South East Landcare together with Hovells Creek and Boorowa Community Landcare Groups held a two-day Aboriginal cultural heritage workshop for local farmers earlier this month.
Farmers learned how to recognise and record sites on their properties, what the legislation says and how to try and manage and protect the sites in the context of running a farming enterprise. A really important part of the workshop was learning how to look at the landscape through Aboriginal eyes to understand what it could tell you about what had gone on there.
The program was funded under the NSW Landcare Working Together program, which aims to build engagement between Aboriginal communities and Landcare and to help share traditional land management practices.
South East Landcare co-ordinator Linda Cavanagh said: “We chose to focus our efforts on a workshop where Aboriginal people could teach farmers about their culture in a supportive and non-threatening context and look at co-operative ways of protecting it on farms.”
The workshop was presented by Senior Land Services Officers (Indigenous Communities) Graham Moore and Greg Ingram from South Coast and Central Tablelands Local Land Services, assisted by Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) officers Doug Sutherland and Wayne Wright.
Day 1 started with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by local Wiradjuri man Murray Coe, followed by a day of classroom learning then an overnight campover.
On day 2 attendees put their new knowledge into practice, recording sites on a local Wyangala farm for the Department of Environment’s Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System. Farmers also learned some simple management strategies to avoid damage to sites.
The teachers freely shared a whole range of knowledge with attendees, including various uses of plants, how the stone of truth is used to solve disputes and how Aboriginal cultural heritage is a living thing that can talk to you if you learn how to listen.
In the evening around the campfire, Doug Sutherland gave people an insight into Aboriginal stories in the stars and how the position of different constellations at different times of year tell Aboriginal people about food resources and land management.
Feedback from the farmers attending was uniformly enthusiastic and positive. Comments included:
“I felt really comfortable asking what could be considered difficult questions.”
“A rich two days of real knowledge that opened minds to the complex structures that have enabled Aboriginal communities to continually look after Country.”
“I really loved it and I learned a lot.”
It is hoped that this can become an annual event in the Hovells Creek/Boorowa district.
This initiative is made possible by the NSW Landcare Program. A collaboration between Landcare NSW and Local Land Services NSW, supported by the NSW Government.
With the devastation we have seen on the North Coast and other parts of the state through flooding on a scale we’ve not witnessed or experienced before, we are all asking ourselves ‘How can we help?’ ‘How can we get money on the ground where it is needed most?’
After the catastrophic bushfires in 2019-2020, there was community disquiet with how some donor funds collected by the many charities involved were distributed. Specifically the revelation that frequently, the proportion of funds reaching communities was too low as a proportion of total donations. Communities and donors must be confident that their funds are going where they expect them to go, and not on excessive administration costs.
Landcare NSW is a registered charity and prides itself on ensuring that funds are distributed to landholders and Landcare groups on the ground where it is needed most.
As a coordinated network of groups supported by a central team, the organisation provides a diversity of “ecosystem services” helping to restore and remediate and where possible prevent and protect our precious ecosystems from future climate events through our member groups, distributed across the 11 geographical regions that stretch across NSW. This diversity, along with our local embedded community presence, gives us our unique position in the conservation and land management sector.
One reason for the success of the Landcare movement and its attraction to granting bodies and fund donors is the effectiveness of dispersal that occurs when investments are made into our programs. For example, during the recent bushfires of 2019-2020, Commonwealth funds were able to be leveraged through a program managed by a partnership between the National Landcare Network, Landcare Australia and the Peak Landcare State and Territory Landcare organisations, demonstrating that excellent projects and outcomes for improved delivery of bushfire recovery actions are achieved when Landcare is engaged and supported through donations. Landcare NSW has helped to ensure emergency funding was directed to 55 individual Landcare groups along the east coast. This was able to be done rapidly and efficiently.
Independent studies on the leveraging contribution the Landcare movement makes have shown that for each dollar invested into the organisation – in addition to the social and community dividend provided by enabling and engaging local communities – there is a financial return of at least $6. Last year alone, investments into Landcare NSW of $5 million resulted in revenues across the state of $30 million. These revenues were all literally ploughed back into the mostly regional communities in which they were earned.
