Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Sustainability and Environment

Budding Environmentalists Called To Bloom

More than half of the agricultural land in Victoria is managed by Landcare groups, some of which will soon be officially recognised at the 2005 Victorian Landcare Awards.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 16th June 2005 - Back to News

Nominations for the bi-annual awards are now open and Landcare organisers are seeking inspiring individuals, schools, farmers, community groups and environmental groups to take part in this year’s awards.

Statewide Co-ordinator of Victoria’s Landcare program, Mr David Lucas, said that 12,000 rural Victorian properties currently involve voluntary Landcare work.

"It’s impossible to overstate the contribution that Landcare volunteers make to both the health of the Victorian environment and local communities," Mr Lucas said.

"There are about 1,300 Landcare groups working on various projects across Victoria, ranging from ingenious ways to save water to protecting wildlife habitat.

"There’s growing acceptance of the fact that effective and happy communities are those that have grass roots organisations firmly in place and there’s no doubting the social contribution that Landcare makes in this way," he said.

The Landcare awards recognise environmental projects that have significantly improved the Victorian environment.

Winners of Victorian Landcare Awards automatically qualify for entry into the National Awards in September.

"The Awards are a genuine opportunity for individuals or groups to be recognised as the best in caring for our land," Mr Lucas said.

"By taking things like the health of the environment into local hands, communities develop a real sense of ownership and pride in their surrounds and the awards feed this positive momentum," he said.

Entries for this year’s Victorian Landcare Awards close on Friday 1^st July 2005. Non-Landcare members are welcome to enter and winners will be announced by the Governor of Victoria, John Landy, and the Minister for Environment, John Thwaites, at an event at Government House in Melbourne on 7^th September.

The 2005 Victorian Landcare Awards are being organised by the Victorian Catchment Management Council in partnership with the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Landcare Australia Limited, with support from the Victorian Farmers Federation.

To download a summary brochure for the National and Victorian Landcare Awards, including the conditions of entry and application requirements please got to www.landcare.net.au. For further information contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
  East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges.
• Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
  The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum.
• Stroll among thousands of vibrant roses in full bloom at Morwell's International Rose Garden Festival, 7 - 8 November 2025
  The 2025 Rose Garden Festival features free family fun with blooming gardens, workshops, live performances, markets, aerial theatre, kids' entertainment, and the spectacular AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation.
• West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
  West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities.
• Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
  Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal.
• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.
• East Gippsland hosts Youth Agritech Expo showcasing farming futures and career pathways for young people on 17 September 2025
  East Gippsland will host the Youth Agritech Expo, offering farm tours, hands-on experiences, and showcasing agricultural career pathways, technology, and innovation to inspire the next generation and build a skilled workforce.
• South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
  South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun.
• Raise a glass to Gippsland's finest wines, brews, spirits and ciders at 'Eat Drink Play'
  EAT DRINK PLAY Gippsland serves up local wines, brews, spirits, and ciders. Festival-goers can enjoy tastings, community vibes, and unique creations from some of Gippsland's best makers.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.