Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority regional Landcare coordinator Kerstie Lee said nine individuals and three groups were nominated for awards, presented in Melbourne on July 18.
“John Gilson from Up2Us Landcare Alliance in Mansfield received the highest accolade of the local nominees, receiving a commendation in the Joan Kirner Landcare Award,” Ms Lee said.
“This is the top award that acknowledges an individual community Landcarer who has made a significant contribution to Landcare for at least 10 years, has championed the Landcare movement in Victoria, inspired people to be involved, forged partnerships and mentored others to take on-ground local action.
“John has been an advocate for Landcare, committing to planting trees and improving soil and water health on his property, chairing the Up2Us Landcare Alliance network and mentoring staff to work with community and deliver projects across the Mansfield area.”
Ms Lee said the Landcare awards highlighted the breadth of work undertaken by Landcare volunteers and professionals across the Goulburn Broken catchment, improving the natural environment through tree planting, soil health, pest plant and animal management, education and community connection.
“It’s fantastic to have a spread of wonderful volunteers in our catchment who all work towards a better future where we are connected to our land and nature.”
The other Goulburn Broken Joan Kirner Award nominees were:
- John Laing: Goulburn Murray Landcare Network. For extensive involvement in educating students in and around Shepparton, chairing the Landcare network and supporting his local Landcare group for more than 30 years.
- Janet Hagen: Strathbogie Conservation Network. For work and volunteering to conserve and rehabilitate the Strathbogie Ranges over more than two decades. Renowned for her knowledge and revegetation of the flora of the Strathbogies.
- Pam Maple: Swanpool Landcare Group. For continual work behind the scenes to ensure events are run, people are informed and all the talk becomes a reality. She has been a secretary of the Swanpool Landcare Group for 19 years.
- Ron Litjens: Yea River Landcare Group. For working tirelessly on his property to bring back nature after the Black Saturday fires. He freely gives his time to present talks on fauna and insects.
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