Landcare is urgently appealing to farmers, conservationists, volunteers and families to acknowledge a person or group from this region who is passionate about conserving the natural environment and/or sustainable, regenerative farming systems.
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The biennial New England and North West Landcare Awards return in early 2021 and nominations for the event are now open.
With award categories ranging from Indigenous land management to youth Landcare, farm management, leadership, individuals and community groups the awards are an opportunity to recognise the efforts of a person or group not only at a regional level but potentially a state and national level also.
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"Landcare is about communities working together to create positive outcomes for the environment and the agricultural landscape across NSW," regional Landcare coordinator Craig Pullman said.
"It is imperative that we continue to support and celebrate the dedication and commitment of our Landcarers and recognise their tremendous efforts."
Liverpool Plains graziers Craig Carter and Nicola Chirlain from Wallarobba Cattle Co were awarded runner-up at the 2019 NE&NW Landcare Awards for Excellence in Landcare Farming, before going on to win Champion in the Australian Government Innovation in Agricultural Land Management at the 2019 State Landcare Awards.
"Attending the 2019 NENW Landcare Awards in Narrabri was a terrific experience - so much knowledge being generously shared, and a beautifully-run conference to boot," Ms Chirlain said.
"Receiving a runner-up award for Excellence in Landcare Farming added an extra thrill.
"Going on to the NSW Landcare Awards in Broken Hill, where we were awarded a Championship for Innovation in Agriculture Land Management as well as meeting new people and seeing the huge scope of Landcare activities happening around the state, took our minds to the possibility of sharing a range of activities on our property."
Since the awards the graziers have increased their involvement in educational activities, supporting landholders in Upper Mooki Landcare to implement drought management strategies through the Upper Mooki Rehydration Project, and building a new on-farm business Accountable Agriculture Australia to share the pair's management practices with others.
Continuing with the theme of sharing knowledge, the format of the 2021 NE&NW Awards will be different to that of previous years.
The event will be hosted as an information-style day with presentations by Gulgong-based woolgrower and pasture cropping pioneer Colin Seis, and Dorrigo-based organic farmer and regenerative ag consultant, Geoff Basset from Farm Mojo, with the awards presented during lunch.
"I'm looking forward to the awards to celebrate and acknowledge good land stewardship," Mr Bassett said.
"Award days like this bring together a like-minded community of people to encourage and support each other as they create change and foster better land management.
"These awards are a public acknowledgement of people who are taking risks to create different results, proving that farmers can be good environmentalists and that there are Landcarers supporting farmers and the environment."
To nominate someone for the 2021 NE&NW Awards by January 8 visit bit.ly/nenwnominate or contact regional Landcare coordinator Craig Pullman at craig@trla.org.au or call 0428 649 581.
All nominations will be judged by a regional panel early next year, with finalists being notified of their nomination six weeks before the awards presentation.
The 2021 New England North West Landcare Awards will be hosted on Thursday, March 4 at the Inverell RSM Club. Ticket sales and more information coming soon.
The awards are supported by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources through funding from Australian Government's National Landcare Program, a collaboration of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW Inc. supported by the NSW Government.
