New ATO Reporting Requirements for Non-Charitable NFPs

Understanding New ATO Reporting Requirements for Non-Charitable NFPs

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has introduced a new ‘self-assess’ reporting requirement for non-charitable, income tax-exempt not-for-profits (NFPs) that possess an active ABN. Here are the essential details:

1. Annual Self-Review Return: Starting from 1 July, NFPs need to submit an annual self-review return to confirm their tax exemption status. This process involves a straightforward ten-minute form that includes:

- - Organisational details estimating gross revenue size.
  - Five eligibility assessment questions.
  - A summary and declaration section.

2. Maintaining ABN Details: It’s mandatory for NFPs to update their ABN details within 28 days of any changes. The ATO provides a downloadable form for this purpose, which must be filled out by authorised or newly appointed contacts.

3. Compliance and Support: The ATO is adopting a practical approach to compliance and will focus on lodgments from the 2023-24 income year. They offer transitional support like lodgment deferrals and payment plans for NFPs that need extra time to meet these obligations.

4. Accessibility: For those unable to use online services, the ATO is setting up a telephone lodgment channel.

This new requirement aims to streamline processes and ensure transparency in the operations of NFPs.

For further assistance, NFPs can view an informative ATO webinar – or contact our Membership Officer at Landcare NSW – memberships@landcarensw.org.au

Saving Our Species Program – a call to action

A Call to Action: Contributing to the Saving Our Species Program with Landcare NSW

Landcare NSW is reaching out to all community members to participate in an important conservation effort through the “Saving Our Species” (SoS) program.

The NSW Government’s SoS program recently released 71 draft conservation strategies aimed at protecting threatened species and ecological communities across New South Wales, with public consultation (for individuals) open until May 3, 2024.

However, if you would like to participate in Landcare NSW’s consolidated feedback, then you can submit your feedback to enquiry@landcarensw.org.au no later than 15 May 2024.

Here are the proposed conservation strategies for the 71 species now on exhibition thanks to the SoS program: Saving our Species draft conservation strategies | NSW Environment and Heritage

This is the first of multiple exhibitions that the SOS program is releasing so look out for these on the SOS website. The next tranche (of strategies) is expected to be published in early May.

If you want to be notified of these releases or would like to discuss any aspects of the SoS program, send an email to the SOS Program at: savingourspecies@environment.nsw.gov.au

Compiling Collective Feedback:

Landcare NSW will compile all feedback from these collaborative efforts into a summary document that reflects both detailed and overarching suggestions from the Landcare community.

Engagement and Impact:

This initiative is open to everyone in the conservation community, whether they are currently affiliated with Landcare NSW or not. By engaging in this consultation, participants can influence the strategies that will shape the future of our natural heritage.

We encourage all interested parties to come forward and share their expertise. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the conservation efforts in New South Wales.

Please send your comments to enquiry@landcarensw.org.au no later than 15 May 2024.

Landcare NSW is Hiring a Part-time Bookkeeper/Finance Officer

Calling for Expressions of Interests: Landcare NSW is Hiring a Part-time Bookkeeper/Finance Officer

Landcare NSW Ltd is a member based organisation.

Join our team at Landcare NSW in a vital role supporting community-led conservation efforts. We’re looking for a part-time Bookkeeper/Finance Officer with experience in Xero to work from our Mascot office, offering flexibility with some remote work options available.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial transactions including bank reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll management.
Processing BAS, PAYG, and Superannuation.
Reconciling accounts.
Assisting in both month-end and year-end closing processes.

Ideal Candidate:

Qualified in Accounting or Bookkeeping with strong Xero proficiency.
Excellent communication skills, high initiative, and effective time management.
Able to contribute positively to our team and organisational culture.

Terms of Employment:

Part-time position for 3 months, with potential for permanent full-time employment.
Flexible hours, combining office-based and remote work.

The closing date is Friday 10th May, 2024

Apply Now: Send your resume and a concise cover letter to hr@landcarensw.org.au. For questions, contact us via email.

We encourage you to share the opportunity widely to help us find the best person for the role.

NSW Landcare Awards

The Landcare Awards are being run this year as a collaboration between Landcare NSW and Local Land Services.  The official award ceremony will be held in Sydney in June (TBC).

