Welcoming our new citizens and celebrating community excellence

Awarded to a group or individual who has made a significant contribution in the areas of promoting healthy lifestyles for all ages and abilities, such as supporting mental health, recreation, community safety or arts and culture. It also includes protection of the natural environment such as biodiversity, climate change and waste reduction.

Woodend Landcare Inc and its predecessor ‘Friends of Five Mile Creek’ have been active in the community for nearly 30 years, holding regular working bees and planting days along the creek.

The group also works in other areas around Woodend including Slatey Creek Reserve and various railway reserves, and with Council, North Central Catchment Management Authority and local community groups and schools.

Woodend Landcare aims to restore areas that have been degraded by introduced weeds and to preserve and enhance areas of indigenous vegetation. A key focus has also been on ensuring the survival of Woodend’s unique local tree, the Black Gum (Eucalyptus aggregata).

To date, volunteers of the group have planted over 30,000 native trees, shrubs and ground covers to enhance Woodend’s environs and improve diversity.

Landcare also supports a shire-wide Indian Myna trapping project and performs ‘Waterwatch’ to monitor water quality in Five Mile Creek. In 2023, the group oversaw the construction of a new pedestrian bridge over the creek, thanks to a bequest from ex-President, Jo Clancy.