30th Aug 2022 | Tassie Landcarers had a great time at the National Landcare Conference in Sydney from the 23rd-25th August. At the National Landcare Awards, Tasmanians took home 2 awards, making it one of our most successful years yet!
Hosted by Costa Georgiadis, this event brought together Landcarers from across the country doing great things for the environment and the community in their local areas. The conference presentations were recorded, and are available on Landcare Australia's website.
National Landcare Awards
Minister for Agriculture Senator Murray Watt said “These awards recognise the tireless work of Landcarers across the country, many of whom have dedicated their lives to conserving the environment, improving land management practices and giving back to their communities." We are proud to see our winners and their hard work and dedication recognised on a national scale.
Tassie took home awards in two categories. The Steadfast Young Landcare Leadership Award was won by Yanti Winoto-Lewin for her work with Friends of Franklin Forest. Yanti founded the group in 2020 while studying plant science and geography at the University of Tasmania. She cares deeply about connecting communities to natural places, fostering respect for our environment, and protecting Tasmania's unique ecosystems. Her activities have brought a sense of pride for community members who have a new natural place to visit close to home. Thanks to the Friends of Franklin Forest's work, a key area of the forest which provides habitat for the endangered Masked Owl and Swift Parrot has been removed from Forestry Tasmania’s three-year felling rotation!
Image: Yanti and Karen with their awards.
Image: Landcare Australia
The National Coastcare Award was presented to Friends of Bass Strait Islands, a group of dedicated volunteers managing weeds including infestations of boxthorn and mirror bush on the off-shore islands in the Furneax Islands in the NE. Their work is improving habitat for many shorebird populations. Karen Ziegler, the President of Friends of Bass Strait Islands, said "Our boxthorn removal project has been going on for two decades. Previously some of these areas were dominated by boxthorn to the point it was very unpleasant to move around, but you wouldn’t know it now because the regeneration of native plants has just been marvellous."
Image: Parliamentary Friends of Landcare and Friends of Bass Strait Island's Karen Ziegler with their award.
Landcare Tasmania's CEO Peter Stronach said "The event is a great celebration with so many inspiring Landcarers being recognised for their efforts to restore and protect Australia’s environment. All of the Tasmanian finalists were of the highest quality and to take home a couple of awards for Tasmania is really exciting for us.”
Last year we had our first national winner in 8 years, and with another two this year we hope to keep the ball rolling in future years. Congratulations to our winners!
