage community and volunteer groups all across the Shire to get on board with the program in 2022.”  

Image: Mayor Michael Leaney, West Gippsland Bushwalking Club President Megan Major, club members Yola Samplawski and Rob East, Parks Victoria Ranger Yani Cornthwaite and Friends of Mt Worth President Merrin Butler photographed with the equipment purchased with funding from Council's 2021 Community Development Grants Program.