NOTICE OF 2025 LANDCARE NSW SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

On behalf of the Board of Landcare NSW Ltd, Landcare NSW invites Members to join for the 2025 Special General Meeting (SGM) to vote on Constitutional Propositions for change.

Special General Meeting:

A notice for the Special General Meeting outlines the meeting and special resolution to be passed can be accessed here: Notice of Special General Meeting – Landcare NSW

The details regarding the Special General Meeting are as follows:

Date: Tuesday 3 June 2025
Time: 8.30-9.30am
Location: Online – via Zoom

2025 SGM Agenda and Zoom link will be shared prior to the meeting for those who complete Registration.

Please note *eligible voting members must pre-register to vote by 5pm Friday 30th May

Please contact Landcare NSW with any questions via enquiry@landcarensw.org.au

SGM Attendance Registration

Download 'Notice of Special General Meeting'

Governance Webinar:

A Governance webinar has been set up for Thursday 15th May, 9-10am to further discuss these proposed constitutional changes, allowing for our Members to participate in a Q&A with consultant, Randall Pearce; and with Landcare NSW Board Directors.

Please register your interest in the Governance webinar via this form: Governance Webinar Registration

You can review the full detail behind the propositions for change, by visiting Governance Check Up page or by downloading the ‘What you need to know‘ document.

Please contact Landcare NSW with any questions via enquiry@landcarensw.org.au

Download 'What you need to know'

*VOTING AT GENERAL MEETINGS:

Voting as a Member Group of Landcare NSW – what does this mean?

Every Incorporated and unincorporated Member group who is a financial member of Landcare NSW is entitled to one vote at our SGM. This must be the Chair or the nominated representative of the group. See ‘who can vote’ below

What are my membership rights?

The Landcare NSW constitution allow members in the following categories the right to vote.

**Group Member – YES

Honorary Life Member – YES

Associate Member – NO

Individual Member – NO

Can I send a proxy instead?

No.

As outlined in the Constitution, Proxy voting must not be undertaken at or in respect of a general meeting. Therefore, a committee cannot delegate this to a coordinator or paid employee if they can’t attend the meeting.

Who can vote?

Group Member – Chair or Nominated Representative of a Group Member (‘Group’ does not include district networks)

Honorary Life Member – Current Life Members on our Honour Roll

I want to vote and have my say on behalf of my group. What should I do?

Please ensure you pre-register with your name, email and group you are voting on behalf on before Friday 30th May, and you will be sent a link in advance to cast your vote.

**’Groups’ do not include district networks. The Landcare NSW Constitution defines a District Network member as representing ‘two or more Landcare Member Groups’ – (iii) District Network Member (non-voting) – an incorporated body composed of two or more Landcare Member Groups (whether incorporated or unincorporated) that is recognised by the relevant Regional Body.

Published 18 April 2025

Invitation: Resilient Landscapes Survey

Help Make a Difference for More Resilient Landscapes!

Natural resource management is a critical aspect of ensuring the sustainability and health of our environments. The Resilient Landscapes Hub, with funding from the National Environmental Science Program, has embarked on a national study called ‘Success factors for resilient landscapes’.

This project aims to delve into the factors that facilitate or hinder effective natural resource management activities such as tree planting, species protection, sustainable farming, and environmental enhancement across varied settings.

The study’s findings, which builds on previous research, will be invaluable for organisations involved in natural resource management. By understanding success factors, organisations can better design their programs and demonstrate their achievements across different scales.

To achieve a comprehensive and representative understanding, the project team is inviting members from diverse organisations and groups to ensure the findings reflect a wide range of experiences and opinions.

How You Can Help

If you are involved in environmental stewardship efforts, are just getting started, or work as a land manager, this is an opportunity to share your experiences, achievements, or aspirations in these efforts by completing this national survey.

Your response will help government and non-government organisations develop strategies that better support landowners, and communities in achieving more sustainable and resilient landscapes across Australia. Together, we can ensure that our landscapes remain resilient and thriving for future generations.

The survey explores three main themes: (a) your involvement in the activity, (b) your motivations and objectives, and (c) factors that help or hinder your efforts. It will take approximately 25–30 minutes to complete.

To encourage participation, we are offering incentives for those who complete the survey. At the end of the survey, you will be asked if you would like to go in a draw to win a prize. There will be a total of eight prizes, and all winners (drawn randomly) will be provided with free conference registration and a $1,000 gift card to support travel and accommodation.

The draw will take place on 1st August 2025, and winners will be notified by 8th August 2025. Terms and conditions apply.

