Winners for the South Australian Landcare Awards at the Port Augusta Cultural Centre, have been proudly announced, recognising the outstanding contributions by locals from across the state to the environment and community.

The Landcare Awards honour the remarkable accomplishments of individuals, groups and organisations, young and old, dedicated to protecting South Australian natural resources and building resilient landscapes for the future. The award winners and their projects are diverse, including climate innovation, community partnerships, sustainable agriculture, youth, and collaboration with First Nations.

Landcare Association of South Australia Executive Officer, Dr Eleanor Pratt, expressed gratitude to the Landcare Award sponsors, dignitaries and special guests, while acknowledging the finalists and winners as landcare champions in their community.

“We are so proud of the Landcare community in South Australia, and it has been wonderful to be able to show our appreciation for these hardworking volunteers that give up their spare time to care for our state’s beautiful landscapes. Congratulations to all of the winners, finalists and highly commended nominees, and thank you to the Landcare network, and our wonderful partners and sponsors, without which we wouldn’t be able to put on events like these Landcare Awards.” Dr Pratt said.

Winners of the State & Territory Landcare Award categories will represent South Australia at the National Landcare Awards to be held in 2025.

Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, commended recipients of the South Australia Landcare Awards on their outstanding accomplishments.

“The South Australian Landcare Award winners have shown an exceptional level of commitment to landcare activities by restoring and protecting the natural environment where they live and work. Their achievements benefit not only our land and water assets but is helping to create partnerships and build community resilience across Australia. As we come together to celebrate and acknowledge their efforts, we also find inspiration in their hard work, and a reminder to us all that landcare is a collective effort.”

South Australian Landcare Award Winners:

• Australian Government Climate Innovation Award
  • Winner: Kate and Adrian McCabe
• Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award
  • Winner: Buckleboo Station – Paroo Pastoral Company
• Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award
  • Winner: Ian Roberts
• Australian Government Community Partnerships Landcare Award
  • Winner: Biodiversity McLaren Vale
• Greyhound Coastcare Award
  • Winner: Kumarangk – Hindmarsh Island Landcare Group
• First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award
  • Winner: Nipapanha Community Aboriginal Corporation
• Women in Landcare Award
  • Winner: Sarah Barrett
• Woolworths Junior Landcare Award
  • Winner: St Michael’s Lutheran Primary School
• NextGen Landcare Award
  • Winner: The Biology Society of South Australia

The 2023/2024 Hawke’s Landcare Community Grants supports the ‘Endangered Coastal Emu Protection’ project in Clarence Valley, NSW. This project aims to increase the coastal emu population by building on the Maclean Lions Club Environmental Group’s and Clarence Valley Landcare’s efforts in raising community awareness and taking direct action protecting the species. The three-year project focuses on implementing a sustained management program for improved long-term Emu breeding and feral animal control. It engages private landowners, including sugarcane and beef farms and public land managers, to raise awareness of threats to the emu population and control feral pigs, which have a documented impact.

The coastal emu in NSW is classified as an endangered population under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act with less than 50 coastal emus having been reported, which are a genetically distinct Emu from western emus. Increased feral pig control in the Taloumbi/Brooms Head area is crucial to reducing the impacts on the coastal emu’s breeding cycle, leading to more successful breeding clutches. Reducing feral pig numbers also has a positive environmental outcome by minimising soil disturbance from ground rooting, benefiting both agricultural properties and conservation areas. The emu population in the NSW North Coast Bioregion is of significant conservation value as the last known population in northern coastal NSW. These Emu’s also play a vital role in maintaining our native landscape by dispersing large seeds of native plant species over long distances.

