Join Our 200k Tree Planting Celebration!

A Milestone Event

On Saturday 14 September 2024, join Greater Sydney Landcare and Landcare NSW at Campbelltown Hospital to help us plant the 200,000th tree of the Creating Canopies project.

It will be a fun day of community, celebration, and environmental action.

Launched in 2020, Creating Canopies, funded by the NSW Government under the Greening our City program, aims to plant 300,000 native trees and shrubs across Greater Sydney by the end of 2025.

And we need your help!

Creating Canopies Volunteers Planting with GSL

Event Highlights:

Help celebrate the 200,000th tree planting of the Creating Canopies project: By being a part of this very important milestone, you’ll be helping reduce urban heat while creating valuable habitats for local wildlife.

Fun for All Ages: No experience necessary. We provide gardening gloves, tools, and training. Bring your family and friends for a day of hands-on planting.

Free Lunch and Entertainment: Enjoy a delicious sausage sizzle lunch on us. Plus, there’ll be a giveaway of native plant seeds, prizes, and a Campbelltown Koalas Talk.

Why Attend?

Trees are a vital part of creating a resilient, sustainable, and vibrant Sydney.

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) Executive Director Resilience and Sustainability, Steve Hartley said:

“Tree planting projects are a great way to engage with other people in your community and make a tangible difference to your local environment. Tree plantings are an investment in the health of the community and an opportunity for locals to connect with and enjoy the benefits of nature in urban spaces.”

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 14 September 2024
Time: 9 am to 2 pm (may finish earlier – arrive at 9 am so you don’t miss out)
Location: Campbelltown Hospital, Therry Road, Campbelltown NSW 2560
Cost: FREE
What to Wear: Closed sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and long pants
What to Bring: A drink bottle of water, hat, and sunscreen

Greater Sydney Landcare Tree Planting volunteer

Register Now: Secure your spot at this tree planting. It will be a fun morning of community spirit and environmental stewardship.

Register today on Greater Sydney Landcare’s Eventbrite page.

Greater Sydney Landcare Creating Canopies logo

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 

Celebrate National Tree Day:

Join Us in Creating Canopies in Liverpool

On Saturday 27 July 2024, join Greater Sydney Landcare and Liverpool City Council at Schoeffel Park for an unforgettable morning of tree planting, community bonding and family fun.

This event is part of Creating Canopies, a multi-year project by Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare to plant 200,000 native trees and associated shrubs across Greater Sydney by the end of 2025. Creating Canopies is proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Greening our City program, which aims to help reduce urban heat in Sydney.

Creating Canopies Volunteers Planting with GSL

Event Highlights:

Plant 2,000 Native Trees and Shrubs: Green community space in the Liverpool LGA – contribute to the Creating Canopies project and help reduce urban heat while creating valuable habitats for local wildlife.

Fun for All Ages: No experience necessary. We provide gardening gloves, tools, and training. Bring your family and friends for a day of hands-on planting.

Free Lunch and Entertainment: Enjoy a delicious sausage sizzle lunch on us. Plus, there’ll be live music, face painting, and an Indigenous weaving workshop by the talented Tarni Eastwood of Nula Weaving.

Barista-made Coffee and Sweet Treats: Available for purchase to keep you energised throughout the day.

Why Attend?

“We’re looking for volunteers to plant with us,” says Ms Danielle Packer, Creating Canopies Project Manager for Greater Sydney Landcare.

“Our plantings offer a fantastic day outdoors, and volunteers regularly tell us how rewarding it feels to do something positive for nature.”

The benefits of green spaces are immense—improving physical health, lowering stress levels, and creating cooler environments.

