News Archives

NSW LANDCARE PROGRAM UPDATE 2023 – 2027

The NSW Government has committed $59 million to the Landcare Enabling Program over the next 4 years (2023- 2027). Landcare NSW in partnership with Local Land Services will deliver the Program as a continuation of their long-standing successful partnership.

The commitment to the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027, will employ up to 83 full-time equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinators and support staff across NSW. This commitment builds on the success of the NSW Landcare Program, a $22.4m commitment 2019-2023, which supported the employment of 84 part time local and regional Landcare Coordinators in NSW.

Landcare NSW and Local Land Services (LLS) are currently planning the next phase of the NSW Landcare Program. The Joint Management Committee (JMC) which is made up of representatives from both Landcare NSW and LLS engaged Nation Partners to help facilitate and design the implementation plan for the new program.

A working group comprising of LLS and Landcare NSW volunteers was established to support this process co-chaired by Gary Rodda (LLS) and Turlough Guerin (LNSW) and ensured feedback from recent focus groups, the Landcare State Gathering and evaluation reports were taken into consideration.

A key focus is ensuring a fair and equitable process for potential Landcare group applicants.

Coordinator Grants Package

The critical components of the program are the employment of Local and Regional Coordinators.

The Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) and LLS are developing the grants package. Landcare NSW, specifically the Program Manager, provided input into the design and planning of the program.

The intention is to have the new program grants package available in September, with the view to advise successful applicants in October 2023. Typically, open/close periods for a grant is four weeks.

Details such as part time versus full time coordinator positions, the types of roles that will be supported, salaries and host organisation eligibility will be clearly defined in the guidelines when they become available. Due to probity reasons, we cannot provide any specifics until the guidelines are released.

Once the Minister releases the grant guidelines for the Coordinator component and the application period is open, the NSW Landcare Program plans to hold two online webinars to respond to any questions regarding the application. These sessions will be recorded and made available.

We have developed an Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to answer some of the questions we have been receiving as best we can at this stage. We also encourage those Landcare groups and regions with an interest in hosting a coordinator to get in touch with their regional Landcare body: Regional & Local Landcare Coordinators — NSW Landcare Gateway

Enabling Components – Shared Services Hub and Digital Landcare

Landcare NSW has begun working on two new components of the Program as a matter of priority to ensure support for host organisations and coordinators.

The new Program has a Shared Services Hub component which will provide a suite of essential support services for Landcare groups to opt in to. The Hub aims to streamline access to centralised support services such as human resources, incuding induction packages for new coordinators as a priority.

Another new component is the Digital Landcare component focused on digitising knowledge to increase efficiencies, access and reach to support hosts and coordinators with readily accessible information. This is being looked at as a priority and Landcare NSW has begun a Digital Projects’ Scoping phase.

This will include a thorough review process of all the current digital assets of Landcare NSW and provide a Road Map, detailed plan, recommendations for requirements for the build and implementation phase of the Landcare NSW Digitalisation Project. Given the time it will take to design and implement a solution, it will likely take a minimum of 6-12 months before any new systems could be in place with user testing and training.

NOTICE of the 2023 Landcare NSW Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting is an important event for Landcare NSW. Both the Chair’s Report and the audited Financial Report will be accessible to members prior to the meeting through the Governance link on the Landcare NSW website.

The business that will be conducted during the Annual General Meeting will be outlined in an agenda to follow.

The details regarding the Annual General Meeting are:
Date: Friday 10 November 2023
Time: 8:30am-9:30am
Location: Online via Zoom (link will be shared prior to meeting with those who register attendance)
Register your intent to attend: https://form.jotform.com/222681212181043

Reducing the Cost of Living: The Landcare NSW Way: A Community Journey to Sustainability and Savings

As soaring energy bills, grocery prices, and the general cost of living become pressing concerns, many seek ways to alleviate these financial pressures.

What if we told you that being part of Landcare NSW can enrich your life and provide a vehicle to help reduce your living expenses?