The award nominations are now closed with judging taking place for the following categories:

Australian Government Climate Innovation Award
Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award
Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award
Australian Government Community Partnerships Landcare Award
Greyhound Coastcare Award
First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award
NextGen Landcare Award
Women in Landcare Award
Woolworths Junior Landcare Award

With an impressive 139 submissions received, the competition was intense across all nine categories. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination, and eagerly anticipate celebrating alongside the winners and runners-up at the upcoming NSW Landcare Awards.

Assisting the nominators has been a fantastic opportunity to forge connections with the tireless Landcarers who are actively shaping the landscape of our environment. Amongst the array of submissions, it is noteworthy that the Junior Landcare category stands as the pinnacle of enthusiasm, boasting an impressive 34 nominees passionately vying for recognition.

Witnessing our younger generation as they wholeheartedly engage in hands-on environmental efforts is truly inspiring. However, we must acknowledge that behind every initiative lies the steadfast support of committed educators, without whom these impactful endeavours would not come to fruition.

Ozfish: Driving fish habitat action

Driving fish habitat action

The Driving Fish Habitat Action Project has again provided opportunities for joint projects between Landcare NSW member groups and local OzFish chapters.

The partnership project was proven over year one, two and now year three, and has now been backed for year four and five with funding from NSW Fisheries – providing the template for one of the most powerful NGO partnerships in NSW.

In year 3, OzFish, with NSW Landcare groups, funded 30 projects across freshwater and saltwater, which had a total value of $977,000. In year 4, OzFish, alongside NSW Landcare groups, funded 20 projects across freshwater and saltwater environments, with a total value of over $400,000. Some of the great outcomes achieved were, over 60 woody and 200 tonnes of rocky habitats installed, over 5km of riparian fencing installed to protect vital ecosystems for native fish and over 7,000 native plants planted. eDNA sampling was undertaken across NSW waterways to look for threatened fish species and to confirm suspected native fish sightings and over 10km of riparian weeds were removed.

Gunning District Landcare (GDL) has partnered with OzFish since 2022 and was recently featured in an article on OzFish’s website. One of GDL’s committee members, Janet Heffernan, has been striving to protect and conserve the endangered Southern Pygmy Perch for 20 years. She works closely with representatives from OzFish and fish scientists from the Department of Primary Industries and the University of Canberra.

GDL was proud to receive a Scientific Collection Permit at the end of 2023 that allows their citizen scientists to sample local creeks for the Perch, and Janet is in the midst of a big round of sampling.

Gunning LLC, Leah Samson volunteered with her recently putting out fish traps and testing the water quality in Oolong Creek. And the result? They recorded 22 native fish!

Stay tuned for our Conservation Chronicles where we showcase the Gunning District Landcare and OzFish partnership.

March 2024

Images: Introducing a new pygmy perch population to Oolong Creek.

Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM)

Private land conservation really does matter!

– Suzanne Pritchard, LNSW Project Manager

Private land conservation really does matter and Landcarers across NSW are supporting those that are leading the way and encouraging other landholders to follow thanks to the $1.54 million Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) contract LNSW is delivering for the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT).

What started out as a partnership between the BCT and LNSW to better understand the shared interests in managing land for biodiversity outcomes has developed into a mutually beneficially arrangement providing resources for 12 host organisations across the state to host 106 events by December 2024.

From multi-partner multi-day forums to online webinars, and every event type in between, how to manage private land to enhance biodiversity outcomes is being talked about by experts, shared in social networking gatherings, understood through citizen science projects and on land that has a one form or another of conservation covenant upon it.

It’s all about protection of Box Gum Grassy Woodlands (BGGW) in the Murray. Landholders will be able to learn about this endangered vegetation type while spotlighting and dining, considering natural capital options, understanding cultural connections or identifying tools and technology to tackle management decision. The BGGW supports productive agriculture based on native pastures, so it’s a win for landholders, native flora and fauna if this diverse ecosystem can be encouraged, expanded and connected across the landscape.

In the north of the state walk & talk field days on covenanted landholdings will see multiple agencies converging to share best practice land conservation techniques and knowledge in dealing with landslips and erosion, threatened species, and property planning. These gatherings are key to strengthening the social connections between landholders, who sometimes feel isolated, with like-minded Landcarers.

