Category: News

Berry Landcarer awarded Life Membership with Landcare NSW

Bill Pigott, an active Landcarer in Berry and former Chair of Berry Landcare has been awarded Honorary Life Membership at the 2021 Landcare NSW Annual General Meeting in recognition of his service to Landcare NSW and the Landcare movement. 

Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron praised Bill’s commitment to Landcare on a state, regional and local level.

“Bill is seen as a leader in the Landcare movement, not just at a local level in Berry but also at a state level where he represented South East Landcare as a Landcare NSW Council member for many years.

I would like to thank Bill for his constant support, advocacy and representation on behalf of Landcare in NSW,” said Ms Cameron.

Bill has worked in roles such as coordinator of local Bushcare site, member of the local Catchment Management Authority and local council working groups and committees.

“Bill played an instrumental role in designing the early Musters and was also the inaugural recipient of the Gerald Carnie Memorial Award in 2015,” said Ms Cameron.

Mr Pigott thanked Ms Cameron and the Landcare NSW Council for the award and said he was honoured to join other Life Members.

“I am so honoured to be nominated as an honorary life member and to join such illustrious and inspiring company of pioneers, Landcare stalwarts and heroes. I’m delighted to accept this nomination,” said Mr Pigott.

“Looking back, I am proudest of my role in the early Landcare Musters and a real highlight was the year that my son Peter, one of the early and longstanding Regional Landcare Facilitators, took on the role of facilitating the Muster.

“I appreciate Landcare as a unique community movement and realise the greatest strength is in its diversity, and I particularly appreciate the energy that was derived in those early days from standing up, from turning up, from promoting the values and the visions of the Landcare community in all of their manifestations and expressions. I admire Landcare NSW’s commitment to listen and the courage to hear. The respect and support to nurture and build capacity still remains such an important part of the organisation.

“I am so proud to be a Landcarer and even prouder to be an honorary life member of Landcare NSW,” Mr Pigott said.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES 

Jodie Lovell – 0439 316 151 

Hunter Regional Landcarer awarded Life Membership with Landcare NSW

Long-time Landcarer, John Hughson, has been awarded Honorary Life Membership at the 2021 Landcare NSW Annual General Meeting in recognition of his service to Landcare NSW and the Landcare movement.  

 Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron praised John’s commitment to Landcare on a state, regional and local level.  

 “John has been involved with Landcare for over 25 years and has worked to develop, and champion,  Landcare at a local, district, and regional level contributing to a legacy of strong, well-established and supported groups in Lake Macquarie and the Hunter,” Ms Cameron said.  

 As the convenor of the first Landcare NSW Gathering at Myuna Bay on the shores of Lake Macquarie in 2007, John was one of the main drivers behind setting up Landcare NSW as the state peak body for community Landcare in NSW.  

 Ms Cameron thanked John for his role as a foundation member of Landcare NSW.  

 “The time and dedication John has brought to the Landcare movement in NSW and Landcare NSW over the years, has helped strengthen the foundation of Landcare NSW.  We wouldn’t be where we are today without individuals such as John who had the vision to see what we could achieve as a state-wide movement,” Ms Cameron said. 

 John went on to represent the Hunter region at the state level on the Landcare NSW Council for over a decade and served on Landcare NSW’s Executive Committee.  

 John’s many Landcare roles have included two stints as Chair of the Hunter Region Landcare Network, when it first formed, and again after 14 years as Landcare Coordinator with Lake Macquarie City Council.  

After more than 25 years, supporting the Landcare movement, and the many champions involved in it, John is now self-employed providing Landcare facilitation and training in conservation and land management. 

 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES 

Jodie Lovell – 0439 316 151 

Media Release: Major milestone as 60,000th tree planted in Western Sydney by Landcare

MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday, 8th December 2021

A major milestone for community Landcare was met when the sixty-thousandth tree for the Creating Canopies in Greater Sydney project was planted at Chauvel Park in the Liverpool City Council.

Facilitated through the partnership between NSW Government, Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare Network, the tree plantings are one of many that have been held across Sydney throughout the past year

Greater Sydney Landcare Network Chair, Bev Debrincat, said the milestone is a testament to the hard work undertaken by staff and volunteers and the collaboration between Landcare and Government to help create green spaces and healthy habitats across Sydney.

