The Landcare Association of South Australia
Supporting grassroots community Landcare in South Australia
News
Winners announced at 2023-24 SA Landcare Awards
Biodiversity
Indigenous Land Management
People and Volunteers
Sustainable Fishing and Farming
On Friday May 3rd 2024, the Landcare Association of South Australia (LASA) hosted the 2023-24 SA Landcare Awards at the Port Augusta Cultural Centre – Yarta Purtli.
The Landcare Awards honour the remarkable accomplishments of individuals, groups and organisations, young and old, dedicated to protecting South Australian natural resources and building resilient landscapes for the future. The award winners and their projects are diverse, including climate innovation, community partnerships, sustainable agriculture, youth, and collaboration with First Nations.
LASA Executive Officer, Dr Eleanor Pratt, expressed gratitude to the Landcare Award sponsors, dignitaries and special guests, while acknowledging the finalists and winners as Landcare champions in their community.
“We are so proud of the Landcare community in South Australia, and it has been wonderful to be able to show our appreciation for these hardworking volunteers that give up their spare time to care for our state’s beautiful landscapes. Congratulations to all of the winners, finalists and highly commended nominees, and thank you to the Landcare network, and our wonderful partners and sponsors, without which we wouldn’t be able to put on events like these Landcare Awards.” Dr Pratt said.
Winners of the State & Territory Landcare Award categories will represent South Australia at the 2024 National Landcare Awards to be held in late 2024 and receive a $1,000 cash prize from LASA.
Congratulations to the winners of each category:
First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award – Nipapanha Community Aboriginal Corporation
The Nipapanha Community Aboriginal Corporation, managing the Nantawarrina Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), won the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award for their exemplary stewardship and restoration of 58,000 hectares of Adnyamathanha lands. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, the IPA was the first of its kind in Australia, pioneering a new phase of Aboriginal-led land management. Their efforts have revived endangered species, restored plant communities, and rehabilitated critical waterways. Additionally, the community’s educational programs and employment initiatives have fostered community resilience and sustainable land care, highlighting the integration of Traditional Knowledge with contemporary conservation practices.
Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award – Ian Roberts
Ian Roberts, a lifelong resident of the Blyth district, won the Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award for his exceptional commitment to native vegetation restoration. As an artist and dedicated environmentalist, Ian has planted over 100,000 native plants across 40 years, preserving rare species and enhancing local biodiversity. His leadership in community projects, including tree planting days and educational initiatives, has inspired countless volunteers and transformed the region’s landscape. Ian’s expertise and passion have made him a pivotal figure in environmental conservation, significantly benefiting the Blyth district’s ecological health and fostering a culture of sustainability.
Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award – Buckleboo Station – Paroo Pastoral Company
Buckleboo Station, managed by Paroo Pastoral Company, won the Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award for its transformative regenerative grazing practices. Faced with desertification concerns, they implemented a holistic Environmental Sustainable Rangelands Management Plan, significantly increasing ground cover and promoting biodiversity. Key initiatives included rotational grazing, extensive fencing, water point expansion, and advanced monitoring technologies like Ceres satellite tags and CIBO Lab satellite monitoring. These efforts have drastically improved soil health, reduced erosion, and supported native vegetation recovery, demonstrating a successful model for sustainable agriculture in arid regions and setting an inspiring example for other pastoralists.
Green Adelaide Urban Landcare Award – The Gums Landcare Group
The Gums Landcare Group (TGLG) earned the Green Adelaide Urban Landcare Award for their exceptional efforts in regenerating Third Creek and The Gums (North) Reserve since 2016. Their initiatives include planting over 1,000 native plants, managing hydrological challenges, and fostering community engagement through educational programs and public events like the Nature Festival. TGLG’s collaboration with local schools, expert mentorship, and advocacy for sustainable land use exemplify their dedication to enhancing biodiversity and promoting environmental stewardship. Through newsletters, social media, and partnerships with Campbelltown Council, they continue to inspire community involvement, ensuring a vibrant, biodiverse urban environment for all.