Typically, we do not operate on donations. We participate in contestable grants across a diverse range of land conservation and productivity areas, competing with government funding from the State and Commonwealth. In the event of a disaster, any funds donated to Landcare NSW, that is 100% of the donations received, are re-directed back into the groups and communities that are impacted by that natural disaster. This 100% pass-through of donations is a critical factor and attribute of our organisation. Because of the way in which we have set up our central team and distributed group model, we do not carry administrative costs for the disbursement of donations.
Landcare NSW, through its regions, networks, groups, and individual members, has a local affinity and presence with the people directly impacted by natural disaster events.
When there is an event, our people are there and are part of the impacted community.
During these floods, we are seeking donations once again to support these communities and landscapes to recover.
Photo shows: Mr Gurmesh Singh MP, Member for Coffs Harbour and newly elected Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare group with members of South Coffs Community Garden Inc.
The NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL) group has a new Chair Mr Gurmesh Singh MP, Member for Coffs Harbour. The PFL brings together Members of Parliament from all political parties who have a common interest in supporting the goals of Landcare.
Landcare NSW CEO, Mr Turlough Guerin said “We welcome Gurmesh Singh as the new Chair and look forward to building on the great work that has been achieved through the PFL to date.
“Partnerships and bipartisan support for Landcare are crucial to sustaining a strong grassroots movement and strengthening Landcare’s ties with our elected representatives is essential.”
Mr Guerin thanked outgoing Chair The Hon Dugald Saunders MP, Member for Dubbo: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank The Hon Dugald Saunders MP for the contribution he has made to Landcare at the local, regional and state level as he leaves his role as Chair of the PFL and takes on the portfolio of Minister for Agriculture and Western New South Wales,” Mr Guerin said.
Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina has stepped down from her role as Secretary and Treasurer and the roles have been filled by newly appointed Secretary Roy Butler MP, Member for Barwon and Treasurer David Layzell MP, Member for Upper Hunter.
Mr Guerin expressed his appreciation to the new PFL team and to all MPs who have joined the PFL and shown their support for Landcare in NSW.
“The PFL provides an avenue for Members of Parliament to connect with and offer support to Landcare at the state level and locally in suburbs, regional towns and farming communities. MPs have the opportunity to celebrate the success of Landcare and to help the Landcare community respond to challenges and opportunities together,” said Mr Guerin.
“It is an acknowledgement of the enormous contribution of the many thousands of ‘hands on’ community Landcarers across NSW who are committed to looking after their environments. Together our volunteers work to conserve our unique flora and fauna, restore our soils and waterways, and promote the adoption of sustainable land management practices.”
“We look forward to sharing with the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare the many exciting local Landcare projects and activities happening in NSW and invite them to see firsthand the great work of our community Landcarers on the ground”, Mr Guerin added.
Landcare brings people from together for the common cause of caring for our land, environment and communities and is a longstanding and successful volunteer movement.
New PFL Chair Gurmesh Singh, Member for Coffs Harbour with the Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare group.
Mr Singh said, “As a big supporter of Landcare it is a privilege to lead the PFL and spread awareness of Landcare in the NSW Parliament.
“I have worked closely with Landcare groups in my area and this gives me more opportunity to convey their achievements and help progress their goals,” he said.
Mr Singh encouraged MPs and MLCs who haven’t already joined, to sign up to the PFL.
“Not only will local Landcare groups appreciate your support, but you will learn a lot and forge new connections throughout your communities,” he said.
“Every weekend across New South Wales groups of people of all ages and backgrounds are doing their bit to look after and improve our environment,” said Mr Singh.
Media enquiries:
Jodie Lovell | Communications & Stakeholder Relationships Specialist
Landcare NSW Inc. T 0439 316 151 | E jlovell@landcarensw.org.au
Northern Tablelands Landcarers interested in ecological diversity and biodiversity came together last week when the Bush for Biodiversity event was held in Glen Innes.
With over 30 members attending from local networks across the Northern Tablelands, Landcare Coordinator with Gwydir and Macintyre Resources Management Committee (GWYMAC), Lee Thompson said the event’s topics ranged from plant identification to survey plotting and was an opportunity for community members to come together to learn more about the Partnering In Private Land Conservation Program, Landcare and the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT).
