2024 Landcare Awards

The NSW Landcare Awards have proudly announced this year's winners, recognizing the outstanding contributions of individuals, groups, and organizations dedicated to environmental conservation, sustainable farming, and community well-being across the state. Held at Sergeants Mess in Chowder Bay, Mosman, on June 3, 2024, the ceremony honoured remarkable achievements in protecting NSW’s natural resources and building resilient landscapes for the future.

Little River Landcare Group: Winners of the Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award

The Little River Landcare Group from Yeoval received the Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award for their Soil PET (People, Education, and Training) Project. This extensive soil-testing project, which ran over two years, performed 1,337 soil tests across the Central Tablelands and Central West. Led by Project Officer Phoebe Gulliver, the project involved 260 participants from 75 properties and included 16 workshops where landholders could meet with fellow producers and scientists from the NSW Soil Knowledge Network.

The project's success lay in its incremental soil testing approach, allowing producers to see stratified layers of soil acidification or mineral deposits. This method provided detailed insights into soil health, leading to significant management changes and revitalization projects across the region. Data from the project was preserved in national databases, ensuring its utility for future reference.

The recognition at the NSW Landcare Awards affirms the group's dedication to sustainable agriculture and their impact on the community. As Allan Nicholson, Little River Landcare Vice Chair, stated, the award bolsters their confidence to continue and expand their vital work.

Jayden Gunn: NextGen Landcare Award Finalist

Jayden Gunn has dedicated his life to the preservation of nature, particularly woodland birds. As the Central NSW Woodland Birds Project Coordinator, Jayden's efforts span the Central West and Central Tablelands. His work is supported by his involvement with Mid Lachlan Landcare and Intrepid Landcare.

Jayden's journey with Intrepid Landcare began in 2018 and has seen him transition from a participant to a board member. His initial connection with the organization was sparked at the National Landcare Conference, where he attended as the Vertebrate Pest Animal Coordinator for Mid Lachlan Landcare. Jayden's extensive work in managing vertebrate pest animals through community-driven initiatives underscores the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.

Jayden's passion for bird conservation, particularly the glossy black cockatoo, exemplifies his dedication to environmental stewardship. His work with BirdLife Australia and his talent in environmental and bird photography have made significant contributions to conservation education. Jayden's story, rooted in a pragmatic and hopeful perspective, serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

Costa Georgiadis (left), Karene Kiddle (centre) and Jayden Gunn (right)

Tanya Plibersek and Jayden Gunn

Tanya Plibersek (left) and Jayden Gunn (right)

The Landcare Awards celebrate a wide array of projects in areas such as climate innovation, community partnerships, sustainable agriculture, youth involvement, and collaboration with First Nations communities. This year, the Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network showcased seven nominations, demonstrating the region's strong commitment to these causes. Our nominees included:

  • Jayden Gunn for the NextGen Landcare Award

  • Sam Stranger for the Australian Government Climate Innovation Award

  • Orange Beekeepers Group for the Australian Government Community Partnerships Landcare Award

  • Christine McRae for the Women in Landcare Award and the Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award

  • Hunter White for the Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award

  • NEWco for the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award

  • Little River Landcare Group for the Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award

Celebrating Excellence

The NSW Landcare Awards also celebrated other outstanding projects, including the Wallabadah Community Association's climate innovation efforts and Nell Chaffey's lifelong dedication to Landcare. The winners will compete at the National Landcare Awards in 2025, representing NSW’s excellence in environmental conservation and community resilience.

The Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network congratulates all our nominees and recognizes the vital work done by our volunteers across the region to help make our environment and communities better!

This initiative is made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling
Program. A collaboration of Local Land Services and Landcare
NSW, supported by the NSW Government.