You will be given the opportunity to tell us which conference you would like to go in the draw for – there are two tickets available for the NRM Knowledge Conference, the National Landcare Conference and the Australian Citizen Science Association conference, there is one ticket available for each of the others:

NRM Knowledge Conference – Cairns, 8th–12th September
The National Landcare Conference – Gold Coast, 21st–24th September
The National Farmers Federation Conference – AgXchange – Gold Coast, 23rd–25th September
The Australian Citizen Science Association Conference – Melbourne, 13th–15th October
The Ecological Society of Australia Conference – Adelaide, 23-28th November

This research survey is being conducted by researchers at the University of Tasmania, the National Landcare Network, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and Western Sydney University with support from the Resilient Landscapes Hub of the National Environmental Science Program.

Please email successlandscapes@utas.edu.au if you have any questions or concerns about the research.

Download Project Fact Sheet

Start Survey Now

To learn more about the project visit: nesplandscapes.edu.au/projects/nesp-rlh/landcare-and-threatened-species

To complete the survey go to: bit.ly/successlandscapes

(Please enter this address in your desktop browser. The survey is not suited for mobile devices.)

Thank you for your cooperation and participation!

Announcing the 2025 John Betts Landcare Award Recipient

Vice-President of Murrumbateman Landcare Group:
Sue McIntyre

Celebrating a Champion of Ecological Conservation

The Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups (YAN) is proud to announce Sue McIntyre as the recipient of the 2025 John Betts Landcare Award, recognising her exceptional dedication to environmental stewardship and grassland conservation.

As a distinguished ecologist and Vice-President of the Murrumbateman Landcare Group, Sue has been a transformative force in the Yass Valley’s conservation efforts.

Since 2018, Sue has been instrumental in the Climate Ready Revegetation (CRR) project. Her advocacy for increasing genetic diversity in grassland species and her ability to translate complex scientific principles into practical conservation strategies have been pivotal to the project’s success.

Sue and her husband Jon Lewis have turned their property, Gang Gang, into a remarkable example of ecological restoration. Through controlled burning, strategic grazing exclusions, and meticulous weed control, they’ve transformed the landscape to closely resemble it’s pre-settlement state. The property is now permanently protected under a NSW Biological Conservation Trust covenant.

Sue’s generosity in sharing knowledge extends beyond her professional work:

Hosting field days and weeding masterclasses
Providing plant identification assistance
Writing natural history columns in the Gundaroo Gazette
Presenting at public forums and Landcare events

Sue exemplifies the spirit of Landcare: scientific rigor, community engagement, and a deep commitment to preserving our natural environments. Her work continues to inspire current and future generations of conservation advocates.

A huge congratulations and thank you to Sue from everyone at Landcare NSW.

Read more about Sue McIntyre and her incredible contributions here.

Thank you to Sarah McGrath, YAN Local Coordinator, for bringing this wonderful news to our attention.

About the JCH Betts Memorial Landcare Award

The JCH Betts Landcare Award commemorates the memory of John Betts, a foundation member of YAN, who made a major contribution over many years to Landcare in the Yass region. The award is made to a person who has made an outstanding and long-term contribution to Landcare. The winner is chosen by the YAN committee.

Ozfish: International Day of Action for Rivers

Transformation on the Murry River

Restoration of Bottle Bend Reserve

On the 28th International Day of Action for Rivers, we celebrate the inspiring restoration of Bottle Bend Reserve on the Murray River in NSW – a powerful example of what community and collaboration can achieve.

Once severely degraded, Bottle Bend is now a flourishing ecosystem, thanks to the efforts of NSW and Commonwealth environmental water and land management agencies, OzFish, First Nations partners, Landcare NSW, volunteers, and environmental groups.

Ozfish Bottle Bend Murry River Drew Fincher

Native fish such as the Murray Cod have returned, wetlands are flourishing, and significant Kureinji Nations cultural heritage is being protected and celebrated.

Marni Holden, Acting General Manager of Landcare NSW, notes, “This transformation at the Bottle Bend Reserve is an inspiring achievement. Restoration at this level has been possible because the communities have come together to bring a degraded ecosystem back to thriving with life.”

Congratulations and well done to everyone involved on this wonderful achievement.

The project is part of the Driving Fish Habitat Action partnership between OzFish and Landcare NSW, made possible with funding support from NSW DPIRD Fisheries, NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts and BCF Boating Camping and Fishing.

Ozfish: Bottle Bend

Photos: OzFish River Culture Officer and Kureinji man, Drew Fincher, assisting volunteers with habitat restoration at Bottle Bend (via OzFish)

OzFish Unlimited

Ozfish Bottle Bend Murry River Drew Fincher and volunteers

UPPER NAMOI WATER IN THE LANDSCAPE SYMPOSIUM

Upper Namoi Water In the Landscape Symposium

Tamworth – March 17th 2025

WATER SYMPOSIUM

The first project to be hosted by the Alliance is the Upper Namoi Water Symposium on Monday March 17, 2025 at the Mercure Tamworth.