As the cost of living continues to rise, we all search for sustainable ways to make our incomes stretch that little bit further.

What if you could do that while also contributing to a healthier planet and a more vibrant community?

That is the magic of being a part of Landcare.

Landcare has traditionally been associated with sustainable agriculture, horticulture, NRM, and environmental and biodiversity management. However, there are numerous examples of Landcare groups and individuals engaging in broader sustainability activities that not only save money but also fit well within the Landcare ethos.

Below are several activities, projects, and programs to consider running through your Landcare group.

Food Costs:

Fruit And Vegetable Growing: It is interesting how many people took up fruit and vegetable gardening during COVID-19. Growing and composting your food waste can save significant money, especially if you learn how to preserve excess produce.
Community Gardens: Participation in communal gardening initiatives helps you to grow your own fruits and vegetables, save money on shopping, and can be a great community-building exercise and learning experience. Coordinating and swapping with others can help you avoid an oversupply of certain veggies and lets you concentrate on growing what you are good at.
Food Swaps: Food swaps are exploding across the country. These are great ways to get rid of your excess produce while picking up those things you cannot or do not grow yourself, creating an opportunity for socialising and providing an opportunity for those without increasing space or ability to bring homemade jams, chutneys, and cakes to swap.
Bulk Buying: Group purchases of food, seeds, fertilisers, or other garden supplies can be more cost-effective.

Energy and Water:

Energy-Saving Workshops: Your Landcare group or network can arrange face-to-face or video workshops to learn tips and techniques for reducing energy and water consumption, water harvesting at home or renewable energy options, and lowering bills.
Through your Landcare group or network, you can coordinate the various subsidies the State government provides for replacing energy and water-inefficient devices and electrifying your home.

Tool and Implement Sharing:

Tool Libraries: Setting up tool libraries for gardening and home maintenance tools may be more accessible in rural centres and cities, but it is an excellent way to save everywhere. Many examples of Landcare groups also share items such as Yeomans ploughs, wildlife camera traps, minor bird traps and rabbit warren rippers.

Local Procurement:

Shopping Local: Using local businesses and contractors keeps more money in the local community and helps local economies, resulting in more local jobs.

Health and Wellbeing:

Outdoor Activities: Participating in Landcare activities is good for the planet and could help you save money on gym memberships and healthcare in the long term. A 2021 study published by Landcare Australia showed an avoided healthcare cost of over $400 per Landcare participant per year.

Children, Family and Community Building:

Kids’ Activities: Many Landcare groups offer educational outings and activities that are not only free but can be a low-cost way to entertain the family.
Children’s Education: The activities and workshops can be educational for children, providing valuable life lessons and potentially reducing the need for other, costlier extracurricular activities.
Networking: The community aspect can also open doors professionally, offering opportunities for job placements, partnerships, or collaborations.

From the rich soils of our community gardens to the knowledge shared in our workshops, the benefits of Landcare membership permeate far beyond environmental stewardship. As outlined above, being an active Landcare member can help ease your cost-of-living pressures in diverse and impactful ways.

Whether it is through slashing your grocery bills by growing your food, learning valuable DIY skills to save on home maintenance, or harnessing the power of community for bulk purchases and shared resources, Landcare offers a treasure trove of financial advantages.

The most important benefit: By participating in Landcare initiatives, you are part of something far more significant than individual cost-saving. You are investing in a future where local communities and environments flourish, which is a priceless return on investment.

Join us in making a difference—for your budget, community, and the Earth.

In Landcare, every member is not just a participant but a crucial contributor to a greener, healthier, and more financially sustainable future for us all.

We would love to hear from Landcare groups about your initiatives that help your members save money, especially in “non-traditional” areas of Landcare activity. We can then share your ideas and examples with other groups across the State.

Announcement: Partnership with NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust

The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust is proud to be working with Landcare NSW to deliver private land conservation outcomes for NSW.

A new $1.4million program will be delivered by Landcare NSW over the next 18 months.