Clarence Landcare Program Manager, Debbie Repschlager said, “This is an exciting new project for Clarence Landcare, we get to do what we do best and that is to develop partnerships with organisations and engage the local community to work on ground toward a common goal. In this case, it is for the protection of the Endangered Coastal Emu. We are looking forward to developing our new working relationship with Hawkes Brewing who have engaged us to develop and manage this project. “

The first strategic meeting was held in February 2024 and brought together Yaegl Local Aboriginal Council, Clarence Landcare, Clarence Cane Growers Association, Clarence Valley Experience (Banyula), Lions Club of Clarence – Environmental, North Coast Regional Landcare Network, Sky Lola (Drone Operator), NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) (Saving our Species), Clarence Valley Council and Local Lands Services (LLS) to start developing and planning the coordinated management plan. This strategy will focus on effective control options, which will be showcased to the wider community through a field day. The event will not only showcase achievements but also spread awareness through demonstrations.

The targeted monitoring and reduction of feral pig numbers will not only improve the chances of successful Coast Emu breeding cycles but also reduce land disturbance and the transport of weeds in the Clarence Valley. The project will utilise an infrared drone to help identify feral pig groups and assist in locating coastal emu groups, koalas, and other local wildlife to support the on-ground efforts.

The project aims to engage private landholders in raising awareness about threats to the emu population and involve them in controlling feral pigs. Landholders will play a key role in reporting and monitoring feral pigs, setting and checking camera traps, and using bait stations or pig traps. The project will enhance knowledge and communication among landholders regarding feral pig management. Additionally, it seeks to encourage community reporting of pigs through ‘FeralScan’, a feral animal mapping app. Collaboration between stakeholders, will ensure up-to-date information on the feral pig situation and improve coordination to deliver effective control efforts.

Landcare Australia announces the appointment of Brendan Foran and Robert Purves AM to its skills-based board, effective March 2024. These appointments signify enhancement to Landcare Australia’s existing governance and strategic capabilities. Both new directors share a strong affinity for the land, agricultural experience, and demonstrated skills in building networks and pursuing business opportunities in rural and agricultural environments.

Previously CEO of Greening Australia, Brendan Foran brings a wealth of expertise in natural resource management and the environment sector together with strong commercial and governance experience. Brendan was the inaugural Chair of the Australian Land Conversation Alliance (ALCA), the national peak body representing organisations dedicated to conserving, managing and restoring nature on privately managed land. Brendan currently sits on the Boards of GreenCollar, Australia’s largest environmental markets investor along with project developer, AustraHort and the North-East Catchment Management Authority.

“Landcare Australia’s vision for ‘All Australians actively caring for the land and water that sustains us’ is as relevant today as it was during its founding 35 years ago. It’s a privilege and an honour to join the Board of Directors and be part of this movement.”  Brendan Foran.

Robert Purves AM is esteemed for his accomplishments in environmental conservation and his long career in business and the not-for profit sector.  Apart from his own grazing interests Robert has initiated and supported a range of activities and organisations concerned with climate change and biodiversity conservation over several decades, notably the Purves Environmental Fund, with core objectives to empower others working towards environmental sustainability and preservation of biodiversity, primarily through education of individuals and organisations. Robert amongst many other roles is the immediate past President of WWF-Australia and a former board member of WWF International.

To read the new board members’ full bio click Here.

“I have been passionate all my life about Australia’s unique landscapes and preserving them. The Landcare movement has made a material difference, and today it has even greater relevance in a rapidly changing climate. I have been planting trees for near 25 years on my farms in the Southern Tablelands and keen to help build the impact of Landcare Australia.” Robert Purves AM.

Doug Humann AM, Chair of Landcare Australia, said “The addition of Brendan Foran and Robert Purves AM to our board exemplifies our commitment to fostering a diverse and accomplished team. Their shared dedication to sustainable land management and proven leadership in their respective fields and strong commercial backgrounds augments our strategic capabilities. Their collective experience and commitment to environmental stewardship make them invaluable assets to Landcare Australia’s board of directors. ”

Doug further emphasised the strategic importance of their appointment amidst evolving market dynamics. “The national biodiversity market and the expanding carbon market present both challenges and opportunities. Brendan and Robert’s expertise in navigating these landscapes will be instrumental as we strive to address the complexities of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security.”

