Erika Heffer, from Ricegrowers Association of Australia, was a recipient of the Champion Award in the Young Landcare Leadership category at the NSW Landcare Awards last week.
The Austcover Young Landcare Leadership Award acknowledges an individual who promotes excellence in Landcare through on-ground projects and encourages the wider community to engage and participate in managing the environment and natural resources in their local area.
Erika said she was thrilled to receive the award and represent her region at the awards night.
“My greatest passion as a Landcarer is to bring people together to deliver real outcomes for the groups they belong to and the local community,” Erika says.
“I have loved raising awareness for agriculture, Landcare and volunteering. Whether it’s for my faith, an Agricultural Show, a Landcare Group, or even the Deni Ute Muster, I am surrounded by passionate volunteers and that’s what makes my community a great place to live.”
Erika said the support of her mentors have been instrumental in building her career and her on-the-ground projects in her community.
“I have sought out mentors and like-minded people to help me grow and to achieve projects that couldn’t be achieved without collaboration.”
“Neil Bull from the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia, John Fowler from the Murray Local Land Services, Edwina Hayes from Regional Development Australia Murray, Lynne Strong from Picture you in Agriculture, and Senator Perin Davey have all been great mentors and friends.”
CEO of Landcare NSW, Dr Adrian Zammit, congratulated Erika on her efforts saying the awards were a chance for each Landcare region and group to share the stories and successes from across the state to their fellow Landcarers.
“Erika has done a fantastic job in supporting her local community both in her role as Local Landcare Coordinator and her work with the Ricegrowers Association of Australia.”
“On behalf of the Landcare NSW community, I congratulate Erika for her win and her passion and enthusiasm to support the Landcare movement.
“Landcare is about communities and individuals working together to create positive outcomes for the environment and the agricultural landscapes across NSW, and the NSW Landcare Awards acknowledge the incredible contribution that all our communities make. It has never been more important that we continue to support and recognise the dedication and commitment of our Landcarers and their tremendous efforts,” said Dr Zammit.
IMAGE: Neil Bull, RGA Environment Manager and Erika Heffer Local Landcare Coordinator representing The Ricegrowers' Association of Australia Environmental Champions Program at the NSW Landcare Awards.