The Nature Conservation Council of NSW presented the group with the Marie Byles Award, which recognises a group that has initiated an outstanding new environmental campaign and demonstrated a strong commitment to, and passion for, conservation.

The group’s case in the Land and Environment Court against Shenhua and the NSW government for failing to properly assess the impacts on a local koala population of the proposed mine was widely praised by the awards committee.

Upper Mooki Landcare chairwoman Nicola Chirlian said the group was surprised to win the award because it didn’t know it was nominated.

“It was a lovely surprise. I think someone from Sydney nominated us,” Ms Chirlian said.

“It’s really encouraging to know so many people are concerned about koalas and the level of concern about the impact Shenhua mine would have on koalas.”

Ms Chirlian said the koala issue had a hand in informing the wider community about the impacts of the proposed mine.

“We are expecting a verdict from the Land and Environment Court soon and I hope this is a good-luck sign,” she said.

“The support of the Environmental Defenders Office and all our members has been wonderful.”

Lifelong environmental activist Bill Ryan was recognised for his involvement in many campaigns.

The 93-year-old took a leading role in the battle to save Leard State Forest from the Maules Creek coal mine.