“The past year has been challenging for all our communities and we’ve grown in the understanding of the importance of green spaces and nature and how it benefits our communities, health, and wellbeing. Western Sydney is a priority area for our project and I’m thrilled that Liverpool could be where we lay our sixty-thousandth tree,” Bev said.

Landcare NSW Acting CEO, John McLoughlin, said Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare Network are proud to partner with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in Greening our City.

“Landcare NSW works with volunteer community groups to improve the health of our environment and communities. By expanding the green canopy cover across Greater Sydney, we are not only contributing to our community’s health and well-being but also the protection of our native plants and animals by providing much needed habitat.”

Executive Director of Green and Resilient Places with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Steve Hartley said trees are one of our greatest weapons in the battle against the urban heat in Western Sydney.

“This is an important milestone for Landcare and the community of Western Sydney, which will help bring cooler temperatures as we head into summer, while providing more habitat for local wildlife,” Mr Hartley said.

The plantings in Liverpool have been coordinated by Greater Sydney Landcare Network in conjunction with local Landcare and community groups.

The trees are being planted as part of the NSW Government’s Greening Our City program, to increase the tree canopy and green cover across Greater Sydney. Funding has been provided to Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare Network as part of the NSW Government’s $2.1million investment and partnership with Landcare to plant 100,000 new trees across Greater Sydney.

Media Release: Landcare NSW and OzFish launches citizen science initiative to help bushfire affected waterways in NSW 

Joint Media Release

Monday 6th December

OzFish in partnership with Landcare NSW has today announced a state-wide citizen science program in a bid to monitor the recovery of waterways since the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires.

Aptly named Waterway Fire Science, the project which is funded by the Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery Grants program aims to mobilise community groups and recreational fishers to self-monitor the recovery of their local waterways. Volunteers will use a range of water sampling techniques that will contribute to ongoing research efforts and future bushfire recovery programs.

OzFish’s Project Officer for NSW South Coast, Lucas Kas is enthusiastic about the immediate impact citizen scientists can have.

“The more people we can get to roll up their sleeves and get out in the field to collect data, the clearer the picture we will have of the rate of recovery,” said Lucas.

“Understanding the way these systems are recovering is key to minimising the impact fires have in the future. It allows OzFish and our partners to see what activities will increase the resilience and revival of our waterways after fire events.”

“Bushfires are inevitable in Australia, but residents can now get involved in how to help habitat revive,” said Lucas.

OzFish and Landcare NSW are calling upon community members interested in making a positive contribution to their local waterways, to get involved.

Through the partnership, OzFish will provide training on identifying the impacts fire has on riparian vegetation, water quality and riverbank stability, as well as how to measure, monitor, respond to, and commence recovery of impacted waterways.

Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron said local Landcare groups, recreational fishers and individuals can access training and increase their skills and knowledge to make a real difference on the ground.

“Training will be provided through a series of both online and in-field workshops across NSW, of which the dates and locations will be announced in early 2022,” said Stephanie.

“Volunteers will also learn how to collect key readings of vegetation, as well as harnessing exciting new technologies like eDNA to confirm the presence of any species in the area.

“At each event all equipment will be provided to allow volunteers to carry out a range of monitoring techniques such as water bug sampling and mapping terrestrial and aquatic fauna using underwater cameras,” said Stephanie.

If you’d like to get involved or hear more about the project, head over to Waterway Fire Science – OzFish Unlimited and click on the Waterway Fire Science page under projects and register your interest now.

This Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery project has been supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program for Wildlife and their Habitat.

ENDS

Interviews Available

Media Contacts
Jonathon Bleakley – Media Manager | OzFish Unlimited
Jonathonbleakley@ozfish.org.au | 0402171914

About OzFish 
OzFish Unlimited is a national fishing conservation charity established to improve the health of our rivers, lakes and estuaries. It is a member-based organisation dedicated to make our fishing grounds healthy, vibrant and more productive. Their active work includes; habitat restoration such as resnagging, riverbank planting, fishways, shellfish reefs and educational and community capacity building programs.

About Landcare NSW
Landcare NSW is the peak body and voice of community Landcare in NSW. Our mission is to care for the land and the environment. The Landcare movement is a community-based approach to managing and protecting our natural resources – creating more productive and sustainable farms, conserving our environment, and building more cohesive and resilient communities. Landcare connects you to on-ground activities where you can volunteer with like-minded individuals who have a passion for caring for country.

