Padman Park - Mates Park signage unveiled

The unveiling of the Padman Park/Mates Park Interpretative information took place on Thursday 7^th July 2005 by Mr. Peter Reynoldson, Cooper Hand Tools Managing Director Australia/General Manager Asia Pacific.

In 2002, the Albury facility was awarded the Silver selection in the Cooper Industries Worldwide Environmental Excellence Awards. The silver selection was out of 52 project nominations received from Cooper’s 130 facilities worldwide, and speaks highly of the employee commitment to using sound environmental practices.

The win encouraged Cooper Hand Tools to become actively involved in the Albury Wodonga Regional Parks, and in particular the Padman Park – Mates Park project in West Albury.  It generously donated the total prize of $9,000 to parklands to undertake works such as tree planting, weed control and development of interpretative signage at the park. AlburyCity installed the interpretative shelter at the corner of Day Street and Padman Drive.  This is another great example of non aligned cooperation and ownership between business and the community.

Mr. Reynoldson said “We are fortunate that this region has large areas of open space parkland for the benefit of community recreation.  Cooper Hand Tools is proud to be at the forefront of eliminating the emission of greenhouse gases as part of a co-operative arrangement with the Federal Government and because we are a responsible corporate citizen.  We are delighted to be able to give our Environmental Award prize to parklands Albury Wodonga for the development of our environmental assets, that will make this region a destination for those who wish to share this beautiful place.”

Cliff Swatton, Chairman of parklands said “we thank Cooper Hand Tools for their ongoing support of the regional parks.  The installation of the interpretation will allow the users of the park to become more informed of the value of this park, and its on-going works.”

“We are very pleased that Cooper Hand Tools Albury-Wodonga and their staff, chose to pass on “their award” to parklands for the development of Padman Park – Mates Park, demonstrating their commitment to the environment of Albury-Wodonga in which their factory operates, and their staff work and live.”