mmg.com.au

Television personality Catriona Rowntree charmed the room with her easy nature and self-deprecation at Goulburn Murray Landcare Network’s summer lunch last Wednesday in Shepparton.

Ms Rowntree hosted shows including the Nine Network’s Getaway and Wonder World! for two decades and since trading the silver screen for the farm she shares with husband James Pettit and two sons, has become a Landcare ambassador.

She said it was a way to make her husband proud.

‘‘My husband is a sheep and grain farmer and as long as I have known him, he has been involved with Landcare,’’ Ms Rowntree said.

‘‘Our property near Geelong dates back to the 1860s and over the course of time, the elements have taken their toll. My husband on his own and with the help of Landcare has done a lot to restore the farm.’’

She said Landcare was a unique amalgamation of farmers and environmentalists, which brought together people interested in offering future generations a better environment.

Ms Rowntree joked she did not know how she could contribute to the family farm.

‘‘I can’t cook, I can’t shear – I thought ‘why does this man like me?’,’’ she said.

‘‘One skill I do have is I can talk a leg off a chair.’’

Ms Rowntree said through her public profile, she could encourage people to buy wool or get involved with Landcare, whether it be planting a tree or donating money.

‘‘We get involved with Landcare not for ourselves, because we won’t all be around to see a plant grow into its glory, but for our children and future generations.’’