Tamworth local wins National Women in Landcare Award

Tamworth local, Nell Chaffey, has taken out this year’s Women in Landcare Award.

Nell is a dedicated Landcare advocate, embodying a profound commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, starting her journey four decades ago.

“Nell’s dedication to inclusivity and sustainability in Landcare exemplifies her passion for Australian ecosystems, biodiversity, and community education. Her proactive approach to promoting sustainable Landcare initiatives reflects her strong commitment to responsible resource use. Nell’s efforts benefit her farm and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices for the betterment of the environment.” said Landcare Australia.

Nell was one of eleven highly deserving and exceptional landcare award winners from across Australia who were crowned at the prestigious 2025 National Landcare Awards dinner.

Landcare is made up of thousands of volunteers, groups and organisations across Australia with a shared vision to restore and protect the natural environment in their local community through sustainable land management and conservation activities. The National Landcare Awards recognises the outstanding contributions of people who are caring for the environment and actively involved in sustainable agriculture activities in their local communities for the benefit of all Australians today, and for generations to come.

This year’s champions were selected from 69 finalists, including nominees for the General Jeffery Soil Health Award and the prestigious Bob Hawke Landcare Award.

“It was challenging for the awards judges to select a winner thanks to the outstanding calibre of the finalists, who have all made impactful contributions to landcare. Each winner has demonstrated an extraordinary level of effort and commitment that stands out on a national level. I wholeheartedly believe all winners and finalists are shining examples of how community engagement, leadership and landcare can come together to create a lasting legacy for environmental conservation and for sustainable agriculture.” said Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish.

Full list of 2025 National Landcare Award winners:

Bob Hawke Landcare Award: Holbrook Landcare Network, NSW
General Jeffery Soil Health Award: Dr Susan Orgill, ACT
Australian Government Climate Innovation Award: Grant and Carly Burnham, QLD
Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award: Leather Cattle Co, QLD
Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award: Vivienne Briggs, TAS
Australian Government Community Partnerships Landcare Award: Merri Creek Management Committee, VIC
Greyhound Coastcare Award: Kingston Beach Coastcare, TAS
First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award: Dampier Peninsula Fire Working Group, WA
Women in Landcare Award: Nell Chaffey, NSW
NextGen Landcare Award: Bryce Watts-Parker, VIC
Junior Landcare Award: Tavish Bloom, VIC