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TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2022 NSW LANDCARE AND LOCAL LAND SERVICES CONFERENCE

The much-anticipated program for the 2022 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference is sure to delight, with an incredible line-up of presenters and panels revealed.

The three-day event, running from Tuesday, 15 to Thursday, 17 March 2022, will feature expert speakers and testimonies from Landcarers around the state who will challenge delegates to rethink how they can best care for land and waterways.

Held at Tweed Heads on the NSW far north coast, the program includes a range of exciting field trips and presentations from Landcare groups, ecologists, universities, government agencies and First Nations custodians.

The conference will be headlined by a keynote address by Resilience NSW Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons. A few of the other highlights include:

  • Dr. Robert Kooyman is a plenary speaker, delving into evolutionary ecology and fire in the rainforest.
  • Kate Steel, Josie Banens and Oliver Costello will bring it local reflecting on fires in the Nightcap National Park and the process of healing country and community.
  • Ian Hansen will delve into Early Change Monitoring – Rethinking our approach to identifying native vegetation clearing and engaging with our landholder community.
  • Matthew Smith & Nigel Blake from Coffs Harbour and Districts LALC will share with us their process of Healing Gumbaynggirr Country with Ceremony, Bush Regeneration and Habitat Reconstruction.

Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron said the opportunity for Landcarers from across the state to get together and share their experiences is invaluable.

“The conference allows Landcarers to come together and share their experiences, learnings and outcomes with each other,” Ms Cameron said.

“The opportunity to be together in person, connect and celebrate the efforts of all people caring for and managing natural resources and improving sustainable land management practices across the state is something not to be missed.”

Those interested in attending the conference can now snap up their tickets at early bird prices, with the first round of tickets on sale until Wednesday, 15 December 2021.

To check out the entire conference program and secure your tickets today, visit www.nswlandcareconference.com.au

Local Land Services Acting Statewide Chair Allison Harker has encouraged passionate individuals and groups right across NSW to attend the conference and contribute to the conference theme of ‘Rethink, Renew, Recharge’.

“This is a great opportunity for passionate Landcarers and landholders to hear from their colleagues across the state as well as industry experts, as they share their on-the-ground experiences and learnings with the broader Landcare community,” Ms Harker said.

The 2022 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference includes:

Day 1 – Tuesday 15 March 2022:

  • Landcare Muster
  • Welcome to Country by Traditional Owners – Banaam
  • Keynote address by Commissioner of Resilience NSW and former Commissioner of the Rural Fire Service (RFS), Shane Fitzsimmons

Day 2 – Wednesday 16 March 2022:

  • Seven great field trips on offer to give Landcarers the opportunity to renew their passion for Landcare practices while recharging their batteries around the beautiful Northern Rivers
  • 2021 Landcare Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner

Day 3 – Thursday 17 March 2022:

  • Inspiring day of presentations including plenary speaker Dr Robert Kooyman
  • 20 thought provoking presentations coving topics on engaging community, land management and biodiversity
  • Two exciting panels – Regenerating Agriculture and Saving Our Biodiversity.

New partnership set to strengthen ties between Landcare and Local Government in NSW

26th November, 2021

NSW peak bodies Landcare NSW and Local Government NSW (LGNSW) are joining forces to work together to improve environmental and community outcomes across NSW.

Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron said the partnership is a natural fit for Landcare NSW whose mission is to support grassroots Landcarers to care for our land, environment, and communities.

“We are thrilled to be working with Local Government NSW to formalise the partnership between our two organisations,” Ms Cameron said. “We already work together in many parts of the state through on-ground projects that focus on environmental protection, sustainable food production, and community engagement and wellbeing.

“Landcare NSW has existing relationships with a number of Local Government NSW member Councils who host Regional and Local Landcare Coordinators. This partnership is a step in the right direction to expanding that connection further.”

LGNSW President Clr Linda Scott said the partnership will allow both organisations to achieve strong environmental and social outcomes.

“Councils across NSW are committed to good environmental management, and many already work with Landcare networks and groups to coordinate and collaborate on a range of community led, volunteer driven natural resource management activities and projects,” Cr Scott said.

