West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (the CMA) is delighted to announce five dedicated groups and individuals as winners of the 2024 Lyrebird Awards as Bass Coast Landcare Network, Bryan Watterson, Kate Mirams and Peter Neaves, Gippsland Intrepid Landcare and John Topp Gippsland Indigenous Plants at a special gathering at Narkoojee Winery on Monday 25 November 2024.

The award ceremony was kicked off by Minister for Water, the Hon Harriet Shing MP who gave a video address to the gathered Board and community members noting that lyrebirds represent hope that the work being done for waterways will secure their return.

“These awards are for community and partners who have gone above and beyond in their work and initiatives across the region. They represent, and are illustrative, of the ways CMAs intrinsically operate – together, in partnership with local communities, partners and the mighty movement of Landcare,” said Minister Shing.

Board Chair, Mikaela Power and CEO, Martin Fuller then presented the five awards noting why each recipient was a standout in West Gippsland for their contribution to caring for catchments. Moving from west to east across the catchment, the winners all have demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership to protect and restore their patch in West Gippsland – often over many years.

Bass Coast Landcare Network

• Planting over 5 million trees since the network began in 2004, Bass Coast Landcare Network is unique to Landcare in Victoria having an invasive species team, works crew and nursery producing 160,000 plants each year and hold 30 community planting days per year.
• Planting over 5 million trees since the network began in 2004, Bass Coast Landcare Network is unique to Landcare in Victoria having an invasive species team, works crew and nursery producing 160,000 plants each year and hold 30 community planting days per year.

Bryan Watterson – Corner Inlet Landcare

• The CMA recently achieved a first milestone by removing willows from the entire length of the Agnes River and fencing and planting over 98% along its length. Bryan was one of the key community champions of this – planting extensively on his own property and inspiring others to do the same.
• He has supervised the planting of 70,000 trees on his own property alone and inspired many neighbours and landholders to get on-board, leading to hundreds of thousands of trees planted in Gullies of the Strzelecki Ranges.

Gippsland Intrepid Landcare

• The new generation of Landcare volunteers. Formed in 2017, the group is aimed at young people wanting to protect the region’s environment while having epic adventures across Gippsland.
• They organise activities that combine fun and friendship with environmental work such as kayaking, hiking, mountain bike riding and their hugely successful Plant & Dance events and support Landcare groups and networks across the region, helping them connect young people to Landcare.

Kate Mirams and Peter Neaves

• From their dairy farm in Newry, Kate and Peter have been role models for change, most recently with trials of regenerative/sustainable agricultural practices and building a community of practice to keep nutrients on farm and out of waterways and the Gippsland Lakes.
• They are relentless and passionate about soil health and biodiversity, all while working a profitable farming enterprise and mindful of the wellbeing of animals.
• More importantly, they have invited, and reach out to, the community along on their journey.

John Topp – Gippsland Indigenous Plants

• Native plant guru and nurseryman John Topp has been sharing his love and knowledge of native plants and conservation for over 50 years.
• John owned and operated Gippsland Indigenous Plants, a specialist native plant nursery in Valencia Creek that supplied over 130 different species of local plants primarily to Landcare and the CMA.
• Although now retired, his legacy and contribution continues through his involvement with the Maffra and District Landcare Network.

Your can read more about all of the winners in these case studies.