Looking for East Gippsland’s environmental heroes
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Looking for East Gippsland’s environmental heroes

Now is the chance to nominate local people and groups who are making a positive difference to their environment for the 2011 Victorian Landcare Awards.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the awards are an opportunity to recognise the invaluable environmental contribution volunteers make to rivers, farming land, wetlands, estuaries, coasts and urban environments. 

"It's important that we highlight the efforts of those in our community who work so hard to make our land better for the generations ahead," Mr Bull said.

“Landcare is alive and well across East Gippsland, with the East Gippsland Landcare Network supporting 22 groups in the Bairnsdale, High Country and surrounding areas. In total these groups encompass around 700 family memberships.

“These people often quietly go about their work and deserve to be recognised for the huge contributions they make to our region.

“Some of the most significant projects local Landcare has been involved with recently include the Red Gum Plains Recovery Project, which has been running for the past 10 years, integrated rabbit control work and Gippsland Minor Tributaries Restoration Site at Nicholson.

“Landcare groups also run a number of smaller projects, activity days and information sessions that are often staffed by volunteers and offer a fantastic service to the community.”

Mr Bull said that the awards would recognise volunteers who strive to support rivers, farming land, wetlands, estuaries, coasts and urban environments.

“We want to recognise volunteers and groups who are devoted to making sure Victoria’s natural environment is protected and restored,” Mr Bull said.

"There'll be a focus on creative initiatives including sustainable farming, bushfire recovery, awareness and partnership building," he added.

Victorians can nominate volunteers or groups for approximately 18 award categories, including seven special Victoria-specific categories:

  • Heather Mitchell Memorial Fellowship – $5,000
  • CitiPower and Powercor Landcare Network Award – $5,000
  • Dr Sidney Plowman Travel and Study Award – $4,000
  • DPI Sustainable Farming Award (regional) – $500 per CMA region; Rural Press Primary Producer Award (state)
  • The Bushfire Recovery Award – $15,000
  • Long Service to Landcare Award – $1,000
  • Long Service to Landcare – Honour Roll

Landcare is a movement of individuals and groups focusing on managing the environment in their local area. Volunteers perform a range of tasks from planting trees, stopping soil erosion and assisting with primary production, to protecting Victoria’s native wildlife and controlling weeds and pests.

Nominations have been extended until 22 July 2011. State winners will become nominees in the biennial national Landcare awards 2012. For more information visit  www.landcarevic.net.au