TAMWORTH’S Nell Chaffey has been announced one of 11 award winners from across Australia at the prestigious 2025 National Landcare Awards dinner on Wednesday.

Ms Chaffey, a dedicated Landcare advocate, with a profound commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, was named Women in Landcare Award winner.

Her dedication to inclusivity and sustainability in Landcare exemplifies her passion for Australian ecosystems, biodiversity, and community education.

The awards were presented by ABC TV Gardening Australia host and land care ambassador, Costa Georgiadis, in front of an audience of more than 600 guests during the National Landcare Awards Gala Dinner at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Landcare is made up of thousands of volunteers, groups and organisations across Australia with a shared vision to restore and protect the natural environment in their local community through sustainable land management and conservation activities.

The National Landcare Awards recognises the outstanding contributions of people who are caring for the environment and actively involved in sustainable agriculture activities in their local communities for the benefit of all Australians today, and for generations to come.

This year’s winners were selected from 69 finalists, including nominees for the General Jeffery Soil Health Award and the prestigious Bob Hawke Landcare Award.

Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, said selecting winners was challenging for judges, thanks to the outstanding calibre of the finalists, who have all made impactful contributions to land care.

“Each winner has demonstrated an extraordinary level of effort and commitment that stands out on a national level,” Mr Norrish said.

“I wholeheartedly believe all winners and finalists are shining examples of how community engagement, leadership and land care can come together to create a lasting legacy for environmental conservation and for sustainable agriculture.”

Nell Chaffey, from Tamworth, was named Women in Landcare Award winner at the prestigious 2025 National Landcare Awards dinner on Wednesday.

Minister for Environment and Water, Murray Watt, congratulated all winners.

“ You’ve all shown dedication to protecting and restoring our natural environment,” Mr Watt said.

“These awards are a great reminder that we can all make a difference in our local community and help protect our precious environment.

“The hard work of all Landcare volunteers to care for land and waterways across the country inspires the next generation to continue protecting our natural resources.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said Landcare represents the best of Australian communities.

“Landcare is one of the largest volunteer, grassroots movements in Australia,” she said.

“Landcare has embedded sustainability into Australian agriculture, and it provides farmers with the tools to not just manage their land, but to help nurture and restore it.

“I’m struck by the many different ways people can approach sustainable farming and it’s fantastic to see the National Landcare Awards recognise this innovation, leadership and passion for caring for the country. I congratulate this year’s winners,” she said.

2025 National Landcare Award winners

Bob Hawke Landcare Award: Holbrook Landcare Network, New South Wales

General Jeffery Soil Health Award: Dr Susan Orgill, Australian Capital Territory

Australian Government Climate Innovation Award: Grant and Carly Burnham, Queensland

Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award: Leather Cattle Co, Queensland

Australian Government Individual Land carer Award: Vivienne Briggs, Tasmania

Australian Government Community Partnerships Landcare Award: Merri Creek Management Committee, Victoria

Greyhound Coastcare Award: Kingston Beach Coastcare, Tasmania

First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award: Dampier Peninsula Fire Working Group, Western Australia

Women in Landcare Award: Nell Chaffey, New South Wales

NextGen Landcare Award: Bryce Watts-Parker, Victoria

Junior Landcare Award: Tavish Bloom, Victoria