An era has ended in the management and operation of the Bribie Island Community Nursery (Wallum Action Group Inc). Lyn and David Wearne have hung up their secateurs after over 20 years of involvement in the organisation in various volunteer capacities.
Wallum Action Group Inc. was formed in the early 90s as a wholesale nursery supplying native trees, foliage, and grasses to the Council and other contractors who were involved in revegetating and landscaping the Bribie area and surrounding area using native species. At that stage, one of their early projects was planting and revegetating the Bibimulya Wetlands in conjunction with the Council.
Years later, it became known as Bribie Island Community Nursery and expanded to become a retail nursery as well. To this day, it still provides native grasses and vegetation to the Council and others but now has a larger range of natives and more popular exotic plants priced very, very well. The nursery is staffed by 38 volunteers who happily and cheerfully give their time, skills, and knowledge. Some have been with the organisation for many, many years.
Most importantly, proceeds from the sale of all plants and supporting items are distributed to many needy community organisations such as sporting clubs, welfare organisations, aspiring young people in a diverse range of fields, and many more. Camp Quality is a recipient dearest to the hearts of Lyn and David. The nursery is located on First Avenue, next to the Orchid House and Bribie SES. When you visit, the whiteboard at the nursery entry lists the recipients of the most recent donations.
Lyn joined Wallum Action Group in 2002 and, a few years down the track became Secretary with John Ward as the President. She wanted to be involved in volunteer community work, and this f itted very well with her previous business. Since then, she has taken on a number of roles. David was still working his day job for several years but also had a lesser degree of involvement. On his retirement, he became fully attached as John Ward’s righthand man.
Sadly, John passed away, and at this point, David stepped into the role of President of the organisation, very ably supported by Lyn and the hard-working and dedicated volunteer staff. Since then, the progression to retail has steamed ahead to the point now where it is a thriving operation with a huge community spirit. A testament to the way in which David has managed the organisation is the cheerful and dedicated workplace that brings out the best in people.
When asked what they considered to be their biggest achievement, they wholeheartedly expressed satisfaction with the good that the nursery does for the wider community. On a humorous note, David, Lyn, and the staff are amused by the startled looks of clients when they see the many snake skins hanging in the shed and their amazement that carpet snakes roam the nursery.
David and Lyn will be missed enormously but have promised to keep in touch. Be assured that the nursery will be in good hands in the future with Alex, Brenda, Janine, and the remaining committee members.
Well done, and thank you, David and Lyn, and best wishes for your second retirement.