The Hunter Wetlands Centre paid tribute to six remarkable women this week who played a vital role in the establishment of the much-loved site.
Jillian Albrecht, Anne-Maree Hunter, Caryl Lightfoot, Heather Maddock, Teddi McDonald and Peggy Svoboda were each honoured with a Life Membership award by the Shortland-based board.
Over the past four decades, the sextet – who’ve been somewhat overshadowed by their more prominent husbands and partners – has made countless selfless contributions to the not-for-profit organisation.
So, their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.
“In 2025, we have chosen to celebrate six women who, in the early years of the Hunter Wetlands Centre, were willing to break the stereotypes and work beside their partners to protect our wetlands and wildlife,” director Michele Maddock Keith said.
“Eager to do whatever tasks were needed, the roles undertaken were, in a word, diverse.
“Peggy, who works as an environmental projects manager, was part of the grants team securing funding and managing wetlands projects.
“Local artist Anne-Maree used her creative talents to design brochures, interpretation signage, merchandise and murals.
“Jill took on membership services including editing the Wetlander, a newsletter that continues today.
“Heather, Caryl and Teddi tirelessly pitched in wherever necessary from fundraising, catering, site clean-up, and planting to the more unusual tasks of raising abandoned chicks and chauffeuring endangered ducks.
“So, these women made an enormous contribution to conservation over the past 40 years restoring our site and deepening the community’s knowledge and engagement in wetlands.
“We thank all our volunteers for the invaluable work they do.
“However, [today] we acknowledge these six women in particular for being so generous with their time.”
The event also highlighted the ongoing work of the Hunter Wetlands Centre’s female volunteers who make up approximately half of its workforce.
Often behind the scenes, their tireless efforts in habitat restoration, wildlife management, education programs, administration and visitor engagement have been essential in ensuring the facility continues to sustain biodiversity and educate the community on the importance of preserving these vital habitats for future generations.
For more information about the conservation initiatives and how you can be involved at the Hunter Wetlands Centre, visit www.wetlands.org.au.
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