Savings & Loans has received a national award for an innovative partnership that is helping to revegetate parts of Hindmarsh Island, with more than 20,000 native trees and shrubs planted so far.
The credit union won the 2009 Abacus Sustainability Award, which recognises achievement within Australia’s 122 credit unions and mutual building societies.
Savings & Loans’ partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia and local Landcare groups encourages the credit union’s staff to volunteer their time to plant native trees and shrubs on areas of Hindmarsh Island, and provides financial assistance for the program.
“This award recognises the great work our staff and members have put in through this program,” said Chief Executive Peter Evers.
“More than 700 hours has been spent volunteering on Hindmarsh Island, which has led to 20,000 native trees and shrubs being planted.
“Hindmarsh Island has a truly unique ecosystem and the work we’re doing is helping to protect and rehabilitate this fantastic part of South Australia.”
The area that Savings & Loans’ program has focused on is a haven for Orange Bellied Parrots and Cape Barren Geese, as well as significant marine life.
Mr Evers said the program brings together three important aspects of Savings & Loans – its staff, the community and the environment.
“Most of the volunteering has come from our staff, but we’ve also encouraged community groups to get involved through our Positive Impact Grants program, which offers grants of up to $5,000 in exchange for volunteering with a community group,” he said.
“So we’ve had planting days where our staff have been working side-by-side with people from community groups to rehabilitate some of South Australia’s unique ecosystems.”
