The Newham & District Landcare Group’s work to protect the distinctive environment of the Macedon Ranges has been recognised, with the volunteer organisation winning the top prize at the 2021 Victorian Landcare Awards.
Newham Landcare was named the the winner of the Landcare Community Group Award at an award ceremony held late last month, with a Landcare Victoria spokesperson commending the organisation’s commitment to “improving sustainable land use and/or undertaking on-ground action to protect, enhance or restore the natural values of an area on behalf of the community”.
In April, Newham Landcare released a video explaining their efforts in developing the habitat across the Cobaw Biolink.
The video documents restoration work that has been ongoing between Macedon Regional Park and the Cobaw Ranges, to ensure dispersal of native flora and fauna across the area.
The project has been ongoing since 2018, with support from Macedon Ranges council to protect threatened species in the area.
Newham Landcare secretary Helen Scott said the organisation had come on leaps and bounds since its formation in 2004.
“We started off with 20 people, now we’re at 120 families,” Ms Scott said.
“I’m halfway between Woodend and Newham. When I moved up here it was Newham that really interested me, and it’s been a really steep learning curve.”
Oliver Lees