“The trees we plant will not only cool down Schoeffel Park and wider Sydney, but they’ll also provide vital habitats for birds and other wildlife,” said Ms Packer.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, July 27 2024
Time: 9 am to 2 pm (may finish earlier – arrive at 9 am so you don’t miss out)
Location: Schoeffel Park, 26 Strzlecki Drive, Horningsea Park, NSW 2171
Cost: FREE
What to Wear: Closed sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and long pants
What to Bring: A drink bottle of water, hat, and sunscreen

Greater Sydney Landcare Tree Planting volunteer

Register Now: Secure your spot at this tree planting. It will be a fun morning of community spirit and environmental stewardship.

Register today on Greater Sydney Landcare’s Eventbrite page.

Greater Sydney Landcare Creating Canopies logo

Celebrate National Tree Day:

Plant Trees at Lizard Log for National Tree Day

Greater Sydney Landcare is calling for volunteers to plant trees at Lizard Log in Western Sydney Parklands, Abbotsbury on National Tree Day – Sunday 28 July from 8am.

This event is part of Creating Canopies – a multi-year project by Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare to plant 200,000 native trees and associated shrubs across Greater Sydney by the end of 2025.

Creating Canopies is proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Greening our City program, which aims to help reduce urban heat in Sydney.

“We’re inviting local residents to come along and plant trees for National Tree Day,” said Ms Danielle Packer, Creating Canopies Project Manager for Greater Sydney Landcare.

To attend the tree planting, register via Greater Sydney Landcare’s Eventbrite page. Visit greatersydneylandcare.org for more information.

GSL Tree Planting

“Not only will the trees planted provide shade and cooling through evapotranspiration as they mature, but they will also create habitat for wildlife and a more beautiful space for people to enjoy too.”

“All ages can join us and no experience is necessary. We provide the gloves, tools and training for planting and we also put on a free lunch as a thank you as well. Volunteers regularly tell us that they have a fantastic day outdoors doing something positive for nature.”

“Between 2020 and 2022, Creating Canopies held 163 events attended by over 2,000 volunteers and planted over 100,000 trees across Greater Sydney.”

“In this second stage of the project, we’re hoping to beat that record and get twice as many trees in the ground,” said Ms Packer.

Last year, over 59,000 trees were planted thanks to Creating Canopies on private and public land across the Sydney region. Over 1,200 volunteers planted at 66 Creating Canopies events in 2023.

Greater Sydney Landcare Tree Planting volunteer

National Tree Day is also supported by the NSW Government.

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) Executive Director, Resilience and Sustainability, Steve Hartley, said that planting more trees helps increase our canopy—creating more shade, cleaner air and healthier communities.

Creating Canopies GSL Volunteers

“Events like National Tree Day are a great opportunity for the community to come together and contribute to increasing our urban canopy,” Mr Hartley said.

“The NSW Government has a goal to increase tree coverage across Greater Sydney to 40 per cent by 2036 to build better resilience to urban heat.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a tangible impact on our environment and community. Individuals, families, friends, and community groups are all welcome to participate and make a difference. Be a part of creating a greener, cooler, and more vibrant Sydney this National Tree Day.

Register Now: Secure your spot at this tree planting, which promises a fun morning of community spirit and environmental stewardship. Register today on Greater Sydney Landcare’s Eventbrite page.

Greater Sydney Landcare Creating Canopies logo

Media Release: Landcare reaches 80,000th tree as part of National Tree Day

Tuesday, 2 August 2022

National Tree Day celebrated by planting of 80,000th tree in Parramatta

 

A major milestone for community Landcare was met during National Tree Day at the weekend with the planting of the 80,000th tree as part of the Creating Canopies in Greater Sydney project.

Facilitated through a partnership between NSW Government, Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare Network, the tree planting in Parramatta, held alongside an event in Blacktown, was the latest in a long list of planting activities completed across Sydney over the past two years.

The Creating Canopies team are on track to not only meet, but exceed, their target of 100,000 trees planted by the end of 2022.

With over 600 people attending the event, Greater Sydney Landcare Network Chair, Bev Debrincat said this milestone and groundswell movement was a testament to the hard work undertaken by staff and volunteers and the importance of partners collaborating to grow and create green spaces across Sydney.

