Category: News

City2Surf. It inspires thousands and raises millions.

And alongside 80,000 other enthusiasts, Landcare CEO Dr Adrian Zammit and Landcare NSW Executive Member, Marg Applebee took part this year to raise funds for Landcare NSW.

Raising over $3,500 in fundraising and donations from individuals and teams, Adrian said he was thrilled and humbled to receive such support from the Landcare supporter community.

“Everyone has been so generous and supportive. It’s just fantastic,” he said.

“The race was a tough one, and it feels a bit different from the last one I did in 1994, but it’s so worth it. Just look at everyone!” Adrian said as he gestured to the melee of participants on the day.

With enthusiasm brimming, Adrian and Marg have both echoed the sentiment that they are inspired to do it all over again next year.

“I can’t wait for next year! I’m really hoping we can get a big team together and run as a group,” he said.

We look forward to seeing you all on the starting line.

Landcare NSW has commissioned a document to record it’s history and foundation years. 

Foreword – Dr Adrian Zammit, Chief Executive Officer, Landcare NSW:

In 2017, reflecting on the foundations of our organisation in 2007, we recognised Landcare NSW had come a long way in a decade and our story should be preserved. We hoped the documentation of our history might explain to future generations the culture and values of the founders of Landcare NSW. A professional historian, Virginia Macleod, was engaged to undertake research and with input from staff and volunteers of Landcare NSW she has produced this excellent record. I would like to thank Virginia for her dedication to the project. I also extend my sincere appreciation to those who were interviewed and other individuals who contributed to this project, particularly Landcare NSW staff members Jodie Lovell, Leigh McLaughlin and Sonia Williams.

Landcare NSW gratefully acknowledges the support of a NSW Cultural Grant from the Create NSW funding program 2018, administered by the Royal Australian Historical Society on behalf of the NSW Government. It has allowed for five recorded interviews and transcripts to be lodged in the State Library of NSW oral history collection, seminal documents to be gathered together and archived, and this written history to be made available on the Landcare NSW website.

We now have on record the observations and stories of a number of people involved in the formative years of Landcare NSW. It is my hope this history will inspire others involved in the NSW Landcare community to come forward to share their views and add to the historical record. As more material is uncovered, I envisage we will be able to fill in gaps and add to the richness of our story.

In the year we release this history, 2019, it is 30 years since the late Bob Hawke announced the ‘Decade of Landcare’ during his tenure as Prime Minister of Australia. It was a moment in time that inspired the formation of thousands of community groups across the nation who to this day are working to change the management of the environment and our natural resources.

Despite the massive success of Landcare, the environmental challenges we face on every level remain daunting and the need for Landcare is stronger than ever. I hope this history inspires a new generation to get behind Landcare and work together to undertake the transformational change needed to protect and restore the natural environment which sustains us.

Read the full document here: Caring for Land and People: A History of Landcare NSW 2007 – 2019

This project is supported by the Create NSW Cultural Grants Program, a devolved funding program administered by the Royal Australian Historical Society on behalf of the NSW Government.

Mr Dugald Saunders MP, Member for Dubbo and new Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL), said it is an honour to be elected to the PFL which brings together Members of Parliament from all parties who have a common interest in supporting the goals of Landcare.

The Hon Mick Veitch, Member of the Legislative Council, has been returned as Deputy Chair and the new Secretary/Treasurer is Ms Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina.

Dr Adrian Zammit, CEO of Landcare NSW, expressed his appreciation to the new team and to all MPs who have joined the PFL.

“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,” said Dr Zammit.

Mr Saunders 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 Saunders 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 improving our environment,” said Mr Saunders.

Dr Zammit said “we welcome Dugald Saunders as the new Chair and look forward to building on the great work that has been achieved through the PFL in the past four years since its inception.

“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.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Hon Kevin Anderson MP for the significant contribution he has made to Landcare at the local, regional and state level as he takes on the portfolio of Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation and Racing and leaves his role as Chair of the PFL,” Dr Zammit said.

Supporting Document:

Media Release – New Team at the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare

In the first week of September every year, thousands of Landcarers from all walks of life get together to recognise and celebrate the tireless efforts and commitment of volunteers who help protect and restore our natural environment.

It is also an opportunity to invite others to learn more about Landcare and get involved with a local Landcare group.

This year Landcare is celebrating its 30-year anniversary – a great reason to celebrate.

If your Landcare group is running an event during Landcare Week 2019, 2-8 September, please help us create awareness of the invaluable work being carried out across the state.

Be sure to promote your event across social media, including; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and in your newsletters or personal blogs. We would love to hear about the events and activities you have planned, so don’t forget to tag @Landcare NSW so that we can also help get the word out about your event! #landcareweek #landcarensw

It only takes a small number of people to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty but by promoting and celebrating your Landcare group, you motivate others to be a part of that process.

Landcare Week is an opportunity to connect with decision makers, landholders, volunteers, children and families.