Details of the symposium

The symposium, facilitated by Stephanie Cameron, will involve brief presentations on the issues from the perspective of our local governments, agriculture and industry and others, and discussions of key issues which will provide the opportunity for different stakeholders to be heard.

Also for proposals for strategies and initiatives to be proposed and examined. Following these discussions, we will seek consensus on specific initiatives to be pursued.

For more details, please consult the Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) website.

Namoi Water in the Landscape Initiative (WILI)

The people of the upper Namoi have been blessed by relatively abundant rainfall and groundwater resources, but climate change will decrease rainfall and make weather more volatile across the region. Government policies and rules, water user behaviour and industry strategies will also shape how a growing population, industry and the environment will access the available water, and policy change is happening in real time. Water is important to every member of the community. Every person is a regional water stakeholder and it is in everyone’s interests to help shape water demand and water management to meet the expected challenges.

The Namoi Water in the Landscape Initiative (WILI) was launched in 2023, in Tamworth as a vehicle for upper Namoi water stakeholders to manage the water, and to advocate for the regions’ water interests. Its 39 current members include Tamworth Regional Landcare Association, the Tamworth, Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains LGAs, the University of New England, community organisations, landowners and managers, industry and government services in the Upper Namoi region.

The Upper Namoi Valley Water Symposium, on Monday March 17, 2025 is an opportunity to explore issues and concerns, how different water interests could be affected, and help design actions that will ensure ongoing water availability and sustainability. It will allow the views of diverse residential, agricultural, industrial, and ecological water stakeholders to be heard, and taken into account in shaping the catchment’s future. It will also provide an opportunity for State and Federal Government agencies, extension services, industry bodies and others developing water policy to hear the community perspective on the issues.

The Upper Namoi watershed is framed by the Great Dividing Range to the east and north-east, the Liverpool Range to the south and the Nandewar Range to the north. This landscape is less than 10% of the greater Namoi catchment but catches more than 80% of the water that flows to the Murray-Darling system via the Namoi River.

Surface and underground water are fundamental to all Namoi water users and stakeholders and the strategic plans of the local government areas (Tamworth, Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah) identify the importance of water security and resilience to the region.

Land management affects groundwater conditions and extraction; it influences surface retention and downstream flow, and so, is significant for both droughts and floods. Historically, the focus of policy, resource allocation and public attention has been on the lower Namoi and the Murray Darling Basin (MDB), ignoring that downstream waterways rely fundamentally on how much water is in the upstream landscape.

For more detail or to get involved, please contact Tamworth Regional Landcare Association

Photo: George Macdonald, Wayne Chaffey, Prof Martin Thoms, Paul Bennett (GM, TRC) and Bruce Logan.

International Women’s Day (IWD)

Celebrating the Women in Landcare

Landcare wouldn’t be where it is today without these women – our members, volunteers, staff, Board, organisational partners, and supporters who give their time, knowledge, and passion to care for the land, the environment, and their communities.

Whether they’re restoring habitats, leading workshops, mentoring the next generation, or working behind the scenes to make it all happen, their impact reaches far and wide. To all the women in Landcare – thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to caring for the land and building stronger resilient communities. You inspire us every day.

And a very special thank you to the incredible women pioneers (including Betty, Rosalynd, Kay, Diana, and Sue – all pictured here) who helped establish the Landcare movement. Your vision and dedication laid the foundation for everything we continue to build today.

Landcare NSW Women in Leadership

“we are stronger together”

We have recently profiled a few of our fabulous female leaders within Landcare NSW on social media, in honour of International Women’s Day (#MarchForward), to recognised their ongoing leadership and strength they are bringing to Landcare NSW.

Kathy Kelly, Landcare NSW Board Treasurer

“As women in Landcare, ‘March Forward’ means we can make that difference for future generations.”

Jodie Lovell, Program Manager (Landcare Enabling Program)

“Each of us can continue to embrace the leader within, step into our power, and make positive change for our environment which is needed now more than ever.”

Olivia Meredith, Shared Services Manager (Landcare Enabling Program)

“I find working for Landcare NSW makes you feel good and is good for your soul. The people are its greatest asset.”

Marni Holden, Acting General Manager (Landcare NSW)

“I am incredibly proud of the women in Landcare. Together, we are shaping a holistic and progressive path forward.”

We will continue to highlight our people in the days and weeks to come, so make sure you follow us to hear their stories:

Facebook | @LandcareNSW

Instagram | @landcare_nsw

LinkedIn | #landcareNSW

X | @LandcareNSW

Celebrating Volunteerism

Congratulations Bev

Bev Debrincat, from Greater Sydney Landcare, has been featured in DARE magazine for her volunteering work.

