Environment has help in Como

Tireless volunteer for the National Parks Association (NPA), Peter Vaughan was recognised for his years of volunteer work at this week´s 2008 NRMA Helping People Awards®.

The volunteer efforts of Peter Vaughan from Como in the Sutherland Shire shone out from the 300 NRMA Helping People Award nominations to earn him a place among the four winning recipients for this year.

NRMA Deputy President Michael Tynan congratulated Mr Vaughan for his achievement and said this year´s nominations were incredibly tough to judge.

"Peter stands out as a volunteer with a passion for the environment who really goes above and beyond for his community," Mr Tynan said.

"Peter Vaughan won the Environmental Volunteer Helping People Award for his 28 years of dedication to NPA NSW, guiding hundreds of nature walks, running events and presenting to the community on conservation issues.

"The NPA works to achieve conservation outcomes throughout NSW and could not function without the work of dedicated volunteers like Peter.

"Peter is a big-hearted hero who is always willing to give his time with no expectation of anything in return.

"That´s why it´s great to be able to publicly acknowledge his contributions through this award."

The four winners of this year´s Helping People Awards were awarded $5,000 each towards the work of their charity and a share of $20,000 worth of international and domestic travel courtesy of NRMA Travel and Travelodge. Mr Vaughan will enjoy a five-night stay at the Travelodge Mirambeena Resort in Darwin.

Mr Vaughan thanked the NRMA and said he was excited about the difference $5,000 would make to the NPA.

"I take a great deal of pleasure in taking people on bushwalks, especially people from overseas who have not experienced it before," Mr Vaughan said.

"One of my funniest memories is when a group of overseas students would not take their shoes and socks off to cross a small creek. The translator said they had all arrived the night before and the first movie they saw was Crocodile Dundee."

For more information or to get involved in NPA activities visit www.npansw.org.au.