Jim Knight Award
Jim Knight was a man enthused with life and energy who made many contributions to peace, social justice, and the environment. Each year, in his honour, a group member receives the Jim Knight Award for their outstanding contribution to the Landcare community.
Jim Knight was a member of the original Clarence Landcare Executive Committee and was Chairman for many years. He was also an active hands-on member of his own local Kangaroo Creek Landcare group. The Jim Knight Memorial Award goes to a Clarence Landcare Group or Individual of the Year.
2024
Brian Dodd
Brian Dodd was with Clarence Landcare from 1992 until 2024. During this time, he devoted thousands of volunteer hours at a local, on-ground level at Cowans Pond, on the Clarence Landcare Inc. Management Committee, as a founding member of the North Coast Regional Landcare Network and as a representative of North Coast on the Landcare NSW State Advisory Council. As a Clarence Landcare committee member, he represented our network at dozens of Regional, State, and National Landcare forums and events across NSW and interstate.
Brian’s volunteer work at Cowans Pond helped transform the wetland reserve from a sparse paddock with just a few large trees into the wildlife haven it is today, enjoyed by the community for birdwatching, walking and picnics.
With an easy-going nature, knowledge of local and broader environmental issues, and experience working with the community, Brian has been an important role model and support for many.
2023
Lee Scarlett and Maclean Landcare
Lee Scarlett has a lifelong interest and commitment to Australian wildlife, their habitats, and their conservation. Lee is a very well-respected community leader whose environmental values are shared with others through his hands-on Landcare activities.
During the past few years, Lee has co-ordinated and overseen a team of volunteers in the revival of the Maclean Landcare Community Nursery in Townsend. The group collects seeds and propagates a range of local native species, which are available to the public, local Landcare groups, and the Council for bush regeneration.
Lee and the team at Maclean Landcare also conduct workshops and provide information to the community about native plants and invasive weeds.
2021/22
Kay Jeffery
Kay was a founding member of Iluka Landcare and the main driving force in since 1993.
Her appreciation for Iluka’s environmental values began as a young visitor to the area when koalas and emus were part of the town’s landscape.
Kay’s passion for Koalas is well known. She has grown koala food trees for many years, beginning at home and then as the NPWS/ Landcare Nursery manager.
Kay embodies the spirit of Landcare, welcoming all and working with the whole community. A great motivator, she shares her enthusiasm for Landcare with anyone and everyone, and is extremely encouraging of younger people.
2020
Scott Lenton
For 13 years, Scott coordinated the outstanding efforts of Clarence Valley Conservation in Action (CVCIA) in their bid to control the spread of cane toads in the Valley. He demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to the group, coordinating volunteers and landholders to conduct weekly toad collection events, keeping detailed records, and submitting the results for scientific research.
During this time, Scott was the go-to man for all things cane toad – providing assistance with toad identification and answering public inquiries, attending promotional events, and keeping up with social media posts to spread the word and engage the public.
2019
John Webber
A founding member of Angourie Community Coastcare (previously Angourie Dunecare), John has been actively involved in conserving and rehabilitating the landscape for over 30 years. He held the position of Coordinator and then President for most of that time, guiding the group with expert knowledge and enthusiasm.
His hands-on participation in the field is matched by the hours he has given to the administration responsibilities required of a volunteer group.
John consistently promotes Landcare’s vision of caring for the environment and the community. His educational activities have encouraged children to participate in Coastcare projects, where they learn the value of community engagement and respect for the environment.
2018
Peter Turland
At his rural property, Weeping Paperbark Reserve at Tucabia, Peter Turland spent eight years growing native riverine plants that were representative of the pre-agricultural vegetation of the Clarence Valley.
Peter is noted for his dedication, hours of work and research, and his ability to secure funding, as well as for public education through local schools and Grafton TAFE.
Through Yuraygir Landcare, Peter has been involved with the Sandon-Wooli Community Nursery at Minnie Water, and Maclean Landcare Community Nursery.
2017
Wendy Plater
Wendy Plater was instrumental in the formation of the Maclean Landcare Group. With her leadership skills has generated more than 2,000 volunteer hours each year since 2008, in bush regeneration at Pinnacles Reserve, and at Maclean Landcare Nursery.
Wendy is passionate about Aboriginal engagement and has made significant connections with Yaegl Land Council.
Through Wendy’s coordination, many Landcare volunteers have developed skills leading to employment as professional bush regenerators.
2016
Dennis Milne
Dennis Milne was a member of the Clarence Afforestation Association from 1970 and principal supplier of seeds and plants for the Minnie Water Restoration project.
He has navigated numerous funding applications for Caring for Country, National Trust and environmental projects, and invested many hours training and educating Work for the Dole recipients.
Dennis is passionate and determined, and his signature community nursery at Minnie Water has contributed to many successful restoration projects and community education.
2015
Laura Noble
Laura leads the Indian Myna community education and control program, and also works tirelessly with the Clarence Native Bee Group. Her involvement includes dealing with the public seven days a week.
An active Landcare member, Laura lives on a 67.5 hectare rural property with 700 metre frontage to the Orara River, which she has restored and managed.
Laura worked tirelessly with Roads and Maritime Services and contractors during the Pacific Highway upgrade for the protection and recovery of native bees. She worked with Bunnings Hardware, the Townsend Men’s Shed, and disability groups for the construction bee boxes.