Tuesday 29 July, 2025
Landcare Australia has announced the three finalists for the prestigious 2025 Bob Hawke Landcare Award today, the highly coveted award recognises excellence in landcare and sustainable agriculture.
Dedicated to the former Australian Prime Minister, the Hon. Bob Hawke AC, the award is a prestigious national honour that publicly recognises an individual, group, or organisation championing landcare and inspiring others to take action on their property or in their community.
The awards finalists include:
- Garry Kadwell: Crookwell, New South Wales
- Holbrook Landcare Network: Holbrook, New South Wales
- Stuart McAlpine: Wubin, Western Australia
Dr Shane Norrish, CEO of Landcare Australia, said “Congratulations to each finalist, this prestigious award acknowledges their tremendous efforts. These leaders not only champion and adopt sustainable practices, but also inspire others to take action. They understand that building a sustainable future is a shared responsibility, and their collaborative approach is helping shape a resilient and thriving landscape for generations to come.”
The 2025 Bob Hawke Landcare Award winner will receive a $30,000 prize and be announced at the 2025 National Landcare Awards Gala Dinner on Tuesday, 23 September, an event hosted as part of the 2025 National Landcare Conference. The prize will support the winner for further development of their knowledge and skills in sustainable land management to enable an even stronger contribution to landcare.
The award honours the legacy of the Hon. Bob Hawke, recognising his pivotal role in transforming landcare from a grassroots community initiative into a national movement, securing unique bipartisan support.
For more information: https://bobhawkelandcareaward.com.au/
Media contact: Millie Webber, [email protected]
Finalists for the 2025 Bob Hawke Landcare Award are:
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.
Holbrook Landcare Network: Holbrook, New South Wales: Started in 1947 by local farmers to care for the land, Holbrook Landcare Network exists to support the rural community to achieve positive and enduring changes in agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability and social capacity in the region.
Stuart McAlpine: Wubin, Western Australia: 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.