Lake Cathie’s favourite eco-warrior Shalise Leesfield has been recognised with a state honour for her devoted work helping marine life in the Hastings.
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On Friday, November 9, in front of her school mates at St Columba Anglican School she was awarded a NSW State Government Community Service Award in recognition for her outstanding contributions to the environment.
“When I got the award I think it was probably my proudest moment ever,” Shalise said.
“I was so surprised to see Leslie Williams MP at school and then when mum and dad came into the assembly I knew something was up, but I never thought it would be this.
“The award is just so unexpected but I am very honoured by it.”
Shalise is the first school student and the youngest person ever to receive the award.
She said her passion for the environment came from being surrounded by the ocean from such a young age.
“I love dolphins and marine life and when I found out how bad forgotten fishing line can be for marine animals I wanted to become a voice for them,” Shalise said.
“Lots of people talk about how bad plastic is for the environment but what many people may not know is that it can take up to 600 years for fishing line to decompose.”
Since the installation of her special fishing line bins at Lake Cathie the world has been her oyster and Shalise has been able to connect with environmentalists all over the world.
“It has been great to be able to raise awareness about fishing line and how just changing small things in our lives can have such big impacts on our marine animals.
Shalise said having Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams present the award to her at school and getting recognised in front of everyone was a very special moment for her.
“Leslie has been my biggest supporter and mentor since I first had a dream a few years ago to make a difference for the beautiful marine animals that live in our waterways,” she said.
“I can’t thank her enough for this incredible award that means so much to me and my ocean campaign.
“It takes a special MP who takes the time out of their busy day to listen to the voice of a young person.”
Shalise hopes that with this state recognition she can continue her advocacy work and take her crusade nation wide.
“I have a petition going at the moment and I am also going to write a report about the success of the fishing line bins at Lake Cathie.
“My plan is to send the report to the NSW Parliament and to coastal councils all over Australia to see if I can get bins placed in other places to help stop the spread of fishing line.
“There is lots going on right now and receiving awards like this one just make me more determined to fight harder.”