Women in Landcare Award – Sarah Barrett
Sarah Barrett’s three-decade commitment to Landcare is marked by inclusive leadership, innovation, and profound community impact. As co-founder of the Gobbagumbalin Landcare Group and leader at Barossa Bushgardens, Sarah has championed sustainable practices, indigenous engagement, and digital innovation like the Give Time Barossa platform. Her advocacy at the Landcare Association of South Australia (LASA) has fostered diversity and inclusivity, exemplified by workshops and strategic initiatives supporting Aboriginal land management. Sarah’s dedication to empowering women in Landcare, evident in her leadership roles and mentorship, makes her a beacon for Women in Landcare, deserving of recognition for her transformative contributions to environmental stewardship and community cohesion.
Woolworths Junior Landcare Award – St Michael’s Lutheran Primary School
St. Michael’s Lutheran School students transformed the once neglected Hahndorf Creek into a thriving ecosystem through dedicated environmental stewardship. Their initiative, supported by grants including from Landcare Australia and Woolworths Junior Landcare, involved removing invasive species, planting native flora, and monitoring water quality and wildlife. Their efforts not only revitalised the creek but also engaged the community through educational signage and a public pathway. The student-led Creek Club exemplifies their ongoing commitment to conservation, inspiring broader community action and earning them recognition with the Premier’s Community Service Harry Tillyer School award. Their impactful project embodies the spirit of the Woolworths Junior Landcare Award.
Greyhound Coastcare Award – Kumarangk – Hindmarsh Island Landcare Group
The Kumarangk – Hindmarsh Island Landcare Group (HILG) has demonstrated exceptional commitment and impact through its Murray Mouth Estuary Restoration Project (MMERP) since 2001. With over 700,000 plants planted across Hindmarsh Island, their efforts have significantly enhanced biodiversity, restored critical habitats like Lawari Conservation Park, and engaged the community extensively. HILG’s innovative nursery, community involvement, and advocacy efforts exemplify their dedication to environmental stewardship. Their achievements, including numerous successful grant executions and partnerships, underscore their leadership in landscape-scale restoration. HILG’s sustained efforts amidst challenges like funding gaps and political dynamics showcase their resilience and effectiveness in ecological restoration, making them worthy of the Greyhound Coastcare Award.
NextGen Landcare Award – Biology Society of South Australia
The Biology Society of South Australia (BSSA) stands out for its exceptional commitment to advancing landcare through innovative communication, education, partnerships, and fundraising. As a student-led organisation, BSSA has mobilised over 1,499 members, funded critical conservation research projects, and engaged a global audience through podcasts and social media. Their strategic collaborations with local conservation groups and universities have amplified their impact, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among young Australians. BSSA’s dedication to bridging the gap between academia and practical conservation makes them a deserving recipient of the NextGen Landcare Award, recognising their outstanding contributions to sustainable land management and ecological awareness.
Australian Government Climate Innovation Award – Kate and Adrian McCabe
Adrian and Kate McCabe, directors of McCabe AgCo, won the Australian Government Climate Innovation Award for their outstanding contributions to climate resilience and sustainability in grain farming. Adrian and Kate pioneered conservation farming techniques, such as zero tillage and water conservation fallows, significantly improving soil health and reducing emissions. They also led comprehensive sustainability measurement and reporting initiatives, enhancing the farm’s environmental performance. Their collaborative efforts with various stakeholders on biodiversity projects and technological advancements in sustainable practices underscore their commitment to environmental stewardship. Their leadership and innovative approaches have set a benchmark for sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Australian Government Community Partnerships Landcare Award – Biodiversity McLaren Vale
Biodiversity McLaren Vale (BMV), founded in 2014, won the Australian Government Community Partnerships Landcare Award for its exemplary collaboration with local community, industry, and government to enhance indigenous biodiversity. The project has removed invasive weeds and planted over 55,000 native plants across 52 sites, creating biodiverse corridors and improving the ecological health of the region. With 5667 volunteers contributing over 11,334 hours, BMV’s initiatives include environmental education, ecological assessments, and partnerships with local wineries and landholders. Their community-driven approach and successful long-term environmental restoration efforts have significantly benefited the McLaren Vale region’s ecosystem and economy.
Over 60 guests were then treated to a tour of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden on the Saturday morning, with tours run by Sophie Thomson, Peter Langdon and the Friends of Arid Lands Botanic Garden group. Everyone was blown away by the gardens and promised to come back again!
Thank you to our many sponsors, partners and supporters for helping bring the event together – Landcare Australia, Greyhound Australia, Woolworths, Australian Federal Government, SA Arid Lands Landscape Board, Green Adelaide, Port Augusta City Council and Quorn Landcare Group.
