Landcare Australia has announced the 26 recipients of the 2024 Landcare Australia Community Grants Program, with $300,000 being distributed throughout Australia for environmental volunteers to use in a huge variety of landcare activities.

The 2024 Landcare Australia Community Grant recipients will receive a share of $300,000 for projects that revive nature, boost biodiversity and engage with volunteers.  Grants have been awarded in every state and each of the projects supported will receive between $5,000 up to $20,000, directing funds right into the heart of grassroots landcare groups across Australia.

This year’s Landcare Australia Community Grants program, launched during Landcare Week coincides with a big milestone for Landcare Australia and landcare as a national movement. 35 years ago in Wentworth NSW, the late former Prime Minister Bob Hawke AC announced the ‘Decade of Landcare’ and established Landcare Australia, and supported the national formation of the landcare movement, bringing farmers and conservationists together to resolve environmental issues. Landcare remains just as relevant today, as it was 35 years ago, continuing its mission to protect and enhance our natural environment and restore landscapes.

Dr Shane Norrish, Landcare Australia CEO said, “The calibre of grant applications was exceptional – hand on heart – we were inundated with applications and could easily have awarded 10 or even 20 times the amount and still not met the demand to support vital landcare activities across Australia”.

“Landcare also plays a vital role in building community connections. I want to thank everyone who took the time to apply for funding. It clearly demonstrates that the landcare movement is still as passionate and determined to restore and protect our nature and landscapes, as it was 35 years ago.  The enthusiasm and energy underpinning every application was truly remarkable. I’d like to congratulate the successful groups and look forward to seeing what you achieve with the funding in 2025”.

James Link, Head of Partnerships Landcare Australia said “the nature of our work means we get to see firsthand the wonderful array of projects in the pipeline. We know that landcare groups can find accessing the funding they need for key activities challenging so I’m delighted the Landcare Australia Community grants were able to support these projects”.

“We know landcarers dream big and its fantastic we can support grassroots landcare activities that make a genuine impact for the environment and the communities seeking to protect and enhance it. We know these projects are building local knowledge to restore, enhance and protect natural environments, increase biodiversity and help improve community engagement in local landcare activities”

Dr Shane Norrish, Landcare Australia CEO said “This new grant program was made possible by generous contributions from Landcare Australia’s supporters and donations. Landcare Australia is proud to support so many grassroots landcare groups with funding for wide ranging natural environment projects important to their local community.”

Among the projects funded are:

NSW – Belmont Wetlands State Park – A Coastcare project near Newcastle will restore nearly 4,000 sq m of foredunes that have been impacted by sand mining and illegal 4WD activities

NSW – Watershed Landcare and North East Wiradjuri Company (NEWco) has an exceptional Connection by Fire project to restore cultural fire practices and enhance native biodiversity at Drayton’s Valley Reserve near Rylstone (the Reserve).

VIC – Strathbogie Ranges Conservation Management Network – Once home to thousands of Southern Greater Gliders (SGG), 150 years of habitat clearing and degradation has decimated numbers to perhaps fewer than 100 animals.  Funds will be used install a nesting box program and engages the community in citizen science to monitor and contribute to state biodiversity data

QLD – Agnes Conservation Community (ACC). Residents of Agnes Water must travel a 3-hour round trip to visit the closest native nurseries.  ACC will create a community Local Plants for Nature (LPfN) nursery stocking and propagating local native plants providing an opportunity for the local community to be a part of the nursery as volunteers, growing and learning about native species.

SA – Restoration of the Springs Road Water Reserve – Landcarers will regenerate a parcel of land known as ‘The Water Reserve’ by restoring native grasslands.  Being close to the Mt Barker Summit Reserve, one of the district’s most important conservation areas, this project will extend valuable biodiversity, including some of the region’s most threatened plants and animals.

WA- The Gillami Centre – Landcarers will collaborate with the local community to establish seedlings and promote environmental sustainability in the region to combat soil erosion, biodiversity loss and salinity in a region WA location, eventually planting over 20,000 seedlings across the Kent-Frankland region.

