Sue Hird from the North Coast Women’s Housing Co-op was thrilled to recently receive Common Equity NSW’s inaugural Champion for the Community award – an honour she truly deserves! As part of CENSW’s newly revamped awards, which recognise the diverse contributions of co-op members, this category celebrates those making a meaningful impact. Sue deeply appreciated the recognition of her efforts.
Sue is well known across the NSW North Coast and beyond for her environmental activism and deep commitment to her community. Since moving to her Co-op property near Myocum in 2006, she has dedicated countless hours over the years to making a meaningful impact.
In her own words: “In these times of climate uncertainty, I believe there is a need to plant habitat for the fauna and for ourselves. 2024 was a great year for gardening at the co-op.
Some achievements at the property included:
- planting five new citrus plants and a lychee tree
- five trailer loads of golden cane from our supportive neighbours provided garden edges
- the tank leak was repaired, for which I thank Common Equity NSW
- 6 metres of hardwood delivered (for fencing)
- two large trucks of free wood chip delivered
- Biodynamic Agriculture people came for a field day, making a fantastic biodynamic compost heap
- over three tonnes of green compostables from the local Circus Festival was put in the trenches dug by volunteers six years ago.
“It’s a rewarding endeavour and hopefully I will have some help from WWOOF Australia (a worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers) this coming year as well as the Paddock Project who regularly exchange produce with me. It’s great to build these community connections and embody the spirit of co-operative housing and the North Coast community culture.
“So, thank you once more for your acknowledgement of my efforts toward self-sufficiency and contributing to a more circular economy where waste is not put into landfill.”