Colin Storey recognised as 2026 Sutherland Shire Council Environmental Citizen of the Year

Veolia Australia and New Zealand congratulates Colin Storey on being named the 2026 Sutherland Shire Council Environmental Citizen of the Year, an award recognising long-term contributions to environmental conservation and community-led restoration.

The award, presented by Sutherland Shire Council, acknowledges Colin’s decades of environmental stewardship across the Sutherland Shire, including habitat restoration, waterway monitoring, bushcare and community engagement. His contribution was formally recognised in NSW Parliament, highlighting the significance of his work at a state level.

As part of Veolia’s operations at the Sydney Desalination Plant, Colin has supported a number of environmental restoration initiatives. These include planting more than 800 endemic trees to enhance koala habitat, contributing to the establishment of a green and golden bell frog refuge, and supporting seagrass research and restoration projects in Botany Bay in partnership with UNSW and the Gamay Rangers.

These initiatives align with Veolia’s purpose of Ecological Transformation, which focuses on protecting biodiversity, regenerating natural systems and delivering positive environmental outcomes through long-term, place-based action.

Veolia recognises Colin’s award as an example of how collaboration between industry, researchers and local communities can deliver measurable environmental benefits over time