These awards rose from the desire to recognise and share the efforts of people who may not necessarily meet the strict criteria of the State and National Awards system.

Roslyn Landcare Group (RLG) in partnership with Local Land Services (LLS) staff, including Mark McGaw (and former LHPA officer Scott Craig) received a Champions award for their successful ‘Schools Landcare Day Out’ events. These annual events focus on raising awareness and appreciation of our natural environment and the impacts of feral animals.

Scott Craig and Mark McGaw, in partnership with RLG Project Coordinator Eric Hurn, recognised the need for early education in the very young.

According to Mark quite often all that is needed is some encouragement and then “It’s stand back and harness their enthusiasm!”.

RLG Chairman John Mitchell was delighted with how the events helped children from the Laggan and Crookwell Primary Schools gain hands on experience planting trees on disused Stock Reserves in the Roslyn area.

Planting seeds for the future, both in our land and in the minds of the very young.  

Luke Granger, at only 15 years of age, is a perfect example of the results of early education in natural resource management, and he is now bringing fresh ideas to the Landcare movement.

Luke was recognised for his “outstanding contribution and commitment to soil health in the South East Region”.

Luke has turned an interest in productive vegetable growing into a passion for soil health and sustainable agriculture, taking advantage of the many workshops and training days available through Upper Lachlan Landcare and LLS.

Luke has been a standout participant, particularly in the field of soil biology, and he urges other young people to get involved in the landcare movement.

The Fullerton/Hadley Landcare Group (FHLG) member Gwen Flint is also motivated by looking forward to a better future on the land.

In her words Landcare is about “leaving places in better shape than when we took them on”.

Such attitudes and a willingness to embrace new ideas saw FHLG take out the award for “outstanding and innovative contributions to natural resource management”.

They are taking up the challenge of working with a diverse population mix where 70% of landholders reside outside the district.

People of all ages and backgrounds sharing knowledge and expertise on issues that affect all landholders whether living on the land or retreating from urban living.

Margie Fitzpatrick knows all about the hardships of living off the land since taking over the running of her 1,500 hectare property from her late husband.

Margie energetically set out reversing the massive degradation that had occurred over many years.

For Margie, Landcare is about “quality of life”.

By taking advantage of many landcare workshops and field days, harnessing expertise and receiving funding through Greening Australia and the former Upper Lachlan Catchment Management authority, Margie is hoping to create a sustainable and productive future for her family.

Creek rehabilitation was undertaken, areas fenced off and revegetated, with Margie’s holistic goals for her farm including one hundred percent ground cover of previously eroded and scalded areas.

As we have seen, education is an important part of landcare and Margie has held various field days on her property as well as hosting two weeks of training for the Crookwell Green Army.

Margie’s efforts were rewarded with a Catchment Champions award for “outstanding contributions to  sustainable agriculture”.

When it comes to experience and sharing knowledge you can’t look much further than John and Mary Walsh who were recognised for their “outstanding and long term contributions to natural resource management”.

John experienced severe drought when growing up, followed by wet years that caused erosion.

These experiences, as well as growing plants and spending time in the bush, helped form a lasting interest in the environment and looking after the land.

John commented on how people used to call them “mad” and now call him and Mary “ ahead of their time! ”.

John and Mary were founding members of the Jerrawa Creek Landcare Group as well as the Upper Lachlan Catchment Committee.

Their achievements over time are numerous and they too have passed on their influence to the next generations, both through their children and grandchildren, and also through their property, which is an educational resource and benchmark of what can be achieved over time.

Congratulations to all the Champions of the Catchment, helping to engage local communities for a healthy and productive environment which can be treasured by the whole community.

Submitted by Mark Selmes, RLG media officer,  with assistance by Upper Lachlan Landcare (Mary Bonet) .