“This partnership will allow us to explore future opportunities where we can align and collaborate.”

Landcare NSW is the peak body for community Landcare in NSW. It is a not-for-profit organisation that represents the many Landcare groups and volunteers that constitute the Landcare movement in NSW.

The partnership will include a bespoke membership opportunity for Local Government NSW members to support and connect with Landcare in their local region.

Landcare NSW is the peak representative body of community Landcare groups in NSW. Landcare is a community-driven approach to sustainable natural resource management with a focus on improving the resilience of the environment now and into the future.

Local Government NSW is the peak body for local government in NSW, representing general purpose councils and related entities. Local Government NSW aims to strengthen and protect an effective, democratic system of local government across NSW by supporting and advocating on behalf of member councils, including actively and persuasively representing the views of local government to the NSW and Australian governments.

Media Contacts:
Landcare NSW Jodie Lovell – 0439 316 151
Local Government NSW Media: 0448 718 892

Landcare NSW Member Groups Pre-registration to vote

Attention: Landcare NSW Members

The closing time to register a representative to vote at the Landcare NSW Special General Meeting (SGM) on behalf of your group is rapidly closing.

Registration will close this Sunday 28th November.

The Landcare NSW AGM & SGM will be held 30th November at 3:30 AEST with pre-registration voting closing this Sunday 28th.

Due to the Landcare NSW AGM and SGM being held online this year, we require pre-registration of members that will be voting.

Voting as a Member Group of Landcare NSW – what does this mean?

Every Incorporated and unincorporated Member group who is a financial member of Landcare NSW is entitled to one vote at our AGM and SGM. This must be the Chair or the nominated representative of the group. See ‘who can vote’ below

What are my membership rights?

The Landcare NSW constitution allow members in the following categories the right to vote.

  • Group Member – YES
  • Endorsed Individual Members e.g. current Council/Executive Members – YES
  • Honorary Life Members – YES
  • Associate Members – NO
  • Individuals – NO

Who can vote?

1. Group Member – Chair or Nominated Representative of an Incorporated Group Member:

  • Landcare Region
  • Landcare Network
  • Landcare District
  • Landcare Group

2. Endorsed Member – Current Landcare NSW Councillor or Executive Committee Member

3. Honorary Life Member  – Current Life Members on our Honour Role

Can I send a proxy instead?

No. As outlined in the Constitution, Proxy voting must not be undertaken at or in respect of a general meeting. Therefore, a committee cannot delegate this to a coordinator or paid employee if they can’t attend the meeting.

What’s different about this year?

A vote will be held regarding the new proposed constitution and Landcare NSW moving to a company limited by guarantee (during the SGM). Details can be found in the notice of the SGM dated 4th November, 2021.

Many of you would have taken part in the governance workshops in the lead-up to the SGM regarding these changes and as a representative body it is important to have the voice of your group heard.

Click HERE for the AGM & SGM notice, agendas, 2020 minutes and current constitution.

I want to vote and have my say on behalf of my group. What should I do?

Please ensure you e-mail us at vote@landcarensw.org.au  with your name, email and group you are voting on behalf on before Sunday 28th, and you will be sent a link in advance to cast your vote.

Advanced registration is required as Landcare NSW has engaged an external third party, True Vote to conduct the SGM vote and TrueVote will directly send you the information and links need to vote. This will be sent only to the nominated voter directly.

The link for the online meeting is below with the agenda.

The details regarding the Annual General Meeting are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 30 November 2021
Time: 3:30pm
Location: Online – Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84012394150?pwd=UEhVRi9YVlc4U2xpWUxsMmRLNGUrUT09

Meeting ID: 840 1239 4150
Passcode: 860428

Notice to Members by:
Margaret Applebee | Secretary
Landcare NSW Inc.

Notice of 2021 Landcare NSW Annual General Meeting and Special General Meeting

November 4th, 2021

NOTICE of the 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Special General Meeting (SGM)

On behalf of the Executive Committee of Landcare NSW Incorporated, Landcare NSW invites Members to join for the 2021 AGM

The details regarding the Annual General Meeting are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 30 November 2021
Time: 3:30pm
Location: Online – Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84012394150?pwd=UEhVRi9YVlc4U2xpWUxsMmRLNGUrUT09
Meeting ID: 840 1239 4150
Passcode: 860428

Annual General Meeting:

The Annual General Meeting is an important event for Landcare NSW Incorporated. Both the Chair’s Report and the audited Financial Report are 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 sent directly to members.

