In memory of Alby Wooler whose tireless dedication to landcare has left a lasting impact to his community and beyond. Alby Wooler and a group of friends formed the Capricorn Coast Landcare Group in 1987. The group started as a support group and learning tool for local farmers in 1987 and has since progressed to include urban areas, community education and awareness initiatives. Alby was also the person who launched the Junior Landcare programme in 1997 in local schools around the area; a programme that has since spread not only nationally, but also globally. Through this, he has inspired generations of students to love the environment. He is also thrilled that some of those students have since developed careers in the environmental field. His love of fishing and boating assisted in his role as a stakeholder member for the environment of the Capricorn Coast Local Marine Advisory Committee, which advises the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority on local marine issues and management directions. In 2005, he received the Queensland Individual Landcare Award; and was runner up in the National Individual Landcare Award. In the same year, he was voted Livingstone Shire Council Citizen of the Year, as well as receiving the Queensland Premier’s Award for Senior citizens. Apart from his work with landcare, he is also a founding member of Capricorn Edible Plants and a rare fruit grower.   

In 2008, Alby was an Olympic Torch Bearer for the Beijing Olympics and a Queensland Government residential complex, Alby Wooler Place, was named in his honour. 
His advice to people considering getting involved with landcare is simple. 

 “Get involved,” he said, “Being a volunteer is great—what you put into life is what you get out of it.” 
“Landcare is a good mix of people of all ages and from all walks of life who … come together to work for, and share in, a beautiful future.” 

The community was devastated when Alby passed away in 2017.