Myrtleford's Alpine Anglican Parish has received a newly-created environmental award in memory of Gill Baker and David Mitchell, which has been presented for the first time by the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta.
The award was established by a memorial trust set up in the Wangaratta diocese, in memory of former Eldorado parishioner Gill Baker and Albury's David Mitchell, after they both passed away three years ago.
Gill and David had been committed diocesan advocates for the environment for many years, and left a legacy of encouraging people to be custodians of the land and look after the planet.
The criteria for the award were environmental benefits; community involvement and social impact; return on investment; and scalability/reliability.
Myrtleford was the successful award applicant for its project partnering with key Indigenous, environmental and community groups to build a native bush tucker community garden featuring local and native plants from the region.
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Using the $2000 provided through the award, the garden will transform a neglected area into a beautiful space on the church grounds which will be open to the public.
Other applicants for the award were from Thurgoona (for an op-shop) and Seymour (for a rectory garden), which each received a $100 Bunnings voucher as acknowledgement of their contribution to the inaugural award round.
The award winner was announced at the Wangaratta diocese's 2025 Seasons of Creation service on 30 August, a beautiful liturgy celebrating creation which was compiled by Bishop Clarence Bester and Archdeacon Matthew Healy.
It featured two guest speakers - Helen Van Riet, who spoke about protecting the environment, shared examples from her native garden, and linked her address to Christian custodianship; and Eshan Perera, a visitor from Sri Lanka, who spoke about 'Caring for Creation: a Christian call to address climate change'.
The service and award presentation were followed by a barbecue in the warmth of Purbrick Hall on a cold and wet Saturday.
