Keynote speaker for this year's City of Monash World Environment Day Awards, Ms Murphy said the birds were not just a pleasure to watch but also helped regenerate the plants in her Healesville garden.

She has lived in the area all her life, as did her ancestors.

"This is my place of belonging. That cultural attachment to Healesville is very strong for me, but also it is still out of that urban society. We don't have any trams or trains. It's really a nice quiet environment where you can still hear the birds chatting away."

Ms Murphy is an honorary professor at Swinburne University, a trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria and a member of the Victoria Police Ethical Standards Consultative Committee and the Equal Opportunity Commission.

She said she was committed to doing everything she could to enforce and promote sustainable practices.

"I'm passionate about the environment because of who I am. I was born into Aboriginal culture and heritage and we very much acknowledge what we've been given and it's about that relationship and connection with country through the land."

The Monash World Environment Day Awards are open for entries from schools, individuals and businesses. Categories include greenest household, sustainable new building/renovation, sustainable business, sustainable community and a school poster competition.

Registrations close on Friday and $13,000 in cash and prizes will be presented on June 4.

The awards are sponsored by Monash Council, VISY, Fasham, CETEC, Fonterra, Maroondah Credit Union and the Journal.

Details: www.monash.vic.gov.au/environment /awards