Lee said: “We’ve had some great feedback with all looking to further engage in our program and learn more about biodiversity, Landcare and the BCT.
“Despite the weather posing some challenges on the day, everyone enjoyed the opportunity to come together for the benefit of the environment and our landholders,” said Lee.
Landcare NSW Partnering in Private Land Conservation Project Manager, Samantha Stratton said it was a fantastic day and she enjoyed the opportunity to hear first hand about the importance of biodiversity and community investment in conservation efforts.
“It was so interesting to hear about the actions that are being taken, and can be taken, to work to support biodiversity and conservation actions in the Northern Tablelands.
“The presenters and participants shared their wealth of experience, and the event was a great opportunity to further strengthen the ties between regional BCT staff and Landcarers.
“Community collaboration is a guiding principle of this program, and it was great to see the event engaging and educating the community about private land conservation efforts locally and across the state,” said Samantha.
“The Bush for Biodiversity in Glen Innes is just one of over ninety community events occurring across the state as part of the Partnering in Private Land Conservation Project across all regions.
“Regional Landcare Networks have been funded to develop networking, education and communication activities with private landholders across the state. These projects will build understanding of private land conservation and increase opportunities for regional Landcare and BCT staff and volunteers to meet and share their knowledge and skills with landholders,” said Samantha.
Private landholders will be provided with opportunities to network, participate in education and training activities and share their stories of conservation on their own land.
Landcare NSW is working in partnership with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust to raise awareness of biodiversity conservation and support private landholders in their conservation efforts across the state.
Media Enquiries, contact:
Jodie Lovell – Landcare NSW 0439 316 151
Lee Thompson – Gwymac Landcare (02) 6721 1241
Alice McGrath – Biodiversity Conservation Trust (02) 6229 7087
The 2022 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference was held on Thursday 17th March and for the first time it was an entirely online event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The existing three-day program was condensed into a single day of inspiring, informative and innovative presentations and discussions attended by over 250 attendees from across the state.
“Despite the challenges we have faced in the lead up to this conference, we were able to all come together. If we have learnt one thing in the last two years, it has been resilience and adaptability,” Landcare NSW Chair Ms Stephanie Cameron said.
Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron opened the conference.
“Landcare is needed now more than ever. It was so inspiring to see Landcarers from flood affected areas online and sharing their knowledge. Our thoughts and well wishes go out to those who have been and are still being impacted by the devastating floods.”
Hosted by War on Waste’s Craig Reucassal, the event was engaging from the very beginning with an incredible keynote address from Dr Chadden Hunter, producer of the wildlife series Planet Earth.
The day featured concurrent sessions around the theme of the conference: Rethink – Engaging Community; Recharge – Regenerative Agriculture/Land Management; Renew – Biodiversity/Regeneration.
The conference concluded with Landcare NSW CEO Turlough Guerin and NSW Landcare Program Assistant Manager Deb Tkachenko asking the big questions of the over 250 delegates online with their interactive presentation, ‘Rethinking Landcare – Ask the big questions and get answers’.
Landcare NSW CEO Turlough Guerin asking the big questions!
“Thank you to everyone who presented at the conference and shared their knowledge, learnings and insights,” said Ms Cameron.
The conference was followed by a free, online awards ceremony for the prestigious 2021 NSW Landcare Awards where the winners for each of the eight Landcare Award categories were announced.
Acting Local Land Services Board Chair, Allison Harker said, “The quality of the nominations from all across the state were outstanding and after an extensive judging process we have been able to pick our finalists and ultimately the Grand Champions for the eight award categories.”
“The nominees should be proud of their achievements, particularly in the wake of cumulative natural disasters and tough seasonal conditions.
“These nominees have shown tremendous resilience in the face of adversity and these awards are an excellent opportunity for us to say thank you to them and the wider Landcare community,” said Ms Harker.
Grand champions of the NSW National Award categories will now go on to represent the whole NSW Landcare Community at the 2022 National Landcare Awards in Sydney.
Mr Brian Hilton has been awarded the 2022 Gerald Carnie Memorial Award at the NSW Landcare Awards online ceremony as part of the NSW Landcare and LLS Conference in recognition of his local and regional contribution to Landcare over 40 years.
