The group, one of the Parkes and Districts Landcare network, has worked tirelessly in Forbes and surrounding districts to create awareness and knowledge in the community regarding environmental issues in urban areas.

The group was recognised earlier this year winning the Urban Landcare Category in the Lachlan Catchment NRM Awards and went on to successfully represent the Lachlan Catchment at the State Awards.

The dedicated work of group stalwart Len Reade over 12 years has been exceptional.

Rob Gledhill, Chairman of the Lachlan CMA was extremely pleased with the

win.

“Congratulations to Len and his team on their achievements in the Forbes urban area, which have been appropriately rewarded with this prestigious state title.

“Forbes Urban Landcare Group has been a leader in developing partnerships in their community to improve the condition of local natural resources,” said Mr Gledhill.

Forbes Urban Landcare Group is a well known and respected group in the local and broader community and their work and efforts to improve the local environment has now been recognised and appreciated by

a wider audience after winning the

award.

Len Reade, who was at Port Macquarie to receive the award was thrilled by the success of the group.

“To even be named a finalist was a bonus but to be named the state winner and to qualify for the national title in 2010 was fantastic,” said Mr Reade.

His involvement with the Forbes Urban Landcare Group started in 1997 after moving from his farm into Forbes to live.

“Even while I was on the farm I could see the need to stop salinity problems and I helped a local group of farmers tackle the problem even before the Landcare organisation had started.

“When I moved into Forbes I could see that issues like salinity and erosion were just as important in town as on the farm and I have worked with other community groups to tackle these problems over the past 12 years,” said Mr Reade.