A WIMMERA Landcare group has been recognised for its effort in the 2019 Victorian Landcare awards.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Jallukar Landcare Group won the Environmental Volunteer Award at a ceremony at Government House earlier this month.
Project Platypus local Landcare facillitator Andrea Mitchell said the Jallukar Landcare Group was an exemplary model of a Landcare group.
"Vision, dedication and the caring ethic of Jallukar Landcare Group has ensured their success," she said.
"It is truly a team effort."
Jallukar Landcare Group's area covers the Mt William catchment.
It extends from the Jallukar forest from the south, Mt Drummond and Lake Lonsdale to the north, Pomonal and surrounds to the west and to the foothills of the Black Range to the east.
Ms Mitchell said the Jallukar Landcare Group was an active and enthusiastic collective that had been operating for 24 years.
It is one of 11 Landcare groups under the Project Platypus network.
"Re-vegetation has been a priority for the group, with a major project undertaken to plant corridors of trees that link the Grampians to the Pyrenees," Ms Mitchell said.
"The group has also tackled rabbit baiting, weed control and advocacy for their local environment."
Recently, the group has started a new project, the Jallukar Native Grasslands Project, which aims to save areas of native grasslands.
Indigenous seed is grown in the group's nursery with targeted plant species.
The aim is to grow the seedlings in seed production areas and harvest the seed for native grasslands projects.
Ms Mitchell said the restoration of native grasslands through building community capacity had rejuvenated the group and galvanised its members.
"There is a deep commitment to the value of local flora and fauna within the group, which is dynamic, social and increasing in membership," she said.
Group chairwoman Glenda Lewin said the project had really brought people together.
"It's such a positive story," she said.
"The project is all about doing something active for the environment and it sparks joy for all involved."