Brian has been a dedicated Landcare volunteer for over four decades and has inspired countless people during this time through his work in restoring the coastal dunes and headland environments in his hometown of Redhead, NSW.
Brian established Redhead Bluff Landcare where he has coordinated several major projects such as the very successful Redhead Coastal Corridor project, to connect vegetation and restore migratory routes for native fauna. Brian’s restoration work is also combatting the spread of invasive weeds such as Bitou Bush, Turkey Rhubarb, Lantana and Coastal Morning Glory, and treating the underlying causes of coastal erosion. Brian remains one of Lake Macquarie’s most active Landcare volunteers to this day.
Brian at a coastal corridor planting in 2011.
Landcare NSW CEO, Turlough Guerin said, “Brian’s dedication to the Landcare movement demonstrates the ‘fire in the belly’ he has for Landcare.
“He was instrumental in the growth of his local Landcare group, helped to build Landcare in his region and plant the seed with future generations.”
A strong believer in the power of engaging and educating young people about the importance of caring for our earth, Brian has hosted many school and Scout/Girl Guide groups at his Landcare site, teaching the next generation about our coastal environment.
“In educating the community about invasive weeds, native plants and the importance of habitat connectivity, Brian’s reach goes far beyond the on-groundwork that is carried out at his Redhead Bluff Landcare site.
Brian talking about dune vegetation to students in 2018.
“His efforts have resulted in a strong and sustainable Landcare community in NSW and this award is well-earned recognition for his contribution over many years,” said Turlough.
The Gerald Carnie Memorial Award for Keeping the Landcare Flame Alive was established by Landcare NSW to recognise Gerald’s special individual contribution to the Landcare movement.
The award is proudly supported by the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL) as the official partner and sponsor. Newly elected Chair of the PFL, Mr Gurmesh Singh, Member for Coffs Harbour presented the award.
“I have seen Landcare’s efforts firsthand in my electorate and I am very impressed at the results you are achieving. On behalf of all my colleagues in the PFL, your work is valued and very much appreciated.”
In June 2011, Gerald Carnie, a committed Landcarer from the Parkes area, died suddenly at the age of 46, leaving his wife Lorraine and sons, Ryan and Jarrod, grieving and the Landcare community shocked.
Lorraine Carnie, wife of the late Gerald Carnie said this award is a fitting tribute to a great man: “Gerald had the Landcare fire in his belly. He not only talked about Landcare, but he put his words into action.
“Gerald’s work in Landcare was the embodiment of this conviction, what he stood for, what he wanted to achieve and what he did achieve, and the Gerald Carnie Memorial Award is a testament to him and others like him,” Lorraine said.
The late Gerald Carnie who passed away in June 2011.
The Gerald Carnie Memorial Award is awarded every two years in conjunction with the State Landcare Awards.
The award is given to an individual in recognition of their contribution to the development of ‘the philosophy of Landcare’. The recipient champions the development of Landcare to support a change in attitudes, which translates to a more cohesive and resilient community that acts to achieve a healthier environment and/or more productive and sustainable farms.
Turlough said “The quality of all those who were nominated for this award is extraordinary. Our movement is full of unsung heroes who inspire their neighbours to get involved in Landcare and do something positive for our landscapes and communities. I acknowledge them all and thank them for their work.”
Applicants are judged on the impact they have had at the local and regional or state scale to ensure that Landcare can prosper.
The other finalists for the Award for 2022 are:
Deb Tkachenko was one of the first professional Landcare Coordinators in NSW employed through the pilot Dunecare in the late 80s and has worked with Landcare at a local, regional and state level in NSW for the past 30 years. Deb has been volunteering with the North Coast Regional Landcare Network for a number of years and has been a consistent force in assisting North Coast Regional Landcare to take on a more consolidated role. She is currently on the network executive and a member of the steering committee for the North Coast Regional Landcare Coordinator. Deb inspires everyone around her with her ability to build relationships and positive collaborations including work colleagues, volunteers and fellow committee members.
