A huge congratulations to all our incredible volunteers and community members who were nominated for our Annual Awards this year. We thank them for their time, energy and passion in caring for our local environment.
A special congratulations to our Award Winners whose commitment to protecting and restoring the natural environment truly inspire us all.
John Wackett – Eileen Moody Memorial Individual Landcare Award winner
John is honoured for his outstanding and enduring contribution to bush regeneration in the Arrawarra area. As founder of Mullaway North Landcare, his quiet leadership and tireless work have restored coastal vegetation and inspired community-led conservation for over two decades.
Green Bluff Landcare – Dee Wallace Memorial Volunteer Group Award winner. Green Bluff Landcare is recognised for their long-term commitment to restoring a site of ecological and cultural significance. Despite major access challenges, their perseverance has led to the recovery of endangered ecosystems and strengthened partnerships across the region.
Nick Lambert – Pia Dollmann Conservation and Sustainability Community Award Nick is celebrated
for his exceptional work in biodiversity monitoring and citizen science. With over 177,000 iNaturalist records, his research, mentoring, and community engagement through the annual Great Southern Bioblitz have positioned Coffs Harbour as a globally recognised biodiversity and citizen science hotspot.
for his exceptional work in biodiversity monitoring and citizen science. With over 177,000 iNaturalist records, his research, mentoring, and community engagement through the annual Great Southern Bioblitz have positioned Coffs Harbour as a globally recognised biodiversity and citizen science hotspot.As part of our 2025 Annual Awards, two outstanding volunteers were honoured with Life Membership for their long-term and significant contributions to Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare.
Barry Powells has guided CHRL through major transitions as President for 10 years, as Site Coordinator led ecological restoration at Sawtell Dunecare and Boambee Headland and fostered strong community partnerships. His leadership and hands-on dedication have left a lasting legacy.
Larry Langman has been a passionate advocate for Landcare for over 20 years, serving on the Executive Committee and representing Landcare at all levels. His strategic insight, commitment to record-keeping, and community engagement have helped shape the organisation.We thank Barry and Larry for their exceptional service and celebrate their well-deserved recognition as CHRL Life Members.
View our Awards Brochure 2025 for a summary of all of our nominees and their achievements
A big thankyou to Mayor Nikki Williams – Coffs Harbour and Cr Jonathan Cassell for attending and presenting the Awards.
