Tag: Landcare NSW

Journeying together to Acknowledge Country and People

Coolamon Landcare co-created an Acknowledgment of Country

Coolamon Landcare co-created an Acknowledgment of Country Reflecting their genuine connection and respect for First Nations People and culture.

Landcare groups often find themselves uncertain about how to approach an Acknowledgment of Country. Many worry that without a deep understanding of First Nations Culture, their Acknowledgment might feel tokenistic or just a formality. This was a concern for Coolamon Landcare. They didn’t want their Acknowledgment to be just a statement , they wanted it to be a genuine expression of respect and connection to both Country and the First Nations community.

To address this, we organised three workshops to guide the group through the process. The first session, which I facilitated as the Local Landcare Coordinator, focused on introducing key cultural terms and explaining the significance of an Acknowledgment of Country. We discussed what “Country” means in a First Nations context, why it’s written with a capital “C”, and how it represents more than just land, it’s part of First Nations belief systems, community, and identity.

With this foundational understanding, we moved on to the second workshop, where I worked alongside our Aboriginal Landcare Officer, Nioka Dupond. This session began with something special, a walk on Country. It wasn’t just a walk, though. It was a chance for everyone to connect with the land, with themselves, and to experience how First Nations
People live, both in the past and present. As we walked, we spoke about the traditional roles in their community, ecologists, bakers, hydrologists, and toolmakers. It was grounding and purposeful.

Journeying together to Acknowledge Country and People: Coolamon Landcare Group

Once we were back indoors, Nioka led us deeper into the emotional and cultural weight behind the Acknowledgment. The group engaged in a process where they chose words that resonated with them, slowly crafting an Acknowledgment that felt personal and sincere. By the end of the session, we had the foundation of something truly meaningful.
Before finalising it, we gave the group some time to reflect. We scheduled a third workshop with Nioka and I to make final adjustments and ensure the Acknowledgment felt right to everyone.

These workshops did more than just create an Acknowledgment of Country, they transformed the way Coolamon Landcare members understood and related to First Nations culture. The process fostered a deeper connection to both Country and community, and by the end, the group had a personalised Acknowledgment they could be proud of. It wasn’t just words on a page; it was a reflection of their commitment to inclusion and respect.

Participants left feeling empowered, confident in their ability to speak from the heart when acknowledging First Nations people and traditions. That Acknowledgment will now be a part of all future gatherings, serving as a testament to their genuine dedication to cultural awareness.

Private Land Conservation Matters

Ever wondered what happens to all those feedback surveys?

If you’ve attended one of the 107 Private Land Conservation Matters events in the past 18 months, you’ve likely filled out a feedback survey. Thanks to the 725 participants who shared their thoughts, we’ve gained valuable insights.

About 75% of attendees identified as “other landholder broader community including Landcare,” with 13% being BCT agreement holders. The rest were staff and presenters. Surveys showed an average 20-point increase in knowledge on a 1 to 100 scale. Some topics, like habitat augmentation, jumped from 14/100 to 49/100, highlighting areas for future focus.

Participants were overwhelmingly satisfied with relevant content, expert presenters, and that there was plenty of time for questions and socializing. However, many felt less confident in implementing what they learned or accessing resources. This feedback will shape follow-up events to better support landholders in applying their skills.

Attendees also provided ideas for future topics, ensuring the next round of events meets their needs. Many expressed gratitude for the inspiring efforts of event staff.

Here’s what some people said:

At the Paddock to Plate event in Batlow: “The knowledge of the presenters and the inspirational property” were highlights.

The Habitat Augmentation workshop in Bendemeer was praised for its “practical nature, excellent presenter, and linkage with science.”

The Cats Claw Creeper event in Tiri was valued for “connecting with local, like-minded people and learning.”

Field walks, informal settings, practical information, and good food were consistently praised. These are hallmarks of Landcare events.

PLCM Word Cloud from Feedback Surveys - 'what did you like?'

We are indeed fortunate to have a relationship with the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, which recognizes Landcare’s unique role in connecting communities and fostering biodiversity champions who support each other and the ecosystems we all depend on.

If you’ve attended an event under the Private Land Conservation Matters program and didn’t have the chance to provide some feedback we’d love to hear from you via this survey.

Provide Feedback
PLCM Acknowledgement

Growing Through Change

GROWING THROUGH CHANGE: LANDCARE NSW in 2024

Message from Gareth Johnston, Chair of Landcare NSW:

The past year has showcased the remarkable adaptability and unwavering spirit of Landcare NSW’s network of dedicated volunteers and community leaders. A standout demonstration of this commitment has been our volunteer Board of Directors, who stepped forward to take direct management responsibility during our transition period. Their hands-on leadership and deep understanding of Landcare’s grassroots values has helped maintain organizational stability while strengthening our focus on supporting local groups.

