News Archives

Out and About with Trees in the House

A casualty of COVID19 is the annual gathering hosted by Landcare NSW and the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare known as Trees in the House.

In the esteemed setting of Parliament House in Sydney’s Macquarie Street, Landcarers and MPs celebrate Landcare’s achievements and discuss future challenges.

The name Trees in the House stems from the practice of 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.

In the remarkably different year of 2020, the event will be remodelled as Out and About with Trees in the House.

Instead of a large gathering in Macquarie Street, regional events will be held in which Landcare groups will invite their Member of Parliament to plant a tree that will be nurtured by the Landcare community in the area.

Regional events will bring together Landcarers, community representatives, government partners and Members of Parliament to showcase and celebrate Landcare in the area.

In a year when communities have been rocked by drought and fire, only to be hit by a pandemic, Landcare has shown its resilience and determination to care for the land, protect biodiversity and look after people and rural industries.

Landcare NSW will provide information and resources to support Landcarers who would like to take the concept of Trees in the House and replicate it in the regions.

More information will be provided by Landcare NSW in the coming weeks but in the meantime, please direct any questions to Jodie Lovell jlovell@landcarensw.org.au or Rachael Moss rmoss@landcarensw.org.au

Federal MPs celebrate Landcare with new friendship group

Landcare NSW has expressed enthusiasm for the newly-formed Federal Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL).

“It’s very encouraging to see Members of the Federal Parliament taking an interest in our work,” said Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit. “This is especially important in the context of what will follow NLP2 in terms of long term funding and support for the grassroots community Landcare movement.”

NSW was the first State to form a friendship group in 2015. This group has been very successful and is highly valued by Landcarers and MPs.

“It has enabled us to build a relationship between the NSW Landcare community and the NSW Parliament, we constantly reinforce Landcare’s long tradition of bipartisanship,” said Dr Zammit.

This year, two Federal Senators – Perin Davey representing NSW, and Raff Ciccone representing Victoria – have created a group in the Federal Parliament which already has around 25 members.

Senator Davey is based in Deniliquin and knows a number of Landcarers in her local area.

The aims of the Federal PFL are to celebrate the success of Landcare and to help the community respond to challenges and opportunities. Senators Davey and Ciccone are planning events to enable interaction between Parliamentarians and the Landcare movement.

Landcare NSW encourages all Landcare groups in NSW to contact their Federal Member of Parliament and encourage them to join the Federal PFL.

All they need to do is contact the offices of either Senator Perin Davey or Senator Raff Ciccone, see contact details below.

Contact Senator Perin Davey
Contact Senator Raff Ciccone

Media Releases

NLN_National Parlimentary Friends of Landcare_Media Release

Joint Media Release-Parliamentary Friends of Landcare- Ciccone Davey

BIRDS OF A FEATHER – HOW FIVE LANDCARE GROUPS ARE ENSURING THE FUTURE OF THOUSANDS

Listen carefully and you’ll notice a distinctive sound. In between the throaty cries of crows and the screeching of galahs, the warbling tones of the Superb Parrot colour the air as they feast on flowering gums and grass seeds.

There is some debate around the remaining number of Superb Parrots in the wild, whether there is 8,000 or 10,000, however the fact we can all agree on is that their numbers are declining.

But not if local Landcare and community groups have anything to do with it.

Established in 2017, a consortium including Boorowa Landcare, Hovells Creek Landcare, Upper Lachlan Landcare, Lachlandcare & Mid Lachlan Landcare are working together with partners Cowra Woodland Birds, Greening Australia and National Parks & Wildlife Service NSW to ensure that the parrots and the project that supports them has a fighting chance.

Found along inland Eastern NSW, the parrots face many challenges. As a mainly hollow-bearing species, the parrots require trees of over 100 years old – as only mature trees create hollows – and are restricted to certain tree species such as Box-Gum, Box-Cypress-pine and Boree Woodlands and River Red Gum Forest as well as Blakely’s Red Gum, Yellow Box, Apple Box and Red Box.

But with a support group as collectively diverse as the species habitat range, the passion and dedication that the members bring to preserving the species is inspiring and heartening.

Bird walks have been held over all the region, as part of the broader SoS program. The one last month brought it to six.

Educational seminars have been going for more than five years and up to 100 participants have been trained in the monitoring technique through this project.

Dedicated programs spanning years to support not just the superb parrot but all birdlife and the supporting ecosystems? Absolutely.

For Local Landcare Coordinator for Boorowa Landcare, Linda Cavanagh, the involvement and support of community groups and local landholders has helped sustain the momentum for the continuation of the programs.