Out west big is better and forums are the flavour for bringing landholders together. The combination of large distances and limited time will see a multiday forum held in the western region and a 2-day event focussing on all aspects of utilising fire in the north western region. There will also be field days-a-plenty providing opportunities to get up close and personal with seed, showcasing some trials and demonstration and bringing multiple organisations together to explore and educate how to improve on-farm biodiversity.

The southeast will be utilising the PLCM funding to host roadshows across the region on riparian strategies and bush regeneration techniques. Regional workshops and field days are also planned to cover topics as diverse as koalas, regenerative agriculture, keystone species, fungi and flora, preceded by information sharing webinars so that the theory can be put into on the day. A muster to bring everyone together is in the mix too.

Along the east coast learning opportunities to better understand private land management of feral animals, woody weeds, caring for country, ecological burns for biodiversity, koalas, and fungi will see workshops and field days held. A growing interest in understanding bush regeneration strategies will provide food for thought about the value of retaining and expanding remnant vegetation.

If you’d like to find out more about what’s happening in your region contact your local landcare group, or BCT representative. All regions across the state have something to offer.

Private land conservation, by providing opportunities for landholders and Landcarers to connect and support each other, will greatly contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30×30 targets calling for 30% of land under protection by 2030.

The Private Land Conservation Matters program is key to unlocking the potential of landholders to protect biodiversity across the state. LNSW acknowledges the foresight and support of the BCT in resourcing Landcarers to deliver an extensive program of activities for landholders to conserve biodiversity on their property.

March 2024

The Conservation Chronicles

Lunch and Learn is on its way…

– Melanie Tyas, Landcare NSW Regional Community of Practice Coordinator

Now that the Landcare Enabling Program (LEP) has been announced, we are leaping into the Lunch and Learn Series. These lunch sessions are open to our members, LEP participants and relevant stakeholders.

Our aim is to create an environment where we come together and learn from each other. There is so much untapped talent in the Landcare ranks and this is a great opportunity to shine a light on the amazing work that is happening on the ground, the partnerships that have been forged and the tools that are available that help us be more effective, efficient and connected.

Late last year we looked at the case studies on NSW Landcare Gateway website and chose a few that may resonate across the board. Coordinators were then contacted to gauge interest on whether they would participate in the program and as a result we are in the process of determining dates. We will spread the sessions across the week to ensure that everyone has a chance to get involved. They will also be recorded and uploaded to Gateway for those who can’t make it.

Here’s a sneak preview of what will be on offer:

Title: Conservation Chronicles: NSW Landcare Success Stories (2019-2023)

“Collaborative Council Engagements”

Presenter: Henrietta Mooney (RLC Hunter Regional Landcare)
Details on how 9 regional councils united to discuss Landcare and foster collaboration.
Sponsorship and support from HRLCN.

“Soil Health Benchmarking with Green Triangle Farmers”

Presenter: Shelly McDouall (LLC Northern Slopes Landcare Association)
Insights from a regeneration farm project involving eight farms in the Northern Slopes.
Integration of grazing components for holistic soil health.

“Volunteer Engagement Post COVID”

Presenter: Ninna Douglas (LLC Tamworth Regional Landcare Association)
Strategies employed by North West Landcarers for volunteer engagement post-pandemic.
Transitioning from physical meetings to virtual platforms and its impact on membership.

“Natural Solutions Stormwater Project”

Presenter: Steven Fleischmann (LLC Lithgow Oberon Landcare Association)
Challenges and successes of a multi-year stormwater project in collaboration with LOLA, CT LLS, Lithgow City Council, and Blue Mountains City Council.

“River Health Festival”

Presenter: Emma Stone (LLC Border Ranges – Richmond Valley Landcare)
Responding to flood-induced setbacks with the Upper Richmond River Festival.
Overview of events and workshops to boost community morale.

“Rural Women’s Gathering and Farmers’ Mental Health”

Presenter: Christine Davis (LLC Glenrac)
A retrospective on the Rural Women’s Gatherings and their impact on regional women empowerment.
Collaboration efforts to support farmers’ mental health.

“Saving a Scar Tree”

Presenter: Terry Moody (LLC Upper Clarence Combined Landcare)
Narration of efforts to rescue and repurpose an Aboriginal Scar Tree following a fire incident.

“Seed Saving for Rainforest Rehabilitation”

Presenter: Mel Craig (LLC Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare)
Lessons from seed-saving initiatives for rainforest rehabilitation, including collaboration with transportation projects.

