News Archives

A message from the CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit – the importance of the community of Landcare

Whenever there are disasters one of the first things that people discover is the strength of their community. It highlights the resilience, comradery and hope that community brings even in the most hopeless and challenging of situations. In the time I have spent working within the NSW Landcare community, one of the things that has struck me constantly is that strength.

It is in the simple gestures and moments, whether at workshops, morning teas or simply reaching out to check that your neighbour is going o.k., that are squeezed in between feeding stock or fighting fires. It is in the stories that our local and regional Coordinators share, telling the story of Landcare and how in good times and bad, in the lean years and fruitful ones, Landcarers show up and do the hard work.

Because Landcare is more than a collective movement. It is a community and for many across NSW, it is a family.

So we urge you to reach out to your fellow Landcarers. Whether it’s your local group or even at a regional level, because we need to support one another now more than ever.

But just as importantly, look after yourself. Because the dust will settle and the smoke will clear, and we’ll be beside one another to build and regrow once more.

Please see below for assistance services for communities affected.

Landcare NSW – 0458 168 225

Salvation Army – salvos.org.au/

Lions Clubs – drought support including fodder – www.needforfeed.org

Drought Angels – www.droughtangels.org.au

Country Women’s Association (CWA) – Disaster Relief Fund – www.cwaofnsw.org.au

WIRES – 1300 094 737

BlazeAid – 0417 552 116

Mission Australia – www.missionaustralia.com.au/

Anglicare Australia – www.anglicare.asn.au/

Disaster Welfare Assistance Point – DWAPs offer help to bushfire affected people with their immediate needs.

Locations to be found here

BUSH FIRE RESPONSE – Financial Assistance

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) are now available for eligible people living in bushfires affected LGA’s. The AGDRP is $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children and the Disaster Recovery Allowance provides eligible applicants up to 13 weeks income support. Click here

Additional assistance

The Emergency Fodder Collection Points for bush fire affected landholders at the Glen Innes Showground and Walcha Racecourse, is now open between 8:00am and 4:30pm.

Landholders who need assistance with emergency fodder, water, livestock and domestic animal assessment, should register their request on the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647. The hotline will be open between 8:00am and 8:00pm weekdays and between 8am and 5pm weekends.

Had water taken for fire-fighting and it affects your livestock?

Local Land Services and NSW DPI will evaluate requests from landholders for replacement of water in dams/storages where water has been removed by fire-fighting authorities for fire-fighting purposes or where infrastructure has been damaged during the emergency creating an animal welfare issue.

Evaluation of eligibility of water replacement will include: significance of impact on animal welfare and significance of impact on other agricultural activities.

The future is in good hands

To mark the milestone of Landcare’s 30th anniversary in 2019, Landcare NSW held an event on 13 November to launch the booklet, ‘Caring for Land and People – A History of Landcare NSW 2007-2019’.

The occasion brought together, for the first time, current Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron, and three previous Chairs David Walker, Mandi Stevenson and Rob Dulhunty.

Also present were a dozen of those involved in the founding or early years of the organisation: Bob Jarman, Bill Pigott, John Hughson, Sonia Williams, Karen Zirkler, John Dalton, John Carter, and apologies were received from Fergus Job, Chris Scott and Chris Cumming.

Most of these individuals have been involved in Landcare since it started in NSW 30 years ago. Collectively they have come to be known as the ‘Landcare Elders’.

The event kicked off with a contribution from the author, professional historian Virginia McLeod, who explained the value of recording history, particularly the stories of the people who were there.

“It is these small histories that make up our national narrative,” she said.

Reflecting on the past, the Landcare Elders commented on tough battles that were fought and won over the years to build a future for the Landcare movement.

One of the founders of Landcare NSW and its first Chairperson, David Walker, said he was pleased to have helped Landcare progress in NSW and to see Landcare NSW grow in its role as peak body for the community.

“Since 2007, when the organisation was formed, the need to represent Landcare and Landcarers has grown but I can look back with pride at what we have achieved,” he said.

“There have been many changes, but one constant has been the strength, resilience and sense of community within Landcare in NSW.”

David commented on the passion, intellectual firepower and dedication of Landcarers and how rewarding it is be part of a movement which continues to attract and retain “wonderful people and fantastic communities”.

Chair of Landcare NSW, Stephanie Cameron, said she was proud to work with her colleagues on the Landcare NSW Council to represent the Landcare community and make the case for its growth and development.