During this time of change, our Board members have gone above and beyond their governance roles, working directly with staff and volunteers to ensure Landcare NSW continues to effectively serve its network. Their practical experience as Landcarers themselves has proved invaluable in understanding and responding to local group needs.

Gareth Johnston, Chair Landcare NSW
Gareth Johnston, Chair Landcare NSW

Our network’s achievements this year are testament to the passion and creativity of Landcare members. From restoring critical wildlife corridors to implementing sustainable farming practices, local groups have continued to transform landscapes and strengthen community ties through hands-on environmental stewardship.

Looking ahead, we’re seeing exciting opportunities emerge at the local level. Many groups are finding success through council partnerships, local business sponsorships, and community-driven initiatives. These grassroots connections are creating sustainable, long-term relationships that extend beyond funding to foster deeper community engagement and environmental outcomes.

The heart of Landcare beats strongest in our local communities – where neighbors come together to care for their shared environment. As we move forward, we encourage members to harness these local connections. Whether it’s partnering with your local council, engaging with nearby businesses, or collaborating with other community groups, your local knowledge and relationships are powerful catalysts for positive change.

The future of Landcare is bright, built on the foundation of local action and community spirit that has always defined our movement. The dedication shown by our volunteer Board in taking on additional responsibilities reflects the true Landcare spirit – stepping up when needed to ensure our vital work continues. Your commitment to environmental stewardship continues to inspire and drive positive change across NSW. Together, we’re not just maintaining our environment – we’re building stronger, more resilient communities for the future.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Landcare. Your local actions are creating lasting positive change for our environment and communities.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

– Gareth Johnston, Chair Landcare NSW

Landcare NSW Board of Directors 2024: Bottom Left: Kathy Kelly, Gareth Johnston, Bruce Rolph, Lyn Thomson Top Left: Steve Bunnell, Liz Riley, Wayne Chaffey

Parliamentary Friends of Landcare

2024 Parliamentary Friends of Landcare – Trees in the House

Hon. Tara Moriarty, Minister for Agriculture speaking at the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare - Trees in the House event in November 2024
Dr Shannon Foster sharing a Welcome to Country at the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare - Trees in the House event, November 2024
Landcare NSW Chair, Gareth Johnston presenting at the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare - Trees in the House event, November 2024

In November, Landcare NSW proudly co-hosted the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare ‘Trees in the House’ event in the beautiful Speakers Garden at NSW Parliament House, highlighting the dedication and achievements of Landcare members and volunteers across the state.

The NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare, a cross-party group of Members of Parliament, works to advocate for Landcare initiatives at the state, regional, and local levels. The event brought together long-standing and new supporters of Landcare, united in their commitment to building a more sustainable future.

The evening commenced with a heartfelt Welcome to Country by Dr Shannon Foster, followed by remarks from Steve Whan MP, Co-Chair of Parliamentary Friends of Landcare, Tara Moriarty MLC, Minister for Agriculture, and Gareth Johnston, Chair of Landcare NSW. Each speaker noted the essential role of Landcare in promoting biodiversity, adapting to climate change, and enhancing natural capital.

2024 Parliamentary Friends of Landcare - Trees in the House event. Hon. Tara Moriarty speaking with Steve Whan MP

Highlights:

A highlight of the night was the showcase of innovative Landcare projects, presented during a panel facilitated by Peter Dixon of Landcare NSW:

Dr Oliver Knox introduced his ‘Soil Ya Undies’ program, which uses buried underwear to evaluate soil health.

Vanessa Anderson from Western Landcare NSW shared how this concept was adapted to engage primary school students in Far Western NSW on the importance of soil health. Read More 

Ryan Lungu from OzFish Unlimited outlined collaborative efforts with Landcare on more than 80 projects to rehabilitate waterways and support fish populations. Read More 

Aboriginal Landcare Officer Michael Kennedy from North Coast Regional Landcare Network detailed initiatives to educate Gumbaynggirr children about koala conservation in the South Grafton area. Read More 

Sophie Blair of Greater Sydney Landcare presented ‘WildVenture – Landcare for Young Adults,’ addressing youth eco-anxiety, loneliness, and fostering connection to nature. Read More

Granite Borders Landcare Inc. was also showcased with their fire ant awareness workshop, which focuses on prevention and eradication. Read More

 

The event reflected the breadth and depth of Landcare’s impact, from soil science to habitat restoration, and youth engagement to species conservation.