“Gumbaynggirr Koala Project”

Presenter: Debbie Repschlager and Michael Kennedy (LLC Clarence Landcare Inc and Aboriginal Engagement Officer, North Coast Regional Landcare)
Engaging local primary schools in the Gumbaynggirr Dunggirr project, emphasizing junior Koala Rangers’ role.

“Mycology May Art Exhibition”

Presenter: Trudi Refshauge (LLC Midlachlan Landcare)
Insights into the Mycology May art exhibition, and its intersection with drug and rehab programs, as well as local wine cellars.

“Blake Botanic Reserve Refurbishment”

Presenter: Janet Manzin (LLC Ricegrowers Association)
Student-led restoration efforts and the installation of seating and pathways at the Blake Botanic Reserve.

“Caring for Koalas in Warialda”

Presenter: Shelley McDouall (LLC Northern Slopes Landcare)
The story of John Hodge’s initiative to safeguard koalas by establishing water points and a wildlife reserve in Warialda.

“Carp in the Murray”

Presenter: Adam Kerezsy (LLC Lake Cargelligo)
The great flood of 2022 changed the ecology of the Basin’s rivers, but not it a good way.

“Carp and the Oyster Industry”

Presenter: Laura Stoltenberg (Oceanwatch)
Oyster growers, Shoalhaven Council, Shoalhaven Water, some cattle growers, South East LLS, OceanWatch, NSW DPI, and others come together at 6 monthly intervals to discuss topics impacting local water quality.

The program is now underway with the first session being held in late March where we introduced Covram:

Covram – A tool to improve native vegetation management

Determining the condition of native vegetation at a site is vital to ensuring that the most appropriate and sustainable land management decisions are made, however current approaches can be time consuming and expensive, and are not broadly comparable.

Covram offers a simple, standardised approach which empowers farmers and land managers to self-assess sites – making it ideal for Landcare activities. The methodology has been successfully applied to 100s of diverse sites including roadsides, reserves and private land and is informed by over 30 years of experience in field assessment and land management advice.

Covram is made up of two parts:

1. Covram mobile app – Developed for field use by land managers – Search ‘Covram’ on the Google Play or Apple App Store

2. Web app to review and analyse data collected – Available via covram.com.au

Covram is freely available at present and we welcome people to try it out and provide feedback. We will be presenting an online lunch and learn session from 12 -1pm on 26th March, to provide an introduction and answer any questions.

For more information on the app email ian@covram.com.au or michael@covram.com.au.

To be added to the mailing list for this online series, please email Mel at mtyas@landcarensw.org.au.

March 2024

Beyond Tokenism: A Modern Approach to Acknowledging Country with Practical Tips

Beyond Tokenism: A Modern Approach
to Acknowledging Country with Practical Tips

Aboriginal Partnerships Manager, Den Barber recently shared his personal perspective on the practice of Acknowledgement of Country at the first Regional Landcare Coordinators Meeting under the Landcare Enabling Program. This followed on from a moving Acknowledgement performed at Murrumbateman during a visit by the Board and the Minister, the Hon. Tara Moriarty. Den emphasised that he was speaking solely for himself, recognising that each First Nations person would have their own interpretation and way to show their respects to both Country and Elders.

Distinguishing between Acknowledgements and Welcomes to Country, Den underscored the significance of the former, expressing concern that it often feels perfunctory and lacking in genuine meaning. He stressed that Acknowledgements need not be performed at every meeting and suggested that their relevance should be considered in relation to the meeting’s primary purpose.

Den proposed that organisations such as Landcare could establish guidelines for meaningful Acknowledgements. Landcare is an organisation that should be leading the way as its purpose is to protect the Country we all live and work on. This is what we do! When we protect and nourish Country, we are making sure that future generations can thrive. Whilst traditionally the host might lead the Acknowledgement, Den suggested that any attendee could do so, highlighting the importance of personal connection to the land.

He recommended incorporating specific details, such as the name of the Traditional Lands, into introductions or presentations during online meetings. Additionally, Den encouraged creative expressions of connection to Country, such as wearing Aboriginal-designed clothing or sharing personal experiences, like capturing photos of significant natural occurrences.

