Nominations open for state Landcare Awards

THE 2023-24 state and territory Landcare Awards are now open for nominations, and aim to recognise the outstanding contributions made by those involved in landcare.

From volunteers and farmers, to landholders, landcare groups, First Nations people, the next generation of landcarers, and environmental community groups, the Landcare Awards program has acknowledged the diverse range of individuals and organisations committed to addressing local environmental issues for more than 30 years.

“Many parts of the Australian environment are under pressure from the impacts of climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and resource extraction,” State of the Environment Report 2021 co-chief author Dr Ian Cresswell said.

“Landcare plays a key role in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable land management and helping repair and restore our natural environment.

“Not only is that good for the environment but it’s good for us too – regenerative land management and Landcare volunteering have been shown to have human health and wellbeing benefits supporting improvements in mental and physical wellbeing, belonging and community resilience.

“Let’s celebrate all who participate and help to raise their profile in the community.”

Deans Marsh couple Andrew and Jill Stewart are a local example of excellence in landcare, winning the Australian Government Landcare Farming Award in the 2021 for their leadership in implementing sustainable and integrated land management practices on their 230-hectare Yan Yan Gurt West Farm.

Planting more than 50,000 trees and shrubs has increased woody vegetation on the farm from 3 per cent to 18 per cent, without affecting agricultural production.

The 2023 Landcare Award categories, which have been updated to align with the federal government’s priorities, are:

• Australian Government Climate Innovation Award
• Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award
• Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award
• Australian Government Community Partnerships Landcare Award
• Coastcare Award
• First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award
• Women in Landcare Award
• NextGen Landcare Award, and
• Woolworths Junior Landcare Award.

Landcare Australia chief executive officer Dr Shane Norrish said the awards shone a light on the diverse range of people involved in landcare activities responding to local issues.

“Whether it’s their dedication to preserving the natural landscape, their commitment to their communities, or their leadership in the agricultural sector, these accomplishments remind us that the spirit of hands-on environmental stewardship that underpins the landcare movement is stronger than ever before.”

For more information about each category, who can be nominated or to nominate individuals or groups for the awards, head to landcareaustralia.org.au/landcare-awards-2023