THE Wodonga Urban Landcare Network (WULN) has been recognized for its outstanding achievements in community-based environmental stewardship, being highly commended in the prestigious Australian Government Community Partnerships Landcare Award.
The award was presented as part of the 2024 Victorian Landcare Awards held at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on July 18.
Formed in 2012, WULN has rapidly grown to encompass 16 member groups, inspiring 955 volunteers who contributed over 18,600 hours to on-ground works in the past two years alone.
The network's innovative approach to urban landcare has been instrumental in mitigating the environmental pressures faced by Wodonga, one of Victoria's fastest-growing regional municipalities.
Key achievements include:
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1. Leading the development and implementation of the Wodonga Regional Waterways Action Plan, the first municipal-wide waterways planning process led by a community group.
2. Facilitating diverse educational and on-ground activities, reaching nearly 7,000 community members through 128 events in two years.
3. Implementing the successful Healthy Hectares program, educating 130 lifestyle farmers on sustainable land management practices.
4. Spearheading citizen science initiatives, engaging over 450 participants in monitoring endangered species like Sloane's Froglet.
5. Partnering with local schools to integrate environmental volunteering into curricula and establish junior Landcare activities.
WULN's President Julie Hind said, "This recognition at the Victorian Landcare Awards honors the collective efforts of our member groups, volunteers, staff, and partners.
"Our strong collaborative partnerships, particularly with Wodonga Council and North East Catchment Management Authority, have been crucial to our success.
"Together, we're proud to be changing the environmental face of Wodonga by connecting people and landscapes through these powerful partnerships and community engagement."
The commendation acknowledges WULN's leadership in fostering collaboration between community groups, local authorities, and key stakeholders, resulting in tangible environmental, social, and economic benefits for the Wodonga community.
The North East region was well represented at the awards, with several other nominees and commendations:
- Sally Day from Ovens Landcare Network
- Annaleigh Thurtell from Indigo Creek Landcare
- Doris Razeng from Mitta to Murray Landcare
- Rowan Wallace, commended in the Joan Kirner Landcare Award
- Warby Range Landcare Group Inc. and Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation, commended in the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award
This strong showing highlights the dedication and impact of Landcare efforts across the North East region.