While advocating for creativity, Den cautioned against politicising or disrespecting Indigenous culture. He offered his support and guidance to individuals seeking to incorporate meaningful Acknowledgements into their practices, welcoming collaboration and respectful dialogue.

In a recent trip to the Central West Regional Community of Practice event held in Parkes, Den’s proclivity to watch out for artefacts was rewarded by stumbling across the pictured eggs – which are those of the Black Winged Stilt – confirmed by an angry bird, and an APP.

Given that the birds generally lay 4 – 6 eggs, it’s not surprising that he or she was extremely protective. Fox scats, and prints were present across the site, so it’s possible that some of the eggs may have been snaffled. The sighting occurred on the former sewerage ponds which had been decommissioned and turned into a wetlands area. It is now proving to be a suitable breeding habitat. Despite not yet being open to the public, large dog prints were also observed during the visit. Thanks to Marg Applebee for arranging the morning tour with our host Michael from Parkes Shire Council.

Image: Black Winged Stilt eggs

Media Release: MILESTONE REACHED IN DOUBLING LANDCARE FUNDING

Media Release: Released by Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Western New South Wales:

MILESTONE REACHED IN DOUBLING LANDCARE FUNDING

The NSW Government has today reached another milestone in its election commitment to double the funding for Landcare in NSW, with an investment of $8.2 million being delivered.

During the state election the NSW Government committed to providing $59 million in funding over the next four years ensure Landcare can expand and continue its vital work rehabilitating the state’s natural environment.

The $8.2 million announced today will be used by Landcare NSW to:

Fund the employment of up to 7.5 full-time equivalent staff to provide centralised support to host organisations and coordinators funded through the Program.
Establish a Shared Services Hub that provides centralised support to host organisations and coordinators funded under the Local and Regional Coordinators Grants across a range of business services, but specifically administration and human resources.
Implement and manage a state Community of Practice including Landcare state gatherings, conferences and regional events.
Implement and manage a Digital Landcare solution to improve reporting processes and knowledge sharing for program participants.
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and leverage investment, to increase Landcare’s self-sustenance and reduce reliance on direct NSW Government funding over the medium to longer term.

For more information about the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, visit the Local Land Services website: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/landcare-program

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said:

“This funding to Landcare NSW will support host organisations, coordinators and support roles that will enable this program to achieve essential environmental and agricultural productivity outcomes over the next four years.

“Landcarers, primary producers and the environment will all benefit from this funding to Landcare NSW, as coordinators and Landcare groups will have more capacity to support the delivery of on-ground projects.

“A key part of the funding will allow Landcare NSW to increase its self-sustenance and reduce reliance on direct NSW Government funding over the medium to longer term.

“I am very passionate about Landcare and the important role they play in protecting the environment, and supporting agricultural productivity in our communities so it gives me great pleasure to announce this funding.”

Landcare NSW CEO Turlough Guerin said:

“We welcome this announcement of funding from the NSW Government and thank Minister Tara Moriarty for her ongoing support and commitment to Landcare.

“This funding will allow the local and regional coordinators and support staff to receive the support they need to excel in their roles and deliver for the communities they are working in.

“This funding also provides Landcare NSW with some exciting opportunities to set itself up for success for many years to come, and I look forward to exploring these opportunities.”

MEDIA: Alastair Walton | Minister Moriarty | 0418 251 229

Grassroots Community Landcare: The Linchpin for Disaster Preparedness in NSW and Australia

Grassroots Community Landcare: The Linchpin for Disaster Preparedness in NSW and Australia

Discussion Paper

A response to the “Alternative Commonwealth Capabilities for Crisis Response”, Discussion Paper – August 2023

By Dr Turlough Guerin, CEO, Landcare NSW

As the Federal Government unveils the “Alternative Commonwealth Capabilities for Crisis Response”
(referred to as the discussion paper), it’s crucial to highlight the indispensable role played by our communities in mitigating state and national-level crises.

This Federal Government discussion paper underscores the significance of grassroots initiatives, like those advocated by Landcare NSW, in building resilience and preparing communities against the escalating threats posed by climate change and other natural disasters impacting rural and regional areas.

Landcare NSW argues that further investment in disaster preparedness through the lens of nature-based solutions, delivered by local communities, is a compelling investment of taxpayer dollars, but also insurance against the most extreme effects of natural disasters in NSW and Australia.