ONGRATULATIONS are in order for several locals, including two individuals and one family following the recent 2023/24 Victorian Landcare Awards held at Marvel Stadium.

The awards recognise passionate and committed Australians who make an outstanding contribution to natural resource management and the Landcare movement. Award recipients are deemed to strive for a healthier, sustainable, resilient and more productive landscape.

Dunkeld’s Lisa McIntyre was presented the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF)/Landcare Victoria Heather Mitchell Memorial Fellowship.

Landcare commended Ms McIntyre for her commitment to research and education which underpins her work.

She was recognised for her passion for demonstrating how farmers care for their land and how a productive farm and a healthy natural environment can co-exist. She has organised practical demonstrations and field trials on pasture management, whole farm planning, weed control, soil health, farm forestry, bioblitzes, integrated pest management, carbon accounting and direct seeding, which has stimulated lots of local interest and led to the adoption of new techniques.

Ms McIntyre said she was thrilled to be recognised and plans to use her fellowship to undertake a study tour of Tasmanian beef, sheep, and dairy farms known for their cutting-edge sustainable agriculture practices.

“I am feeling really honoured and humbled by all this I have to say,” she said.

“I would like to thank the VFF, Landcare Victoria Inc, and Heather Mitchell’s family for supporting this award, and both Tony Lithgow and Richard Murphy from the Glenelg Hopkins CMA for the nomination. 

“Having been really interested in landscapes, we began planting native vegetation on our farm in 1985, and then this branched out into forming the Panyyabyr Landcare Group with Shaun, my husband. 

“That was in 1993, and we’ve been working on Landcare related projects – both here at home and amongst our local community, since then. 

“I really enjoy being able to help other people plan and achieve their projects and helping them with all things landcare related – which has proven to be an amazing diversity of activities! 

“This award allows for a study trip, and as I’m interested in grazing and land management, I am looking forward to visiting other grazing properties, to see and learn how they manage their farming landscapes. 

“I am truly fortunate to be able to work in a farming and environmental area that I love.”

Landcare’s association with the VFF goes back to its roots when it was co-founded in 1986 between former VFF president, Heather Mitchell and then Victorian premier, Joan Kirner.

Since then, it’s played a critical role in preserving the rich and diverse Victorian landscapes, supporting productive farming, healthy ecosystems and thriving communities.

Also recognised with an award was Tahara farmer, Kevin Nolte, who was awarded the Australian Government’s Individual Landcarer Award (Victoria) for the extensive revegetation of farmland.

This award recognised Mr Nolte’s contribution to the principles and practices of Landcare.

In the nomination put forward on Mr Nolte’s behalf, it said he has spent nearly 60 years revegetating farm land with native trees and plants, preventing land erosion, improving waterways, providing shelter for farm animals, and establishing bush plantations for native animals. He has done this with the support of his wife Carole Nolte, many neighbours, and the community.

Landcare noted that Mr Nolte was an early adopter, advocate and community volunteer even before the movement officially kicked off in Victoria in 1986.

As a young farmer, Mr Nolte demonstrated a keen interest in revegetation, land improvement, erosion prevention, waterway management and the care of livestock by planting shelterbelts.

He planted native vegetation on the family farm operated with his parents, Albert and Dors in the 1970s and 1980s and became an enthusiastic supporter of Landcare groups before starting the Tahara West Landcare Group in the early 1990s.

“I was quite surprised – I thought I might have got a piece of paper – but I was named the winner.

“It’s a nice trophy with a wood background.

“I’m feeling very good about it – I have always had an interest in natives and restoring some of the damage done by weather and that sort of thing – it’s given me great satisfaction over the years to have extra shelter for the livestock, the birds and seeing koalas around the house.

“We started off trying to replace some of the old trees with natives and we decided to form a Landcare group with the neighbours down the road.

“I’m most proud of leaving a legacy … that’s going to last quite a period of time

“I think we have achieved quite a lot.”

80-year-old Mr Nolte has now been put up for a national award and will find out next year if he’s been successful.

Dunkeld was well represented at the awards with local family the Blackwells, taking out the Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award.

Spokesperson for the family, Charlie Blackwell said the whole family was really excited about it.

“But to be honest – it’s really testament to my mother and father (Bill and Cee Blackwell) to the work they did on the property 45 years ago,” he said.

“It was a completely bare property when they took over the land and they experienced some stock loss and that was the catalyst for them to starting with shelter belts and tree planting.

Mr Blackwell said his wife Bec and brother, Edward and his wife Rachel, were included in the award as well.

“(However), it’s Bill and Cee’s legacy.

“The current generation, my brother and I, are lucky enough to reap the rewards in terms of protection from the elements and increased biodiversity,” he said.

“They began tree planting long before grants were available and did it because they had a grand vision for the property.

“It was viewed as quite strange to be planting so many trees back then.

“Nearly 10 per cent of the property is planted to trees, including shelter belts, wetlands, agriforestry blocks, riparian zones, and remnant vegetation areas.

“The property now runs a highly productive livestock business alongside nature, proving the two go together very nicely.”

The Blackwells (senior) collected seeds locally and from across Australia, planting trees through direct seeding and nursery-raised seedlings. The first plantation was decimated by hares and magpies, so they made protective tree covers using old fertiliser bags and sticks to ensure the young trees survived.

Their commitment extended to planting individual trees throughout the landscape, often near the stumps of those lost in the 1940 and 1944 fires. Old iron water tanks from neighbours helped protect the trees from grazing livestock.

Tree planting became a family affair, with all members – and any visitors – taking part.

So far more than 300,000 trees and shrubs have been planted across the property.