The West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, the Richmond Football Club and the Department of Sustainability and Environment have formed an innovative partnership to promote awareness about Landcare.

The partnership aims to increase participation in the Victorian Landcare Program, and encourage more people to get involved in Landcare across Victoria.

The hallmark of this partnership will be the match-day sponsorship of Richmond’s Round 9 match against Hawthorn.

“This partnership is a unique and exciting opportunity to engage and involve a lot more people in Landcare, through the reach of the Tigers and the AFL,” said West Gippsland catchment Authority CEO Martin Fuller.

“Having Richmond help raise the profile of Landcare will promote much wider awareness that we all have an obligation to help ensure a sustainable and healthy future for us all.”

The partnership will see a number of activities take place aimed at promoting awareness about Landcare initiatives across Victoria.

Activities will include information displays at the ME Bank Centre on match days, Landcare giveaways, tree plantings, Landcare promotions and the first ever Richmond Football Club Landcare Grant.

The grant, of up to $5000, was offered by Richmond and was open to any group that undertakes on ground action in the landscape by including activities that involve young people.

The grant not only funds worthwhile environmental outcomes, it engages the young people who are the next generation of Landcarers.

The grant recipient will be announced at a commemorative tree planting event at the ME Bank Centre on May 24, 2012.

“We hope that the Richmond Football Club can help raise awareness of Landcare in Victoria, so that more people get involved in ensuring our landscapes are improved and protected for future generations,” said Richmond CEO Brendon Gale.

To find out more about Landcare, including how to become a volunteer, go to the Landcare gateway at www.landcarevic.net.au