The Hunter Wetlands Centre has honoured six women whose contributions were instrumental in the establishment of the internationally recognised site. At a special breakfast ceremony on Friday, 7 March, Jillian Albrecht, Anne-Marie Hunter, Caryl Lightfoot, Heather Maddock, Teddi McDonald, and Peggy Svoboda were each awarded Life Membership by the Board of the Hunter Wetlands Centre.
While countless women have contributed to the Centre over its 40-year history, this year’s focus was on its earliest female members. These six women have, until now, been somewhat overshadowed by their more prominent husbands and partners, who were recognised as the Centre’s founders.
“This year, we have chosen to celebrate six women who, in the early years of the Wetlands Centre, were willing to break stereotypes and work beside their partners to protect our wetlands and wildlife,” said Michele Maddock Keith, Director of the Hunter Wetlands Centre.
The contributions of these women were varied, with each playing a unique role in shaping the Wetlands Centre. Peggy Svoboda, an environmental projects manager, was part of the grants team, securing funding and managing wetland projects. Anne-Marie Hunter, a local artist, used her creative talents to design brochures, signage, merchandise, and murals.
Jill Albrecht led membership services, including editing the Wetlander, a newsletter that continues today. Heather, Caryl, and Teddi played key roles in fundraising, catering, site clean-up, and planting, along with taking on unexpected tasks such as raising abandoned chicks and chauffeuring endangered ducks.
“Hunter Wetlands women have made an enormous contribution to conservation over the past 40 years, restoring our site and deepening the community’s knowledge and engagement with wetlands,” Michele said.
“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 and willing to do whatever was needed to ensure the Hunter Wetlands Centre became the wonderful Ramsar-listed site it is today.”
The event also recognised the ongoing work of the Centre’s female volunteers, who make up approximately half of its volunteer workforce. Their efforts in habitat restoration, wildlife management, education programs, administration, and visitor engagement continue to be essential in sustaining biodiversity and educating the community on the importance of wetland preservation for future generations.
IMAGE | Hunter Wetlands Centre presented awards to early founding women (L-R) : Caryl Lightfoot, Anne-Marie Hunter, Heather Maddock, Peggy Svoboda. Recipients not pictured: Jill Albrecht and Teddi McDonald.
