Green Army members graduated last month after a six-month stint restoring, revitalising and preserving vulnerable oceanfront areas across the North Coast. Fifteen North Coast graduates were presented with their graduation certificates by Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker for completing two Green Army projects at Diggers Beach just prior to Christmas. The North Coast Green Army graduates have undertaken major restoration work including paving at Oceanview Headland along the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, and the improvement of beach access at Diggers Beach and Sawtell beach. The Green Army completed native seed collection and plant propagation, revegetation, foreshore management and heritage conservation at Diggers Beach and nine other sites between Coffs Harbour and Wooli. “These Green Army graduate have transformed an overgrown area, unruly area on the Solitary Island Ocean Walk, which will greatly improve its amenity for locals and visitors,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “The contribution of our graduates to restore and protect our vulnerable coastal areas is obvious from the tangible difference we see to the Solitary Island Ocean Walk and other areas up and down the North Coast,” Mr Hartsuyker said. The Green Army Federal Government initiative encourages practical activities for people aged 17-24 to support local environment and conservation projects across Australia, while being paid an allowance. “I would like to thank Envite, Coffs Harbour City Council and National Parks and Wildlife for co-ordinating these important Green Army projects. “Taking part in the Green Army can create employment opportunities and significantly increase participants’ chances of being considered for jobs,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “Not only does this programme achieve real environment and conservation benefits for our community, it is a terrific achievement to list on a resume. This is valuable, practical training and experience to help them prepare for the workforce, pursue further training or improve their career opportunities,” Mr Hartsuyker said. Further opportunities to join a Green Army project can be found online at www.australia.gov.au/greenarmy