2026 State & Territory Landcare Awards
The 2026 State and Territory Landcare Awards stand as a prestigious biennial national Landcare Awards program. The Landcare Awards honour individuals, groups and organisations that are making outstanding contributions to caring for the environment in their local communities for the benefit of all Australians today, and for generations to come.
In each state and territory, the Landcare Awards will be granted to recognise the achievements that encompass climate action, environmental leadership, sustainable agriculture, First Nations Peoples, women in landcare, youth, Coastcare and children.
Nominating is free. You can nominate yourself, or you can nominate someone you know who should be recognised for their work to restore, enhance and protect the natural environment in their community.
Nominating is easy. If you know an individual, group or organisation in your community making a difference to the environment and sustainable land or water use, nominate them for a Landcare Award.
The winners of the nine national Landcare Award categories in each State or Territory will advance as finalists to the 2027 National Landcare Awards.
Entry Dates
Nomination open on Tuesday 10 March 2026 and close at 11.59pm AEST on Friday 31 July, 2026.
The ACT Landcare Awards will close at 11.59pm AEST on Sunday 14 June, 2026.
How to Nominate
Simply select your region – QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, SA, WA, NT – and nominate an individual, group or organisation who should be recognised for their contribution to caring for Australia’s natural environment.
Little River Landcare Group: Winners of the 2024 Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award
The Little River Landcare Group from Yeoval received the Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award for their Soil PET (People, Education, and Training) Project. This extensive soil-testing project, which ran over two years, performed 1,337 soil tests across the Central Tablelands and Central West. Led by Project Officer Phoebe Gulliver, the project involved 260 participants from 75 properties and included 16 workshops where landholders could meet with fellow producers and scientists from the NSW Soil Knowledge Network.
The project's success lay in its incremental soil testing approach, allowing producers to see stratified layers of soil acidification or mineral deposits. This method provided detailed insights into soil health, leading to significant management changes and revitalization projects across the region. Data from the project was preserved in national databases, ensuring its utility for future reference.
The recognition at the NSW Landcare Awards affirms the group's dedication to sustainable agriculture and their impact on the community. As Allan Nicholson, Little River Landcare Vice Chair, stated, the award bolsters their confidence to continue and expand their vital work.
Jayden Gunn: 2024 NextGen Landcare Award Finalist
Jayden Gunn has dedicated his life to the preservation of nature, particularly woodland birds. As the Central NSW Woodland Birds Project Coordinator, Jayden's efforts span the Central West and Central Tablelands. His work is supported by his involvement with Mid Lachlan Landcare and Intrepid Landcare.
Jayden's journey with Intrepid Landcare began in 2018 and has seen him transition from a participant to a board member. His initial connection with the organization was sparked at the National Landcare Conference, where he attended as the Vertebrate Pest Animal Coordinator for Mid Lachlan Landcare. Jayden's extensive work in managing vertebrate pest animals through community-driven initiatives underscores the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
Jayden's passion for bird conservation, particularly the glossy black cockatoo, exemplifies his dedication to environmental stewardship. His work with BirdLife Australia and his talent in environmental and bird photography have made significant contributions to conservation education. Jayden's story, rooted in a pragmatic and hopeful perspective, serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.
Costa Georgiadis (left), Karene Kiddle (centre) and Jayden Gunn (right)
Tanya Plibersek (left) and Jayden Gunn (right)
This initiative is made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling
Program. A collaboration of Local Land Services and Landcare
NSW, supported by the NSW Government.