The program, titled Private Land Conservation Matters, will support landholders to learn, carry out and extend the use of best practice in private land conservation.

The program’s activities and support to landholders will be tailored to the different needs in regions around NSW.

In announcing the program at The Daily Telegraph Bush Summit, at Tamworth, on Friday, 11 August, Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said landowners across NSW were important in reaching NSW Government conservation goals.

“Over 70 per cent of NSW is privately owned,” Minister Sharpe said. “So, one of the most meaningful things the NSW Government can do to protect our environment is support private landholders.

“Working with Landcare NSW will help us to do exactly that,” she said.

Delivery of the program recognises the shared interests of the organisations, namely the protection and management of biodiversity on private land in NSW.

Landcare NSW’s proven track record in community engagement and capacity building is highly valued by the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and is a significant value-add to the program, the organisation’s Education Program team leader Alice McGrath said.

“Landcare NSW is a proven partner and has the networks to help us reach our audience. By combining our resources and working together, we can achieve better outcomes for the people of NSW, and for the environment,” Ms McGrath said.

The Private Landcare Conservation Matters project demonstrates the trust the NSW Government has in Landcare NSW and builds on the significantly increased commitment to the land conservation efforts.

“By working with landholders to manage threats and restore the environment on privately conserved lands, Landcare NSW can make a significant contribution to reversing the decline,” Landcare NSW CEO Turlough Guerin said.

“By working together and combining our extensive landholder networks, both organisations will achieve better outcomes for the people of NSW and the environment,” he said.

Link to Media Release: Private Land Conservation Matters | BCT (nsw.gov.au)

2023 Trees in the House Event – NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare

On Tuesday, 1 August, over 90 Members of Parliament, Government Ministers, agency representatives and Landcarers from across the state came together to celebrate Landcare’s achievements and discuss future challenges at the ‘Trees in the House’ event hosted by the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL) at NSW Parliament House in Sydney.

Trees in the House is Landcare NSW’s yearly flagship event, co-hosted with the bipartisan NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare group. The event recognises the vital work Landcarers do every day in their local community, showcases the success and resilience of the Landcare movement, and allows Landcarers and MPs to connect with and offer support to Landcare.

The key messages from the event included the importance of governments partnering with grassroots movements on complex issues such as environment, farming, and climate change, including the need for co-design, co-delivery, and co-management of government programs. Landcare’s immense social capital and local knowledge to deliver excellent program outcomes were also highlighted, as well as Landcare’s proven track record with implementing statewide government programs.

Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron said, “We have achieved much, and by building a strong foundation with a bold vision, we can attain even greater success in the years to come.”

“It’s through the power of the Landcare movement working with communities that we see knowledge being shared and new ideas implemented. When you give these groups tools, resources, information and power, they solve problems for the long term,” Ms Cameron said.

The NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL) is a cross-party group of NSW Members of Parliament who have a common interest in demonstrating support for the goals of Landcare and a commitment to advancing the environmental, social and economic benefits that sustainable land and water management are unlocking in NSW.

NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL) gives Landcare NSW the platform to brief MPs from all political parties on news and issues related to Landcare NSW, furthering relationships with politicians at the state and local levels.

The name Trees in the House stems from giving away a small tree to Parliamentarians to take home and plant in their electorate. For this one evening each year, Members of Parliament can be seen walking the corridors of Parliament House with seedlings in hand, ready to plant.

Landcare NSW thanks the newly appointed PFL Co-Chairs, Steve Whan, Member for Monaro and Michael Kemp, Member for Oxley, for hosting a fantastic event. And the Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for the Environment and Minister for Heritage and The Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales, Minister for Western New South Wales for speaking at the event and their ongoing support for Landcare NSW.

