Victorian Landcare Awards and 40 Years of Landcare

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present.

I also acknowledge the First Peoples across Victoria, whose care for Country continues a tradition sustained over countless generations.

Good afternoon.

It is a pleasure to be here for the Victorian Landcare Awards as we celebrate forty years of Landcare.

In 1986, a group of Victorian farmers came together to care for their land.

They understood something that remains central to Landcare today.

A fence may mark the boundary of a property. But water, weeds and wildlife do not conform their activities to meet the fenceline.

Looking after the land takes cooperation between farmers, neighbours, volunteers and people with different skills and knowledge.

Joan Kirner, who was Victoria’s conservation minister before becoming Premier, joined with Heather Mitchell, then President of the Victorian Farmers Federation, to help establish Landcare.

Forty years later, their legacy lives in the work of communities across our State.

It can be seen in restored creek banks, healthier soils and places where native plants and animals are flourishing.

Behind each of those changes are people who have given their time, shared their knowledge and kept showing up day after day.

Peter Cundall, whom many will remember from his time as a presenter of Gardening Australia, used to say, “Old gardeners never die, they just gradually turn into compost.”

I might suggest that their work also lives on in the stronger communities and more resilient landscapes they help create.

Despite my surname, I am no ‘green thumb’ myself, but I and countless others are able to enjoy the fruits of your efforts.

Your work requires patience. Trees take time to grow, and habitats take time to recover.

But the benefits of that care last for generations.

I congratulate everyone recognised today, and thank the volunteers, farmers, Traditional Owners, coordinators and partner organisations who sustain this work.

Forty years on, there is much to celebrate, and much more still to do.

Thank you.