Louise Turner is passionate about the Western Region of NSW, where she has lived and worked for the past 24 years. She has been involved in Landcare not only at a local level, but also at the regional, state and National levels. She is actively involved in her local community where she encourages and inspires people around her with her work in protecting native animals and rehabilitating their habitat to controlling and/or eradicating pest animals and plants. Her passion shows through the work on her own property with restoration of habitat, soil rehydration work and the three seed nurseries she has built with her husband Zane.
For further information contact:
Landcare NSW
Jodie Lovell, Communications Officer
0439 316 151
The 2022 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference is going online.
It will now be an inspiring one-day event on Thursday 17th March 2022 running from 9am-5pm.
The ticket price has been reduced to $100 to encourage broader participation across NSW.
The conference will be followed by a FREE online awards ceremony from 6pm-8pm.
Some of the highlights include:
• Craig Reucassel presenter of ABC TV series War on Waste and Fight for Planet A: Our Climate Challenge to MC the conference & awards
• Dr Chadden Hunter added as new Keynote to the program by – Dr Chadden Hunter is an inspirational wildlife filmmaker who worked alongside Sir David Attenborough for over 20 years
• Keynotes by the Commissioner of Resilience, Shane Fitzsimmons and Evolutionary Ecologist Rob Kooyman
• First Nations presentations by Yaegl Traditional Owners, Oliver Costello, Gumbayngnggir Wenonah Head Aboriginal Corporation, Coffs Harbour & District and Thunggutti Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
The conference theme – Rethink, Renew, Recharge – provides a platform to plan for the future of the Landcare movement, and promote innovative practices across NSW.
Endangered and threatened birds, fish, frogs, and plants have made a significant comeback on a threatened wetland, thanks to works undertaken by Envite Environment, Bandjalang Traditional Owners, Bungawalbin Landcare and private landholders.
With funding from the Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery Grants, the Bungawalbin Landscape Bushfire Recovery Project has successfully managed to support threatened species recovery through restoration works and invasive species control after the devastating 2019 bushfires burnt large swathes of the wetlands and rainforest.
“Over ninety-five per cent of the Bungawalbin area was burnt. This area is part of a large wetland system which contains lowland subtropical rainforest, coastal swamp forests, coastal floodplain wetlands and dry sclerophyll forest and is one of the most significant areas of fauna biodiversity in north-east NSW,” said Envite Environment Senior Environment Coordinator, Maree Thomson.
“Wetlands can cope with fire to a certain degree, but not if it’s really hot, dry and devastating. Unfortunately, 2019 was that year. This left many of our threatened species on the brink of disappearing and one of the biggest actions you can undertake to support recovery is pest and weed control.
“Unfortunately, the fires were preceded by drought and followed by floods resulting in ideal conditions for growth weeds such as Lantana and Cats Claw Creeper which out-compete regenerating native plants if not controlled,” said Maree
With World Wetland Day on February 2 focusing on taking action to restore, repair and protect wetlands, Maree says community support and collaboration is vital in wetland habitats enhancing their important role now and into the future.
“Bungawalbin Landcare and landholders in the area have worked hard to assist wildlife and habitat to recovery from bushfires and the Minyumai Indigenous bush regeneration team is working to restore Country of strong cultural significance.
“Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment. They reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants, improve water quality and provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life, supporting plants and animals that are found nowhere else.
“By undertaking weed control activities and engaging with local volunteers and landholders we can help to ensure that the wetlands and the species that rely on its health have the best chance of full recovery.”
The Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery project has been supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program for Wildlife and their Habitat.
Images:
Image 1: Bungawalbin wetlands. Image by Iain Stych
Community collaboration key to local mangroves survival
Scientists and community members are working together in a collaboration project to restore local mangroves burnt in the 2019 bushfires on the NSW South Coast.
Leading the project is OceanWatch Australia’s Spatial Project Officer, Dr Claudia Santori.
“The mangroves that we are working on for this project were badly affected by the 2019-2020 bushfires in a way that has been rarely, if ever, observed in Australia and worldwide.
“Mangroves usually don’t burn because they are protected by being so close to or in the water, but 2019 was an exceptional year. The heat of the intense fires killed many of the trees, and degraded or destroyed the habitat they used to provide”, said Dr Santori.
