Over 100 eco-heroes descended on Long Reef Golf Club last Wednesday night (24 October) as Northern Beaches Council revealed the winners of the 2018 Eco Awards.

Now in their 13th year, this year’s top prize was jointly awarded to Jude Furniss and Rowan Hanly.

The awards celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the conservation of our environment and recognise community members who have volunteered their time and effort to enhance the regions diverse and valuable, natural habitat.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said Ms Furniss and Ms Hanly, both volunteers with Surfrider Northern Beaches, were recognised for their extraordinary work reducing plastic pollution from one end of the peninsular to the other.

“Congratulations to Jude and Rowan who do an outstanding job engaging and educating the public across the Northern Beaches to help keep our beautiful beaches clean.  

“Council received a record 36 nominations across four categories this year, reflecting an increased focus on the environment and an urgency to ensure we protect our area’s unique, natural assets.

“We are proud to support and promote the work of these dedicated individuals and the organisations they represent.” Mayor Regan said.

The list of winners and highly commended is as follows:

Joint Overall Winners
Jude Furniss and Rowan Hanley

Biodiversity
Joan Ried, Sally Garman and Tony Garman – Winners

Bushland
Sharon Kinnison - Winner 
Mal Fisher, Marita Macrae and Janet Kershaw – Highly Commended

Oceans
Rowan Hanly - Winner 
Harriet Spark - Highly Commended

Waterways 
Malin Frick - Winner 
Susan Alexander - Highly Commended

For more information visit northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.