“Community involvement is crucial. But community enthusiasm is a driving factor and is so important too. Boorowa Landcare is one of five Landcare groups in our region who have taken on supporting the Superb Parrot and the ecosystems on which they rely on.

“One of our biggest drivers has been local landholders collating and collecting data about the birds and feeding into this program.

“Our birdwalks and regular bird surveys help build the knowledge of population trends, key flight paths and the success factors that lead to successful breeding ecology of the Superb Parrot.

“With such a vast habitat area, collaborations such as the ones between all our local landcare groups are so important and we can help build the knowledge base to help support our work and advocacy for the species.

“Of course, the key strength of the program has been the community engagement activities to increase awareness and interest in project participation by keen volunteers, we couldn’t do it without them,” Linda said.

The funding for the program and activities comes from Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (previously Office of Environment & Heritage) and has helped ensure that Superb Parrot restoration actions in the broader Saving Our Species (SoS) program continue.

Local Superb Parrot expert, Pat Downey, says collective group’s involvement in supporting the species lead to greater data collection and consistency that is in line with Regional and State wide data bases.

“I’ve been working with Landcare for five years and have seen the growth of passion and ownership for the health of the species.

“The education component is critical is helping communities understand their impact on the local environment and how removing just one tree can have a huge ripple effect on all local species. You are removing a potential home, food source, shelter for other species, microbes in the soil for other vegetation. But, by leaving that tree and protecting it by fencing it off to protect it in combination with planting understorey shrubs you are investing in your land, your profitability and the future of a multitude of species.

“Additionally, by fencing off existing paddock trees you are also supporting your livestock as you are supporting the health of the tree and future trees it may lead to and there’s value for everyone in those things,” Pat said.

As you watch their flight and movement you can understand why communities want to support them and their future. They’re beautiful to watch. A shift in the angle of wings, a cresting in the air and you witness a change in colour with the brilliance in green and gold and example of why a shift in perspective can mean the world of a difference.

The Saving Our Superb Parrot is funded by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Saving Our Species (SoS) program.

Superb parrot Polytelis swainsonii feeding on young Cootamundra wattle Acacia baileyana seeds Wantiool NSW

Land and environment jobs would help to build a post-COVID economy

Landcare NSW is disappointed the Federal Budget did not include funding for a Land Management and Conservation Stimulus Package but recommends the Federal Government keep the idea on the table.

Landcare NSW welcomes the Budget allocation for projects to improve ocean health, renew visitor infrastructure in world heritage sites and expand recycling infrastructure.

“This Budget focused on tax cuts and infrastructure but there is still a chance for the Government to stimulate the economy by working with the volunteer Landcare community to create jobs in managing the land and environment,” said Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit.

In the lead up to the Budget, along with 70 farming and conservation groups around the country, Landcare NSW asked the Federal Government to fund a national conservation jobs plan.

Dr Adrian Zammit, said: “Our sector stands ready to make a massive contribution to job creation around the country.

“We are confident we can stimulate the economy by creating jobs to restore the environment which has been severely impacted by fires and drought.

“Our land needs people to plant trees, erect fencing, restore riverbanks, remove pests and weeds and create habitat for threatened species,” said Dr Zammit.

“These are the kind of jobs and training young people want.

“Building homes and supporting business is welcome but we need a greater focus on the natural infrastructure that sustains our quality of life and enables wildlife to survive.”

Landcare is a well-established, trusted community movement that has robust systems, sound financial management and experience, enabling it to scale up quickly to deliver land and environment projects.

‘This investment would create social, economic and environmental benefits in the short, medium and long term,’ said Dr Zammit.

1200 Trees Planted at Fairfield Hospital

The grounds of Fairfield Hospital are set to green thanks to a partnership between the NSW Government, Fairfield City Council and Landcare NSW to plant 1200 trees.

Fairfield Hospital General Manager Paul Crowe and the Mayor of Fairfield Frank Carbone joined Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit and the Greater Sydney Landcare Network’s Creating Canopies team and 20 volunteers to plant new trees and undergrowth plants at Fairfield Hospital.

Mayor of Fairfield Frank Carbone said the new greenery will be a huge benefit to patients at the hospital, wildlife and the wider community.

“These trees will create a beautiful environment for patients, visitors and the wider community to relax, while creating new habitat and strengthening the corridor along Orphan School Creek,” Mr Carbone said.

The Department of Planning Industry and Environment’s Deputy Secretary of Place, Design and Public Spaces Alex O’Mara said the initiative was part of the NSW Government’s commitment to plant one million trees across Greater Sydney.