Often referred to as the ‘kidneys’ of the environment, mangroves are the coastal wetlands’ water filtration system, and are crucial to sustainable ocean care.
“Mangrove forests are a very important ecosystem, as many terrestrial and aquatic species rely on them. Particularly, they are a key habitat for mammals, spiders, several insect species, and birds. Also, these mangroves provide habitat for a variety of aquatic species, and they are an important nursery for fish.
“Considering Australia has the third largest area of mangroves in the world, protecting these ecosystems is vitally important and supporting them to recover after such destruction even more so,” said Dr Santori.
With funding from the Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery Grants, Dr Santori, along with local community members, are doing their bit to protect and ensure the survival of this important aquatic habitat.
“Focusing on the Clyde, Moruya and Womboyn Rivers, we’ve held a series of educational workshops on mangroves and the MangroveWatch monitoring protocol, to generate interest among locals and visitors. We are creating a community around the mangroves to ensure that they are protected, supported and healthy.
“Our project will enhance the recovery and maximise the resilience of fire-affected mangrove forests in the South Coast of NSW and all the animals that rely on the habitat they provide. It will also allow us to improve our understanding of the impacts of bushfires to this important ecosystem.”
With World Wetland Day on February 2 focusing on taking action to restore, repair and protect wetlands, Dr Santori said community support and collaboration is vital in supporting wetland habitats such as mangroves, to enhance their important role now and into the future.
“Mangroves have an important role in wave mitigation, bank stabilisation, in the reduction of erosion and lock up significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. With a changing climate and many challenges ahead on our shorelines they are crucial to biodiversity and the health of our waters and shorelines.”
The Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery project has been supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program for Wildlife and their Habitat.
Images:
OceanWatch Australia staff in Batemans Bay doing a ‘long plot’ measuring trees in bushfire affects zones.
Landcarers have been sowing the seeds for renewal to ensure the future of the last remaining species of Warty Zieria in the Eurobodalla.
A small bush with delicate white flowers, there are only 3,000 remaining in the wild meaning that the work undertaken by Eurobodalla Landcare is crucial in its recovery and reestablishment.
It’s been two years since bushfires ravaged much of the east coast of NSW, and since the fires invasive species such as Lantana have flourished without any competition hindering the recovery of the more delicate species.
Funding through the Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery Grants will ensure that local landholders will have the resources to remove the hardy invasive species and work to ensure widespread recovery of Warty Zieria.
Eurobodalla Shire Council Environment Project Officer, Tom Gear, says the involvement of a collaboration of private landholders and widespread community engagement will mean that habitat opportunities may increase for Warty Zieria.
“This project is about building community collaboration and participation in protecting and supporting threatened species.
“Most of the habitat of the remaining plants is on private land and so community-led involvement means we are helping everyone take a targeted widespread approach to recovery,” says Tom.
The project, held at Tilba on the South Coast of NSW, will be held at six key management sites and involve the managers of all land tenure where the species is known to exist.
Tom said the project will work with landholders to deal with invasive species such as Lantana and Blackberry and help support and identify existing sites.
“Warty Zieria is very habitat-specific, and its distribution isn’t wide. It can be found primarily on rocky habitat with shallow soils and a northerly aspect so we will be working directly with private landholders with weed control to help free up habitat areas so that existing plants can thrive.
“The wider Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba community, including residents and local landholders, Tilba Landcare and business owners will also be engaged in this project through education events and opportunities.”
The Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery project has been supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program for Wildlife and their Habitat.
Key statistics
– Warty Zieria (Zieria tuberculata) is exclusively found in the Tilba area around the base of Mt Guluga and Najanuga
– The project includes provision of spray packs that can be borrowed by residents to assist weed control in Warty Zieria habitat.
– Given the species preference for shallow rocky soils, we can target potential and existing Warty Zieria habitat with our weed control efforts.
– Community education on the species is vital, many locals aren’t aware of the species and its limited distribution or its Vulnerable Conservation Status.
On day 2 attendees put their new knowledge into practice, recording sites on a local Wyangala farm for the Department of Environment’s Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System. Farmers also learned some simple management strategies to avoid damage to sites.
Feedback from the farmers attending was uniformly enthusiastic and positive. Comments included:
