Thousands of ACT community environment volunteers will be celebrated for their efforts to improve and maintain environmental assets, as part of the annual Landcare Week, 3-9 August.
More than 60 Landcare groups are active in the ACT, contributing volunteered hours and working collaboratively with the ACT Government to promote sustainable agriculture and maintain local green spaces.
Landcare ACT CEO Karissa Preuss said the annual Landcare Week was a time for reflection on the work done by the not-for-profit organisation and the volunteers behind it.
“It’s a time to stop and look back at what’s been achieved and where we want to go moving forward,” she said.
“Particularly this year, the role of nature is being highlighted not just for the environmental aspects but for people’s health and wellbeing.
“Because of that, it’s important to recognise the part the Landcarers play in protecting that environment and celebrating that.”
While COVID-19 has halted any event plans to celebrate the work of the organisation and its volunteers, it will be running a media campaign to raise awareness about the work Landcarers do.
Annually, the ACT community Landcare movement gives over $2 million worth of volunteer hours across urban, Aboriginal, and junior Landcare groups.
Ms Preuss said there were many benefits for those looking to be part of an organisation with a range of different volunteers.
“Landcare has an environmental benefit, but it has health and wellbeing aspects for people who are involved – we hear a lot of talk about the social connectedness,” she said.
“We have volunteers who are full-time workers looking to get out on the weekends, or people who are recently retired looking for a social connection and to give back.”
Those looking to get involved with the organisation are encouraged to contact either Ginninderra or South ACT Catchment Groups, or Molonglo Conservation Group.
Ms Preuss hoped this year’s Landcare Week would highlight the amazing work of the ACT residents involved.
“Get that voice and this message out, there is a lot of green space in Canberra and these community volunteers are responsible for taking care of a lot of that,” she said.
