What’s happening?
The 2025 National Landcare Awards have crowned Australia’s top climate, agriculture, and environment champions. Eleven winners were announced during a national ceremony hosted by ABC TV Gardening Australia presenter Costa Georgiadis at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, in front of more than 600 guests.
Why it matters
Landcare is one of Australia’s largest grassroots volunteer movements, with thousands of groups dedicated to restoring and protecting the environment and supporting sustainable agriculture. The awards highlight the efforts of individuals and organisations making a difference to land, water, and farming practices across the country.
Local impact
Queensland secured two major awards:
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Grant and Carly Burnham, ecological and organic beef producers at Bonnie Doone west of Monto in the North Burnett, won the Australian Government Climate Innovation Award. The Burnhams are recognised leaders in ecological agriculture and soil carbon sequestration, regularly invited to share their experiences.
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Leather Cattle Co, a family business operating since 1988 across 17,500 hectares in Central Queensland, received the Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award. The company prioritises sustainable beef production, food security, and climate action while protecting and nurturing the land.
By the numbers
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11 winners were recognised nationally.
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69 finalists competed across categories.
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600 guests attended the gala event on the Gold Coast.
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17,500 hectares are managed by Leather Cattle Co across three Central Queensland properties.
Zoom in
The Burnham family, with their four children, have built their ecological beef enterprise in the North Burnett. Their award reflects leadership in ecological agriculture and a commitment to soil health. Leather Cattle Co’s recognition reflects decades of sustainable beef production in Central Queensland, ensuring protein supply while managing land responsibly.
Zoom out
Winners came from across the country, showcasing diverse contributions. Holbrook Landcare Network (NSW) took the Bob Hawke Landcare Award. Dr Susan Orgill (ACT) received the General Jeffery Soil Health Award. Other winners included Vivienne Briggs (TAS), Merri Creek Management Committee (VIC), Kingston Beach Coastcare (TAS), Dampier Peninsula Fire Working Group (WA), Nell Chaffey (NSW), Bryce Watts-Parker (VIC), and Tavish Bloom (VIC).
What to look for next
Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish said all winners “are shining examples of how community engagement, leadership and landcare can come together to create a lasting legacy.” Minister for Environment and Water, Senator Murray Watt, and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, also congratulated winners and praised their commitment to protecting the environment and embedding sustainability in agriculture.
