Tag: Landcare

Landcare State Gathering to focus on Adaptation and Innovation

Over 160 Landcarers and community partners from across NSW will make their way to Manly next week as part of the NSW Landcare Enabling Program State Gathering.

The Gathering runs from Monday 19th to Wednesday 21st August 2024, and is an opportunity for the network of Regional Landcare Coordinators, Regional Administration Support Officers, Local Landcare Coordinators and community host organisations, to share experiences, learn skills and connect with each other. The theme for the event is Adaptation & Innovation.

The theme of the 2024 Gathering is AI = Adaptation and Innovation. The intention is for every participant to leave with a deeper understanding of the Landcare Enabling Program, forge meaningful new connections, and acquire fresh knowledge and ideas. The Gathering will aim to empower participants to embrace adaptability and drive innovation in their work and community.

The 2023-2027 NSW Landcare Enabling Program funded by the NSW Government, is a collaborative initiative of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW empowering Landcarers to take action on local problems and deliver outcomes that address local and regional issues.

NSW Landcare CEO Turlough Guerin said the learnings and connections that participants experience at the gathering will provide peer support and information sharing opportunities.

“The State Gathering is an opportunity for our Coordinators and Host Organisations consisting mainly of Landcare groups to input into the four-year Program which is funded until June 2027 and apply learnings to assist in delivering outcomes in their communities in the future.

“Landcare’s strength lies in the strength of its grassroots, community movement – it’s about local people doing work on the ground to provide local solutions to local problems.”

The NSW Landcare Enabling Program supports the network of hard-working volunteers in local communities who manage and restore the natural environment, improve the sustainability of agricultural production and build the resilience of communities.

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

Work with Landcare NSW

Landcare NSW Communications Coordinator Role Available

Position Purpose and Scope:

The Communications Coordinator plays a central role in engaging and supporting Landcare NSW community members, groups, and networks through effective communication strategies.

This role is responsible for managing communications platforms, producing and delivering content aligned with Landcare NSW’s strategic goals, and ensuring that the organisation is recognised as a key resource for information, speakers, and talent in the fields of Landcare and natural resource management.

In essence, the role is to support our organisation to have maximum impact through the curation and publishing of our extensive content.

The scope of the communication activities will be to align with project/program evaluation frameworks and contracts which will be developed between Landcare NSW and its funding agencies and partners.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications Management:

  • Manage communication platforms, ensuring timely and relevant content writing and scheduling.
  • Regularly update Landcare NSW’s digital media platforms, including websites and social media channels, responding to inquiries promptly.
  • Be the custodian of the Landcare NSW Brand, and manage brand, image and content assets.

Content Development and Delivery:

  • Research, produce, and deliver compelling content for communications and marketing plans, specifically focusing on two key programs: Creating Canopies, and Private Land Conservation Matters in alignment with contractual agreements.
  • Coordinate and develop materials for the Landcare NSW Annual Report and Strategic Plan.
  • Design visual collateral for the organisation, maintaining brand consistency.

Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Conduct regular communication meetings with Project Managers, the CEO, the Board, and Stakeholder Partners to discuss issues, report on progress, and strategise on communications and marketing plans.
  • Build and maintain media and communications networks, establishing Landcare NSW as a primary source for relevant content and expertise.

Awareness and Capacity Building:

  • Elevate public awareness and understanding of Landcare, highlighting its significance in ecological biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and disaster risk reduction.
  • Enhance the knowledge-sharing capacity and potential of Landcare NSW staff and board members.

Strategic Outreach:

  • Reach out to community Landcare facilitators and coordinators, aligning strategies and initiatives to amplify Landcare NSW’s impact.


KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing communications platforms and producing engaging content.
  • Proven ability to build partnerships and engage with diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Take a proactive approach to communication and have a bold vision for supporting Landcare NSW and its members in this portfolio.
  • Drive member and public engagement through social media platforms and extend people’s awareness of Landcare NSW.
  • Demonstrated advanced graphic design skills.
  • Experience in brand management and creating recognition
  • Experience in environmental conservation, natural resource management, or a related field such as a community engagement role
  • Ability to effectively plan, organise and prioritise work to meet deadlines within a distributed team environment (not all based in one location)
  • Demonstrated media management experience
  • Demonstrated content development experience with a capacity to write for a range of audiences
  • Experience in event management logistics
  • Exceptional skills with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Mailchimp, Survey Monkey and Microsoft Office suite are essential
  • Highly positive attitude and self-motivation
  • Tertiary qualifications in marketing, communications, or a related field, supplemented by relevant industry experience.


