Jeannie wins national award
Umina resident Ms Jeannie Lawson has won a national environmental award after she won the State medal in August.
The winners of the National Pride of Australia Environment Medal were announced at a gala black tie event in Sydney on Tuesday, November 22.
Ms Lawson has been a vocal advocate for ocean conservation for more than 40 years.
She set up the group Ocean and Coastal Care Initiatives to raise awareness of local marine and coastal issues and also formed the Whale Dreamers Festival which attracts 5000 people to share in conservation messages.
Ms Lawson said winning the award was "quite surreal as it was a very big event".
"I am quite ok speaking in public usually, and to large audiences about the cause, but when the focus is on you personally, then it is quite daunting," said Ms Lawson.
"The red carpet, cameras and celebrities were all way out of my comfort zone!
"When they read my name out as the winner I just could not believe it.
"I was stunned.
"I don't think I've stopped shaking yet, and I only have a vague recollection about what I said on stage.
"I know I did remind everyone to do a plastic bag audit and stop using bags whenever possible. Plastic is the biggest menace to our oceans," said Ms Lawson.
Email, 24 Nov 2011
Jeannie Lawson, Umina
Website, 25 Nov 2011
Pride of Australia