“In 2007 a group of NSW Landcarers decided we needed our own state organisation to give Landcarers in NSW a voice.

“Looking back, we can see that this idea grew and we now have a flourishing peak body. We sincerely thank the people who stepped up to ensure the voices of Landcarers in NSW were heard,” said Stephanie.

Among the stories shared at the event, it was recalled that Landcarers sometimes had to assert themselves in the face of ignorance, indifference and occasionally hostility. It was an experience described by the founders as a test of endurance and courage, persistence and patience.

Sonia Williams, former NSW Landcare Coordinator and key figure in the development of Landcare NSW, noted the experience of working for Landcare was both challenging and rewarding.

“There were stressful times and sometimes detriment to individual health of those involved but there has always been a huge amount of support for each other and solidarity in being part of a group doing something positive for the environment,” she said.

Clare Vernon, who represents young people on the Landcare NSW Council, also participated to ensure the messages of the Elders were heard by the next generations.

Some words of advice she received from John Dalton were: “Don’t be bullied, remember there is strength in numbers, there’s nothing like being part of a community to withstand inertia and make change,” said John Dalton.

Rob Dulhunty, Chair of Landcare NSW from 2012-2018, said it had taken many years to build the credibility of Landcare and this was achieved by always acting with integrity in order to build community trust in Landcare.

“These are our core strengths and must be protected,” he said.

Clare Vernon assured the Elders the future is in good hands. “Young people are self-organising in schools, universities and accessing support from Intrepid Landcare.

“Landcare offers a pathway for the thousands of children and young people who are participating in climate rallies and looking for ways to protect the environment,” said Ms Vernon.

In a final word, current CEO of Landcare NSW, Adrian Zammit, said Landcare continued to provide a way for local communities to get involved in managing natural resources and that the many ‘wicked’ problems we face cannot be resolved without the active involvement of local communities.

The publication of the history of Landcare NSW was supported by a grant from the Create NSW Cultural Grants Program, a devolved funding program administered by the Royal Australian Historical Society on behalf of the NSW Government.

The booklet has been placed in the State Library along with copies of oral histories recorded for the purpose of research.

A new edition will be developed to fill in gaps and provide missing pieces – please send in your comments, suggestions, reflections and ideas to: administration@landcarensw.org.au

New partnership to reach one million trees target announced at NSW Parliament House

A new partnership between Landcare NSW and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment was announced last night in Sydney at Landcare NSW’s annual Trees in the House event at NSW Parliament House.

In support of the Premier’s Priority to Green our City, Landcare NSW has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to help plant one million trees in the Greater Sydney area by 2022. This is part of the NSW Government’s program to plant five million trees in Greater Sydney by 2030.

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit, said: “Landcare NSW is pleased to bring the skills and dedication of our extensive networks to help meet this ambitious target. Our shared challenge is not only to get the trees in the ground but to do the follow up work necessary to ensure they survive; a stable and properly-funded Landcare system is critical to the success of this initiative.”

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said: “We’ve set an ambitious target to increase Greater Sydney’s tree cover and partnerships like this one with Landcare NSW will be vital to achieve it.”

Trees in the House, Landcare NSW’s yearly flagship event, is co-hosted with the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL) group. The PFL is a cross-party group of NSW Members of Parliament who have a common interest in demonstrating support for the goals of Landcare.

Guests were given a native seedling to take away and plant. Trees adopted on the night were registered online and will count towards the target.

The evening also focused on the NSW Landcare Program (2019 – 2023), which is a continuation of the previous Local Landcare Coordinator Initiative (2015 – 2019) and in particular the new regional coordinator role.

The NSW Landcare Program (2019 – 2023) is a $22.4 million investment co-delivered by Landcare NSW and NSW Local Land Services to unlock the potential of the extensive volunteer network and Landcare movement across NSW.

A 2018 study found Landcare contributes $500m to the economy every year.

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit, said the Regional Landcare Coordinators will play an important role in growing the effectiveness of the network of Local Landcare Coordinators.

“We’re seeing the overall health of Landcare groups surge because of the on-ground support that Local Landcare Coordinators are providing. The addition of Regional Landcare Coordinators will play a pivotal role in growing the effectiveness of our statewide Landcare network. They are the drivers of regional resource and knowledge sharing and will coordinate and leverage the strategic goals of Landcare NSW and its member groups.

