Heather Drendel

Project Profile

Issues

The Southern Mallee is reliant on broad-acre agriculture and Heather Drendel’s passion is to build healthy and functioning rural communities. Heather has been heavily involved with Landcare for over seven years. Her personal involvement and commitment has earned her the respect, trust and confidence of her Landcare Groups, and is a major factor in her success in the role.

Project Detail

The Southern Mallee’s Heather Drendel has been nominated for a National Landcare Award for her role as the driving force behind Landcare in the region.

The Southern Mallee is reliant on broad-acre agriculture and Heather’s passion is to build healthy and functioning rural communities. Heather has been heavily involved with Landcare for seven years. Her personal involvement and commitment has earned her the respect, trust and confidence of her Landcare Groups, and is a major factor in her success in the role.

Starting out as a Coordinator for Rainbow Landcare Group, Heather moved into the role of Southern Mallee Landcare Network Coordinator in 2005. In 2009, this position ceased due to funding cuts and since this time she has maintained her connection to Landcare and the Mallee community through her new position as Project Officer Farm Planning Support with the Department of Primary Industries, which largely involves one-on-one extension work with landholders and Landcarers.

Heather’s commitment goes above and beyond office hours and job-description and pushes the boundaries to help Southern Mallee communities function positively, despite the challenges they face. Heather continues to coordinate and work on Landcare projects as a volunteer with the Rainbow and District Landcare group and the Hindmarsh Landcare network and founder of Junior Landcare in the Southern region. She is also a member and office bearer of several other community groups.

Heather supported 27 projects in the 2008-2009 financial year including field days, workshops and training event attended by thousands of community members. Heather also submitted 32 funding applications between 2008 and 2009. 15 of these applications were successful, bringing $288,934 into Southern Mallee Landcare for projects coordinated by Heather.

With Heather as the driving force, the region’s Landcare is building proactive groups that strike an appropriate balance between on-farm and community-based activities.  The Rainbow Women’s Muster, organised by Heather, attracted women from across the western half of Victoria and into South Australia and had a huge effect on Landcare’s profile well beyond the Southern Mallee.
Heather’s vision, energy and enthusiasm are unmatched.  Her commitment to Landcare and her drive and positive attitude motivates those around her.

Heather Drendel is one of 88 finalists in the National Landcare Awards to be announced in Canberra on 24 June 2010. Commencing in 1991, the Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups that make a valuable contribution to the land and coast where they live and work.

Photography

Heather Drendel