On July 20 1989, the late former Prime Minister Bob Hawke delivered his speech to launch the national formation of the Landcare movement.

His iconic address marked an unprecedented union between farmers and conservationists coming together to form a national Landcare model to help protect the Australian landscape for future generations.

‘The degradation of our environment is not simply a local problem, nor a problem for one state or another, nor for the Commonwealth alone. Rather, the damage being done to our environment is a problem for us all – and not just government- but for all of us individually and together.’

Marking the thirty-year anniversary in Melbourne today, Senator the Hon. Bridget McKenzie, Minister for Agriculture launched the national Landcare 30-year anniversary.

‘Australian farmers have an international reputation as sustainable land managers and Landcare has played a significant role in the future adoption of innovative agricultural practices,” Minister McKenzie said.

“By making a difference and helping to create healthy soils, vegetation and supporting biodiversity, Landcarers and farmers are playing a part in growing a sustainable Australian agriculture industry.”

“It thrives through a spirit of cooperation, bringing farmers and the wider community together for a common and noble goal.”

Newly appointed Landcare 30-year anniversary ambassador, Sophie Taylor-Price, paid tribute to her grandfather’s vision for the future by calling on all Australians to work together to enhance environmental conservation.

‘On this day, 30 years ago, my grandfather asked the community to join together in tackling environmental challenges,’ said Ms Taylor-Price, a consultant with EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability team.

‘30 years on and look what Landcare has achieved. Landcare has evolved and grown into a movement of over 6,000 groups and hundreds of thousands of volunteers across rural and urban Australia. Pop was so proud to be a part of Landcare – he called it a great Australian success story.’

Sophie added: ‘Look to the agricultural and environmental challenges we face; we need grassroots movements like Landcare now more than ever. We need it as a bridge between conservationists, farmers and other land managers. And we need it to engage with young Landcarers empowered to know they have a voice as environmental leaders for today, not just for the future.’

Sophie was joined by Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish who explained active engagement with younger generations will ensure the ‘enduring legacy of Landcare in the future.’

Dr Norrish said: ‘Young people are more connected than ever with environmental issues. And Landcare is one of the only conservation not-for-profits where individuals, young and old, can get involved in protecting the environment in their local area.

‘It only takes a small number of people to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty but their work captures and motivates others to be a part of that process. It’s seeing that you individually, at any age, can make a real difference, rather than sitting back and wondering when someone is going to do something about it.’

Landcare Australia is inviting nominations for the 2019 State and Territory Landcare Awards which recognises individuals and groups across the country for their outstanding contributions to preserving the unique Australian landscape.

In 2019, Landcare celebrates its 30-year national anniversary. And over the last three decades, Landcare has played a leading role in changing Australia’s approach to sustainable agricultural practices, environmental protection, conservation of land and waterways, coastlines and biodiversity.

The Landcare Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate Landcare champions from rural and urban communities motivated by a shared vision to restore and protect the environment in their local community.

Federal Minister for Agriculture Bridget McKenzie said the awards also recognised the valuable work of land carers and farmers who work towards delivering sustainable agriculture outcomes.

“Landcare shows the very best of Australian sustainable agricultural practices,” Minister McKenzie said.

“The Landcare Awards help promote these practices, which contribute to a successful balance to support Australian agriculture for generations to come.”

For over 20 years, the Landcare Awards has celebrated those working towards sustainable land use and undertaking on-ground action to protect, enhance or restore an area on behalf of the community.

Landcare Australia CEO Shane Norrish says it’s a chance to celebrate the achievements of those leading the wider community to engage and participate in managing the environment and natural resources in their local area.

Dr Norrish said: ‘There are so many people who have made a positive impact on improving land management practices. And these prestigious awards give us the chance to recognise and honour tireless volunteers making a difference.’

Landcare Australia encourages nominations from groups, networks and individuals involved in protecting and improving their local environment. They include:

• Sustainable farmers and farming systems groups
• Indigenous landcare groups and individuals
• Urban landcare groups including ‘Friends of’ and bushcare groups
• Coastcare, Rivercare, Dunecare groups and individuals
• Environmental groups
• Natural resource management agencies
• Local government
• Research agencies
• Agricultural co-operatives, industry associations, suppliers or individual primary producers
• Junior Landcare (including day care centres, primary and secondary schools, youth groups)
• Youth groups including Scouts and Girls Guides

Winners from the 2019 State & Territory Landcare Awards will go forward to the 2020 National Landcare Awards held during the 2020 National Landcare Conference. The National Landcare Awards ceremony also includes the Bob Hawke Landcare Award sponsored by the Australian Government.

Nine national award categories are now open for nominations:

• Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award
• Australian Government Partnerships for Landcare Award
• Australian Government Landcare Farming Award
• Australian Government Innovation in Agriculture Land Management Award
• Virgin Coastcare Award
• Australian Community Media Landcare Community Group Award
• Woolworths Junior Landcare Team Award
• Indigenous Land Management Award
• Austcover Young Landcare Leader Award

To mark International Biodiversity Day on today, May 22, the National Landcare Network and Landcare Australia have called on the UN to adopt the Landcare approach to protect and preserve threatened eco-systems around the globe.