It’s not too late to organise something! Here are some ideas:

• an open day (don’t forget to invite your local MP!)
• a field day or working day
• a planting or clean up family event to promote your program in the local community
• a party to celebrate Landcare’s 30-year anniversary
• you may wish to use resources created by Landcare Australia Limited

If you have any questions, please contact Jodie Lovell on 0439 316 151, email: jlovell@landcarensw.org.au or Samantha Stratton on 0458 168 225, email: sstratton@landecarensw.org.au

OzFish Unlimited and Landcare NSW are joining forces to drive collaboration across New South Wales that will empower local community members to improve Australia’s land and water habitats.

Focusing on on-the-ground works to improve the health of fish habitats in their local rivers, the project partnership will enable OzFish chapters and local Landcare groups to work together to deliver river restoration projects.

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit, said the partnership will provide additional support for Landcare groups to continue their work with river catchments and waterways across NSW and collaborate with local OzFish chapters to improve their local aquatic habitats.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with OzFish to support the important work both organisations are doing to improve the health and sustainability of our most precious resource, water,” Dr Zammit said.

Director of Habitat Programs for OzFish, Cassie Price, said the project partnership will harness the power of the two grassroots, community led, organisations to develop programs that would improve the health of local river systems and fish habitats.

“Community Non-Government Organisations such as OzFish and Landcare NSW working together is incredibly powerful. Through this partnership we will be able to work across the scope of our expertise in land and water to greatly benefit the environment across the different landscapes of NSW. Not only will that benefit fish, but as importantly, whole towns and communities.

“Native fish in parts of the Murray Darling Basin will soon have more areas to rest, shelter and breed and the landscapes along our waterways will continue to improve with our united efforts,” said Ms Price.

Landcare CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit and OzFish’s Director of Habitat Programs, Cassie Price will officially launch the commencement of this unique collaboration by hosting an event to launch the state-wide river restoration partnership on Thursday the 1st of August, 2019 in Dubbo, NSW.

OzFish’s Project Manager – Murray Darling Basin, Braeden Lampard and OzFish representatives from the Dubbo Inland Waterways OzFish Chapter, will provide a demonstration on their local efforts with the River Repair Bus and will plant a tree for fish along the Macquarie Riverbank as part of the launch event.

OzFish Unlimited and Landcare NSW Project Partnership is funded by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Boating, Camping and Fishing (BCF).

Supporting Document:

 Media Release -Collaboration creates a movement of change to improve catchments across New South Wales

This month, Landcare celebrates its 30-year national anniversary.

On July 20 1989, the late former Prime Minister Bob Hawke delivered his speech to launch the national formation of the Landcare movement, an unprecedented union between farmers and conservationists to help protect the Australian landscape for future generations.

Three decades later, Landcare has evolved into a national movement of over 6,000 groups and hundreds of thousands of volunteers, all playing a central role in sustainable agricultural practices and conservation activities, while also developing and enhancing community spirit.

But with the threat of climate change, biodiversity loss and plastic pollution, it’s clear Australia needs Landcare now more than ever.

‘For 30 years, the Landcare movement has made Australia a better place by directly working with local communities to build more sustainable environments and agricultural practices,’ said Dr Adrian Zammit, CEO of Landcare NSW, ‘but we’re only getting started.’

‘It is vital that rural and urban communities continue to work together to protect natural resources and promote sustainable land management now and into the future.

‘Landcare offers every Australian the chance to make a real difference. Thousands of active Landcare groups operate across NSW, boasting tens of thousands of dedicated, passionate volunteers working together on a vast range of projects. From sustainable land use education to waterways restoration and feral pest management, the Landcare community are the leaders in this field,’ said Dr Zammit.

‘A significant project by one of our member groups – Building Bridges to Boorowa – is a unique Landcare partnership that brings together like-minded people from the city and country. For the past 20 years, Bushcare volunteers from North Sydney Council have travelled five hours to Boorowa in south-west New South Wales to spend three days assisting landholders with revegetation projects. Over the years, the tree planting partnership has seen more than 60,000 native trees, shrubs and ground covers planted on local properties. The results have helped reduce soil salinity and erosion, restored habitat, improved water quality and created wildlife corridors.’

A joint initiative between North Sydney Council, Boorowa Community Landcare Group (BCLG) and Hilltops Council, Building Bridges to Boorowa is an ambitious project which perfectly represents the heart, dedication and resilience of the Landcare ethos.

Dr Adrian Zammit and Building Bridges to Boorowa spokesperson from North Sydney Council are available for media opportunities.

Supporting Document:

Media Release – Celebrating 30 years: In 2019, NSW needs Landcare now more than ever

It is Muster year again! Help define the path Landcare in NSW is taking.

The Landcare NSW Muster is your opportunity to get involved, help shape the future of Landcare in NSW and discuss collective issues and consistent themes across our diverse community.

The Muster provides an important way for Landcare NSW to ensure its work is directed by the grassroots Landcare community it serves.

