Landcare NSW, with funding from the NSW Environmental Trust, is empowering regional Landcarers to take an active role in decision-making by building community skills and capacity.
To date three regional workshops have been held, and whilst having a different focus, each provided an opportunity for the community in that region to come together, to increase their skills and capacity to implement projects, provide feedback on current programs, develop partnerships, and be empowered to participate in decision making processes. In total, 199 participants attended the three events.
Landcare NSW spoke at each of the three events on the pathways that exist for Landcarers to be involved in decision making processes.
The Central West Partnership Forum, held in Dubbo in February focussed on developing partnership skills and introducing Landcarers to a range of program providers who worked together to develop potential partnerships.
• 75% of participants have new project ideas.
• 90% of participants made three or more new contacts on the day.
• 87% of participants have followed up with new contacts made on the day.
Feedback received from the event:
“Really positive, lots of involved stakeholders and heaps of opportunities for partnerships.”
“Thank you and again congratulations on organising and facilitating such a wonderful forum! The comments received vindicate the success of the day and the value for all who attended. Well done!!!”
The New England North West Landcare Adventure held early May focussed on “smart farms, smart towns, smart communities”. The event included training events, site visits, speakers and a facilitated session: How can we Farm Smarter Communities?
The South East Landcare Muster, and Regional Community of Practice event was held over two days in late May. The event included; updates from networks and partner organisations, Training sessions on “Telling our stories” and Youth engagement, as well as a facilitated conversation on Future directions for Landcare partnerships.
Feedback received from the South East event:
“Fantastic opportunity for networking – hearing about issues, challenges and opportunities”
“The opportunity to talk together, share ideas and hear each other’s discussion is invaluable”
Keep an eye out for the following regional events planned for the upcoming months:
• Hunter Region/ Mid Coast to Tops Region, 22nd June 2017
• Western Landcare, 4th – 5th August 2017
• North Coast Regional Landcare, 28th-30th August 2017
If you are a Regional Landcare Facilitator, click on the link below to find out more:
Landcare NSW Regional Scale Events Support Fund