INTRODUCING 2023 DIRECTOR CANDIDATES NOMINATED TO JOIN THE BOARD OF LANDCARE NSW

Following an extensive and thorough recruitment process driven by the Landcare NSW Nominations Committee, Landcare NSW would like to introduce the three Board Director candidates to be presented at the Landcare NSW Annual General Meeting on 10 November 2023. If accepted by voting Landcare NSW Members at the AGM, the candidates will join the Landcare NSW Board in December 2023.

The Landcare NSW Board comprises six Ordinary Directors to bring the perspectives of the Members living within the Ordinary Director’s respective Board Electoral Zone and up to four Independent Directors appointed to bring any additional skills, expertise, and experience that the Board requires.

Our Directors bring a wealth of skills to their roles. Please read the below to get to know Ordinary Director candidates Bruce Maynard, nominated to bring the perspectives of the members living in the Central West and Central Tablelands electoral zone; Wayne Chaffey, nominated to bring the perspectives of the members living in the North West and Northern Tablelands electoral zone; and Matilda Ferguson, nominated to bring the perspectives of the members living in the Western electoral zone.

Matilda Ferguson

Director Candidate for Region: Western

Member of: Warrego Landcare

Why are you seeking to serve Landcare NSW Limited as a director?

“I am seeking to serve Landcare NSW as a Director in order to broaden my contribution to the sustainability of the environment across our State. Calling Western NSW home, I am passionate about our environment and am looking to support our Landcare members across the region.

I currently lead an agricultural asset management company that manages a portfolio of grazing properties across Western NSW. Spending a lot of my time outside in the environment and constantly seeking optimal ways to be managing land, I understand the critical importance of Landcare NSW and the work it does.

The opportunity to serve Landcare NSW as a Director is a valuable opportunity, and one that I would be committed to. With the health of our environment being so linked to that of our communities, I am seeking to serve Landcare in an effort to ensure that our future generations can thrive.”

What do you hope to contribute to the Board of Landcare NSW Limited?

“I hope to contribute my knowledge and understanding of Western NSW to the Board if I am elected. I also hope to contribute a strong understanding of the NSW Government and political system developed through time as a public servant. Having worked closely with both the office of the Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW and the NSW Agriculture Commissioner, I hope to contribute my knowledge of the policy and legislative frameworks supporting the State’s agricultural sector.

Having a range of experience across Western NSW as well as with agricultural management, the public service and not-for-profit organisations, I hope to contribute this knowledge to positively support board-level decision making and processes.”

Bruce Maynard

Director Candidate for Region: Central West/Central Tablelands

Member of: Macquarie Valley Landcare

Why are you seeking to serve Landcare NSW Limited as a director?

I wish to serve as a director on Landcare NSW as a way of extending the knowledge and experience that I have had the privilege of receiving through the association with Landcare over 35 years. The involvement has spanned from on ground works and active involvement in local and regional Landcare group initiatives.

I served in a specialist position as Conservation Grazing Officer for the Central West and Lachlan regions and have continued natural resource management extension activities with multiple Landcare groups. In 2022 I was humbled to be awarded Landcare’s highest honour with the Bob Hawke award for excellence in sustainable agriculture. Serving as a director for Landcare NSW would be a privilege in order to assist in progressing real projects that make a difference for communities and landscapes across the state.

What do you hope to contribute to the Board of Landcare NSW Limited?

I hope to contribute knowledge, experience and advice to provide positive suggestions and advice to board level decision making. The multi-level experience in research/development, extension, farming, grazing and public administration from work conducted across Australia can be a useful skillset for board decision making processes. I would seek to contribute innovative and practical ideas, advice and suggestions if serving on the board with a view to achieving the greatest amount of support to the organisation as a whole and importantly the vast range of community volunteers that are the foundation of Landcare.”

Wayne Chaffey

Director Candidate for Region: North West/Northern Tablelands

Member of: Tamworth Regional Landcare Association

Why are you seeking to serve Landcare NSW Limited as a director?

