Tag: community

Greater Sydney Landcare

WildVenture Landcare for Young Adults

WildVenture creates flexible, social events that engage young people in environmental restoration, building community and empowering them to connect with nature in Sydney.

The Issue

Young people in Sydney are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature and facing issues like eco-anxiety, digital isolation, and a loss of community. Many struggle to find supportive networks, the motivation to volunteer, and events that cater to their schedules and interests, particularly when traditional Landcare commitments don’t align with their lifestyles or demographics.

The Solution

WildVenture is a dynamic program designed for young adults in Greater Sydney. It offers flexible, low-commitment events designed to foster friendships and community among environmentally-minded young people, while also delivering positive environmental outcomes.

The events invite young adults to get hands-on with activities like citizen science, bushcare, and tree planting, or to learn something new and interesting about their surroundings. Each gathering is an opportunity to engage, explore, and contribute to local environmental restoration in a way that suits their lives.

The Impact

Over the past seven months, WildVenture has hosted eight events across Sydney, attracting around 100 young volunteers to social, restorative events that allow them to connect with both nature and each other. These events have led to lasting friendships and recurring participation, as volunteers attend multiple events together, helping to establish a new community of environmentally engaged young people across Sydney.

Call to Action

WildVenture aims to expand and enhance its offerings, with more restoration-focused events and campouts that allow young people to immerse themselves in nature when they can’t commit to regular participation. To achieve this, we are seeking funding to broaden our reach across the Greater Sydney Basin, increase restoration opportunities, and improve transport options, as we’ve learned that transport barriers can limit attendance. We invite more young people to join us and help grow a vibrant, supportive environmental community in Sydney.

– Sophie Blair, Local Coordinator, Greater Sydney Landcare

This initiative made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

Western Landcare

Soil Ya Undies

The use of the ‘Soil Ya Undies’ activity to promote soil health education in primary schools throughout Western New South Wales (NSW).

The Issue

The challenge was to create an activity that could be taken to schools as part of the Western Landcare School Education Program to highlight the importance of soil health. Living in Western NSW where our soils lack nutrients, students need to understand the importance of soil and how to keep a healthy balance. Due to the difference in climate and soils across the region we needed an activity that would be transferable across the West whilst also being hands-on, fun, and engaging to students.

The Solution

Upon hearing about the work that Dr Oliver Knox from University of New England undertook with his soil health program we created our ‘Soil Ya Undies’ for schools. Cotton and synthetic underwear were purchased and buried in the school grounds. Undies were buried for six weeks, then dug up and analysed for the condition and discussed.

Our team created two relevant worksheets relating to the burying and digging up process of the undies. The worksheets were age appropriate covering soil types, natural and synthetic fibres and improvements that could be made to the soil. This activity was highly supported by all schools that participated.

The Impact

This activity promoted the importance of soil health and its influence on sustainable agricultural practices to primary school students. It began the conversation in the classroom on how soil impacts these practices and ultimately the quality of food and fibres that we consume daily. It is important for students to understand the impact soil below the ground, has on the productivity above ground from growing fibres, feeding humans, animals, and keeping waterways healthy.

Learnings

This activity highlights the importance of healthy soil and ways to nurture this precious resource. Basic soil health education is vital to agriculture, and teaching it in primary schools can greatly benefit Landcare efforts.

– Vanessa Anderson, Local Landcare Coordinator, Western Landcare NSW

This initiative made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

OzFish Collaboration With Landcare NSW

Restoring Fish Habitat and Waterway Health

Restoring New South Wales’ (NSW) waterways is essential to preserving fish habitats, supporting biodiversity, and fostering sustainable communities.

The Issue

NSW waterways are facing significant ecological challenges, with declining fish populations, degraded riverbanks, and diminishing in-stream habitat impacting aquatic ecosystems and recreational fishing.