TAS- Dolphin Sands Community Association – landcarers will eradicate remaining pockets of gorse (Ulex europaeus & weed of national significance) in proximity of a RAMSAR listed wetland on the Dolphin Sands peninsula.  Due to its flammability, gorse increases risk of bushfire causing significant concern due to the frequency and severity of bushfires on the peninsula

The full list of grants awarded is available on Landcare Australia’s website.  Snapshots of the projects are also available via the Communications & PR team.

Landcare Australia’s grant programs are always in demand, so if you can help us with funding to enable us to award more grants to deserving landcare groups that have projects ready to kick-start, contact our team via [email protected] .

For more information about the Landcare Australia Community Grants program go here.

Back for the 3^rd successive round, the prestigious General Jeffery Soil Health Award recognises the work of people who care for soil health and who are educating or inspiring others.  The $20,000 award will provide invaluable support to the winner to help extend their work in soil health.

Previous award winners and notable figures in the world of soil health and science, Dr Oliver Knox and Emerita Professor Dr Lynnette Abbot have confirmed they will be part of the specialist advisory panel to select the winner of the 2025 General Jeffery Soil Health Award.

The 2022 winner, leading soil health champion, educator and researcher, of ‘Soil your Undies’ fame, Dr Oliver Knox said, “We all have a responsibility to our soils and our soil health and the more we all do, the more likely we are to see a fantastic future for Australia’s soils.”

The two previous award winners have teamed up to encourage nominations for the influential General Jeffrey Soil Health Award.

When asked what he was hoping to see from the next round of nominations, Dr Knox said “Passion, drive and impact.  Soil is full of surprises, so I’m hoping to learn from all of the nominations and expect to feel disappointed there can be only one winner.  It’s exciting and all that is needed now is for some nominations, so that are you waiting for?  Nominate your soil’s guru.”

Leading soil scientist Emerita Professor Lynette Abbott and winner of the inaugural prize in 2020, is encouraging soil science experts across Australia to nominate colleagues for the prestigious national award.

“It is a very valuable process for highlighting the contributions that others are making to soil health in their various ways. There are many approaches.”

“I think it is a good award – it is different to many other awards, unique in its focus on soil health of course.”

As Australia’s first National Soils Advocate, General Jeffery passionately advocated for improvements in the health of our agricultural landscape. By championing soil health from Parliament House to the paddock, he successfully changed attitudes towards soil sustainability and energised change on farms right across Australia. He relentlessly pursued his focus on the importance of integrated management of soil, water, animals and plants to the benefit of all Australians and our environment.

Emerita Professor Dr Lynnette Abbot said “I was fortunate to meet Major General Michael Jeffery on some of his visits to Perth. He was inspirational and passionate about the importance of focusing on landscape issues related to soil, in addition to soil itself, including how vegetation, grazing and water cycles are integral to overall management of agricultural lands to ensure soils are healthy and protected.”

Managing and preserving soil health is critical and although Australia is internationally renowned for our high-quality agricultural industry, the health of our soil continues to decline due to erosion, acidification and salinisation which is why the General Jeffery award has taken on more significance in the world of Australian Soil Health.

Dr Shane Norrish, CEO of Landcare Australia explains “Healthy, well managed soil is a vital part of the sustainability and productivity of our agricultural sector and the natural environment. Soils are the basis of food production, food security and human health, and this award acknowledges people who are working to protect, conserve and build the health of our soils.”

In effort to bring soil health to the forefront of critical biodiversity and environmental conversations, Landcare Australia has for the first time opened the eligibility criteria to include voluntary environmental groups and organisations who are actively involved in activities to protect and improve soil health.

“It is vital we give Australian soil health experts the recognition and national platform they deserve.  That’s why we believe it is the right time to widen the prize to included landcare groups, farmers, farming groups, land managers and educators.” 

Landcare Australia and Bupa have announced the 33 recipients of the 2024 Bupa Landcare Grants Program, to support community-driven tree planting projects in urban and peri-urban areas across Australia.

As part of Bupa’s Healthy Cities program, $1 million was committed to environmental restoration projects in Australia and New Zealand such as the Bupa Landcare Grants Program which alone will result in the planting of 82,500 native trees, shrubs and ground covers across Australia. These projects will transform local environments and create healthier, greener spaces for communities to enjoy. The Bupa Landcare Grants Program aims to enhance both environmental and health outcomes by improving the connectivity of native vegetation and creating new green spaces in urban areas.