This is a challenging time in the history of the Earth. We are experiencing, in the Anthropocene, unprecedented global warming; changing weather patterns, extinctions and reduction in biodiversity, all stimulated by the actions of humans. Landcare, as an organisation, is in the ‘box seat’ to spread the word, around an array of ideas and activities, to all communities, to adopt to help combat these changes and attempt to heal our changing world. Sustainability, biodiversity, natural assets, regenerative agriculture, biosecurity, carbon sequestration are just a few of the buzz words that are currently being regularly used and delivered in Landcare activities across the state to support those wanting to make a difference. The Board has the responsibility of maintaining currency in this research-dominated sphere to ensure a flow-on of ‘new knowledge’ through our staff to communities.

A plethora of outstanding ideas can be shared across regions through the State Advisory Committee (SAC), but it is the Board that must ensure that the best ideas/activities/programs/philosophies become embedded throughout the organisation.

Having worked with a number of Landcare organisations since the 1980’s, at local, regional and state levels, I believe I have the knowledge, skills and experience to represent landcarers of the Northern Tablelands (New England) and North West on this important Board. The Board of Directors has the responsibility of delivering on the organisation’s Mission and Vision through governance and oversight of the management team as it executes the Landcare NSW Strategic Plan.

The diverse streams of landcarers in our regions need to be acknowledged and strongly supported to ensure that public and privately sourced funds are put to best use across the state. We must put in place well-supported and qualified staff, receiving ongoing training, to provide leadership in communities and to deliver programs centred around the care for our land, the environment and communities.

Having spent the vast majority of my life on an agricultural holding, I have witnessed a variety of philosophies and strategies employed around the environment, including farming and grazing operations. I have acquired, through a range of learning platforms, ‘new knowledge’ and transitioned/evolved from old paradigms to new ways of understanding and working with the natural world.

As a Science Educator and Secondary Principal for over four decades, I remain a research-based, lifelong learner, completing numerous courses since transitioning back to the farm; I have the knowledge and skills to serve Landcare NSW as a director, and would welcome the opportunity to do so. I have experience in managing multi-million-dollar projects and managing sites with over 1000 people on site each day. This is also an opportunity for me to make a difference for our children’s, children’s children.

What do you hope to contribute to the Board of Landcare NSW Limited?

Working in the state education system for over four decades (including time as a Principal and Executive Principal of schools, along with Regional Professional Learning responsibilities and overseeing the development of a multi-million dollar Trade Training Development across a number of local secondary schools) has provided me with a range of skills in human resource management, site management, strategic planning, financial management, daily operational management, communication skills (written and oral), working with the media, interpersonal skills, using technology, and meeting timelines and working within budget limitations.

After decades of work with a variety of Landcare groups (local, regional, state and Landcare Australia), I have a good understanding of the range of activities/projects/programs that can be supported by our staff.

It would be a privilege to have the opportunity to use these skills to support the people of the regions I represent, as well as all landcarers state-wide to work toward achieving the goals of Landcare; growth of Landcare (to 1M by 2040), as the go-to place for Caring for the Land projects, where people want to identify as ‘Landcarers’, where values in Natural Conservation, Environmental Management and Agricultural Production prevail, and where landcarers can unite and lobby with a ‘national voice’ for the benefit of all.

As a Board member, it would be incumbent upon me to ensure that we work with an adequate technological system where digitisation ensures simpler data collection and reporting systems to support best practice. Where we expand the breadth and strength of investors in our organisation to secure environmental and financial sustainability. Where we explore, assess and report on the natural capital assets of our landcarers to build an appreciation of the environmental services to be gained from the natural world. Where we build the strength of all programs; specifically the cultural development programs involving First Nations People to facilitate ongoing healing and reconciliation, along with acknowledgement of the management of country prior to colonisation. Where we develop an expansive Communications Strategy to involve a broad range of people from all walks of life….. from ‘Cuppa-Chats’ with farmers in the paddock…. to ‘Trees in the House! Parliamentary Friends of Landcare’. And finally, where we build the future human resources for Landcare through increasing the numbers of young people in Landcare, through supporting youth education and establishing new Intrepid Landcare groups.

