THE Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) awarded three local committees of management on Tuesday, recognising their efforts in helping communities recover from floods over recent years.

Around 30 attended the event at the Richardson Pavilion in Myrtleford, where DEECA regional manager for land and built environment, Gini Harris, gave out awards to management committees in the Alpine Shire and Rural City of Wangaratta, including the Oxley Recreation Reserve committee of management, the Milawa Recreation Reserve committee and the Painters Island committee of management.

Ms Harris said DEECA flood recovery grants have been well-utilised by the Painters Island group to combat recurrent floods.

This includes resurfacing roadways with asphalt, installation of drainage on their oval, construction of fencing at the front entrance of the park, restumping the park residence, upgrading the camp kitchen with stainless steel cupboards and the installation and upgrade of solar panels.

The Oxley Recreation Reserve committee of management was recognised for their work restoring the reserve after floods and for flood-proofing existing infrastructure.

Ms Harris said key projects include riverbank and roadway repairs, repairing of the crossing on the side of the King River, placement of rock and ballast to stabilise the roadway and riverbank, repairs to the main internal road and repairs to the creek embankment.

Committee chairperson Kim McInnes said their committee is a small, dedicated team with a wide range of skills.

“We've got a clear common goal and that's what makes it a success,” she said.

“We want to create a safe, peaceful green space for the community and visitors alike.”

Ms McInnes said they have also received a grant to upgrade their playground and build a camp kitchen.

The Milawa Recreation Reserve Committee received an award for their work in recovery and updating the reserve’s sports and spectator facilities.

Improvements led by the committee include repairs to car parking areas and re-gravelling tracks, installation of a gravel footpath, improved storm water drainage, re-roofing the original football change rooms, repairing the gatekeeper's ticketing box, building a viewing hill for spectators and installing solar panels to the club rooms.

Ms Harris gave a particular mention to former president Kris Allan, who was purportedly instrumental in getting most of the projects underway, and long-time committee member Russell Ferguson.

The Myrtleford Recreation Reserve committee and Wandiligong Preservation Society also received awards, as did Mongans Bridge Caravan Park volunteer Elwyn Reid.