Restoring these habitats is essential to protect biodiversity, improve water quality, and support fish populations. This challenge is particularly pressing as waterways across the state are subject to pollution, erosion, and habitat loss. There is a critical need to mobilise communities and empower stakeholders to work together to revitalise river ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices, safeguarding NSW’s natural resources for future generations.

The Solution

To tackle these challenges, Landcare NSW and OzFish have joined forces to initiate 100 partnership projects across the state, empowering grassroots Landcare groups to collaborate with recreational fishers on local fish habitat restoration projects.

These projects bring together diverse community members to actively participate in restoring riverbanks, improving waterway health, and enhancing fish habitats through strategic actions.

By combining the passion of recreational fishers with the experience of Landcare members, the projects foster a sense of shared responsibility and collective impact.

This partnership model encourages hands-on involvement and fosters community pride, resulting in stronger, healthier waterways and thriving fish habitats across NSW.

The Impact

These projects have led to the planting of tens of thousands of native trees, hundreds of in-stream habitats, and thousands of volunteers committed to waterway restoration. This large-scale effort strengthens community connections, promotes ecological sustainability, and enhances stewardship of NSW’s waterways.

Learnings

A key takeaway is the strong connection recreational fishers have to their waterways and the effectives of collaboration with Landcare NSW in driving ecological restoration. This partnership model demonstrates empowered communities can significantly impact environmental conservation.

– Ryan Lungu, Program Manager, OzFish Unlimited

This initiative made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

Clarence Landcare

Engaging Gumbaynggirr Youth – South Grafton Dunggirr (Koalas)

Working with local primary schools to engage their Aboriginal students to gain knowledge and understanding about the local koalas.

The Issue

Clarence Landcare was contracted to engage Gumbaynggirr youth for future koala projects in the South Grafton area. The Gillwinga and St Josephs primary schools are across the road from one another and both schools regularly have koalas on their school grounds and property. The aim was to foster a relationship with the schools and their Aboriginal students for a koala education event.

The Solution

We teamed up with Michael Kennedy, Aboriginal Landcare Officer, and conducted a site visit to the area in South Grafton where there are a number of koala records. A meeting with the principal of St Josephs led to an invitation to use their school property and facilities for an event. The grant we received through the NSW Koala Strategy via Envite Environment gave us the resources we needed to implement the project.

The Impact

We organised a school event and invited Gillwinga’s Year 5 & 6 Aboriginal students and St Josephs’ 9 Aboriginal student across all year levels. In total, 31 students and 2 teachers from the schools attended the ‘The Cultural Program for Gillwinga and St Josephs Schools – Koalas in Clarence Valley’.

We held a Welcome to Country in Gumbaynggirr Language by Michael Kennedy and three koala songline stories were told. Landcare Coordinator Debbie Repschlager presented an introduction to Landcare and Junior Landcare.  Senior Project Officer & Ecologist, Annette Cook,  gave a koala presentation, conducted an afternoon in the field learning about koala food trees, and demonstrated how to plant a tree. It was wonderful to see enthusiastic hands shoot up in the group when asked who wanted to be involved in a Junior Ranger Koala Team.

Learnings

The inside presentation worked well to give an overview education about koalas. The outside activities after lunch were hands-on and engaging. The students learnt how to use tree features to identify koala food trees and also how to plant a tree.

– Debbie Repschlager, Local Coordinator, Clarence Landcare

This initiative made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

Granite Borders Landcare Committee

Fire Ant Workshop

Fire ant biosecurity property management planning for risk reduction.

The Issue

Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) can quickly degrade the ecological, productive and lifestyle benefits of our landscape. Fire ants infest around 600,000 ha in South East Queensland, close to the New South Wales (NSW) boarder, which poses an ongoing risk of new infestations in NSW.

Until recently, most of NSW has been free of fire ants. Tenterfield faces a real threat, through the transportation and movement of carrier materials, such as plants and soil, earth-moving equipment, baled, mining or quarry materials. Under escalated emergency orders, all stakeholders are encouraged to become aware of the risks, vectors for spread and best steps to take in case to limit the infestation of fire ants.

