From Parliament House to the paddock: new award for outstanding contribution to soil health

A new national award has been launched to recognise the exceptional work of Australia’s first National Soils Advocate, Major General the Honourable Michael Jeffery, AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC (Retd). This prestigious accolade recognises an individual’s work to champion, improve and/or educate others in soil health and is named in his honour.

The General Jeffery Soil Health Award will be presented to an individual farmer, land manager or extension specialist who is making an outstanding contribution improving, championing or educating others about soil health through the integrated management of soil, water, plants and animals, and who are advocating for improved soil management more broadly.

The Honourable Penny Wensley AC, Australia’s new National Soils Advocate said, “As Australia’s first National Soils Advocate, General Jeffery was a tireless champion of soil health and changed attitudes towards soil sustainability. His relentless advocacy of the importance of integrated management of soil, water, animals and plants, to the benefit of all Australians, has energised change across Australia and left an indelible legacy.”

Dr Shane Norrish CEO Landcare Australia said, “When Australians involved in Landcare and agriculture talk about soil health, they invariably think of Major General the Hon. Michael Jeffery—a man who has long and passionately advocated for improvements in the health of our agricultural landscape.“

This award will form part of the suite of distinguished awards within the biennial National Landcare Awards administered by Landcare Australia and be presented at the biennial National Landcare Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday 5 August, 2021 held during the National Landcare Conference in Sydney. Nominations close March 31, 2021.

For more information please visit generaljefferyaward.com.au