According to a United Nations report earlier this month, scientists claim ‘1,000,000 species are now threated with extinction and the health of ecosystems on which we and all other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever.’

The National Landcare Network and Landcare Australia agree it’s vital the UN adopt the Landcare approach to increase awareness of biodiversity issues.

‘Landcare embodies the theme of sustainable food production, landscape restoration and healthy living, from urban spaces to the back of Bourke,’ Peter Bridgewater, Chair of the National Landcare Network said.

He added: ‘In Australia we champion Landcare and all it’s done in the last 30 years. And if the UN had Landcare, it could embrace the obvious solutions to biodiversity threats that really work.’

Rachel Gatehouse, Acting Chair of Landcare Australia says that ‘over the past three decades, Landcare has successfully tackled the issue of biodiversity degradation and species extinction through its grass-roots community movement in Australia.’

She added: ‘And now is the time for the UN to adopt a similar program. It’s absolutely vital to the preservation of threated biodiversity across the planet.’

A New South Wales, biodynamic farmer and grazier last night won the prestigious Bob Hawke Landcare Award.

Charlie Arnott was honoured at the National Landcare Awards in Brisbane, where other finalists, Simon Falkiner from Victoria and Dr Graeme Stevenson from Tasmania were also recognised for their outstanding accomplishments and contribution to Landcare.

The award acknowledges a person who has; demonstrated a remarkable commitment to caring for the land, champions better practices, and gives their time to share knowledge with others so that they too can prosper. Charlie was awarded a $50,000 prize package to further develop his knowledge and skills in Landcare and sustainable land management practices.

Charlie was ecstatic to win the prestigious award. “The other finalists, Graham and Simon, have made such huge contributions to Landcare, and both have had a positive impact working with their local communities. I was completely surprised when I heard my name being called out,” Charlie said. “It’s a real honour to have what I do for a living, my passion, being acknowledged and celebrated. I hope that by winning this award, I can inspire more famers to adopt organic and biodynamic practices on their properties so they too can also benefit from enhanced landscape biodiversity, healthy plants and animals, just as we do. Being able to facilitate more on farm workshops and training for farmers and others interested in biodynamics is another opportunity this award presents.”

Charlie practices; regenerative farming, organic, biodynamic and holistic grazing principles on his 5000 acre mixed farming property, Hanaminno, at Boorowa, NSW.

Charlie has won several agricultural industry awards for leadership, resource management and conservation. He has been an active Landcarer since the inception of the Landcare movement in 1989, with previous roles in all levels of Landcare, from district groups to the Sustainable Farming ambassador for Landcare Australia.

Charlie is passionate about growing clean healthy meat, which he sells direct to customers and butchers under his brand Charlie Arnott Natural Grass Fed Meat.

Charlie’s approach and practice of biodynamic and holistic principles demonstrate every aspect of the Landcare ethic.

The Bob Hawke Landcare Award was delivered by Landcare Australia and the National Landcare Network in partnership with the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

For more information on the 2018 Bob Hawke Landcare Award visit bobhawkelandcareaward.com.au.

Clean4SHore won the coveted People’s Choice Award last night at the National Landcare Awards in Brisbane. Clean4Shore was chosen above 64 other national finalists by receiving the most votes from the Australian public in an online poll in the lead-up to last night’s award ceremony. It is the only award among all 11 handed out that is voted on by the public and not a judging panel.

Clean4Shore leads up to 70 field trips a year, engaging the community, schools, disability, indigenous and business groups in the removal of plastic and polystyrene around the Hawkesbury River, Brisbane Waters and Tuggerah Lakes in New South Wales.

Graham Johnson was very excited to win this esteemed award. “I’m very proud that Landcarers have voted for litter management. I have a great support group from my Facebook page, and from people that follow our program and are willing to get out there and do something about the litter in our waterways,” Graham said. “So for us this is a pretty big achievement. It makes it all worthwhile.”

Volunteer groups led by Clean4Shore remove garbage from waterways while simultaneously educating themselves about the Central Coast foreshores and mangroves. Corporate partners attending Clean4Shore field trips have also learnt about the effects of marine litter. This growing awareness has been reflected in evaluation reports, corporate feedback and fundraising. In 2016, 554 volunteers participated in 67 field trips, with 182,800 litter items removed.

Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish commended the People’s Choice Award winner and acknowledged their hard work and triumphs.

“It’s an honour to present the People’s Choice Award as it showcases who in the Landcare community has made the biggest impact on the Australian public,” Shane said. “To be selected as the winner amongst 65 finalists is a huge feat and incredibly inspiring.”

The National Landcare Awards are part of this year’s three-day National Landcare Conference, which finishes today, 12 October 2018. The conference provides the Landcare community with an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and share knowledge. For more information on the National Conference and Awards go to
nationallandcareconference.org.au.

Winners across nine diverse categories from sustainable farm practices to Junior Landcare, were announced at the National Landcare Awards gala dinner last night, which was emceed by ABC Landline host, Pip Courtney.

All finalists case studies and photos by category are available at nationallandcareconference.org.au/awards.

The National Landcare Awards is delivered by Landcare Australia and the National Landcare Network in partnership with the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.