Board Directors are required to be conversant with legal and community expectations; speak fluently employing financial literacy, know how to pull the strategic and financial levers to ensure performance and sustainability values are achieved, deliver on short and long term priorities, establish future strategic directions, be articulate decision-makers, and understand boardroom dynamics.

3,000 Trees Planted for National Tree Day in Liverpool City Council

On Saturday 29th July, Greater Sydney Landcare and volunteers planted 3,000 native trees and shrubs for National Tree Day, as part of its Creating Canopies project. This takes the total number of trees planted so far this year by Creating Canopies to 10,000!

This free tree planting event, held in Gough Park, Cecil Hills in honour of National Tree Day, was run by Greater Sydney Landcare in partnership with Liverpool City Council.

As well as tree planting, there were plenty of other free activities for participants including:

Musical entertainment
Face painting for children
A plant giveaway
Barbeque lunch
First Nations weaving workshop

Ngiyampaa and Guringai artist Tarni Eastwood ran a weaving workshop on the day that volunteers took part in. Tarni aims to connect workshop participants with culture and community, by passing down her knowledge of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal weaving techniques. Participants worked with hand-dyed raffia from Tarni’s business Nula Weaving, which is based on Dharug Country in Western Sydney. Tarni actively facilitates weaving workshops with community to contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of traditional cultural practices.

Greater Sydney Landcare provided locally native plants, tools, and on-site training to participants on the day.

The Department of Planning and Environment’s Executive Director, Resilience and Urban Sustainability, Steve Hartley, said the 3,000 trees planted would help educate and inspire future generations in Liverpool and across Sydney.

“Growing our tree canopy across Western Sydney has great benefits for communities like Liverpool. These additional trees will provide cleaner air and help reduce surface temperatures,” Mr Hartley said.

This event is part of the Creating Canopies project. Ms Danielle Packer, Creating Canopies Project Manager for Greater Sydney Landcare said:

“The goal of Creating Canopies is to plant 200,000 native trees by the end of 2025. Creating Canopies is proudly funded by the NSW Government to help mitigate urban heat. Greater Sydney Landcare is running it in conjunction with Landcare NSW.”

“Creating Canopies is all about cooling Sydney down in the years to come,” said Ms Packer. “We’re focussing on planting trees that will grow to three metres and above, to provide lush green canopy for the birds, bugs and animals above and lots of cooling shade down below.”

“It’s also about providing a better experience of the great outdoors for all Sydneysiders,” Ms Packer said. “By making our outdoor areas shadier we can all stay outside longer, move about more, and get more fresh air than we could in unshaded areas. This is because planting trees helps to mitigate urban heat.”

Green spaces are also associated with increased physical activity, better physical health, lower stress levels, reduced air pollution, and greater community satisfaction.

Ms Packer said:

“Greater Sydney Landcare is proud to partner with Liverpool City Council in their environmental initiatives and to create canopies in Greater Sydney.

“Partners like Liverpool City Council are invaluable—they provide the spaces for greening. It’s also a great day for the Liverpool community to come out and make their local area an even nicer place to live,” Ms Packer said.

About the Creating Canopies project:

Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare are planting 200,000 trees to help mitigate urban heat in Greater Sydney. Proudly funded by the NSW Government.

Creating Connected Resilient Communities – Eat Dirt students constructing new shade houses

‘Eat Dirt’ a program aimed at connecting students to Country, nature and each other, is demolishing and constructing four new shade houses with the first to be built at Bellingen High.

In preparation, some of the Eat Dirt crew were there to demolish the old shade house that had definitely seen better days.

The students will build the new shade house and assist with the concreting to gain some construction skills and to learn by doing.

The shade house will be used to grow native plants to be used in Landcare projects in the local area, including koala habitat trees which were destroyed during fire and flood events.

Bellingen High student Ollie Sampson said:

“It’s so great to be outdoors and doing something with our hands and it will be even better when we get to plant the trees we are going to grow.”