The Solution

Granite Borders Landcare Committee have been highlighting the importance of vigilance in preventing fire ant spread into our region.

In this workshop, Ian Turnbull from the Department of Primary Industries National Fire Ant Eradication Program talked to locals on fire ant ecology, behaviour, history of spread in Australia, indicators of infestation and risks for spread. Matthew Bertalli, from the New England Weeds Authority (NEWA) also elaborated the Biosecurity Act.

With input from these and other experts, participants developed Biosecurity Management Plans for their properties and places of residence. The afternoon was wrapped up with a talk and demonstration from Craig and Wendy Faulkner (ReconEco) and their Canine Detection Unit.

The Impact

Participants developed property biosecurity management plans and took home Biosecurity signs, provided by Northern Tablelands Local Land Services. These plans focused on adapting biosecurity management actions to fire ants. They also offer points for conversation starters and raising awareness at a property level.

Learnings

The value of the workshop has been recognised by Tenterfield Shire Council, who have asked Landcare to host another such workshop in Tenterfield. The workshop resulted in positive feedback and networks being fostered with Landcare and government services, including Local Land Services and NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

– Kathleen Macdonald, Local Coordinator, Granite Borders Landcare Committee

This initiative made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

Parliamentary Friends of Landcare 2024: ’Trees in the House’ Event Case Studies

Landcare NSW is proud to host the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL) ‘Trees in the House’ 2024 event, presenting case studies that highlight Landcare NSW’s community-led approach to natural resource management and its inclusive motto, “Landcare is for Everyone”.

Established in 2015, the PFL provides a unique platform for NSW Members of Parliament from all parties to connect with and support Landcare initiatives across both urban and rural areas. Landcare NSW, as the peak representative body, focuses on fostering sustainable farming, environmental conservation, and stronger communities, underscoring its role in building a resilient and sustainable future for the state.

Fire Ant Workshop

Granite Borders Landcare Committee hosted a fire ant biosecurity workshop in Tenterfield to address the increasing threat of fire ant infestations spreading from South East Queensland into New South Wales.

With expert guidance from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the New England Weeds Authority, locals learned about fire ant ecology, infestation indicators, and risk mitigation strategies. Participants developed property biosecurity management plans, received biosecurity signs, and engaged in hands-on training, including a demonstration by a canine detection unit.

The success of the workshop, which fostered community awareness and inter-agency collaboration, led Tenterfield Shire Council to request future workshops to strengthen biosecurity efforts in the region.

Presenter: Granite Borders Landcare Committee

Engaging Gumbaynggirr Youth – South Grafton Dunggirr (Koalas)

Clarence Landcare collaborated with local primary schools in South Grafton to engage Gumbaynggirr youth in koala conservation and environmental awareness.

Supported by the NSW Koala Strategy through Envite Environment, the project brought together Aboriginal students from Gillwinga and St Josephs schools – both of which regularly have koalas on their grounds – for a cultural and educational event.

With guidance from Aboriginal Landcare Officer Michael Kennedy, the students participated in a Welcome to Country, listened to koala songline stories, and enjoyed interactive presentations about koalas and Landcare. The day included hands-on outdoor activities where students learned to identify koala food trees and planted their own, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in protecting their local environment.

The students’ enthusiasm and interest in joining a Junior Ranger Koala Team underscored the event’s success in inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards.

Presenter: Michael Kennedy, Aboriginal Landcare Officer, Landcare NSW

OzFish & Landcare NSW Collaboration

Landcare NSW and OzFish have partnered on 100 projects across the state to address the critical ecological issues facing NSW waterways, such as declining fish populations, riverbank degradation, and habitat loss.

By uniting recreational fishers and Landcare groups, these projects promote hands-on community involvement in fish habitat restoration, including planting native trees and installing in-stream habitats. The initiative has mobilised thousands of volunteers, strengthening local ties to the environment and showcasing how collaborative efforts can drive meaningful environmental conservation.

