BNGLN Hall of Fame

The Network hosts a Hall of Fame Ceremony every 2 years. The Hall of Fame is a special occasion to celebrate the wonderful work that BNGLN members do and recognise their outstanding contributions to caring for the environment in the BNGLN area.

There are a number of award categories:

The Elvie McDonald Landcare Award for Biodiversity presented to a BNGLN individual or group that best exhibits the Landcare principles of biodiversity management through projects conducted in their area.

The John Douglas Landcare Award for Land Management presented to a BNGLN individual or member group that best exhibits the Landcare principles of land management through projects conducted in their area. John, quietly spoken, was very instrumental in establishing Landcare alongside Terry Simpson. John was a well-respected farmer and conservationist with an outlook ahead of his time. John improved land and protected it by developing land covenants. The John Douglas Reserve is a 185ha woodland reserve located in Central Victoria which provides habitat for many endangered animal and plant species. John chaired the Avoca Community Dryland Salinity Working Group. John Douglas Nature Reserve | Bush Heritage Australia

The Carrie Jessie Landcare Award for Community and Advocacy presented to a BNGLN individual or member group that best exhibits Landcare advocacy and education through the results of projects conducted in their area. Carrie was one of our early Landcare members and was active when Joan Kirner launched Landcare at Winjallok in 1986. Carrie was a member of the Avon Plains Banyena Landcare Group and was a keen advocate on all things environment particularly recreational lakes. Carrie was a teacher at the St Arnaud High School and was well loved by everyone. Carrie sadly passed away in 2016.

The Terry Simpson Landcare Group Award (presented to a group that has most consistently demonstrated a high level of commitment, proactive on the ground works, and care to our landscape and community. Terry was widely acknowledged as ‘the father of Landcare’ working with other local farmers to transform Stricta Hill (Winjallok) in Central Victoria. Stricta Hill was eroded bare country and in permanent drought as water run off was too great and didn’t permeate the soil. With care by the group, it turned into a profitable pasture through sowing perennial pastures, reducing erosion and planting trees. Terry was instrumental in publicising the Landcare movement when Joan Kirner and Heather Mitchell formally launch Landcare which started from Stricta Hill. Terry was also a board member of the North Central Catchment Management Authority.

BNGLN Legend (presented to a person who has had the most significant impact on the BNGLN region and caused the environment or organisation to change significantly for the better.  The honour shall be bestowed on someone who can no longer make a contribution to Landcare (through factors including death or retirement).

2024 Award Winners