BLOG: Central Australian excellence recognised at awards
People and projects dedicated to looking after the Central Australian environment were recognised at the NT Landcare Awards and NT Natural Resource Management Awards this week at an Awards Gala Dinner on 11 November, a highlight of the Territory Natural Resource Management Conference at the Darwin Waterfront from the 10-12 November 2015. Territory Natural Resource Management Chief Executive Officer Karen May said the awards were an important way to recognise the efforts of people in the community who were often the quietest achievers.
“We know there is a lot of great work and projects being done across the Northern Territory with people caring for our environment, and we want to hear their stories,” Karen said. “Our winners receive great recognition from the community and their peers, while teaching us the best practice in natural resource management.”
The winners from Central Australia included:
NT Landcare Awards
Australian Government Individual Landcarer – Peter Latz
Peter Latz is an eminent botanist, author and landcarer. His love of plants developed as a child growing up in an Aboriginal community and speaking Western Arunda. His book ‘Bushfires and Bushtucker’ is a classic Australian text that will be in demand for generations.
Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practices – Steve and Rebecca Cadzow, Mt Riddock Station
Steve and Rebecca Cadzow are committed to growing quality chemical-free, environmentally sustainable beef on their family owned NT property, Mt Riddock Station. The Cadzows were among the first to adopt rotational grazing in the arid zone and have worked closely with researchers to test its potential in this landscape context.
NT Natural Resource Management Awards
Best Urban Group – Jen Kreusser, Land for Wildlife – Garden for Wildlife Alice Springs
The programs support landholders and residents to create biodiverse habitats on their private properties, and to develop corridors and patches of viable wildlife habitat in built-up areas.
Indigenous Champion – Christine Ellis, Central Land Council Nyirripi Ranger Group
Christine Ellis is an Indigenous ranger from Nyirripi Community who has made an outstanding contribution to threatened species recovery and feral cat control in the Tanami Desert of the Northern Territory.
Agricultural Champion – Tony Freshwater, Indigenous Pastoral Program
The program works together for sustainable natural resource management and profitable Aboriginal pastoral business outcomes across 34 000 square kilometres of Indigenous held land.
