Nine individuals and three groups from the Goulburn Broken catchment were nominated for the 2024 Victorian Landcare Awards.
Held on July 18 in Melbourne, these awards recognise the depth of skill and commitment groups and individuals have in improving the region’s natural environment.
“John Gilson from Up2Us Landcare Alliance in Mansfield received the highest accolade of the local nominees, receiving a commendation in the Joan Kirner Landcare Award,” Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority regional Landcare co-ordinator Kerstie Lee said.
“This is the top award that acknowledges an individual community Landcarer who has made a significant contribution to Landcare for at least 10 years, has championed the Landcare movement in Victoria, inspired people to be involved, forged partnerships and mentored others to take on-ground local action.”
Ms Lee said the Landcare awards highlighted the amount of work undertaken by Landcare volunteers and professionals across the Goulburn Broken catchment, as they continued to improve the natural environment through tree planting, soil health, pest plant and animal management, education and community connection.
“It’s fantastic to have a spread of wonderful volunteers in our catchment who all work towards a better future where we are connected to our land and nature,” Ms Lee said.
The other nominees for the Joan Kirner Award included:
- John Laing, Goulburn Murray Landcare Network: for educating students in and around Shepparton and chairing his local Landcare group for over 30 years.
- Janet Hagen, Strathbogie Conservation Network: for two decades of conserving the Strathbogie Ranges, specialising in local flora revegetation as a volunteer.
- Pam Maple, Swanpool Landcare Group: for 19 years as group secretary, ensuring smooth operations and communication.
- Ron Litjens, Yea River Landcare Group: for restoring nature around his property after the Black Saturday fires and giving voluntary presentations on local fauna and insects.