This partnership model exemplifies how empowered communities can safeguard NSW’s waterways and promote ecological sustainability for future generations.

Presenter: Ryan Lungu, Program Manager, OzFish Unlimited

Soil Ya Undies

The ‘Soil Ya Undies’ activity, part of the Western Landcare School Education Program, educates primary students in Western NSW about soil health by engaging them in hands-on learning.

Inspired by work from Oliver Knox at the University of New England, the program involves burying cotton and synthetic underwear in school grounds to observe how soil affects decomposition over six weeks.

Supported by worksheets on soil types and fibre composition, the activity encourages students to discuss soil’s role in sustainable agriculture, food production, and environmental health. This fun, practical approach fosters early understanding of the vital connection between soil health and agricultural productivity.

Presenters: Associate Professor Oliver Knox, University of New England, and Vanessa Anderson, Local Landcare Coordinator Schools & Junior Landcare, Western Landcare NSW

WildVenture Landcare for Young Adults

WildVenture is a program in Greater Sydney that creates flexible, social events aimed at engaging young people in environmental restoration and building a community connected to nature.

Responding to challenges like eco-anxiety, digital isolation, and the difficulty young people face in finding supportive networks and accessible volunteer opportunities, WildVenture offers low-commitment events that allow young adults to participate in activities like citizen science, bushcare, and tree planting.

Over the past seven months, WildVenture has hosted eight events with around 100 young volunteers, fostering friendships and encouraging recurring involvement. To expand its impact, WildVenture seeks funding to increase event coverage across the Greater Sydney Basin, provide more restoration opportunities, and improve transport options, aiming to grow a vibrant environmental community for Sydney’s youth.

Presenter: Sophie Blair, Local Coordinator, Greater Sydney Landcare

Celebrating 25 Years of Landcare Illawarra

A Night of Connection & Reflection

Landcare Illawarra recently celebrated their 25th birthday. Like many 25-year-olds, Landcare Illawarra seemed confident, skilled, and somewhat mature…yet youthful. The celebration was held on a mild October evening at Curry’s Mountain Estate, a beautiful location and great supporter of Landcare in the Illawarra.

Attending this event was not just a trip down memory lane, reconnecting with volunteers, committee members and coordinators (past and present), it was also a reminder of the creative, resourceful and generous nature of Landcare.

The celebration included an outdoors AGM, live music, great food, a guided tour, and a photo display celebrating and remembering those who have been a part of Landcare Illawarra, including several wonderful souls who have since passed. One such soul was Mike Swanson, who exemplified the Landcare volunteer who just keeps on giving. Mike was Treasurer for Tullimbah Landcare, Landcare Illawarra, and South East Landcare, bringing commitment, patience and expertise to each of these roles.

Coordinators

In 1999, Landcare Illawarra was established, and with this their first coordinator was engaged. Alasdair Stratton was fresh-faced and eager, working with the four established Landcare groups and the Landcare Illawarra committee. Coordinators have long been a part of the Landcare infrastructure and tapestry, and play a critical role in the success of groups and networks. After 12 months in the role, Landcare Illawarra had 14 member groups spread across the Illawarra between the coast and the escarpment.

Another of Landcare Illawarra’s Coordinators, Megan Lee (previously Rowlatt), was passionate about bringing young people into Landcare, leading her to connect with Naomi Edwards from Queensland to start up a national youth-focused Landcare organisation called Intrepid Landcare (now 10 years old). The flow on effect from having secure and well supported Coordinators cannot be underestimated.

Science and Practice Leader

I was also reminded of the places where Landcare is a leader.  Richard Scarborough and Anders Bofeldt will long be remembered for their passion and dedication to the woodlands and rainforests of the Illawarra, and their relentless pursuit of getting the right plant in the right place.

The Illawarra Woodlands and Rainforest Project targeted threatened ecological communities and outcomes for ecosystem integrity and restoration, anticipating changes with climate and site-specific succession. There are many plants and multi-purpose plantings across the Illawarra that are a direct result of the work from this project.

