Landcare wins state award
Magnificent honour: South Gippsland Landcare Network was thrilled to win the Parks Victoria Environment and Sustainability Award. From left immediate past network chair Mark Uren, Prime presenter and MC for the evening Natalie Forrest, network board member Mark Walters and network co-ordinator Belinda Brennan.
ALL the hard work behind the South Gippsland Landcare Network was recognised last Saturday night at the 2011 Regional Achievement and Community Awards in Ballarat. The network was awarded the Parks Victoria Environment and Sustainability Award, with the category acknowledging organisations that show a proven passion and dedication to reducing environment impacts in regional and rural areas. The network works with the community to improve the long-term sustainability of farming and the environment in South Gippsland, and was chosen as one of three finalists from the 250 nominations across all 10 categories. Network co-ordinator Belinda Brennan was thrilled to be selected for the award, dedicating it to the farming families involved in Landcare. “For the network to be recognised at a state level is huge,” she said. “We’re very proud, more so for what our landholders have done. The network receives funding for projects, but it is our farmers on the ground doing the work and making changes.” The network consists of 719 families and 18 different groups in the region, stretching from Welshpool to Loch and Nyora, and Mirboo North, an impressive achievement for small communities. Ms Brennan said the award also recognised the hard work done by Landcare staff and members, as well as both the present and past board members, who are all volunteers. She also thanked the network’s partners who help to fund Landcare projects: West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Port Phillip CMA, Melbourne Water, South Gippsland Water and South Gippsland Shire Council. Ms Brennan said the $2000 prize money would go towards new display materials to help educate and raise community awareness of Landcare’s projects.
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