“Access to green spaces has immense health benefits for the community and play a big role in supporting mental and physical health and we are committed to ensuring everyone across Greater Sydney can experience these benefits,” Ms O’Mara said.

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit said the organisation was proud to partner with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in Greening our City.

“Landcare NSW works to improve the health of our environment and communities and 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,” Dr Zammit said.

Fairfield Hospital General Manager Paul Crowe said more than 1200 trees will make a huge difference to the health and wellbeing of patients and visitors to Fairfield Hospital.

“More canopy cover will improve the natural environment and contribute to the preservation of Cumberland Plain Woodland, while providing a peaceful place for patients and their families to enjoy,” Mr Crowe said.

The trees will be planted as part of the NSW Government’s $2.1 million investment and partnership with Landcare to plant 100,000 new trees across Greater Sydney.

The undergrowth plants have been donated by Fairfield Council Nursery.

Creating Canopies in Greater Sydney is looking for Landcarers and landholders from across the region interested in participating in tree planting activities and creating future canopies.

Landcarers and landholders interested in registering their site for trees can email trees@greatersydneylandcare.org or call (02) 4724 2147.

This project is a part of the NSW Government Greening our City program, planting 1 million trees in Greater Sydney by 2022. Landcare NSW will work with the Greater Sydney Landcare Network to deliver the planting of 100,000 trees with a focus on Western Sydney.

Meet Landcare NSW’s Community Landcare Aboriginal Engagement Officer

Meet Craig Aspinall, Community Landcare Aboriginal Engagement Officer

What is your role within the NSW Landcare Program?
My job title is “Community Landcare Aboriginal Engagement Officer”, and my role is to facilitate and improve opportunities for collaboration between Aboriginal communities and the Landcare movement in NSW.

How did you get involved in Landcare?
In 2005, I was the first appointee to the role of Catchment Officer (Aboriginal Communities) for the Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, now known as Hunter Local Land Services. During my eight year tenure in the role I was privileged to be involved in some significant major projects across the region, including the Kooragang Wetlands Rehabilitation Program and the Hexham Swamp Rehabilitation Project. The involvement of Landcare was intrinsic to the success of these projects, and I distinctly recall my amazement when walking through an area on Ash Island that was once a paddock, which had been rehabilitated by Landcare volunteers into a beautiful native coastal rainforest full of species of cultural significance.

Why do you care about Landcare?
As an Aboriginal man I stand firm in my acknowledgement that my Aboriginal ancestors were the original carers and stewards of land and sea country in NSW. Landcare is a movement that supports our relationships with the land, but also the relationships of the people, and the Landcare movement is driven by people.

What does ‘caring for country’ mean to you?
I am a proud Biripai man who was born and raised on the NSW Lower North Coast, and a descendant of Jack Cook of Gloucester. The belief that ‘if you look after the land and sea it will provide for your people’, has never been more important than now. To me, caring for country means ensuring future generations can enjoy the same or better natural environment than currently exists – inter-generational equity!

What have you learnt about the Landcare community since starting in your role?
Everyone is so friendly and welcoming! The other thing that has struck me is the sheer volume of Landcare people from all over NSW who are eager to learn from, and collaborate with, Aboriginal people. It was a little overwhelming at first, being just one Aboriginal Officer for the whole state, but I am gradually getting out there and meeting as many people as I can.

Why is it important to build connections and strengthen engagement between the Landcare movement and Aboriginal peoples?
To me, Landcare as a movement will not be completely fulfilled unless it incorporates Aboriginal people, culture and practices. I would again acknowledge that Aboriginal people have been the original carers and stewards of our land and sea country for generations – don’t you think they may know a thing or two about getting the most from the land without damaging it? But It needs to be an equal relationship and many Landcarers simply don’t know about protocols, where to start and who to contact – that’s where my role comes in.

How will your role assist in supporting Aboriginal people to have a voice within Landcare?
As I said above, it needs to be an equal relationship between Landcare and Aboriginal people and culture, but it is important that Aboriginal people are aware of Landcare in the first place, and the benefits that are gained by participating in Landcare. So, firstly I see my role as helping raise awareness across Aboriginal communities of Landcare, the NSW Landcare Program and the Aboriginal Engagement Program. Secondly, I want to provide support to activities that share knowledge and experiences between Aboriginal people and Landcarers – it is through these activities that long-lasting relationships can be formed.