The Landcare NSW Muster is held every two years as part of the NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference. This year it will be held in the afternoon of the first day (Tuesday 22nd October) of the 2019 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference in Broken Hill.

In preparation for the Muster in October, Landcare NSW is providing an opportunity to shape the 2019 NSW Landcare Muster and ensure it is relevant to local Landcarers across the State. A Landcare NSW Muster Preparation Kit, has been provided to the Landcare community to gather their input for use in development of the Muster.

Attendance at the Muster is included as part of the registration for the 2019 Landcare and Local Land Services Conference. Registrations are open NOW! Go to http://nswlandcareconference.com.au/

If you are not attending the conference you are still welcome to attend the Muster session on the afternoon of the 22nd October at no cost. Please ensure you sign in on the day, but please note you will be unable to attend any further part of the conference activities.

The Muster promises to be a highlight of the three day NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference.

If you are a Landcare District or Network Group, a Regional Landcare Facilitator, Local Landcare Coordinator or Landcare NSW Councillor and you haven’t received a Muster Preparation Kit in your inbox yet, please contact the Landcare NSW team on 0439 316 151 or administration@landcarensw.org.au.

We’ll be frank, we think the Landcare community in NSW is pretty fantastic.

They clean up our environment, advocate for change at all levels and pretty much ensure that future generations get to sit under the same trees and breathe the same air as they did – or better – but our communities need support.

That’s why Landcare NSW has formed their own team to take part in the annual City 2 Surf event to fundraise for our community and the projects they deliver!

Landcare NSW CEO, Adrian Zammit will be leading the way on Sunday 11 August and running (or walking) alongside all our fellow teammates and supporters.

Our aim is $10,000 and Team Landcare NSW will be digging in their heels and pounding the pavement with as much zeal, passion and enthusiasm that all our fellow Landcarers show across this great state of ours.

So how do you join Team Landcare NSW in the City2Surf? It’s simple!

REGISTER! Head to the City2Surf website and sign up.

CHOOSE! When you reach the “Charity Partner” page, please leave blank and proceed to the next step. To support Team Landcare we ask for you to help raise funds for our Team which will be explained in the next steps.

FUNDRAISE! Set up your fundraising page that you can personalise and let people know why you are running with Team Landcare NSW!

Already signed up but didn’t select Landcare NSW? Not a worry!

Create a fundraising page here and select Landcare NSW then you are ready to go!

For all links and more information click here

For any enquiries please email administration@landcarensw.org.au

Memorial Statement from Landcare Australia on behalf of the Landcare community on the passing of Mr. Hawke.

On behalf of the Landcare community, Landcare Australia would like to acknowledge the vision of the late Bob Hawke for committing the Australian Government to support ‘Landcare’.

The name ‘Landcare’ evolved in Victoria through an initiative of Joan Kirner, (then Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands) and Heather Mitchell, (then President of the Victorian Farmers Federation).

In 1989 the national Landcare movement officially began with Rick Farley of the National Farmers Federation and Phillip Toyne of the Australian Conservation Foundation, successfully encouraging the Hawke Government to commit to the emerging movement.

Landcare grew into a national programme in July 1989 when the Australian Government, with bipartisan support, announced that 1990 would be the Year of Landcare, and the 1990s the Decade of Landcare. 1989 was also the year that the not-for-profit organisation Landcare Australia was formed.

In his speech to launch the Decade of Landcare, Bob Hawke spoke about the importance of co-operation to care for the land.

“The degradation of our environment is not simply a local problem, nor a problem for one state or another, nor for the Commonwealth alone. Rather, the damage being done to our environment is a problem for us all – and not just government- but for of us individually and together.

Over these 30 years, Landcare has continued to play a leading role in managing sustainable agricultural practices, environmental protection, and conservation of land, waterways, coasts, biodiversity and landscapes.

Bob Hawke has championed Landcare since its inception.

His legacy to protect the environment, is that Landcare is now one of the largest volunteer movements in Australia with thousands of people and countless communities working together to solve local environmental issues that benefit all Australians.

The NSW Landcare Program is a state, regional and local investment in the partnership between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW, empowering people to take action on local problems and deliver outcomes across local and regional issues.

The NSW Landcare Program 2019 – 2023 builds on the Local Landcare Coordinator Initiative, a number of previous Landcare Support Programs and regional Landcare investment made through National Landcare Program and Catchment Action over the last four years and beyond.

The Program is a collaborative endeavour of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW, supported by the NSW Government and overseen by a Joint Management Committee.

A memorandum of understanding underpins the Committee’s operations and those of the Program.

A Regional Approach to Local Implementation

The Program is calling on all Regional Landcare Communities-of-Practice or Regional Organisations in line with Local Land Services regions to develop a regionally appropriate approach to achieving the outcomes of the Program with the resources allocated.

Detailed information about the Landcare Program including the objectives, the outcomes and information about the Regional Coordinator roles and the Local Coordinator roles is available in the NSW Landcare Program Implementation Approach to Local and Regional Coordinators document.