Congratulations to the 2025 Bob Hawke Landcare Award Winner
Holbrook Landcare Network
Congratulations to Holbrook Landcare Network, the 2025 winner of the prestigious Bob Hawke Landcare Award.
Holbrook Landcare Network from New South Wales leads the way in encouraging action and championing the uptake of more sustainable agriculture practices among landholders, farmers and primary producers.
Started in 1947 by local farmers caring for the land in Holbrook, the group is grounded in the belief that working together achieves more than working as individuals. In 1989, this collaboration formed into a formal landcare group, and today, Holbrook Landcare Network (HLN) has over 500 members across farming families, businesses and individual membership.
Holbrook Landcare Network will receive a $30,000 prize to further champion landcare and share knowledge about sustainable agriculture practices with others, including landholders, farmers and communities:
We would like to acknowledge the 2025 Bob Hawke Landcare Award finalists who have demonstrated outstanding effort in sustainable agriculture and landcare leadership.
Learn more about the finalists
Garry Kadwell
Fourth generation farmer Garry Kadwell is committed to sustainable farming through innovative practices that enhance productivity, profitability, and the quality of natural resources. His holistic approach to agriculture integrates conservation with highly productive farming producing, on average, 2000 tonnes of seed potatoes and 4000 prime lambs, achieving remarkable results in both areas. Garry has recognised the critical importance of ecological connectivity and dedicated 40% of his farm in the Southern Tablelands to conservation efforts, exceeding the 30% target set by Australia and the international community for protecting natural areas.
Stuart McAlpine
Stuart McAlpine is a pioneer in sustainable farming, transforming his family farm in Buntine, Western Australia, to enhance productivity, profitability, and natural capital. In 1997, he co-founded the Liebe Group, fostering collaboration between farmers, researchers, and institutions. Early trials on his farm explored soil health and biology, laying the foundation for his regenerative journey.