Rae Druitt has been a stalwart of the environmental movement, as a former Golden Trowel Legend Award winner (awarded in 2021 during COVID) for Bushcare. Bushcare is a volunteer program that restores and cares for bush reserves throughout the Blue Mountains. There are more than 60 active Bushcare and Landcare groups throughout the Mountains from Lapstone to Mt Wilson, and their hard work helps protect the World Heritage Area. Rae is the organiser and co-founding member of the Wentworth Falls Lake Bushcare group (started in 1998), and the Sublime Point Bushcare group (started in 1996) at Leura with her partner David Coleby. Rae's work in this amazing community organisation has proven to be a valued source of longevity and a way to stay healthy as an older person! A true hidden, quiet treasure in our community.  

Ms Druitt is a longstanding member of the Blue Mountains Conservation Society, which advocates for the protection of our World Heritage Area. As a keen gardener, Rae is a strong advocate for native plants and caring for the environment. This year, I was honoured to nominate Rae as our Local Woman of the Year!