National Landcare Conference and
Landcare Awards Programs
The National Landcare Conference is Australia’s largest knowledge sharing and networking event for landcarers. The bi-annual conference provides a unique forum for landcarers and others involved in agriculture and natural resource management to explore best practice and innovation, share information and stories, connect and create partnerships, and take new ideas back to their communities and workplaces.
We recently hosted on the Gold Coast, the 2025 National Landcare Conference with the theme “Landcare: Nature, Agriculture, Land and People Positive” which affirmed the inclusivity of landcare, showcasing that the landcare ethos is truly for everyone. The 2025 program included the First Nations Landcare Gathering, the NextGen Landcare Summit, conference plenary and panel speakers, five concurrent stream sessions, and a field trip program across the Gold Coast region. The four-day program also includes a Welcome Reception and the 2025 National Landcare Awards gala dinner.
We will soon announce information about the 2027 National Landcare Conference including the event date, location, early bird registrations costs, and when the call for abstracts will open to be a speaker at the next event.
Landcare Awards Program
Landcare Australia manages a Landcare Awards program to recognise the tireless efforts of landcare volunteers and their outstanding contributions to caring for the environment in their community. The State & Territory Landcare Awards program is run every two years, and the winners of the national award categories go forward as finalists to the National Landcare Awards, an event hosted every consecutive year as part of the National Landcare Conference.
The Landcare Awards recognise the individuals, groups and organisations involved in landcare including volunteers, landcare groups and other environmental community-led groups, farmers and landholders, First Nations people, and the next generation of Landcarers. The Landcare Awards program aims to raise awareness of the achievements of landcare to the broader community, encourage excellence within the landcare movement, and promote participation in landcare. Nominations for the 2026 State & Territory Landcare Awards will open in 2026.
Bob Hawke Landcare Award
The Bob Hawke Landcare Award is a prestigious national award that celebrates landcare and excellence in sustainable agriculture. The Award recognises an individual, group or organisation that has been involved in championing landcare and inspiring others to take action on their property or in their community. The Award acknowledges the remarkable commitment to improving land and natural asset management, and promotional efforts to share their knowledge with others. Nominations for this award will open in 2026.
General Jeffery Soil Health Award
The General Jeffery Soil Health Award recognises the work of people who care for soil health and who are educating or inspiring others. The Award accepts nominations from individuals, groups or organisations who are actively involved in activities to protect and improve soil health, including landcare groups, farmers, farming systems groups, land managers, extension specialists and educators. Nominations for this award will open in 2026.