The award, given out by the national peak body for Australia’s turf industry, is named after late industry advocate Eva Ricci, and recognises a business that has gone above and beyond in making a positive contribution to its local community.
Coolabah Turf general manager Michelle Hearn said she was incredibly proud that the company was the first recipient of the prize.
“Growing turf is what we do, but building healthy communities is why we do it,“ Ms Hearn said.
“The whole Coolabah crew always put so much heart into what they do, both in a work sense, but also in a community sense.
“We love the fact that we can keep building healthy communities together and actually see what we produce out there doing just that.”
She said the Echuca-based turf supplier supported more than 30 organisations and groups in and around the town during the past year, including FightMND Echuca Moama, which she noted as a personal highlight.
While the company’s contributions differ in size and scale, Ms Hearn said they were all driven by the same philosophy.
“For 25 years, Coolabah has been in this community and always believed that healthy communities start with great outdoor spaces,” she said.
“(They) create places where people can connect, play and thrive.
“When local people, local organisations and local businesses support one another, communities become stronger, healthier and more connected.”
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