Wodonga Urban Landcare Network has been highly commended in the Australian Government Community Partnerships Landcare Award at the 2024 Victorian Landcare Awards. This recognition is a testament to the incredible work and dedication of all our members, volunteers, and partners.
Contributions made at all levels of the network and our strong partnerships have been instrumental in achieving this honor.
Here are some highlights of our collective accomplishments in the last two years alone:
- We’ve grown to 16 member groups with 955 volunteers, contributing over 18,600 hours of on-ground work in the past two years alone.
- Together, we led the development of the Wodonga Regional Waterways Action Plan – a first for community-led municipal waterway planning.
- Our educational and on-ground activities reached nearly 7,000 community members through 128 events.
- The Healthy Hectares program educated 130 lifestyle farmers on sustainable land management.
- Our citizen science initiatives engaged over 450 participants in monitoring endangered species like Sloane’s Froglet.
- We’ve partnered with local schools to integrate environmental volunteering and establish junior Landcare activities.
The importance of partnerships in achieving our shared goals cannot be overstated.
WULN President Julie Hind emphasized this point, saying: “This recognition at the Victorian Landcare Awards honors the collective efforts of our member groups, volunteers, staff, and partners. Our strong collaborative partnerships, particularly with Wodonga Council and North East Catchment Management Authority, have been crucial to our success. Together, we’re proud to be changing the environmental face of Wodonga by connecting people and landscapes through these powerful partnerships and community engagement.”
Our region was well-represented at the awards, with several other nominees and commendations from the North East:
- Sally Day from Ovens Landcare Network
- Annaleigh Thurtell from Indigo Creek Landcare
- Doris Razeng from Mitta to Murray Landcare
- Rowan Wallace, commended in the Joan Kirner Landcare Award
- Warby Range Landcare Group Inc. and Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation, commended in the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award
This strong showing highlights the dedication and impact of Landcare efforts across our region.
Thank you to all Wodonga Landcare members for your continued commitment to our community and environment. Your hard work, combined with these important partnerships, is making a real difference. Let’s celebrate this achievement and look forward to even greater impact in the future.
