As a student at Hawkesbury High school, Richie made videos about sustainability practices and was involved in the Youth Eco Summit. He was part of the ‘Green Team’ in Year 9 and drove the Hawkesbury High School ‘Alive! Project’, which aimed to restore Cumberland Plain Woodland on the school grounds. Now 21, Richie has actively participated in a number of environmental groups and initiatives including Hawkesbury Landcare, Hawkesbury City Council’s Bushcare groups, Hawkesbury Community Nursery and many council events where he has helped to promote the natural environment of the Hawkesbury.

Inspired by attending an Intrepid Landcare Camp, Koala Fest is Richie’s personal initiative that champions a Landcare approach to environment and habitat management for koalas. At Koala Fest, attendees were given very specific information regarding the needs of koalas, especially in terms of the need to protect their habitat and how residents could improve that habitat. Appropriate contacts and procedures for dealing with sick or injured koalas were communicated the attendees.