WED Fest wins QLD Landcare Award

World Environment Day Festival 2021 has won the Partnerships for Landcare Award in the 2021 QLD Landcare Awards held on Saturday 19th Feb. 

The Sunshine Coast Environment Council's signature event, World Environment Day Festival was reimagined in 2021 to a month long program of events and activities with 22 event partners and 43 events showcasing ecosystem restoration projects throughout the region. 

"We are truly honored to win this award that recognises the strong relationships and partnerships that were developed as part of the festival development and highlights the innovation and dedication of the team behind the events that provided opportunities to actively restore diverse ecosystems" says Natalie Frost, World Environment Day Festival Coordinator

"The work that our Landcare volunteers undertake in their communities and for our environment is truly inspiring", says Mary-Lou Gittins, Chair of
Queensland Water and Land Carers. “We congratulate all the nominees who have achieved great change – some in only 3 years and others who have been dedicated to their regions for over 40 years. There were participants from kindergartens to octogenarians. You are an inspiration to Qld and have set the benchmark for community action in this country.”

“As the state representative body for Landcare, Conservation, Environment and other community groups in Queensland, QWaLC has proudly been involved with this event since 2003. We hold the QLD Landcare Awards once every two years to pay tribute to our outstanding volunteers who have donated many thousands of hours of their time to protect our natural resources.

“Landcare is more than just planting trees – it encompasses projects that create partnerships between communities, businesses and agencies; creates opportunities for Traditional Owners to protect their lands and increase their skill base; uses creativity, art and social events to bring people together; protects endangered and vulnerable species and ecosystems; engages with our younger communities through schools and universities; promotes an ethos that agriculture can coexist in balance with the natural environment; and mostly is just good fun to be a part of,’ Ms Gittins said.

The Landcare Awards support the sharing of knowledge and achievements while promoting leadership and resilience in communities. The Landcare Awards are proudly supported by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, Australian Community Media, KPMG Australia, Steadfast and Woolworths.