Camden Haven Community at 3 has honoured the dedication of local Robert Meixner for his tireless environmental work.
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The 73-year-old Lakewood resident, who received the award earlier this month, said he continues a lifetime of outdoor work in his community after travelling to Australia from Germany with wife Sharon.
"I'm taking care of the roadside environment and on the reserves. I take care of new planted natives and get rid of the weeds in native areas," he said.
"The smaller weeds I can get rid of. I'm a member of Camden Haven Landcare. I've been doing it since 2014 and enjoy the work. It's something for the local community to enjoy as well.
"I built a home in Lakewood in 2007 and when I was finished I looked for something to do. Ever since then I have done this work in the area."
Mr Meixner originates from Bavaria, Germany where he worked near the Black Forest. While collecting firewood he would care for the forest.
We are a part of nature and it's quite important that we take care of our environment
- Robert Meixner
"The trees are different to Germany but otherwise the work is much the same. Although you don't get as many weed problems in the alpine parts," he said.
"I reckon we are a part of nature and it's quite important that we take care of our environment as well because we are part of it.
"I think I'll continue as long as I can. It's very physical work but I'm able to do it."
The active mountain bike rider said he knows the trails between Wauchope and Comboyne 'pretty well' covering 15,000kms by cycling twice-weekly through the forest.
Community at 3 chairman Theo Hazelgrove said if you see the blue car near Kendall bridge you can always know that Mr Meixner is not far away.
"The Community at 3 recognised the work that Rob has done over many years to keep the roads clean on the approach to Kendall bridge," Mr Hazelgrove said.
"He also cleans the bridge regularly. This commitment commenced for Rob with his involvement with Landcare.
"Members of the community approached me as the chairman of Community at 3 to see what we could do for Rob so we held an afternoon tea at the Kew Corner Store with members of the public and Landcare."
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