Volunteer of the Month - Merv Corkett

Our 'Volunteer of the Month' for September 2010 is Merv Corkett.

Merv is one of Parklands Albury Wodonga most dedicated and respected volunteers. He has been a volunteer since almost day one of Parklands, and his contribution and dedication make him a worthy winner of September's volunteer of the month. Merv has a family connection with Padman Park and as such most of his volunteer hours are spent there working on a variety of tasks.  Without Merv a lot of the little fiddly jobs at Padman Park would not get done.

"The Fast 7"

1) How long have you been at volunteer at Parklands?
“I started with Parklands at the end of 1999 and Wednesday is the usual day that I volunteer.”

2) How did you first find out about Parklands?
“I joined the 'Friends of Mates - Padman Park' group; which has worked closely with Parklands Albury Wodonga. I am very interested in Padman Park as I grew up here as a young boy and my grandparents had a house in Padman Park and I still live in close proximity to the area.”

3) What have you gained out of your time at Parklands? 
“I have learnt a lot about trees and shrubs but I really value the friendships I have made with the rangers and other volunteers at Parklands.”

4) What is your favourite memory of your time with Parklands?
“I will always remember the day that Anthea (one of the rangers) got bitten by a snake while woody weeding at Padman Park.”

5) What is your favourite activity?
“I really enjoy the woody weeding over the warmer months and tree planting during the winter.”

6) What is your least favourite activity?
“While I do enjoy woody weeding, I do not really enjoy cutting down the Hawthorn trees as they are very spiky.”

7) Any comments?
“I enjoy the companionship and friendships gained while volunteering with Parklands. I also get a sense of achievement at the end of time when I look back at the changes to the park over the years.”