What have you achieved so far in your role?
The first task for any major funded program is paperwork and approvals! The Aboriginal Program was quite an ‘open book’, so to speak. I had to work through numerous source documents, plans, strategies and reports to try and identify common themes, goals and outcomes. This became the basis for the Aboriginal Action Plan, which has now been approved by the governing bodies and is available on our website. I can now start the journey of implementing the activities that are in the Action Plan and hopefully improve people’s lives in some way – that is the most rewarding part!

What are some of the areas of the role that have excited you the most and have enjoyed since starting in this role? What are you most proud of?
The most exciting aspect of the role so far has been working towards building a profile and visual ‘brand’ for the Aboriginal Communities Engagement Program. I am very proud that we chose to incorporate the work of an Aboriginal artist for this and I hope that it becomes recognisable across both Aboriginal and Landcare communities as a positive symbol of collaboration.
I have also really enjoyed the limited opportunities (due to COVID) I have had to travel and meet with Landcare Groups and Aboriginal Communities. I have visited a fantastic Landcare demonstration site at Lake Liddell in the Upper Hunter, and attended several Cultural Awareness Training activities in the Central Tablelands region in which I learnt so much and met great people. I look forward to being invited to attend more meetings, events and on-ground activities right across NSW as we eventually move out of the current restrictions.

What are the key outcomes you hope to achieve?
I always try to make a difference and improve other people’s lives in any endeavour I am involved – whether work-related or personal. In my opinion, the ultimate outcome for Aboriginal people is firstly to achieve recognition in the wider community that traditional knowledge and practices, even in a contemporary context, are not inferior and should be highly valued. Secondly, it is fair to say that the natural resources of this continent have provided significant socio-economic benefits for the mainstream community for many years, of which Aboriginal people largely missed out. Nowadays, due to certain damaging practices being carried out in the exploitation and management of those natural resources for many years, we find ourselves with a large and growing economic sector that exists to address and rectify that damage, and Landcare is a key player in that sector. It is my goal to ensure that Aboriginal people are well-prepared to take up the opportunity to engage in and benefit from this new economy, as well as being fully respected for their knowledge, skills and practices.

This initiative made possible by the NSW Landcare Program. A collaboration of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW Inc. supported by the NSW Government.

EOI – Appointment of Independent Members of Landcare NSW Council/Executive

Landcare NSW Inc., the peak representative body for the Landcare movement in NSW, is seeking expressions of interest for the appointment of two skilled and experienced persons to join its Executive Committee, which is the effective ‘board’ of Landcare NSW that provides oversight to a team of 20 staff led by a Chief Executive Officer.

We are seeking people with skills and experience in the following areas including, but not limited to,

business and/or team management,
fund raising and business development,
not-for-profit governance,
marketing and communications,
IT,
financial management,
and strategy and risk management.

See attachment here for full details and further selection criteria.

Persons interested in supporting Landcare NSW are invited to put a short expression of interest of no more than two pages, to:
The Chair, Landcare NSW, Suite 7, 56 Church Avenue. Mascot NSW 2020, or nominations@landcarensw.org.au by 15 October 2020.

Building Mental Fitness in Parkes and Forbes Shires

LISTEN HERE: Gus Worland Interview on 2PK/ROK FM Parkes

An exciting new collaboration between Gotcha4Life, Landcare NSW, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and Surf Lifesaving NSW has led to the opportunity to bring new programs to the Parkes and Forbes Shires with a focus on building mental fitness.

The four organisations saw the opportunity to work together in regional, rural and coastal areas in NSW by delivering workshops and training focussed on the concept of ‘prevention through connection’.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Cr Phyllis Miller and Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM have expressed the support of both Councils for the outlay of programs. After several years of drought and then COVID-19, now is the time to continue working on these important aspects of our community health.

Gotcha4Life is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to connecting corporate Australia, government, community and NFP to help prevent and reduce instances of poor mental health in Australia. CEO Tim Hodgson said, ‘We are so excited to work alongside such powerful and purpose-driven organisations, who have local reach into communities across NSW, enabling us to build mental fitness with local relevance and sustainable impact.”

Founder of Gotcha4Life and television and radio personality, Gus Worland said: “Our vision at Gotcha4Life is a world where people are open, honest and supportive in their relationships and comfortable to express themselves when they are not ok. We envisage a society in which everyone has a Gotcha4Life mate who they can open up to and rely on no matter what.

“This collaboration will be vital to help engage people across NSW who are battling with the effects of drought, fire and COVID-19,” said Gus.

Marg Applebee, Coordinator for Central West Lachlan Landcare, and Di Gill, RAHMHP Consultant are pleased to be working with Gotcha4Life to help activate these programs the Parkes and Forbes shires.