Expressing gratitude for the contributions of outgoing directors, Doug acknowledged the exemplary service of long-term board director Peter Sutherland and also Ricky Archer, who has taken up the key role Director, Parks Australia with the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

“Peter’s distinguished tenure on the board exemplifies a selfless commitment to Landcare Australia’s mission, tirelessly advocating for its advancement and growth. Ricky’s invaluable contributions have greatly enriched our board and organisation, and especially enhanced our engagement with First Nations organisations. I extend my thanks for their service to the landcare community and best wishes for their next pursuits.”

The appointment of Brendan Foran and Robert Purves AM supports Landcare Australia’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in advancing environmental conservation and sustainable land management practices to support the landcare community. The new directors will support Landcare Australia’s influence and ability to build new income streams and support, both for farmers and for the work of landcare volunteers and their communities.

29 January 2024: In the year that Landcare celebrates a 35-year anniversary as a national movement, nominations for the 2024 State and Territory Landcare Awards are set to close on March 1, 2024.

The State & Territory Landcare Awards take on special significance, serving as a tribute to the commitment and contributions made by individuals and groups over the years. The Landcare Awards program recognises and celebrates the landcare volunteers and their sustainable land management and conservation efforts for over three decades.

The State & Territory Landcare Awards honours the outstanding individuals and groups for their contributions across the nation who are tirelessly preserving, collaborating, and innovating to restore and protect the natural environment.

Each state and territory is inviting nominations across various Landcare Award categories, to acknowledge individuals who actively participate in climate action and contribute to the development of healthier, more resilient, and productive landscapes, as well as robust communities. The call extends to volunteers, farmers, landholders, Landcare groups, First Nations Peoples, the emerging generation of landcarers, and environmental community groups.

Award nominee Kurt Jones, the founder of Co-Exist Australia, a non-profit volunteer youth led movement to inspire the next generation in conservation, represents the kind of individual and groups eligible for nominations.

Co-Exist engages young people in conservation through community initiative teams across the country. These teams are committed to organising clean ups, tree planting, recycling projections, leadership training and education programs in schools.

Celebrating Australians who actively contribute to the wellbeing of the environment, Kurt said “The Co-Exist mission is incredibly important to me because I believe that if thousands more young people participate in community conservation to protect the environment, the world will be dramatically changed, benefitting both people and the planet.

If you are someone creating change in your community, stand-up and share your work with the country! It isn’t about self-promotion, instead, you are inspiring a nation to do better.”

Joel Orchard, a previous recipient of the NSW Landcare Award, was recognised for founding Young Farmers Connect, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and connecting young farmers across Australia. The network seeks to understand and address the many barriers and challenges faced by new, young and first-generation farmers.

Orchard addressed there is a genuine need to connect young farmers. “Young Farmers Connect is important to me because it plays a crucial role in fostering the next generation of farmers.   Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and local food economies are becoming increasingly recognised as necessary elements of our national food security and for the range of holistic benefits they provide to community health and wellbeing.

From Australians today, I would like to see more engagement and support for initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and community resilience. We can create a more inclusive and sustainable food system that addresses the pressing challenges of climate change, food waste and inequality.

I encourage anyone who is passionate about their work and sharing their story to nominate for a Landcare Award. Your dedication to caring for our land and communities deserves recognition. Take pride in your work and know that your actions inspire positive change.”

Looking back on Landcare’s 35-year journey as a national movement, CEO of Landcare Australia, Dr Shane Norrish, stated, “The Landcare Awards not only celebrate present achievements but also recognise the collective impact of Landcare over the past 35 years. Founded as a community-based volunteer movement, landcare has evolved from the shared concern of environmental issues impacting farmers, landholders and community, to now encompass thousands of people nationwide actively participating in landcare. The State & Territory Landcare Awards serve as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the tireless efforts of the wonderful people who are caring for our country.”