The inaugural Natural Resource Management Community Awards were held at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery last night.

The awards were started to recognise those in the community who make outstanding contributions to Landcare in Tasmania’s North.

As president of Lilydale Landcare, Ms Weston has been working hard over the past six years to grow the membership in the town to over 70 families.

Holding information days on her property in Lilydale, she said she has been working on doing things differently.

‘‘We’ve been planting windbreaks, doing weed control and pasture improvements but trying to steer away from using chemicals as much as possible,’’ Ms Weston said.

‘‘We’ve also had a long program of eradicating the willows from the creeks.’’

Working with the Lilydale District School she has held tree-planting days, removed weeds such as gorse and Spanish heath and acted as a caretaker for Merthyr Park.

‘‘We want to get families involved and people enjoying themselves as well as feeling good about what they’re doing for the environment,’’ she said.

NRM North chief executive James McKee said the awards were an opportunity to reward those looking after Tasmania’s natural resources.

‘‘It’s about recognising the people looking after our fundamentals such as clean water, biodiversity and things that are often taken for granted,’’ Mr McKee said.

‘‘Jillian is drawing other people along with her and being an inspiration.

‘‘It’s about giving her a bit of a boost and a thank you for what you’re doing,’’ he said.

Other winners from last night include Lilydale District School which won the Junior Landcare Team Award.