TO APPLY:

Please submit your application along with responses to the following employer questions:

  • Do you have the right to work in Australia?
  • How many years of experience do you have as a communications officer or coordinator?
  • Do you have customer service experience?
  • Do you have experience working in the not-for-profit sector?
  • Do you have community engagement and stakeholder management experience?
  • Do you have graphic design skills, please include your portfolio. Please supply examples of your content development experience showing your capacity to write for a range of audiences (as a link in your application).


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Landcare NSW Inc is an equal opportunity employer, with employment under the organisation’s standard employment agreement or as negotiated.

We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Previous work experience or knowledge of working in a community-based or not-for-profit organisation.

Flexible working/working from home is part of the way we work with face time with team on an as-agreed basis.


APPLICATIONS:

Please submit your resume and cover letter via Seek.

Applications close COB Monday 2 September 2024.

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 

Board of Directors for 2024

LANDCARE NSW BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2024

 

Landcare NSW is pleased to present the Landcare NSW Board of Directors for 2024.

In November 2023 we saw the transition of Directors off the Board; the appointment of new Office Bearers; and as of January 23rd, we welcome three new Board Directors to the Board.

We would like to officially welcome our new Directors:

Bruce Maynard: from electoral zone Central Tablelands & Central West
Matilda Ferguson: from electoral zone Western
Wayne Chaffey: from electoral zone Northern Tablelands & North West

These appointments fill casual vacancies which where left by the transition of two long standing contributors, Stephanie Cameron and Hunter White, who both retired from the Board after serving their full allowed Terms; along with the stepping down of Howard Jones.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to Stephanie Cameron and Hunter White for their invaluable contributions as Chair and Treasurer, respectively.

Their dedication to our principle of “Landcare is People Care” has profoundly shaped our direction and approach and in recognition of their invaluable service, they have been granted Honorary Life Membership to Landcare NSW.

From PFL 'Trees in the House' event 1 August 2023.
from left: Allison Harker (LLS); Hunter White (LNSW); Hon. Tara Moriarty and Stephanie Cameron (LNSW) at the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare ‘Trees in the House’ event 1 August 2023.

 

With the transition of these two key Directors off the Board, new leadership was established with the Office Bearer roles being appointed ahead of the AGM in November 2023.  This welcomed Gareth Johnston as Chair, Steve Bunnell as Vice Chair, Kathy Kelly as Treasurer and the returning of Lyn Thomson as Secretary.

Continue reading “Board of Directors for 2024”

COORDINATOR GRANT CLOSING FRIDAY 3 NOVEMBER

The NSW Government has committed $59 million to Landcare and Landcare activities in NSW over the next 4 years through the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027.

Landcare NSW, in partnership with Local Land Services, will deliver the program as a continuation of their long-standing successful partnership.

NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators grants

The first phase of the program will activate $33 million in funding to employ up to 83 full-time equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinators and support staff across NSW.

Phase 1: NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators | NSW Government is currently open and applications will close 11:59pm this Friday 3 November 2023.
Important information to note:
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Applications now open

Applications are now open for the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators grants.

To view the program guidelines, including detailed role descriptions, and to apply, head to www.nsw.gov.au/lep

Applications will close 11:59pm this Friday 3 November 2023. There will be no extensions to this deadline.

Local and regional coordinators play a key role in the program including:

  • supporting and facilitating the delivery of on-ground projects that care for the local natural environment and agricultural systems
  • strengthening the capacity of Landcarers by further developing their knowledge and skills
  • ensuring effective collaboration and partnerships between Landcare groups, Local Land Services, other government agencies and Landcare NSW
  • leveraging funding opportunities to maximise socio-environmental outcomes.

This funding also includes up to $5,000 for each local and regional coordinator role to undertake professional development over the course of the 4 year program.