“The work that Landcare groups do every day across NSW directly benefits us all, but establishing resilient landscapes and communities especially during these trying times of prolonged drought and now bushfires, requires ongoing support and resources which is why our partnership with the NSW Government is fundamental to our ongoing operations,” Dr Zammit said.

The Regional Landcare Coordinator is a new role with nine of 11 positions already filled. They will work with 68 part time Local Landcare Coordinators who support a 60,000-strong volunteer network.

Support for your waterway project is now available through a new partnership

TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE

OzFish and Landcare are working together in NSW

Together we can double our efforts for your local waterways, water quality and fish habitats.

If you’re doing great things for your local waterway – but could use some more hands and resources then this is the time to read more.

Have you been wanting to do a waterway project, but weren’t sure where to start? Need a hand with the planning so your group can get involved? Then look no further.

We’re calling for projects in NSW where OzFish and Landcare can work together. This quick online expression of interest form is all you need to complete and we’ll get in touch with you straight away.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST NOW

Here’s 5 great reasons why you should:

Technical support from OzFish scientists for planning your waterway project
Fresh new project ideas with some innovative activities for your members
Extra volunteers through the OzFish and Landcare networks working together
Access to fundraising opportunities through OzFish major partner – BCF
Access to funding to leverage your grant applications from OzFish and their partner

Need inspiration?
Your project could include; fish hotels, re-snagging, riparian vegetation, vegetative filter strips, litter clean ups, seagrass re-seeding, fish habitat mapping, removing in-stream barriers, pump-screening, stock fencing and troughs, saltmarsh restoration, oyster shell recycling and more!

Get in touch
If you would like to discuss your project idea or need help getting in touch with your local OzFish group or Landcare group, please get in touch, we can help you connect the dots.

Braeden Lampard for inland areas on 0432 656 835
braedenlampard@ozfish.org.au

Cassie Price for coastal areas on 0402 408 791
cassieprice@ozfish.org.auin

2019 Gerald Carnie Memorial Award Recipient Announced

Mr Robert Dulhunty was last night awarded the 2019 Gerald Carnie Memorial Award at a ceremony in Broken Hill in recognition of his local, regional and statewide contribution to Landcare over 30 years.

Rob has been a passionate member of the Landcare movement since his initial involvement through the Furracabad Landcare Group in 1989. He was an active participant of the district Landcare network for the Glen Innes area – GLENRAC – from 1989 until 2009. After helping to found Landcare NSW in 2007, he was Chair from 2011 to 2018 during a period of phenomenal growth that saw the organisation develop as the peak body for Landcare and community NRM.

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit said, “Rob’s depth of knowledge and vision for 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 took up the challenge of leading a statewide organisation to give grassroots Landcarers a voice.

“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.

“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,” said Dr Zammit.

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.

Chair of the PFL, Mr Dugald Saunders, Member for the Dubbo Electorate said: “I have seen Landcare’s efforts firsthand and I am very impressed at the results you are achieving. On behalf of all my colleagues in the PFL, can I say your work is valued and much appreciated.”

At the award ceremony, held as part of the 2019 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference in Broken Hill, one of the founders of Landcare NSW and current Landcare NSW Councillor David Walker said: “Gerald Carnie had the Landcare fire in his belly. He spoke about the importance of the spark of individual awareness, ownership and action as being basic to getting uptake of practice change and conservation.

“Gerald’s work in Landcare was the embodiment of this conviction, and the Gerald Carnie Memorial Award is a testament to people who ensure the persistence and the spread of the Landcare flame,” Mr Walker said.

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.

Applicants are judged on the impact they have had at the local and regional or state scale to ensure that Landcare can prosper. The finalists for the Award for 2019 are:

Harry Bentley – Berridale Rocky Plains Landcare
Harry Bentley has been involved with Berridale Rocky Plains Landcare and the Upper Snowy Landcare Network in various roles including Secretary and Treasurer. He has inspired a new generation of Landcarers in his region to take on the task of re-populating the Monaro with trees in order to regenerate the land, draw down carbon, recover biodiversity and restore land value.

Nerida Croker – Fullerton Hadley Landcare
Nerida is a founding member of the Fullerton Hadley Landcare Group (FHL), established in 2001 and has held the position of Chair ever since. Nerida has also been an active member of the award-winning Kanangra-Boyd to Wyangala Link Partnership (K2W), a Great Eastern Ranges conservation initiative, since 2012, and served as joint chairperson of the K2W steering committee.

