Agriculture Kangaroo Island, Victor Harbor Coastcare and Ngarrindjeri leader and environmentalist Mark Koolmatrie were all winners in the 2021 SA Landcare Awards announced last Thursday.

The winners received a trophy and a $1000 prize and will represent South Australia at the National Landcare Awards.

Mark Koolmatrie won the Indigenous Land Management Award for engaging Aboriginal people and landholders in a process of re-learning about Aboriginal values and land management practices in the management of aquatic ecosystems in the Ngarrindjeri nation, especially Fleurieu Peninsula Swamps.

Agriculture Kangaroo Island won the Landcare Farming Award for their work in helping the island’s farming community to be both sustainable and profitable.  Their aim is to promote best practice through education, research and demonstration.

The group has focused on creating and delivering programs which improve soil health, target invasive plants and animals, and improve land management practices.

Victor Harbor Coastcare won the Coastcare Award for their active work between the Bluff reserve to the Hayborough Dunes.

They have worked tirelessly to control target weeds and improve biodiversity, improving boardwalks and fencing, holding annual Clean Up Australia Day working bees, developing directional and interpretive signage, monthly monitoring of sand movement and raising awareness about coastal issues in the community.