Outstanding contributions to Landcare recognised as finalists announced

A school with a big heart working to protect endangered echidnas, an artist and activist who has dedicated her life to caring for country and a community group working to help manage the threat of gamba grass have been announced as some of the finalists in the 2021 NT Landcare Awards.

Territory Natural Resource Management (TNRM) is the proud coordinator of the biennial NT Landcare Awards, which recognise individuals and groups in the Northern Territory for their outstanding contributions to preserving the unique Australian landscape.

TNRM CEO Karen May said that all of the finalists had showed unwavering commitment to their cause, some making impacts across several decades and spanning tens of thousands of square kilometres.

“Multi-generational land management is a true testament to the long-term principles of what it means to be a Landcarer and to preserve land for future generations,” Ms May said.

“From the McKay family who have achieved multi-generational achievements in land management over the past 25 years at Umbearra Station to the Mimal Land Management “Learning on Country” program, which spans 20,000 square km and supports intergenerational and culturally relevant learning.”

She said finalists were delivering projects across the Territory from Central Australia, Darwin, Katherine and the Douglas Daly region to Arnhem Land and Groote Eylandt.

“Many of the projects are being delivered collaboratively across the NT, including a partnership between Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) and South32's Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO) on a vitally important prgram to keep Groote free of introduced and invasive plant and animal species,” she said.

“Others are being recognised as individuals such as Emma Lupin for her continued dedication and commitment to conservation, sustainability and public education and inclusivity, and Rowena Eastick who has dedicated her life to agricultural research and weed management.”

Ms May congratulated all finalists on their significant achievement.

The winners of the 2021 NT Landcare Awards will be announced on March 31. The winners will go forward to the 2022 National Landcare Awards later this year.

More information on finalists here