The Landcare NSW and LLS partnership

Together, Landcare NSW and Local Land Services are committed to empowering local communities and Landcare groups and networks to deliver sustainable agriculture and to best manage the state’s natural resources.

NSW LANDCARE ENABLING PROGRAM 2023 – 2027

The NSW Government has committed $59 million to Landcare and Landcare activities in NSW over the next 4 years through the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027.

Landcare NSW, in partnership with Local Land Services, will deliver the program as a continuation of their long-standing successful partnership.

NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators grants

The first phase of the program will activate $33 million in funding to employ up to 83 full-time equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinators and support staff across NSW.

Local and regional coordinators play a key role in the program including:

  • supporting and facilitating the delivery of on-ground projects that care for the local natural environment and agricultural systems
  • strengthening the capacity of Landcarers by further developing their knowledge and skills
  • ensuring effective collaboration and partnerships between Landcare groups, Local Land Services, other government agencies and Landcare NSW
  • leveraging funding opportunities to maximise socio-environmental outcomes.

This funding also includes up to $5,000 for each local and regional coordinator role to undertake professional development over the course of the 4 year program.

Applications now open

Applications are now open for the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators grants.

To view the program guidelines, including detailed role descriptions, and to apply, head to www.nsw.gov.au/lep

Applications close on Friday 3 November 2023 at 11:59pm.

Need more information?

Two webinars are being held to give applicants an opportunity to ask questions about the program and application process.

Register for the session that best suits you:

Landcare NSW and Local Land Services have worked closely with Landcarers to ensure this program meets the needs of Landcare and regional communities.

The Landcare NSW and LLS partnership

Together, Landcare NSW and Local Land Services are committed to empowering local communities and Landcare groups and networks to deliver sustainable agriculture and to best manage the state’s natural resources.

NSW BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION TRUST AND LANDCARE NSW PARTNERSHIP

Biodiversity conservation on private land in NSW is imperative in preserving unique ecosystems, flora, and fauna that may not be inhabited in public conservation areas. Protecting biodiversity on private lands also plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, improving land productivity, and enhancing water quality, all of which directly benefit both the landowners and the broader community.

As urbanisation and industrial activities continue to expand, private lands have become increasingly crucial refuges for many species, helping to reduce habitat fragmentation and support long-term environmental sustainability. Our partnership with the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) is vital.

Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) is Stage 2 of Landcare NSW’s partnership program with the BCT, building on the success and lessons learned from the 2020-22 Project, including increased awareness of the BCT’s roles and responsibilities amongst the Landcare community, and relationships developed between regional Landcare networks and regional BCT Managers.

Highlights from the first partnership were:

• 2635 people directly engaged through face-to-face and online events,
• 78 field days held on a range of conservation management topics, hosted on private landholders’ properties,
• 149 networking events were held on landholder properties across the state, and
• 390 communication products developed, including short videos, brochures, and newsletters highlighting private land conservation in regional communities.

The recently appointed program manager, Suzanne Pritchard, has focused on understanding the depth and breadth of Stage 1 achievements across the state and preparing for the new round of regionally co-designed work plans.

The $1.4 million, 18-month project is a contracted arrangement with the BCT, which will see LNSW working closely with regional coordinators to meet the 100 events, 2000 Landholders engaged target through the delivery of field days and networking activities, reaching out to the conservation community.

This project is an opportunity to forge a strong relationship with the BCT, which supports the Landcare community to deliver exceptional events and continue building bridges between private landowners, Landcare NSW, and the BCT.

To date, conversations between regional BCT and regional Landcare have proposed regional forums to bring the conservation community together after the COVID cloistering, regional workshops on locally relevant topics, local property-based events, and engagement of project officers to deliver the regional programs.

Ultimately, the project provides additional resources to deliver on-ground enhanced biodiversity outcomes, focusing on private land but relevant to all land tenures and all landcarers.

 

– Suzanne Pritchard, Project Manager, Landcare NSW

NSW LANDCARE PROGRAM UPDATE 2023 – 2027

The NSW Government has committed $59 million to the Landcare Enabling Program over the next 4 years (2023- 2027). Landcare NSW in partnership with Local Land Services will deliver the Program as a continuation of their long-standing successful partnership.