Funded projects include:

• Avoca Beach, New South Wales: Avoca and North Avoca Dunecare to regenerate the dunes at Avoca Beach by planting natives so natural ecosystems can again flourish.
• Maroubra, New South Wales: Randwick City Council will plant in a location important to community, increase volunteerism and help reconnect fragmented ecosystems.
• Lota, Queensland: Lota Creek Bushcare Group and Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee will rehabilitate endangered wetlands and preserve an eroding shell midden.
• Sunshine Coast, Queensland: Sunshine Coast Regional Council will engage community to help restore Doonan Creek Environment Reserve, providing essential habitat, food and corridors for local threatened wildlife.
• Mawson Lakes, South Australia: City of Salisbury – Friends of Pledger Wetlands will revegetate and subsequently maintain a neglected wetland.
• Albert Park, Victoria: Port Phillip EcoCentre Inc. will enhance biodiversity and habitat connectivity, engage community in landcare, and promote wellbeing and nature connection in an inner urban suburb.
• Kalorama, Victoria: Yarra Ranges Shire Council will re-establish indigenous plants around artworks along ngurrak barring RidgeWalk art experience through planting, community involvement, and education programs.
• Wodonga, Victoria: Wodonga Urban Landcare Network will cool and green Wodonga by planting natives in urban parks to create wildlife corridors, nurture the environment and cultivate wellbeing.
• Claremont, Western Australia: Friends of Lake Claremont Ltd will revegetate a site where Moreton Bay Fig trees infected with the invasive Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer had to be removed.

Read the full list of grant recipients and project summaries here.

Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish said, “We can’t wait to see these projects come to life, and I am proud of our partnership with Bupa and the commitment to empower communities to make a meaningful impact on both the health of their local environments and people’s wellbeing —values that lie at the very heart of Landcare. It is also inspiring to witness the dedication of so many volunteers, groups and organisations who are passionate about supporting their communities.”

Bupa APAC Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Roger Sharp said, “As a health and care company, we know that to have healthy people, you need to have a healthy planet. That’s why we’re so pleased that the billions of steps people took as part of the 2024 Healthy Cities program has unlocked funding for these amazing projects.”

For more information about the Bupa Landcare Project Funding go here.

Landcare Australia is proud to partner with Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation in establishing a First Nations community-led conservation and education project. Located in South Australia’s Point Pearce in the Wardang Island Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), the project is led by the Traditional Owners, the Narungga people, and aims to support Indigenous youth to learn about their Cultural heritage and knowledge that will lead to career and leadership pathways in environmental conservation. 

At the heart of this initiative is the Point Pearce First Nations Culture Garden, a space where Elders, First Nations Rangers, and Indigenous youth come together to bridge and transfer Cultural knowledge. Designed as a hands-on learning environment, it will inspire young people to explore environmental conservation, deepen their appreciation for the natural world and discover career pathways that utilise Cultural knowledge. 

The Culture Garden will feature a medicinal and ceremonial plant area, native bush foods, water features to attract wildlife, sensory garden, and dedicated spaces for learning and Cultural practice. With a seedling propagation zone, a native seed cleaning station, a fruit and nut orchard, and interpretive walking trail. More than just a garden, it serves as a ‘Cultural learning hub’—fostering pride and offering a comprehensive setting for community events, educational programs, and vocational training opportunities. With funding from One Tree Planted, the tree planting will also help restore native vegetation and improve habitat for threatened species including the Southern Hairy Nose Wombat. 

Aligned with the South Australian Department for Education’s Aboriginal Education Strategy, the project aims to inspire engagement, Cultural pride, and environmental responsibility among First Nations students. It focuses on educational outcomes and how Cultural activities can play in enhancing social and academic competence among First Nations students. 

Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish said “This landcare collaboration with Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation is truly inspiring – it highlights what can be achieved when community comes together. We hope it serves as a model, showing how Cultural connection links generations, builds resilience, and supports the health of land and people alike.” 

Narungga Elder, Mr. Lyle Sansbury, said “Our land is our story, and this Cultural Garden is a way to share that story with everyone. It’s about teaching our young ones, connecting with the community, and recognising our traditions. This project shows how we can come together to care for Country, pass on knowledge, and build something lasting for our future generations. We’re happy and proud to work with Landcare Australia to make this dream a reality for Point Pearce.” 

