Landcare brought farmers and conservationists together 30 years ago - and now the movement is looking to attract new volunteers to help care for the environment.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sophie Taylor-Price, whose grandfather Bob Hawke was instrumental as prime minister in making Landcare a national program, said its 30th anniversary was a moment to acknowledge its success.
"On this day, 30 years ago, my grandfather asked the community to join together in tackling environmental challenges," Ms Taylor-Price said.
Landcare had grown into a movement of more than 6000 groups and hundreds of thousands of volunteers across rural and urban Australia, she said.
The national not-for profit aims to help resolve environment issues and has helped establish projects including natural habitat restoration, helping enhance biodiversity and Australian food and farming systems.
"Pop was so proud to be a part of Landcare - he called it a great Australian success story," Ms Taylor-Price said.
Ms Taylor-Price said it was important to ensure the strong volunteer base endured and a plan to attract young people to the movement was maintained.
Landcare chief executive Shane Norrish said the organisation brought young and old people together.
"It only takes a small number of people to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty but their work captures and motivates others to be a part of that process," Dr Norrish said.
Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie said Landcare, launched on July 20, 1989, had played a part in developing Australian farmers' reputations as sustainable land managers.
Australian Associated Press