Partnerships

Stories were told from the time when Conservation Volunteers Australia were a key partner for Landcare Illawarra, offering the hosting arrangements for coordinators and providing a continuous supply of conservation volunteers to sites across the Illawarra.

Thank you Landcare Illawarra, for all the work, for a lovely evening, and for the trip down memory lane.

 

– Peter Pigott, NSW Landcare Program Community of Practice and Events Coordinator, Landcare NSW

Images via Landcare Illawarra and Landcare NSW

2024 Landcare NSW Annual General Meeting

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:

The Annual General Meeting is an important event for Landcare NSW. Both the Chair’s Report and the audited Financial Report will be accessible to members prior to the meeting through this Governance link.

All business that will be conducted during the Annual General Meeting will be outlined in an agenda made available prior to the meeting.

Details regarding the Annual General Meeting are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 20th November 2024
Time: 8:30am – 9:30am
Location: Meeting will be a Hybrid*, with an in-person location in Sydney and online via Zoom.

*Meeting specifics will be shared upon Registration. Note attending in-person has limited capacity.

PLEASE REGISTER TO ATTEND:
Please ensure you register your intent to attend here, registration closes Friday 8th November 2024.

________________________________________
Lynette Thomson
Secretary

Creating Canopies’ 200,000th Tree Planting

Landcare NSW was thrilled to join Greater Sydney Landcare, Greg Warren MP Member for Campbelltown, LNSW Board Member Steve Bunnell, and our wonderful volunteers to help plant the 200,000th tree of the Creating Canopies project since its inception in 2020.

The planting celebration took place at Campbelltown Hospital in September next to a hillside location where previous plantings were now thriving.

Creating Canopies aims to plant 300,000 native trees and shrubs across Greater Sydney by the end of 2025.

Funded by the NSW Government under the Greening our City program, this project targets Local Government Areas of Sydney with less than 30% canopy cover.

By planting native trees and shrubs, we’re not only providing shade and cooling, but also connecting habitat corridors and improving the quality of life for all residents.

If you would like to join an upcoming planting, please visit Greater Sydney Landcare’s website.


All photos by Greater Sydney Landcare.

Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare are committed to connecting people to the environment and supporting their efforts to protect, restore, and improve it. Creating Canopies is funded by the NSW Government under the Greening our City program, aiming to reduce urban heat in Greater Sydney.

Image at top: Greg Warren MP Member for Campbelltown at the Creating Canopies’ 200,000th Tree Planting

Greater Sydney Landcare staff getting ready for the planting at Campbelltown Hospital

Volunteers planting at Campbelltown Hospital with Creating Canopies

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

LANDCARE NSW: AMPLIFYING REGIONAL VOICES FOR EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY

As the CEO of Landcare NSW, I am committed to ensuring that the voices of our diverse regions resonate powerfully in our advocacy efforts with government and parliament.

Our recent State Advisory Council (SAC) meeting in August provided a wealth of insights into the unique challenges and priorities of each region, which will shape our strategies and guide policymakers on what Landcare in NSW needs to thrive.

Key themes emerging from these discussions include supporting the growth of volunteers, recruiting new coordinators, addressing the increasing administrative burden of grants, and fostering strong partnerships with the NSW Government.

Here are some of the key concerns and aspirations from across our vibrant communities which I gleaned from the SAC meeting, and I think will be helpful for our readers to hear.

The South East region aims to solidify the current Landcare Enabling Program by launching a regional training program that champions personal development and fosters collaboration among the 14 networks. This initiative is designed to enhance the skills of coordinators and strengthen bonds between networks, thereby boosting the overall effectiveness of Landcare activities.

In the Central Tablelands, the top priority is to streamline the roles of the Regional Landcare Coordinator (RLC) and the Regional Administration Support Officer (RASO) to reduce the administrative burden on local coordinators. By clearly defining these roles, we can ensure local networks receive consistent and meaningful support. Additionally, the region highlights the importance of securing diverse funding sources to maintain long-term sustainability.