Daintry Gerrand – Manning Coastcare
Daintry Gerrand established Manning Coastcare Group in 1996 and has worked tirelessly for this group for 23 years. She is a founding committee member of the North Coast Regional Landcare Network and Mid Coast 2 Tops Landcare Connection. She has served on the Landcare NSW Council as regional representative for the North Coast and works professionally as a Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator with Hunter Local Land Services.

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. We continue to recognise Gerald and his contribution to Landcare with this special Award.

For further information contact:
Landcare NSW
Jodie Lovell, Communications Officer
0439 316 151

2019 NSW Landcare Awards celebrate outstanding Landcare champions

Winning Landcare projects were announced this evening at the NSW Landcare Awards at Broken Hill Civic Centre, where Landcare champions from across NSW came together to celebrate impressive achievements in the Landcare community.

Hosted by Chris McCulloch, Business Partner for Landcare at Local Land Services, the awards celebrate incredible efforts to protect NSW land, water and biodiversity.

Last night’s ceremony saw award winners from diverse categories, including farming, Coastcare and Indigenous land management, announced by representatives of award sponsors and NSW Landcare community champions/stalwarts.

Stephanie Cameron, Chair of Landcare NSW together with Richard Bull, Chair of Local Land Services paid tribute to award finalists and champions.

“The Landcare Awards Gala Event in Broken Hill is a great celebration of Landcare in NSW. The awards recognise individuals, groups and partnerships across the state as well as, and most importantly, First Nations custodians caring for country,” Mr Bull said.

“On behalf of the Landcare NSW community, I congratulate all the nominees and recipients of the awards. Landcare is about communities working together to create positive outcomes for the environment and the agricultural landscape across NSW. It has never been more important that we continue to support and recognise the dedication and commitment of our Landcarers and recognise their tremendous efforts,” said Mrs Cameron.

Grand champions of the NSW National Award categories will go on to represent the whole NSW Landcare Community at the 2020 National Landcare Awards in Sydney.

Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, commended recipients of the NSW Landcare Awards on their outstanding accomplishments.

“It’s an honour to be able to recognise the great work being carried out by our Landcare champions in NSW,” Dr Norrish said.

“The Landcare Awards program provides landcarers the ideal opportunity to get together and celebrate the individual and collective achievements of landcare in the community.

He added: “Landcarers across Australia deserve to be acknowledged and we’re looking forward to seeing NSW winners represent their community at the National Landcare Awards next year”

2019 NSW Landcare Award winners:

Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award – Nerida Croker

Australian Government Partnerships for Landcare Award – Floating Landcare

Australian Government Landcare Farming Award – Amarula Dorpers

Australian Government Innovation in Agriculture Award – Land to Market Australia

Virgin Coastcare Award – Take 3 Ltd

Australian Community Media Landcare Community Group Award – Martindale Creek Catchment Landcare Inc

Woolworths Junior Landcare Team Award – Megalong Valley Public

Indigenous Land Management Award – Aunty Francis Bodkin

Austcover Young Landcare Leadership Award – Richie Benson

BCF Give Back to Fish Habitat Award – Gunning District Landcare

For more information, contact:

Stephen Milton, Landcare Australia – PR and Communications P: 02 8440 8803 M: 0423 584423

E: stephen.milton@landcareaustralia.com.au

Samantha Stratton – Landcare NSW – Marketing Coordinator

e: sstratton@landcarensw.org.au

The 2019 Landcare NSW Muster in Broken Hill a great success

Over 200 Landcarers from across New South Wales attended the 2019 Landcare NSW Muster in Broken Hill this week where the 2019 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference is being held.

Held on the first day of the conference, the Muster provides an opportunity for grassroots Landcarers to get involved, help shape the future of Landcare in NSW and discuss collective issues and consistent themes across our diverse community.

“We would like to say a big thank you to the dedicated and passionate Landcarers who attended and contributed to this year’s Landcare Muster,” said Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron.

“We received some excellent input from the event and the Landcare NSW team are now in the process of putting together a formal report and actions to ensure the work of Landcare NSW is directed by its members and the grassroots Landcare community it serves.”

As part of the Muster, Landcare NSW presented information on it’s achievements against the areas of importance identified at the 2017 Muster in Albury for Landcare NSW to focus on. The 2019 You Asked, We Delivered Report was produced to outline the ‘asks’ and indicate how Landcare NSW has delivered on them.

The Landcare NSW Muster is held every two years as part of the NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference.

