Elizabeth Rosser of the Guyra district has been named the recipient of the 2026 John Winter-Irving Bequest. Southern New England Landcare Ltd is proud to recognise her outstanding commitment to sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and community leadership.
The announcement was made at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting held in Uralla on 11 November.
Southern New England Landcare CEO, Karen Zirkler said, “Elizabeth’s contributions to Landcare and the broader community are extensive and significant.
“She exemplifies the values of Landcare and continues to grow as a leader in the field,” said Karen.
A four-day training event with Graham Sait from Nutritech Solutions is among the projects and capacity-building events Elizabeth has successfully coordinated in the Guyra district in her role as a Local Landcare Coordinator with Southern New England Landcare.
This work has helped reinvigorate the Guyra Landcare Network, previously the Malpas Catchment Group.
Over the last three years in her role, Elizabeth has supported Uralla Rivercare group to deliver numerous events across the region, delivered a range of capacity-building events for farmers in partnership with the Mulloon Institute, and assisted with delivery of a series of cybersecurity workshops across the region.
Elizabeth also spent 12 months representing staff on the Southern New England Landcare Risk Management Committee.
“Outside Landcare, Elizabeth works for equity of access to education for all students living in rural and remote Australia by representing isolated students through her role on the NSW State Council of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association NSW,” said Karen.
Mrs Ona Winter-Irving, wife of the late Mr John Winter-Irving, offered her warmest congratulations to Elizabeth, saying she was exactly the type of person the family hoped the award would support.
“We’re delighted to recognise and encourage Elizabeth’s passion and involvement in sustainable agriculture,” said Mrs Winter-Irving.
“Johnno would be delighted to hear of her involvement with natural resource management and her work with and support for Landcare and her generous commitment to community as well,” she said.
“It’s also lovely to hear that she is young and so passionate about the land and with another generation coming on,” said Ona.
Ona and her family hope John’s bequest can help Elizabeth further her passion and commitment to community and sustainable agriculture, even in a small way.
Ona also thanked the Southern New England Landcare board for its ongoing work in supporting John’s bequest.
Elizabeth expressed her gratitude for the recognition, saying “I am truly grateful for the recognition”.
Southern New England Landcare congratulates Elizabeth on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to the continued impact of her work.
ENDS.
Image: Steve Harvey, board member at Southern New England Landcare, presents Elizabeth Rosser with the John Winter-Irving Bequest at the 2026 Annual General Meeting on 11 November 2026.
