Hunter-Central Rivers Champions of the Catchments Awards 2009

In 2007 the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA) in partnership with the Hunter Region Landcare Network (HRLN) held the inaugural Hunter-Central Rivers Champions of the Catchments Awards. The awards recognised achievements across the full spectrum of the community, with categories for community groups, local government, primary producers, Aboriginal communities, and schools. Our regional winners progressed to the 2007 State Landcare Awards at Tamworth and some even went as far as the 2008 National Landcare Awards, where Wyong Creek Public School took out the Peoples' Choice Award.

In 2009 the CMA and HRLN are again in search of dedicated groups and individuals who have a passion for sustainable natural resource management to share their stories and be recognised as Champions of the Catchments. Individuals, groups, Aboriginal communities, schools, local governments, organisations, companies and primary producers in the Hunter-Central Rivers region, who are contributing to the health of our catchments, are invited to showcase their achievements and get some well-earned recognition.

Champions can nominate in one or more of the ten awards categories, and groups or individuals can also be nominated via a third party, although written permission must be provided from the nominee.

How do I enter?

This year the CMA and HRLN are asking nominees to tell their story and nominate for the awards using a new digital storytelling program called PlaceStories. PlaceStories is a software tool that allows people to tell their own stories in their own way, while having some fun and learning new skills at the same time. Free training on PlaceStories is being provided throughout the awards process, download the brochure for dates and details on booking your place.

Why should I enter?

Apart from the $1000 prize money on offer in each of the ten categories, nominees have the chance to showcase their projects and share their ideas with others.

How will the winners be judged?

Each category will be judged on specific criteria by a panel representing the CMA Board, Landcare and the HRLN and the community. It is expected that the judges will shortlist finalists for the awards and may need to inspect some projects sites.

When will the winners be announced?

Nominations close on Friday 1 May 2009 and the winners will be announced at the 2009 Hunter Region Landcare Forum on Saturday 30 May 2009 at Tocal Agricultural Centre, where all of the projects nominating for the awards will be showcased.

If you'd like to nominate for the awards or you know a champion who deserves some recognition, please read the 2009 Champions of the Catchments brochure for an outline of the awards categories and criteria. You can also download a print-friendly Nomination Form.

To book your place for the free PlaceStories training (see dates and locations below), please contact the CMA's Community Engagement Facilitator John Wilson on 4930 1030.

Tocal : Tuesday 17 March 2009
Taree : Wednesday 18 March 2009
Muswellbrook : Thursday 19 March 2009
Gosford : Friday 20 March 2009

For further information or assistance in nominating for the awards please contact Liane Corocher or Phoebe Trongchittham at the CMA's Tocal office on 4930 1030.

The Koora Gang volunteers are working to extend the remnants of rainforest and riparian vegetation that once flourished on non-tidal areas of Kooragang Wetlands in the Hunter Estuary.	Wyong Creek Public School were deserved winners of the 2008 National Landcare Peoples' Choice Award.