Every year the City of Ryde publicly acknowledges and recognises the remarkable accomplishments by individuals in their community. 2025 was the first time the City of Ryde separately acknowledged the work of environmental volunteers in the Citizen of the Year space. It was great to see two Landcare groups’ representatives recognised for their fantastic volunteer achievements over many years.
Inaugural Environmental Citizen of the Year, 2025 – Pamela (Pam) Ward
Pam has championed Ryde’s natural environment for 35 years and is co-founder and co-coordinator of ‘The Habitat’ community nursery and food garden (a project of Habitat Network). Pam oversees propagation, bushcare and education initiatives and mentors students, people with disability and others.
Pam has also been a regular bushcare volunteer with Ryde since the bushcare program first started in Ryde. Pam is often found running stalls and talking to people at local festivals and events. Habitat Network is an inaugural member of the Parramatta River and Waterways Network (PRAWN) and of Greater Sydney Landcare.
Nominee Environmental Citizen of the Year, 2025 – Anthony (Tony) Butteriss
Tony, a devoted environment advocate, has championed conservation in Ryde for over 15 years. As President and Grants Coordinator for Friends of Lane Cove National Park (FofLCNP), he has led initiatives in bush regeneration, environmental education and community engagement. Tony also coordinates the River Ave, Chatswood Bushcare Group. Tony and FofLCNP are inaugural members of Greater Sydney Landcare’s Northern Landcare Network.
Congratulations to Pam and Tony for being nominated for the Environmental Citizen of the Year at the City of Ryde’s January 2025 awards. Greater Sydney Landcare extends its heartfelt thanks for your outstanding dedication and invaluable contributions to conservation. Your efforts are an inspiration to us all.
