Inverell area was well represented at the event, which included an array of workshop sessions, farm visits and key note presentations, with the highlight being the Regional Landcare and Catchment Management Awards, to recognise excellence in natural resource management in the community.

Inverell area also featured in the winners’ circle, with a number of local initiatives and individuals recognised. 

Nullamanna based landholder, David Worsley claimed the Regional Innovative Primary Producer Award for his remarkable work to increase productivity and natural resource condition on the properties “Maryland” and “Severnvale”. 

Gwymac Project Manager, Anya Salmon said David runs both sheep and cattle on just over 3000ha and the award is a reflection of the 18-years of work David has put into the operation.

Gwymac Committee member, Alexandra Mason, nominated David for the award and explained that his livestock are managed under an alternate grazing system; rotationally grazed through paddocks to reduce worm burdens in the sheep. 

“The property backs onto the Kings Plains National Park, and one of his priorities is to provide shelter belts and breeding areas for native birds, animals and flora. He has tree lines extending from the Park to the main road (a distance of four kilometres), has already planted 11,000 trees with another 3000 to go in this autumn,” Alex said.

“Erosion problems and a significant salinity problem on the lease property have been overcome with David’s careful management in the relative short time.”

Shirley Handy owns ‘Five Corners’, a 240 hectare property just north of Inverell that is dedicated to conservation education, was declared as runner-up in the Individual Landcarer category while Jack Black and Max Woods who established  Macintyre Development Unit 2000 in 1974 were runners-up in the Community Group category.  

The Rotary Club of Inverell was also Highly Commended in the Urban Landcare category for their efforts to rehabilitate Northey Park in Inverell.

The Ballinger Family of Delungra was also recognised for their ongoing commitment to conservation farming and their work with Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority to improve agricultural productivity and boost ecological health. The Ballingers’ farming philosophy is to do more with less, more quickly and efficiently and with a kinder environmental impact.

Regional Landcare Facilitator, Jennie Coldham said the awards were well deserved and a reflection of the tireless work of landholders and volunteers of the region. 

Regional winners will now proceed to the State Landcare Awards, to be held in September in the Hunter Valley.