Greater Sydney is focused on enhancing visibility and capacity through events like the biennial Greater Sydney Gathering and improved reporting mechanisms for the NSW Landcare Enabling Program (LEP). They are also working on expanding networks in areas without Local Landcare Coordinators (LLCs) and exploring corporate engagement and fee-for-service opportunities to fund their dynamic activities.

The Hunter & Mid Coast regions are prioritising rainforest preservation and restoration, boosting engagement with schools and local councils, and improving regional communications to raise the profile of Landcare activities.

The Murray region is developing strategic directions, ensuring robust communication across districts, and building strong relationships with stakeholders to enhance project delivery capacity.

In Murrumbidgee, the focus is on fostering relationships between First Nations People and farmers, securing funding for large on-ground works, and zeroing in on carbon and natural capital projects.

The New England region is centred on resilience, disaster preparedness, and strong partnerships with local government and schools, while the North Coast region is navigating the complexities of the Landcare Enabling Program and engaging local communities through various vibrant events.

The North West is promoting volunteerism growth, natural capital, carbon markets, and strategic planning, and the Western region is focusing on emerging partnerships, staff recruitment, and leveraging social media to raise the profile of their activities. 

Advocacy for Support of Landcare in NSW

 

The insights from the recent SAC meeting underscore the pressing need for targeted support and funding to address the specific challenges and priorities of each region.

As we continue to advocate for Landcare in NSW, it is vital that government and parliament understand the diverse needs of our regions.

From securing long-term funding to enhancing training programs and building strategic partnerships, these efforts are important for the sustainability and growth of Landcare across the state.

Additional Important Areas of Advocacy

I am also hearing that the following matters are also important that Landcare regions want advocacy on: 

  • Building on NSW Government Investment of Landcare LEP 3 (2023-2027): Emphasise the need for additional funds to support on-the-ground projects and highlight the potential of the established 126 Landcare coordinators. We must also work to get Landcare in front of other government agencies so we are seen as a greater resource for government in solving state NRM and related problems. 
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER or MERI): Stress the need for robust MERI systems to track project progress and effectiveness, highlighting the role of MERI in securing ongoing funding and support. We need to be more effective in telling the story of our impact across the state. 
  • Multiple Benefits (Not Single or Co-benefits): Promote a holistic approach to environmental projects to achieve multiple benefits and highlight the efficiency and value of integrated solutions. This is particularly relevant in the emerging area of natural capital.  
  • Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness: Broaden the focus (of Landcare in NSW) to include environmental biosecurity alongside agricultural biosecurity, emphasising the importance of protecting natural ecosystems from invasive species and diseases. This focus is not just limited to biosecurity but also includes disaster preparedness and potentially other areas yet to be defined. 
  • Funding Stability and Administration: Advocate for longer-term grants to provide stability and allow for comprehensive project planning and implementation, addressing the challenges faced by Landcare groups with short-term funding cycles, and emphasising the need for certainty. Additionally, regions are concerned about the administrative burden and the potential loss of staff. 

Landcare NSW CEO Turlough Guerin and Project Manager Katie Caldwell meeting with Tamworth Regional Landcare Association

CALL TO ACTION


With only 20 months before Landcare NSW needs to present a strategic business case articulating our case for another government-funded program (i.e. for the period post 2027), we are turning our minds to getting prepared for that period.

We have much to do now to demonstrate to our main funder what we have achieved. I want to hear from all regions and networks on all the issues where you expect to see a better partnership with Local Land Services (LLS) and our other government partners.

Your feedback is essential to ensure we are addressing the most pressing concerns and working together effectively to achieve our shared goals.

Let’s continue to strengthen our collective voice and build a more resilient, sustainable, and thriving Landcare community. 

Turlough Guerin CEO, Landcare NSW