Helen Watkins

Helen Watkins is a dedicated environmental professional based in Western Australia, renowned for her extensive involvement in community-driven landcare initiatives. She has significantly contributed to the state's environmental conservation efforts through various roles and organizations

Originally from Ongerup, Helen has been involved in Landcare activities since the early 1970’s, starting on the family farm.

After moving to Dandaragan, she became involved in the Dandaragan LCDC in 1992 and subsequently became the secretary for several years.

When the West Midlands NRM group formed in the early 2000’s, she joined the committee and became employed with the group, working on different projects, until 2008. The group then morphed more towards a grower group focus, due to the reduction in the capacity and services of the Agricultural Department.

In 2008, Helen followed her passion and accepted the Executive Officer Role at the Moore Catchment Council, supporting the region with administering the essentials for the running and communications of the Council, 17 years down the track she is still there!  

Under Helen's leadership, MCC won the prestigious Fairfax Community Landcare Group Award at the 2017 WA Landcare Awards. This accolade recognized their outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and community engagement. In 2021 the group also won the Australian Government Partnerships award for WA Landcare in Partnership with the Yued Community.

Helen has been instrumental in the development, management and support of many of the landcare projects delivered in the region including support of community stewardship, and conservation of Carnaby’s Black Cockatoos through revegetation, nest monitoring and habitat protection.

In 2014 Helen was a founding member and key driving force in the establishment of the WA Landcare Network. She took on the role of joint Secretary and Treasurer for the organisation and provided considerable strategic guidance to the organisation.  Whilst with the WA Landcare Network Helen served at the national level on the National Landcare Network (NLN) Members Council, chairing the Council between 2019 and 2021. She was involved with  the 2021 NLN conference in Brisbane and the 2022 conference in Sydney. In addition to this, Helen research and implemented the Landcare Insurance scheme that was badly needed by the landcare groups of WA. Helen left the WA Landcare Network in 2022 and has been sorely missed.  

Helen has actively participated in national forums, such as the 2016 National Landcare Conference in Melbourne, where she engaged with like-minded individuals and shared insights on community-driven landcare initiatives.