The Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the Hunter Region Landcare Network Inc (HRLN) want all groups and individuals interested in sustainable natural resource management and environmental conservation to share their ideas and nominate for the 2011 Champions of the Catchments Awards.

"These awards, held every two years, provide a great opportunity for people to share their ideas and projects that have helped improve the health of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchments," explained CMA general manager Ms Fiona Marshall. "Lots of people in our area are doing great things, but unfortunately we often don't hear about the work being done and give people a pat on the back for their achievements."

Chair of the HRLN Ruth Hardy encouraged all Landcare groups and individuals to apply.

"Our region has nearly 500 Landcare groups and many individual volunteers working hard to conserve and restore our land and water resources for us to enjoy now and for future generations."

The term 'Landcare' refers to all groups that care for our land and water, including Coastcare, Bushcare, Friends of Groups etc.

The Hunter-Central Rivers region extends from the Central Coast in the south to Taree in the north and Merriwa in the west. Coastcare and marine groups can also apply as the Hunter-Central Rivers region extends three nautical miles out to sea.

There are 10 categoies with $500 prizemoney for each: Landcare Legend, Young Landcare Legend, Sustainable Farm Practices, Coastcare, Primary Producer, Community Group, Education, Urban Landcare, Aboriginal and Local Government Partnership.

The categories and criteria are replicated from the State Landcare Awards, which allows groups and individuals to prepare a written application and submit it under both award programs.

Applications close Monday April 11. Winners will be announced at Tocal Field Days on April 30. For more information visit the CMA website www.hcr.cma.nsw.gov.au. Applications can be submitted electronically.