Victor Binkowski
Lone Ranger Award for Weedbusting
Region: Northland
Award Category: Northland
Year: 2012
Victor has worked on Hodges Park for a few years now and progressively removes in particular stream-side weeds such as tradescantia. This Whangarei District Council park has mowed grass area, large trees and a stream. There are a range of weeds associated with the stream which evetually connects through to Hatea river. Victor has been involved in streamside planting and is a voice for the park when it comes to careful and appropriate planting choices. Victor is retired and works voluntarily in this local park. A shy man, Victor worked very hard to find someone to give him permission to work in the reserve. This achieved, he still has to work hard to find a contact with the District Council and uses Weedbusters as a link through to agencies to get them involved in his vision for the park. Ross at the Northland Regional Council and Nicki at Whitebait Connection are in contact with Victor. His vision for the park and diligent weed work are a wonderful contibution to this high use area and he is a role model to others in community especially so to those living next to urban rivers, major weed spreaders.