Planting the seeds of change

COMMUNITY FOCUSED

Gizelle Ghidella

Journalist

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Local environmentalist Emily Silverstone has been a dedicated member of Rainforest Rescue for more than six years. Picture: Submitted

Local environmentalist Emily Silverstone hopes her most recent award will inspire others to take action to care for the planet.

Ms Silverstone was recently acknowledged for her dedicated volunteer work at the Douglas Shire Council’s Australia Day awards, where she took out the Environmental Achievement Award.

“It’s nice to know what I’m doing is making an impact, it’s really heartwarming to be recognised for my effort,”Ms Silverstone said. 

“I’m hoping receiving this award will encourage others to make a difference, it goes a long way if everybody did something small for our planet.

“I want to thank everyone who has inspired me, including Kuku Yalanji elders who tread so beautifully on the land, who have an amazing connection with it. We can learn so much by working together.”

Ms Silverstone said anyone can get involved to do their bit for the environment.

“We need to protect and nurture the beautiful area we live in so everyone can enjoy it, “she said.

“Loving where you live is the starting point, we really need to respect and care for the amazing diverse ecosystem we have at our doorstep. 

“You don’t need a lot of time, or a particular skill, you can make a small change in your garden or picking up rubbish you might see at the beach.”

Emily has been an active member of Rainforest Rescue since 2016, she said she immediately fell in love with their work.

Rainforest Rescue is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to protecting rainforests across Australia, such as the Daintree, through planting, maintenance and restoration programs.

The organisation has planted 160,000 trees in the Daintree alone and an estimated 290,000 across Australia.
Ms Silverstone said being a part of Rainforest Rescue has been incredibly rewarding and she encourages everyone to join in on their tree planting which starts again in May.

“You can really see the results, I’ve seen wildlife come back from little green ants to cassowaries.”

Ms Silverstone has registered Four Mile Beach as a location for Clean Up Australia Day coming up on March 5.
Anyone who would like to get involved can collect bags from The Daintree Shop.

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