The SMCMA 2012 Community Forum was attended by 89 environmental volunteers representing more than 30 community groups from all over the Sydney region.

The Forum was held at Bicentennial Park on Saturday March 31.

It is 5 years since the first SMCMA was held in 2007, and in line with this, the theme selected was "Looking back...Thinking forward". Participants heard inspiring presentations from Dr Siwan Lovett, a social scientist and Director of the Australian River Restoration Centre, from Peter Dixon, who has more than 30 years experience in bush regeneration, environmental education and public policy development, and Elaine Kwee, President of DiVo Dive, a not-for-profit organisation that asks people to dive with a difference to make a difference.

There were also two interactive discussion sessions where issues were identified and priorities for action set.  The event was a big success and the SMCMA received some very positive feedback:"Your policy of changing the format each year is very good.

I look forward to something special again next year""Each year gets better - if that's possible - venue excellent, mixing of groups good, speakers interesting and involving - so just do the same next time"

"This year was as good as could be. Thanks to the CMA and those who made us aware. SMCMA staff were outstanding. The venue was agreeable. The catering was excellent".

Thank you to all those that attended who made it such an enjoyable day. We are already looking forward to next year's event.

Photo Competition

The winners of the 2012 SMCMA Regional Photography Competition were announced at the annual Community Forum.  There were two award categories into which people could enter photos.

The winner of the "Best photo of a Bushcare site that demonstrates work in progress" category was Peter Miller from Reefcare with his photo "Restoring Shorebird Habitat, Removing bitou bush and planting local natives.

There were 27 entries in this category and the prize was generously sponsored by the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators. Peter won a $50 voucher to spend at Florilegium botanical book store and a $50 voucher to buy tools through Arborgreen.

The winner of the "Best photo of an environmental volunteer group" category was Bruce Gimber from Sutherland Shire Bushcare for his photo Lilli Pilli Bushcare Weed Warriors.

There were 23 entries in the category. Bruce won a gourmet hamper to the value of $100 to share with his fellow volunteers over morning tea.

The winner of the "People's Choice" award went to Liz Millen, who volunteers with the Cooks River Valley Association, for her photo Working Together. All of the photos that were entered in the competition were eligible for this category and were exhibited at the Forum. The winner was nominated by the Forum attendees.