Entries open for Bob Hawke Landcare Award (Australia)

Deadline: 31-Jan-2027

The 2027 Bob Hawke Landcare Award recognises an individual, community-led group, or Australian-owned not-for-profit organisation that has demonstrated outstanding leadership in landcare, sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and community action. The award celebrates people and organisations that inspire others to protect natural resources, conserve biodiversity, restore landscapes, and adopt sustainable farming practices. The winner will receive $30,000 to support a landcare project, along with a travel package to attend the National Landcare Awards gala dinner in Adelaide. Self-nominations are not accepted, and nominations must be submitted by a third party. What Is the Bob Hawke Landcare Award? The Bob Hawke Landcare Award recognises individuals, groups, and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to landcare and sustainable land management in Australia. The award highlights the importance of community-led environmental action and recognises leaders who encourage others to take practical steps to care for their properties, local environments, and communities. It celebrates people who have gone beyond their own landcare activities by inspiring, mentoring, and supporting others to adopt better environmental and agricultural practices. Purpose of the Award The award aims to recognise leadership and innovation in addressing environmental challenges through landcare and sustainable agriculture. It specifically highlights individuals and organisations that have: - Championed landcare within their community. - Inspired others to take action for the environment. - Developed or guided innovative farming systems. - Encouraged sustainable agricultural practices. - Mentored others in landcare and natural resource management. - Promoted biodiversity conservation. - Supported restoration and protection of natural resources. - Demonstrated strong environmental and community leadership. The award reflects the importance of practical, community-driven approaches to sustainable land management. What Does the Award Recognise? The Bob Hawke Landcare Award focuses on nominees who demonstrate a strong and sustained commitment to environmental stewardship. Nominees should show how their work has contributed to positive environmental and community outcomes. Recognition may include achievements in areas such as: - Sustainable agriculture. - Natural resource management. - Land restoration. - Biodiversity conservation. - Environmental stewardship. - Community-based landcare. - Innovative farming systems. - Environmental education and mentoring. - Encouraging other landholders to adopt sustainable practices. The strongest nominations are expected to demonstrate not only individual achievement but also the nominee’s ability to influence and inspire others. 2027 Bob Hawke Landcare Award Prize The winner of the 2027 Bob Hawke Landcare Award will receive: - $30,000 in funding to support a landcare project. - A travel package to attend the National Landcare Awards gala dinner in Adelaide. The $30,000 funding is intended to help the recipient continue or expand their work in sustainable land management and community engagement. The award therefore provides both recognition and practical financial support for future landcare activities. How the Award Funding Can Be Used The $30,000 prize is intended to support a landcare project undertaken by the award recipient. The funding can help the winner further their work in areas connected with: - Sustainable land management. - Environmental restoration. - Natural resource protection. - Biodiversity conservation. - Sustainable agriculture. - Community engagement. - Landcare education and leadership. Applicants and nominators should clearly demonstrate how the recipient’s future project will build on their existing contribution to landcare and environmental outcomes. Who Can Be Nominated?

Eligible nominees include:

- Australian citizens. - Community-led groups. - Australian-owned not-for-profit organisations. Nominees must be actively involved in landcare and sustainable agriculture and demonstrate meaningful leadership in their field or community. They should also show a strong commitment to environmental protection and positive community outcomes. Key Eligibility Requirements To be considered for the award, nominees should demonstrate: - Leadership in landcare or sustainable agriculture. - Innovation in environmental or natural resource management. - A strong commitment to environmental stewardship. - Contributions to biodiversity conservation. - Work supporting restoration or protection of natural resources. - The ability to inspire or mentor others. - Positive environmental and community outcomes. - Active engagement in landcare and sustainable agriculture. The award is intended for nominees whose work has created a meaningful impact beyond their own individual activities. Third-Party Nominations Required The Bob Hawke Landcare Award requires nominations to be submitted by a third party. Self-nominations are not accepted. This means an individual cannot nominate themselves for the award. Instead, another person, group, or eligible party must put forward the nominee and demonstrate why their landcare achievements deserve recognition. Nominators should provide clear evidence of the nominee’s leadership, innovation, environmental contribution, and ability to inspire others. What Makes a Strong Nomination? A strong nomination should clearly explain what makes the individual, group, or organisation an exceptional landcare leader.

Nominators should consider highlighting:

- Specific landcare achievements. - Innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture. - Evidence of environmental improvement. - Contributions to biodiversity conservation. - Examples of natural resource restoration or protection. - Community leadership and engagement. - Mentoring or support provided to other landholders. - Evidence that the nominee has inspire