The Wheatbelt Integrity Group of Newdegate has won the LandCorp Sustainability Award at the 2016 Regional Achievement and Community Awards, held recently.
Member for Wagin Terry Waldron MLA commended the Newdegate group on their win, saying it was a great accomplishment.
“Well done to the team at Newdegate! This is a real honour as only a select few are chosen as recipients at these annual awards,” Mr Waldron said.
Mr Waldron said the achievement awards celebrated regional Western Australia’s high achievers and community contributors.
“These important awards recognise locally driven projects and activities that help ensure regional communities continue to thrive and develop,” Mr Waldron said.
“It is imperative to acknowledge those who inspire us with their leadership and dedication, and celebrate the contribution they make to the sustainability of our regional economies and communities.”
The winning project details include –
LandCorp Sustainability Award – The Wheatbelt Integrity Group of Newdegate isaddressing the reducing number of Wheatbelt farmers due to debt. They raise awareness of the high suicide rate in regional areas. They also promote the transition from a chemical farming system to a biological one. The long-term benefits of changing technology will drastically reduce the costs for farmers and will restore soil health and reduce emissions. By promoting sustainable farming and sharing knowledge, Wheatbelt Integrity Group hopes to restore the Wheatbelt farming industry.
Nationals WA candidate for Roe Peter Rundle said the project was highly significant given the difficulties some farming families were facing due to economic hardships and “trying times”.
“As a Wheatbelt farmer and local businessman, I am acutely aware of the positive impact a program like this has on farming families and their communities. This is an innovative and far-reaching project that has the potential to positively affect many people and the industry, throughout the region,” Mr Rundle said.
Category Winners each received a trophy and a $2000 prize from the Commonwealth Bank.
For a list of the winners and more information on the Regional Achievement and Community Awards, visit www.awardsaustralia.com
For media enquiries contact Terry Waldron on 9881 1225 or email terry.waldron@mp.wa.gov.au or Peter Rundle on M: 0418 959 810 or E: peter.rundle@nationalswa.com