Teacher Nathan Beal, said:

“Opportunities like this for our students are invaluable for teaching them real world skills. Thanks to Landcare NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority for making this possible. These students are gaining confidence and are working really well as a team.”

Funding for this pilot program has been made possible with a grant from the NSW Government’s Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund and is a partnership project with Gotcha4Life, Surf Life Saving NSW, Bellingen High School and the local community.

To find out more about the project, contact Melanie Tyas, Landcare NSW on mtyas@landcarensw.org.au.

Hundreds of trees planted at Campbelltown Hospital to celebrate World Environment Day

Greater Sydney Landcare volunteers planted over 400 native trees on the grounds of Campbelltown Hospital, on Saturday 3 June to celebrate World Environment Day.

This planting is part of the Creating Canopies project which will see 200,000 trees planted by the end of 2025 as part of the Greening our City program to help reduce urban heat in Greater Sydney. This program is proudly funded by the NSW Government.

Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare are holding a number of tree planting days to help cool down Sydney and create valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife.

This event also included a free talk about Campbelltown’s koalas and how you can help them, by getting involved in Greater Sydney Landcare’s Southwest Sydney Koala Project based in Campbelltown.

The theme for this year’s World Environment Day focuses on solutions to plastic pollution.

Matt Keighery, Greater Sydney Landcare’s Landholder Engagement Manager said they have been looking at alternative solutions regarding the use of plastic tree guards:

“We had been using plastic tree guards which can be recycled, but we found that they presented a liability for us. We had to not only decommission them but also get them to a recycler. We have moved to 100% cardboard guards. These provide a durable guard that completely degrades over a 12 – 18 month period.”

More than 2,000 plants will be spread across the hospital campus to encourage growth and enhance the ecosystem landscape.

Chair of Greater Sydney Landcare, Bev Debrincat, says Greater Sydney Landcare and Landcare NSW are proud to partner with South Western Sydney Local Health District and Campbelltown Hospital to help green their space and improve their local environment.

“Landcare works to improve the health of our environment and communities. These new trees will help create healthy environments for the local community, hospital staff and patients and improve habitat for wildlife.

“Green spaces aren’t just great for wildlife, they’re also associated with better physical health, lower stress levels, and greater community satisfaction,” said Bev.

Campbelltown Hospital is one of four hospitals that Greater Sydney Landcare and Landcare NSW are working with to green hospital grounds as part of the Creating Canopies Project.

Click here for further information about Greater Sydney Landcare’s Creating Canopies project.

Landcare NSW Board supports an Indigenous Voice to Parliament

Landcare NSW has issued a Reconciliation and Treaty Statement on behalf of the Board of Directors.

The statement comes as National Reconciliation Week draws to a close for 2023. The theme for this year is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’.

“The Board of Landcare NSW supports an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and all aspects of the Uluru Statement from the Heart – Voice, Truth and Treaty. The Board of Landcare NSW acknowledges Australia’s First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and we acknowledge their deep cultural, social, environmental, spiritual and economic connection to their lands and waters. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.”

Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron said:

“I understand this statement from the Board doesn’t attempt to capture all the views of our members. However, it is our hope and vision that our statement from the Landcare NSW Board will encourage constructive debate on how we progress forward on the important issues of reconciliation and treaty and encourage all of our members to continue these important discussions amongst our diverse Landcare communities in NSW.”

Landcare NSW has been actively working to encourage and provide a voice for reconciliation in the Landcare community.

In 2019, the Aboriginal Engagement “Working Together”Program was launched. This initiative within the NSW Landcare Program aims to increase opportunities to consciously develop stronger connections and partnerships between Landcare groups and Aboriginal Communities.
In 2021, North Coast Landcare Network employed its first Aboriginal Landcare Officer followed by Murrumbidgee Landcare employing its first Aboriginal Landcare Officer.
In 2022, Landcare NSW appointed Mr Rene Woods to the Board in a position reserved for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June – is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.