We have the privilege of sharing the impactful community service journey of Charlotte, a 2023 St Hilda’s graduate and recipient of the esteemed Cottesloe Young Citizen of the Year Award. Her story is a testament to the power of fostering connections and preserving the natural beauty of our community.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been jointly honoured with the Cottesloe Young Citizen of the Year Award, mainly for involvement with the non-profit organization called Cottesloe CoastCare. This fantastic group of volunteers dedicates their time to the restoration and protection of Cottesloe’s foreshore, working on projects like revegetation and park maintenance. The organization strives to create a community connected to the natural beauty of Cottesloe, ensuring that these coastal spaces remain vibrant and flourishing for many generations to come.
On the first Sunday of each month, they get together to do everything from spreading mulch, planting seedlings, and my personal favorite, hand weeding. Rain or shine, the dedicated group is always ready to contribute, and I found myself going down to join in, even during my exam periods for a quick break in the sunshine!
One of the most rewarding aspects is the knowledge-sharing that takes place each Sunday during conversations with volunteers, it is particularly special when I see a small conversation with someone on their morning stroll become deciding to join in for a bit after hearing about the group. Robyn Benken, one of the organisers, has played a massive part in deepening my understanding of different native plants and how to best protect our dunes and parks. Robyn has been beyond supportive over the years and I am so thankful for everything she has done for me, and I know she would absolutely love to see more young people come down and take part.
For those interested in community service or joining this group, I definitely recommend checking out the Cottesloe CoastCare Facebook page for more information or any questions. I guarantee you will find yourself showing up month after month even after you finish your hours!