Paul Heck, General Manager at Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation, said “As a community deeply connected to land and culture, the First Nations Culture Garden is an amazing initiative for Point Pearce. This project is a powerful opportunity for our youth to learn from our Elders, connect with our heritage, and build a future rooted in cultural pride and environmental stewardship. 

“With the vital support of Landcare Australia, we are creating a place where knowledge, culture, and sustainability come together—providing pathways for our young people to grow in their identity and to explore meaningful careers in conservation.  

“This is about strengthening the community, preserving heritage, and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.” 

Landcare Australia, in its ongoing partnership with Country Road, is expanding The Biodiversity Project, which has already received $1 million in funding to deliver biodiversity restoration projects across Australian family-owned cotton farms. The latest family to join the initiative is the Schwagers, whose 550-hectare dryland farming property along the Namoi River, will be the fifth site to benefitprogram and will support biodiversity outcomes for threatened species along 2.8 km of riparian and floodplain habitat on the Namoi River. The project will involve planting shrubs, understory, and canopy species to protect natural habitats and threatened species.

Owned by Kevin and Mary-Ellen Schwager, the property known as ‘Wentworth’ is a 550-hectare dryland (non-irrigated) farming operation. As with previous projects, this site has been identified as an area of interest for biodiversity enhancement for a range of threatened species in research findings from the report, ‘Management of Biodiversity in the Cotton Landscape: Iconic and Threatened Species’ developed by the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) with support from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Smart Farming Partnerships Initiative.

Stacey Vogel, the Innovation Broker and Extension Lead with Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) confirmed the benefits that The Biodiversity Project bring not only to the environment but also to farmers.

“These projects are restoring regionally important threatened species habitats and improving native vegetation connectivity within the Namoi catchment. We know from our research that well managed areas of native vegetation on farm bring benefits not only for iconic and threatened species but also to the farm by providing natural pest control, improving soil health and storing and sequestering carbon.”

Since 2020, Landcare Australia and Country Road have worked together to support the restoration of Australian farmlands, with a focus on increasing biodiversity in cotton-growing regions. Since 2020, Country Road has provided over $1 million of funding to the program, raised through brand contributions and sales of its famous Verified Australian Cotton Heritage Sweat.

Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish said that this level of funding provides Landcare Australia with the means to deliver multiple biodiversity projects across local farming landscapes.

“Throughout our partnership with Country Road, Landcare Australia has worked with five Australian farming families to plant 18,300 seedlings along 14.4 km of riverbank in the Namoi Valley, rehabilitating a total of 102.6 hectares of native vegetation.

Together with Country Road, our work on The Biodiversity Project is achieving our shared vision to improve biodiversity and habitat connectivity, support threatened, vulnerable and iconic fauna species while also providing farming co-benefits.”

Kevin Schwager says being a part of The Biodiversity Project enables his family to play a part in making a meaningful, responsible impact on both the environment and community.

“Through The Biodiversity Project, we wish to demonstrate that we are responsible custodians of our land. We want to show that farming and the environment and young families can and do coexist.

“Our grandchildren are now the third generation on our farms. There is keen interest from our grandchildren about what we do on the farms. They love the crops, the machinery and the family barbecues by the river.

“Consumers are becoming more interested and discerning about where their food and clothes are coming from. As farmers, we wish to be outward looking and thinking, we need to respond to a changing marketplace. Being involved with The Biodiversity Project allows us to play a part in societal change.”

A mix of shrubs, understory and canopy species will be planted, specifically to:

• Increase habitat for browsing and wildlife movement along the riparian corridor.
• Increase the presence of pollinators, small birds and micro bats in the area.
• Increase native vegetation and canopy cover across the riparian and floodplain zone at Wentworth to help support ecosystems in the Namoi River catchment.

The Schwager project involves planting 4000 native seedlings on 43 hectares. These locally sourced natives, including River Red Gums, casuarina species and shrubs such as sweet bursaria, will increase habitat for wildlife along the riparian corridor.

Further information on each of the projects involved in The Biodiversity Project can be found below:

• Project 1: The Kahls
• Project 2: The Watsons
• Project 3: The Hamparsums
• Project 4: The Pursehouses