Taking place in Sydney during Landcare Week, the 2012 National Landcare Awards celebrate the passion and diversity of Landcare, a grass-roots movement of farmers and community volunteers who protect and restore Australia’s land and coast.

88 finalists representing eight states and territories across 12 diverse categories will be recognised at the event for their work caring for their local environments and educating others about the importance of community action and how it can make a real difference.

All Australians can join in the celebrations by going online and voting for their favourite finalist in the 2012 People’s Choice Award. Voting opens on June 5^th, World Environment Day, and closes at 4pm (EST) on Tuesday, September 4^th, with the winner being announced at the 2012 National Landcare Awards, that night.

A biennial event, which showcases a wide range of environmental work from sustainable agriculture to coastal restoration projects and everything in between, the National Landcare Awards provide an opportunity for groups and individuals to be recognised at a national level.

The Hon. Joe Ludwig, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, recognises the invaluable contribution that the Landcare community makes to the Australian environment.

“Landcare is one of the most enduring and recognisable movements in Australia,” Minister Ludwig said.

“It’s a great example of communities working together to change the face of Australia’s rural and urban landscapes, by protecting and restoring our natural resources and environment.”
CEO of Landcare Australia, Heather Campbell, believes the National Landcare Awards to be an excellent opportunity to celebrate the work of people in our communities who make a positive difference to the environment.

“The National Landcare Awards are about celebrating the individuals and groups that work on protecting and conserving our amazing country,” she said.

“The 88 finalists we are honouring as part of this Landcare Week celebration, and the many thousands of farmers and community volunteers like them, who care for our country’s rich natural resources, are helping us all by being custodians of the land and water. They realise that the land and water is what sustains us and work passionately and proactively to ensure that it will continue to sustain us well into the future.”

The Awards are part of the National Landcare Conference, which is taking place at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, from September 3^rd to 5^th. More information on the conference will be available shortly from www.daff.gov.au/landcareconference

To find out more about the finalists, get involved, and show your support by voting in the 2012 National Landcare Awards People’s Choice Category, please visit www.landcareonline.com.au/nationalawards.