2020 AGM Minutes can be found here

2021 AGM Agenda

Special General Meeting:

A Special General Meeting will follow the AGM, a notice which outlines the meeting and special resolution to be passed can be accessed here: Notice of Special General Meeting – Landcare NSW Incorporated

2021 SGM Agenda

For further information or to register to vote at the AGM please contact Landcare NSW via vote@landcarensw.org.au or communication@landcarensw.org.au

Visit this page for a full breakdown on how the process works

GREEN FOOTPRINT MARKS MOUNT DRUITT HOSPITAL

More than 4500 trees and shrubs will be planted on the grounds of Mount Druitt Hospital, creating a greener footprint, cooler environment, and enhance the wildlife habitat.

This new wooded, leafy area is part of the Creating Canopies in Greater Sydney tree-planting project between Mount Druitt Hospital, Greater Sydney Landcare Network, Landcare NSW and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

Shaded and tree lined walking tracks leading from Luxford Road and Railway Street will provide new pedestrian paths that staff, patients, visitors and community members can use.

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals General Manager and self-confessed green thumb, Ned Katrib welcomes the natural expansion on the grounds of the hospital, helping create a greener footprint in Western Sydney.

“I’d like to thank Greater Sydney Landcare for enhancing the hospital surroundings with the endangered trees and plants,” Ned said.

“This natural environment will be maintained and cared for by hospital staff and will help decrease the ground temperatures of the surrounding areas.

“Planting more trees on the hospital grounds will create an outdoor space so our patients and visitors can spend more time outdoors in a shaded environment.”

More than 2000 plants will be spread across the hospital campus to encourage growth and enhance the ecosystem landscape.

Chair of Greater Sydney Landcare Network Bev Debrincat, says Greater Sydney Landcare Network and Landcare NSW are proud to partner with Western Sydney Local Health District and Mount Druitt 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,” Bev said.

The Mount Druitt planting is the fourth hospital that Greater Sydney Landcare Network and Landcare NSW have worked with in greening hospital grounds as part of the Creating Canopies Project.

The trees planted are part of the NSW Government’s Greening Our City program, to increase the tree canopy and green cover across Greater Sydney. Funding has been provided to Greater Sydney Landcare Network and Landcare NSW as part of the NSW Government’s $2.1 million investment and partnership with Landcare to plant 100,000 new trees across Greater Sydney.

Printed with the permission of ‘The Pulse – your Western Sydney health news’

New Chief Executive Officer for Landcare NSW

Landcare NSW has announced the appointment of Turlough Guerin as the new CEO of Landcare NSW.

After a rigorous recruitment process, Landcare NSW is excited to have Turlough onboard to steer the organisation through the next stage of growth.

Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron said she was delighted with the appointment, describing Turlough as a senior industry leader in sustainable business with extensive networks across industry, in governments, and with community-led organisations.

“Landcare NSW has grown significantly in the past few years. We look forward to welcoming Turlough and continuing to grow and strengthen the Landcare movement in NSW as we work together to support the valuable work that our member groups and volunteer Landcarers do,” said Ms Cameron.

“A healthy and well supported Landcare movement will equip us for future challenges and empowers capable and willing volunteers to work to protect and restore our natural environment.”

The CEO’s role is to build partnerships, generate new funding sources and deliver services that are valued by the Landcare community.

Turlough is governance and science-trained and has held senior sustainability and stakeholder interface roles in technology, energy, and resources companies. His focus has been in service delivery on major infrastructure projects in the clean energy, communications technology and construction sectors having worked for Shell, Telstra, and First Solar. Turlough has also held Board roles in for-purpose and community organisations including with the Ag Institute of Australia, community radio, as well as community energy generation.

Turlough is currently Program Leader Low Emissions Building Materials within Climate Change and Sustainability in the NSW Department of Planning Industry and Environment. Through this program, he has led the establishment of a market for low carbon emissions construction materials, building a government-industry partnership of more than 110 organisations engaged in the cause across NSW and Australia. He has been with the Department since 2017.

Turlough will commence his role on Monday 13th December.