The commitment to the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027, will employ up to 83 full-time equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinators and support staff across NSW. This commitment builds on the success of the NSW Landcare Program, a $22.4m commitment 2019-2023, which supported the employment of 84 part time local and regional Landcare Coordinators in NSW.

Landcare NSW and Local Land Services (LLS) are currently planning the next phase of the NSW Landcare Program. The Joint Management Committee (JMC) which is made up of representatives from both Landcare NSW and LLS engaged Nation Partners to help facilitate and design the implementation plan for the new program.

A working group comprising of LLS and Landcare NSW volunteers was established to support this process co-chaired by Gary Rodda (LLS) and Turlough Guerin (LNSW) and ensured feedback from recent focus groups, the Landcare State Gathering and evaluation reports were taken into consideration.

A key focus is ensuring a fair and equitable process for potential Landcare group applicants.

Coordinator Grants Package

The critical components of the program are the employment of Local and Regional Coordinators.

The Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) and LLS are developing the grants package. Landcare NSW, specifically the Program Manager, provided input into the design and planning of the program.

The intention is to have the new program grants package available in September, with the view to advise successful applicants in October 2023. Typically, open/close periods for a grant is four weeks.

Details such as part time versus full time coordinator positions, the types of roles that will be supported, salaries and host organisation eligibility will be clearly defined in the guidelines when they become available. Due to probity reasons, we cannot provide any specifics until the guidelines are released.

Once the Minister releases the grant guidelines for the Coordinator component and the application period is open, the NSW Landcare Program plans to hold two online webinars to respond to any questions regarding the application. These sessions will be recorded and made available.

We have developed an Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to answer some of the questions we have been receiving as best we can at this stage. We also encourage those Landcare groups and regions with an interest in hosting a coordinator to get in touch with their regional Landcare body: Regional & Local Landcare Coordinators — NSW Landcare Gateway

Enabling Components – Shared Services Hub and Digital Landcare 

Landcare NSW has begun working on two new components of the Program as a matter of priority to ensure support for host organisations and coordinators.

The new Program has a Shared Services Hub component which will provide a suite of essential support services for Landcare groups to opt in to. The Hub aims to streamline access to centralised support services such as human resources, incuding induction packages for new coordinators as a priority.

Another new component is the Digital Landcare component focused on digitising knowledge to increase efficiencies, access and reach to support hosts and coordinators with readily accessible information. This is being looked at as a priority and Landcare NSW has begun a Digital Projects’ Scoping phase.

This will include a thorough review process of all the current digital assets of Landcare NSW and provide a Road Map, detailed plan, recommendations for requirements for the build and implementation phase of the Landcare NSW Digitalisation Project. Given the time it will take to design and implement a solution, it will likely take a minimum of 6-12 months before any new systems could be in place with user testing and training.

 

Landcare NSW Board supports an Indigenous Voice to Parliament

Landcare NSW has issued a Reconciliation and Treaty Statement on behalf of the Board of Directors.

The statement comes as National Reconciliation Week draws to a close for 2023. The theme for this year is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’.

“The Board of Landcare NSW supports an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and all aspects of the Uluru Statement from the Heart – Voice, Truth and Treaty. The Board of Landcare NSW acknowledges Australia’s First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and we acknowledge their deep cultural, social, environmental, spiritual and economic connection to their lands and waters. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.”

Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron said:

“I understand this statement from the Board doesn’t attempt to capture all the views of our members. However, it is our hope and vision that our statement from the Landcare NSW Board will encourage constructive debate on how we progress forward on the important issues of reconciliation and treaty and encourage all of our members to continue these important discussions amongst our diverse Landcare communities in NSW.”

Landcare NSW has been actively working to encourage and provide a voice for reconciliation in the Landcare community.

  • In 2019, the Aboriginal Engagement “Working Together”Program was launched. This initiative within the NSW Landcare Program aims to increase opportunities to consciously develop stronger connections and partnerships between Landcare groups and Aboriginal Communities.
  • In 2021, North Coast Landcare Network employed its first Aboriginal Landcare Officer followed by Murrumbidgee Landcare employing its first Aboriginal Landcare Officer.
  • In 2022, Landcare NSW appointed Mr Rene Woods to the Board in a position reserved for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June – is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.