Parliamentary Friends of Landcare - Trees in the House Panel Speakers - Ryan Lungu, Ozfish; Dr Oliver Knox and Vanessa Anderson, Soil ya Undies; Sofie Blair, WildVenture; Michael Kennedy, Gumbaynggirr Youth; and Peter Dixon, LNSW, November 2024

A sincere thank you to the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Co-Chairs Steve Whan MP, Michael Kemp MP, and Roy Butler MP, as well as everyone who contributed to the success of the evening.

Parliamentary Friends of Landcare - Trees in the House event: Melissa Higgins, Landcare Australia; Steve Whan MP; Costa Gerogiardis, Gardening Australia
Melissa Higgins, Landcare Australia; Steve Whan MP; Costa Gerogiardis, Gardening Australia at Parliamentary Friends of Landcare - Trees in the House event in November 2024
Michael Kemp MP with Larry Langman and Jodie Lovell (LNSW) at Parliamentary Friends of Landcare - Trees in the House event in November 2024
Roy Butler MP and Vanessa Anderson at Parliamentary Friends of Landcare - Trees in the House event in November 2024

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CONTRIBUTE NOW & WIN*

All Tax Deductible donations of $25 and above received for Landcare NSW from 19 November 2024 until 19 January 2025 will go in the draw to win* 1x Adult Ticket on River Dreaming Aboriginal Corporations Bila Galari tour – Forbes, NSW. Valued at $1,200/person plus gst.

Prize is to be provided by and must be redeemed directly with River Dreaming Aboriginal Corporation.  *Terms & Conditions Apply.

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Thanks to River Dreaming Aboriginal Corporation

View details on their tours here: Bila Galari tour – Forbes, NSW.
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Terms and Conditions – Landcare NSW Donate and Win prize draw

1. The promoter of this Donate and Win prize draw is Landcare NSW (ABN:24 958 819 359) located at 7/56 Church Av, Mascot NSW 2020, hereinafter referred to as “the Promoter”.

2. Participation in this giveaway is open to individuals aged 18 years and above, who make a donation to Landcare NSW during the giveaway period. Employees and their immediate family members of Landcare NSW are not eligible to participate.

3. By entering this giveaway, participants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

4. Entry into the giveaway is automatic for each eligible person who makes a donation above $25 to Landcare NSW during the giveaway period. Each person will receive maximum one entry.

5. The giveaway period commences on 19/11/24 and will finish 19/01/25.

6. The prize offered in this giveaway is 1x Adult Ticket on the ‘River Dreaming Aboriginal Corporation’s Bila Galari’ tour – Forbes, NSW. Valued at $1,200/person plus GST. The Promoter defers responsibility to the tour provider to delivery on above offer, and the provider reserves the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value.

7. Winners will be chosen at random at the end of January from all eligible entries received during the giveaway period. The selection of winners will be conducted by a representative of Landcare NSW.

8. The winners will be notified via email within seven (7) days after the random selection. The winners must respond to the notification email within fourteen (14) days to acknowledge acceptance of the prize. Failure to respond within the specified time may result in forfeiture of the prize and selection of an alternate winner.

9. The Promoter will make reasonable efforts to contact the winners. However, if the winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within the specified time, the Promoter reserves the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and select an alternative winner.

10. The prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged or redeemed for cash or any other alternative.

11. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any entries that are incomplete, late, lost, damaged, or illegible. The Promoter shall not be liable for any failure to fulfill the prizes due to unforeseen circumstances or causes beyond its reasonable control.

12. The personal information provided by participants will be used in accordance with Landcare NSW Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws. By entering this giveaway, participants consent to the collection, storage, and use of their personal information by the Promoter for the purposes of conducting and administering the giveaway.

13. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, any social media platforms or third parties.

14. The decision of the Promoter in relation to any aspect of the giveaway is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into.

15. These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any disputes arising from or in connection with this giveaway shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of NSW, Australia.

16. For any queries or concerns regarding this giveaway, please contact Landcare NSW.

17. By participating in this giveaway, participants acknowledge and agree to release and hold harmless Landcare NSW, its employees, volunteers, and agents from any and all liability, claims, demands, losses, damages, or actions arising out of or in connection with their participation in the giveaway or the acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize awarded.

18. Landcare NSW reserves the right to amend or modify these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the updated terms and conditions on Landcare NSW website or other promotional platforms.

19. Landcare NSW holds no responsibility or liability after the prize has been awarded.

If any provision of these terms and conditions is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

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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.