BCLN at the Victorian Landcare Awards

​It was a chilly start last Friday 1st of September when an excited bus load of Landcare staff, Councilors, Bass Coast Shire Council Staff and Landcare members gathered in Bass to take a bus trip to Government House in Melbourne for the Victorian Landcare Awards Ceremony.

​The conversations were constant all the way to Melbourne and continued as we arrived. We had a chance to chat with people from all over Victoria who had come together to share stories and celebrate achievements in partnerships, innovation, education and passion for the Landcare cause.
There were over 85 nominations for the 14 award categories and the nominations from Bass Coast included:

• Bass Coast Shire Council in the Partnerships Category
• Three Creeks Landcare Group in the Landcare Community Group Category
• The Environmental Detectives Schools Program Team in the Junior Landcare Team Category
• Bimbadeen Farm in the Innovations in Agricultural Land Management Category
• Derek Snowden of the Bass Coast Landcare Network Works Crew Team Leader for Young Landcare Leader Category
• Daryl and Marg Hook in the Excellence in Sustainable Farm Practices Category.

The ceremony began and we heard the stories of the award winners in 14 categories, inspiring people, groups, schools and organisations, a testament to the hard work and commitment of Victorian Landcarers.
Bass Coast was lucky to walk away with two awards, Three Creeks Landcare Group received a Highly-Commended award for the Landcare Community Group Category and The Environmental Detectives Team received a Commended award in the Junior Landcare Team Category. Well done to all involved.
After the ceremony, we had a chance to look around the grand surrounds of government house, including the great dining room, opulent sitting rooms and the billiards room, all full of beautiful antiques and ornate finishes.
A great day was had by all and we were all so humbled to be considered for awards amongst such inspiring, hardworking and passionate people. 

​3 Creeks Landcare Group Highly commended for the Fairfax Media Landcare Community Group Award. L-R Warren Thompson, Nick Sibly, Anna Mahagony, Roger Lee and Ben Mahagony.

​Environmental Detectives Program Team with their Commended Award Certificate in the Junior Landcare Team Category. L-R Lauren Carey, External Communications Manager ENGIE (Program sponsor), Rosie Scott-Thompson, Education Officer, Peter Baird, Education Officer, Lisa Wangman, Education and Training Team Leader, Nicky De Gruchy-Baird, Audio Visual Consultant.