“Green spaces and community engagement are crucial in the health of our communities and our environment. We are building on the fantastic work from previous National Tree Days at the Parramatta site and this will ensure we continue to create valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife.

“Western Sydney is a priority area for our project and the serendipity in being able to plant our 80,000th tree in Western Sydney is fantastic,” Bev said.

Landcare NSW CEO, Turlough Guerin, said Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare Network are proud to partner with the Department of Planning and Environment in Greening our City.

“Landcare NSW works with community groups across the state to improve the health of our environment and communities. Green spaces aren’t just beneficial in providing habitat for our native flora and fauna, they’re also linked to stronger, healthier, more resilient communities.

“This project helps support our community’s health and well-being but also the protection of our native plants and animals by providing much needed habitat.”

The trees have been planted as part of the Greening Our City program, to increase the tree canopy and green cover across Greater Sydney.

Funding has been provided to Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare Network as part of the NSW Government’s partnership with Landcare to plant 100,000 new trees across Greater Sydney.

The plantings in Parramatta and Blacktown have been coordinated by Greater Sydney Landcare Network in conjunction with Councils, local Landcare, Bushcare and community groups.

ENDS

Media Contact:  Samantha Stratton
communication@landcarensw.org.au  / 0487 767 955

Media Release: Major milestone as 60,000th tree planted in Western Sydney by Landcare

MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday, 8th December 2021

A major milestone for community Landcare was met when the sixty-thousandth tree for the Creating Canopies in Greater Sydney project was planted at Chauvel Park in the Liverpool City Council.

Facilitated through the partnership between NSW Government, Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare Network, the tree plantings are one of many that have been held across Sydney throughout the past year

Greater Sydney Landcare Network Chair, Bev Debrincat, said the milestone is a testament to the hard work undertaken by staff and volunteers and the collaboration between Landcare and Government to help create green spaces and healthy habitats across Sydney.

“The past year has been challenging for all our communities and we’ve grown in the understanding of the importance of green spaces and nature and how it benefits our communities, health, and wellbeing. Western Sydney is a priority area for our project and I’m thrilled that Liverpool could be where we lay our sixty-thousandth tree,” Bev said.

Landcare NSW Acting CEO, John McLoughlin, said Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare Network are proud to partner with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in Greening our City.

“Landcare NSW works with volunteer community groups to improve the health of our environment and communities. By expanding the green canopy cover across Greater Sydney, we are not only contributing to our community’s health and well-being but also the protection of our native plants and animals by providing much needed habitat.”

Executive Director of Green and Resilient Places with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Steve Hartley said trees are one of our greatest weapons in the battle against the urban heat in Western Sydney.

“This is an important milestone for Landcare and the community of Western Sydney, which will help bring cooler temperatures as we head into summer, while providing more habitat for local wildlife,” Mr Hartley said.

The plantings in Liverpool have been coordinated by Greater Sydney Landcare Network in conjunction with local Landcare and community groups.

The trees are being planted as part of the NSW Government’s Greening Our City program, to increase the tree canopy and green cover across Greater Sydney. Funding has been provided to Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare Network as part of the NSW Government’s $2.1million investment and partnership with Landcare to plant 100,000 new trees across Greater Sydney.

1200 Trees Planted at Fairfield Hospital

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Landcare NSW works to improve the health of our environment and communities and by expanding the green canopy cover across Greater Sydney we are not only contributing to our community’s health and well-being but also the protection of our native plants and animals by providing much needed habitat,” Dr Zammit said.

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

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

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

The undergrowth plants have been donated by Fairfield Council Nursery.

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

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

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

130 Trees planted for Kurrajong koalas

Greater Sydney Landcare Network today planted 130 trees in Kurrajong which will provide an important habitat corridor for a genetically distinct population of koalas.

Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit was joined by Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston and a group of 20 volunteers on Saturday 22 August, to plant 130 trees in Kurrajong Hills as part of the Government’s initiative to green Greater Sydney by planting one million trees over the next two years.