Hosted by Western Landcare and Western Local Land Services, the 2019 conference covers issues such as environmental and agricultural stewardship, partnership development and building the future of Landcare in NSW.

Document:

2019 You Asked, We Delivered Report

Healthy Landcare, healthy landscapes key theme at NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference

Hundreds of Landcarers from across New South Wales are in to Broken Hill this week when the 2019 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference is held.

The future of Landcare in NSW, the importance of working together with key stakeholders and how communities define environmental outcomes will be just some of the topics discussed at the event.

Hosted by Western Landcare and Western Local Land Services, the conference covers issues such as environmental and agricultural stewardship, partnership development and building the future of Landcare in NSW.

“We are excited to be co-delivering this event and helping to enable our Landcarers be informed and empowered to return to their communities and share their knowledge that they have gained,” Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit said.

“Our regions are diverse but the state of our environment concerns everybody in NSW, and events such as these are crucial in ensuring that everyone has the best knowledge and practice to be able to implement changes to ensure we have healthy landcare and healthy communities.”

Chair of NSW Local Land Services, Richard Bull, echoed the sentiment stressing that partnerships such as the one between NSW Local Land Services and Landcare NSW are crucial in delivering key services to all communities across the state.

“Events such as these are vitally important. Having some of the best knowledge holders of environmental change from across the state, and the country, is a defining factor in building relationships and communities.”

Mr Bull said the conference was an opportunity for people from across NSW to share their experiences, develop strategies and learn about how to address some of the state’s most pressing environmental issues.

Landcare NSW visits Monaro region

Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit visited the Monaro region this week where he met with Landcare members and local landholders from the Upper Snowy Landcare Network (USLN) and Murrumbidgee Landcare Networks (MLN).

Visiting the Monaro dieback area project, Dr Zammit said he was heartened to see the progress that was being made in restoring the landscape after the shocking tree dieback that has occurred there.

“The installation of the 2016 biodiversity plots and growth that has happened since then is inspiring. The fact that these new local native plants are already flowering bodes well for further natural regeneration. The 20 plots across the Monaro will also feed into research on how best to manage future planting endeavours on both on a small and large scale,” said Dr Zammit.

“A project of this scale is incredible and reflects the dedication, passion and knowledge our Landcare networks possess. With so many challenges, Upper Snowy Landcare Network and others – including their many funders – are committed to restoring the biodiversity to the landscape and encourage landholders to do the same.

“The local and regional NSW Landcare Coordinators are doing an incredible job in accessing the best knowledge and practice to ensure that the landscapes and waterways in the Upper Snowy and Murrumbidgee region are healthy and sustainable.”

Upper Snowy Landcare Network Chair, Dr Margaret Mackinnon, said she was thrilled to have Dr Zammit visit the region and to share with him the realities, successes and challenges of being in Landcare on the Monaro.

“The Upper Snowy and Upper Murrumbidgee catchments are incredibly diverse but climatically severe. We all strive to see our landscapes and waterways flourish but it’s not easy,” said Dr Mackinnon.

“With local and regional Landcare groups and networks running many targeted events, along with the work of committed volunteers and the part-time coordinators and a more highly aware community, future generations will reap the benefits of restored or protected biodiversity.

“We are so pleased to be able to share our triumphs and our concerns regarding the Landcare coordination with Adrian and are confident he is representing our interests, goals and needs at a state and national level.” said Dr Mackinnon.

“Having Adrian here to tour the region, with other key stakeholders, is fantastic. The conversations that flowed amongst this diverse group were invaluable,” said Dr Mackinnon.

Landcare NSW CEO attends Murray Region Mini Muster

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit, visited the Murray region last week to speak at the region’s Mini Muster and hear more about the projects undertaken by the groups.

Visiting Wirraminnia Education Centre in Burumbuttock outside Albury, Adrian said he was delighted to see the work that the region is undertaking and the great achievements that groups are having.

“It was a great day and very fulfilling the see and hear first-hand the diverse work that groups are doing on the ground. With 60 groups within the Murray region, it was great to see so many of them at the Mini Muster to have their say and help shape the work that Landcare NSW is doing in helping represent their interests at a state level.

“The local and regional Landcare Coordinators are doing an incredible job in helping ensure that the landscapes and waterways in the Murray region are in a state in which current and future generations will be able to enjoy the same healthy and diverse environment that we do.”

Landcare NSW Council Member and Holbrook CEO, Dale Stringer, said he was happy to be able to share the work his region is doing.

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