Celebrating Ruthie Scharley – Boroondara Volunteer of the Year Finalist
On Thursday 22 May, in the Zelman Room at the Hawthorn Arts Centre, members of the KooyongKoot Alliance gathered to support Ruthie Scharley, who was shortlisted for the 2025 Boroondara Volunteer of the Year.
Our photo shows: Graham Ross, Pam Welsford, Albert Toet, Ruthie Scharley, her partner Wally Scharley and Anthony Braakhuis at the award ceremony.
Ruthie was nominated for her outstanding role as founder and project lead of the Back2Nettleton Friends Group. In true Ruthie style, she doesn’t see the nomination as recognition of her own efforts, but as a tribute to the whole Back2Nettleton group.
Ruthie has been volunteering to improve the habitat of the Glen Iris area for over 40 years ! Over that time, she’s also given her time generously to a wide range of organisations, including: FareShare rescue kitchen, the Pet Therapy Program, Surrey Hills Neighbourhood House Committee of Management, Ashburton Community Centre’s Monthly Movie Night, U3A, Hawthorn Digital Photography Group, and the Creative Women Series, which she initiated and organised. She also started a women’s-only cycling group and volunteered with TreeProject Victoria.
Ruthie has been the driving force behind Back2Nettleton. She’s always curious, always learning, and constantly looking for ways to improve the park — and involve others in caring for this special part of Back Creek. She’s worked closely with the Boroondara Biodiversity Team, Melbourne Water, KooyongKoot Alliance, Urban Guerrillas, and more — and remains a dedicated and active contributor to the KKA.
Always approachable, Ruthie has a talent for warmly welcoming new members to Back2Nettleton and helping them understand the importance of collaboration and caring for the local bushland. She embraces new challenges with enthusiasm, but improving the environment around the intersection of Back and Gardiners Creeks remains her true passion.
Well done, Ruthie – and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!