Minister Burke congratulates Australia’s environmental heroes

25 June 2010: Australia’s thirteen most significant individual and community environmental projects have been announced winners of the 2010 National Landcare Awards.

The Awards, held at Parliament House last night, celebrate the work of volunteers from around Australia who are making a significant contribution to the environment.

Catriona Rowntree hosted the bi-annual Awards in front of 600 guests including The Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and actor Jack Thompson.

The Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry congratulated the Award winners for their outstanding contribution.

“To everybody here tonight, you should be in no doubt about the importance of the contribution that you have made not only to your local community, but to the Australian nation,” said Mr Burke.

“On behalf of the Australian Government and the Australian community, congratulations and thank you.”

Heather Campbell, CEO Landcare Australia added, “The Awards are a culmination of the ongoing efforts of volunteers across Australia who dedicate their time working to sustain and enhance Australia’s natural resources.

“The winning projects range from sustainable farming initiatives to education programs teaching the next generation about environmental sustainability.

“The achievements of these individuals and groups are truly remarkable and demonstrate the positive impact landcare initiatives are having at both a local and national level.”

Winners of the 2010 National Landcare Awards are:

Kate McLaren, Attunga NSW – Local Government Individual Landcarer Award
Clover Hill Dairies, Jamberoo NSW – Woolworths Primary Producer Award
Erin Rowe, Glossodia NSW – Australian Young Landcare Leader Award
Desert Channels Queensland, Longreach QLD – Australian Government NRM Region Award
John David Nicholas, Charters Towers QLD – Australian Government Local Landcare Facilitator / Coordinator Award
BST Oyster Supplies, Cowell SA – Australian Government Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practices Award
Huon Valley Council, Huon Valley TAS – Local Government Landcare Partnerships Award
Little Swanport Catchment Management Plan Implementation Committee, Little Swanport TAS – Toshiba Community Group Award
Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Group and the Point Danger Committee of Management, Warrnambool VIC – Australian Government Coastcare Award
Friends of Westgate Park, Melbourne VIC – Urban Landcare Award
Baldivis Primary School, Baldivis WA – Westpac Education Award
South Coast Natural Resource Management, South Coast WA – Leighton Holdings Indigenous Award
Sinclair’s Gully, Norton Summit SA – People’s Choice Award