Dr Adrian Zammit, Chief Executive Officer at Landcare NSW says, “While Landcare NSW’s mission is to continue to care for the land and environment, it is founded on a series of close-knit communities that we need to support. With over 70 Local Coordinators supported by their own local Landcare groups across NSW, we have the opportunity to assist with facilitation of this important program across the State.

The value we all gain from investing in these relationships and harnessing Landcare NSW’s extensive network means thousands of members across NSW will be able to have access to the mental fitness programs and powerful messaging that Gotcha4Life can bring.”

The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) currently has 20 Coordinators who live and work across NSW who connect people to local services and information.

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton said continuing to find new ways of building mental fitness and capacity in rural communities was absolutely essential after the challenges 2020 has brought.

“RAMHP will provide the advice that only a ‘local’ knows about each rural community and where to get help for your mental health. Our extensive range of rural mental health education sessions will complement the inspiring workshops powered by Gotcha4Life that redefine masculinity and femininity.

“We are looking forward to working with Gotcha4Life, Landcare NSW and Surf Lifesaving NSW to ensure our rural communities have access to a full suite of mental fitness programs and are equipped with the skills and tools to cope with ongoing challenges,” Tessa said.

Whilst Surf Life Saving NSW isn’t an organisation that we rely on day to day in the country, they are an important link in this partnership bring the hub of many coastal communities and are well-placed to provide practical support for initiatives and programs on the ground.

Are you an Aboriginal artist or designer living in NSW?

Are you an Aboriginal artist or designer living in NSW?

Landcare NSW, under the NSW Landcare Program 2019-2023, invites Aboriginal artists from anywhere in NSW to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) concept proposal to produce a commissioned artwork, accompanied by a name and a story, that depicts the theme of “Aboriginal communities and Landcare communities working together for healthy landscapes”.

We are looking to create a visual brand and title/name to help build the profile of the Program, so it becomes easily recognisable throughout Landcare and Aboriginal communities. Expressions of interest close 18 September 2020.

Expressions of Interest form, including the guidelines, can be accessed online here.

LANDCARE IN THE TIME OF A PANDEMIC: HOW COVID-19 IS CHANGING THE FACE OF ‘LANDCARE’

‘You’re on mute’ seems to be the catchphrase of 2020, but with a global pandemic restricting activities and gatherings, the method of connecting via online platforms can no longer be restricted to the young or tech-savvy.

With geographic distance between individuals and local groups no longer as big of a challenge for established and new Landcarers, learning new skills on how to care for our environment and community has become more accessible that ever.

Exploring remote Landcare sites via live feeds on Facebook, webinars on the design and installation of nestboxes to help with post bushfire relief and mental health and community support – by migrating online, Landcare communities are continuing to positively impact their local communities and environments.

“Landcarers, like everyone else, have had to become more flexible in their approach to delivering outcomes,” says Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit.

“Landcarers are resilient and flexible individuals, and despite our current situation limiting on-ground activities, what we’ve seen is individuals looking for new ways to help address all the environmental and social challenges that haven’t changed since COVID-19 started.”

Based in Tenterfield in Northern NSW, Granite Borders Local Landcare Coordinator, Mandy Craig, says online workshops have become a core component of delivering recent activities, meaning landholders in remote areas have access to the same events as those individuals living closer to towns.

“People can just take a break for an hour or so and join the event. It’s not the case of setting aside a day to travel to Tenterfield. Many of our Landcarers live up to, and over, an hour away from town so this is a great way to have a greater geographical reach and connect with farmers from across our region.”

“Online means we can have more training events or activities in a cost-effective way. For example, our most recent event was a book club where we were able to have each author join in our zoom meeting. This would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible, to have authors join us locally.”

Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Local Landcare Coordinator, Rebecca Klomp, agrees saying webinars hosted by experts, as well as online resources, mean that more people can make positive impacts for their local environment and be part of an established community.

“Our webinar on nest box installation with Ecologist Alice McGashen had 30 people take part. The webinar covered local hollow dwelling species, nest box design and materials, installation and monitoring. We also produced videos on YouTube and downloadable material for people to have at home with nearly 100 nest boxes currently being built.”

“The session was shorter than a face-to-face session and the face-to-face networking that normally happens between landholders was a little different, however everything else ran like a normal workshop with interactive options.”

“I definitely think we will use online technology more in a combination with face-to-face delivery for our Landcare activities. Of course, the face-to-face connection remains so important and plays a crucial role in sustaining our communities to deliver work so we look forward to that being commonplace again,” Rebecca said.