The planting is part of the Creating Canopies project being delivered in partnership with Landcare NSW. Funding for the project is provided by the NSW Government as part of the program to expand the city’s green canopy cover across Greater Sydney, with a focus on Western Sydney.

“This site is an important habitat corridor for the koala population in Kurrajong and we’ll be helping these creatures to thrive by restoring the koala corridor, planting their food tree species and removing weeds,” Ms Preston said.

“Greening our neighbourhoods and backyards is integral to our community’s health and wellbeing and the protection and resilience of our native plants and animals.

“More tree canopy means more shade, cooler suburbs and habitats for our beautiful wildlife.

“That’s why the NSW Government has teamed up with Landcare NSW and invested $2.1 million to plant 100,000 new trees across Greater Sydney by 2022 to expand the city’s green canopy.”

Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit said the project will help support the development of green spaces across Greater Sydney.

“With the support of the Greater Sydney Landcare Network, we will be planting 100,000 trees across Greater Sydney from 2020 – 2022. This will help grow native canopy to cool our city with Landcarers helping landowners and community members participate in tree planting activities,” said Dr Zammit.

“We will bring the skills and dedication of our extensive networks to help meet these ambitious goals. The expertise of Landcarers will be important in ensuring that appropriate sites are chosen, landholders are provided with correct advice on tree choice and long-term maintenance, and trees are planted with the best chance of surviving.

“We will work directly with landowners and local native nurseries in identifying the most appropriate tree species to be planted for each site.”

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

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

To date, more than 300,000 trees have been planted across Greater Sydney as part of the Greening our City program to increase tree canopy and green cover across Greater Sydney by planting one million trees by 2022.

 

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit, Robyn Preston MP member for Hawkesbury and landowner Chris Keen.

MEDIA:

Jodie Lovell Landcare NSW | 0439 316 151

 

Landcare NSW will work with the Greater Sydney Landcare Network to deliver the planting of 100,000 trees with a focus on Western Sydney by 2022.

Thousands of new trees to be planted across Greater Sydney

The NSW Government is investing nearly $5 million to plant thousands of new trees across  Greater Sydney to expand the city’s green canopy in partnership with Greening Australia and Landcare NSW.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the partnerships will see 172,000 new trees planted in Greater Sydney’s parks, schools and communities over the next two-and-a-half years, with the first 32,000 to be planted by the end of 2020.

“We have connected with leading environmental organisations to increase our tree canopy cover, cool our communities and create great new green public spaces across the city,” Mr Stokes said.

“New trees today mean more healthy shaded public spaces and beautiful tree-lined streets for communities to enjoy now and for years to come.”

The NSW Government has signed two contracts totaling $4.77 million for:
–  100,000 trees to be planted across Greater Sydney, with a focus on Western Sydney with Landcare NSW; and
–  72,000 trees to be planted across parks and community spaces and schools across Greater Sydney with Greening Australia.

The two new partnerships will contribute to the NSW Government’s ambitious target to plant     one million trees by 2022.

Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit said the project will help support the development of green spaces across Greater Sydney.

“With the support of the Greater Sydney Landcare Network we will help grow native canopy to cool our city with Landcarers helping landowners and community members participate in tree planting activities.

“Our shared challenge is not only to get the trees in the ground but to monitor and provide education to ensure they survive.”

Greening Australia’s Nature in Cities Director Paul Della Libera said the ‘Cooling the Schools’ program will establish native habitats and help cool urban areas.

“By working together with schoolchildren across Greater Sydney to increase the tree canopy cover in their neighbourhoods, we can lower temperatures and create healthier communities for both people and wildlife. This is particularly important in urban areas given rising summer temperatures.

“We will be partnering with Western Sydney University to identify and prioritise the communities with the lowest canopy cover and greatest vulnerability to the urban heat island effect.”

MEDIA:

Jodie Lovel Landcare NSW | 0439 316 151 

Courtney Taylor DPIE | 0499 699 226

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.