“It’s the first award like this that we have ever won collectively as a group and it’s really nice to be recognised for the work that we do. And ultimately, that kind of recognition is important because it gives our group inspiration to keep growing and developing.” – Jarryd Minihan, Chair of Gippsland Intrepid Landcare

Gippsland Intrepid Landcare is a leader in getting young people aged 18- 35 years old volunteering to protect the Gippsland environment. In just over two years since formation in July 2017, the volunteer committee has already run 10 events, attracting over 300 young volunteers. These events have made a significant impact on a range of Gippsland’s environment either directly (through on-ground works such as tree planting or weed control) or indirectly (through creating greater awareness of the environment and the work Landcare is doing.)

Highlights of events include: planting around 10,000 trees over two years on one property in the Bass Coast hills of Woolamai; kayaking along an inaccessible part of the Thomson River to map out invasive Willow Trees for later management and control; removing over 34 kgs of marine debris off a Phillip Island Beach; mountain bike riding the Colquhoun Regional Park while mapping noxious weeds for DELWP and holding an environmental film night and photo competition to inform and inspire young people to take action for our environment.