Local Rotarian, Ian Sutherland has been recognised with a Coastcare Certificate of Appreciation for his nomination in the 2026 Queensland State Landcare Awards. With 72 nominations received across nine categories this year, Queensland Water and Land Carers (QWaLC) noted how strongly Ian’s contribution sits within a wider community of Queenslanders working to protect landscapes, waterways, wildlife and natural resources. At the same time, the message made clear that the true value of Ian’s work is not defined by the outcome of an awards process, but by the lasting impact he continues to make in his community and the environment. The certificate also recognises the support of the volunteers, members, families, partners and supporters who help make this work possible. Above all, it is a thank you to Ian for his dedication, service and commitment to Landcare and conservation. QWaLC encouraged him to take pride in his achievements and to keep sharing his story as part of the ongoing effort to care for Queensland’s land and water.
EXTRACT FROM NOMINATION:
Ian Sutherland has made a sustained contribution to cleaner, healthier beaches on the Redcliffe Peninsula.
Since 2012, his regular walks along Scarborough Beach, Queens Beach North and Queens Beach have grown into a long-running one-person marine debris clean-up across five kilometres of foreshore.
Ian's efforts, recorded through the Tangaroa Blue AMDI system, show measurable improvements, with debris falling from 12.5kg in 2024 to 11.1kg in 2025 and collected items dropping from 853 to 281.
His reporting helped prompt Council-supported signage, raising public awareness and encouraging wider community participation, especially from children.
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