Huon Valley Council was pleased to win two awards at the 2019 Keep Australia Beautiful (KAB) Tasmania Sustainable Communities Awards held on 18 October in Oatlands.

The Mayor and the General Manager of Huon Valley Council, Bec Enders and Emilio Reale, were delighted the major KAB Tasmanian Citizen of the Year award went to Council’s Community Engagement Officer, Lisa Plohl.

“We are very proud of Lisa,” said Cr Enders. “She is a huge asset to Council but more importantly to the Huon Valley community that she is so committed to.”

Lisa is well-known for being a thoughtful and generous worker, and played a lead role in setting up and running the Animal Refuge Centre at the Ranelagh Showgrounds during the early 2019 bushfires. Lisa is known as the go-to person for anyone needing advice or information for local events and has a deep understanding and love for the diverse Huon Valley community.

“Lisa’s dedication to supporting community events and initiatives is outstanding,” said Cr Enders. “She works tirelessly for local groups and has been involved in Pony Club, dog walking associations, Relay For Life, the Country Women’s Association (CWA), not to mention the huge amount of work she does for the Huon Agricultural Society and her long-term commitment to the Huon Show.

“It is wonderful that she is being acknowledged for her efforts.”

Above: Huon Valley Council Community Engagement Officer Lisa Plohl (centre) accepting her KAB Tasmanian Citizen of the Year award, presented by KAB Tasmania Chairman Andrew Wells (left) and previous winner Lona Turvey (right) of Glamorgan Spring Bay Council.   

Council’s second win recognised its work on one of the Huon’s most popular public spaces.

“I have seen a real focus this year on parks and playgrounds and the importance of involving the community in the design and planning to provide a facility that has something to offer everyone,” said KAB Tasmania Community Judge Lesley Gardner.

Council won a Community Action & Partnerships award for Geeveston’s Heritage Park due to the site’s mindful, community-focused design and success in delivering significant benefits for the town.

The redevelopment of the Heritage Park playground was completed in early 2018 as part of the Heritage Park Master Plan, which was shaped based on feedback collected from local residents on what they wanted to see at the site.

“During the consultation period for the Master Plan, the Geeveston community told us they wanted more attractions in the area to meet the need for an economic lift after the departure of Forestry Tasmania,” said Cr Enders.

“They wanted an all-ages, all-abilities playground site that could be enjoyed by local families while also attracting visitors and encouraging them to spend more time in Geeveston. As a destination playground it is a beautiful rest stop that captures people on their way to the major southern attractions such as Hastings Caves and the Thermal Pool.”

The impressive play equipment has lots to offer, featuring a Danish-designed Skybridge, giant slide, 35m flying fox, maze, inclusive carousel, digger, and whirly gig.

“I have seen a real focus this year on parks and playgrounds and the importance of involving the community in the design and planning to provide a facility that has something to offer everyone.” – Lesley Gardner, KAB Tasmania Community Judge

Shaded seating is located throughout the site to allow people to rest and be protected from the sun.

Heritage Park also has an educational bike track, skate bowl, sheltered barbecue area, and toilet block, as well as walking trails which offer the perfect opportunity to admire the lush natural surrounds.

A full list of local playgrounds and other public spaces and facilities can be found on our interactive Facilities map.

The new Heritage Park playground was completed in early 2018. 

The Skybridge.

The flying fox.

Feature image: KAB Tasmania Chairman Andrew Wells (far right) presents Huon Valley Council Mayor Bec Enders, Manager Asset Planning and Processes Sue McCarter, and Community Engagement Officer Lisa Plohl with a Certificate of Recognition for Heritage Park, Geeveston.