“Volunteering is so rewarding as you don’t get hung up on pay rises and entitlements. If you want to take extended holidays or frequent holidays you can. And the Australian natural environment with its flora and fauna is amazing – get out there and be inspired. The more you do, the more you are able to do.” – Bev Debrincat

Read full article here

Betty Bradney’s journey

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁

In 1970, Betty was teaching English at Narrandera High while her husband Allan ran his engineering workshop. Their lives changed forever when they won a farm in the Coleambally land ballot.
The first sight of their new property was enough to be brought to tears: a square mile of desert with a lone water wheel standing on its fins in the rock-hard red soil, the nearest tree a mile away. This is the point where Betty becomes an environmentalist, on a mission to regenerate and heal the land.
Coleambally grew and prospered, thanks to a wonderful interactive community. Locals started a Landcare group and the family enthusiastically joined. Betty still thinks of all the local Landcare plantings when she visits Coleambally.
Years later, when their family moved back to Narrandera, Betty found her place by volunteering. Betty attended a Garden Club meeting, where the guest speaker was from the Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists, from there, she joined Narrandera Landcare Group.
Betty is our resident weeder, battling invasive plants and nurturing native species like wattles and banksias. At the recent National Tree Day, she was spotted using a mattock, relentlessly chipping away at lippia. “It is something that needs doing and that I was capable of doing,” Betty said.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙥 3 𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙖?

“Catheads – They are all over our town, in great fan patterns on the cycleways and footpaths.
Burrs – including bathurst burr, noogoora, khaki weed, and spiny emex.
Tree of heaven – an invasive woody weed, spreading from the common to the canal banks.”

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮’𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙖?

“I have to say wattles and how each area has its own species e.g. Acacia cardiophyllla, the Wyalong wattle, one of the best garden trees – is handsome, drought and frost-resistant and grows to 3 meters.
Banksias – integrifolia is the easiest. A big tree for local gardens.
Brachychiton’s – Flame tree, lacebark, bottle tree and the good old kurrajong. I have all of these in my garden, though the kurrajongs are planted by birds and transplanted wherever.”

𝙁𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙖?

“Koala, echidna and rakali. I used to be a team leader at the koala counts until a few years ago. We are lucky to have rakali in the wetland, they help to control carp”

𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨?

“Just come along, it is well worth your time.”

Thank you to everyone who actively cares for the environment, and to our community for your support.

Murrumbidgee Landcare – Bidgee Floodplains Region

Landcare Enabling Program update

NSW Landcare Enabling Program

Join our Communities of Practice

Got a passion for a specific Landcare related topic? How can we harness our collective intelligence and experience around topics of shared need and interest?

Why not join one of our specific community of practice groups!

Mapping & GIS in Landcare
Youth and inclusion in Landcare
Leadership
Nurseries
Leveraging self-sustenance
Communications

If you have a special project or area of expertise, and would like to lead a session in the new year, please email Peter Pigott at ppigott@landcarensw.org.au or Susie Dunn at sdunn@landcarensw.org.au

Lunch & Learn sessions

Coming in March:

SESSION 1 – Global Learning Topic: Innovative Approaches to Leadership Development
SESSION 2 – Holbrook Landcare Network’s Podcast Topic: Navigating Disaster Through Shared Experiences

These sessions are designed to foster collaboration, spark inspiration, and provide resources that empower our program community.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for future Lunch & Learn sessions, please email lep@landcarensw.org.au

Shared Services Hub

The Shared Services Portal is now up and running for Landcare Enabling Program participants. If you would like further training and information on this portal, please email Olivia on sharedserviceshub@landcarensw.org.au

2023-2027_LEP_Funding_Acknowledgment_Inline

Governance Check Up

LNSW Governance Check-up

The Governance Check-up is part of a two-part project delivered by Randall Pearce of Think: Insight & Advice.

The Governance and Strategy Check-up was commissioned in 2024 to review the organisation’s governance and set a new strategy.

A common consultation exercise was held to feed both projects. It was made up of:

One-on-one interviews – 16 x 60 min
- LNSW Board
- Commonwealth Government
- NSW Government
- Other e-NGOs
- Corporate partner
Focus groups – 4 x 90 min
- Regional Chairs
- Landcare Groups
State Advisory Council – 1 x 90 min – 7 August 2024
Fieldwork conducted: 17 July – 1 August 2024

The first part of the Governance and Strategy Check-up resulted in the production of a new strategic plan.

The governance component of the project included several in-person and virtual elements, including:

Briefing session for Local Landcare Coordinators – 20 August 2024
Update at the Landcare NSW AGM – 20 November 2024
Update at Landcare NSW Board meetings – 10 December 2024 and 17 February 2025
Insurance review meetings – 22 January 2024 and 28 February 2025
Final consultation with State Advisory Council – 3 March 2025

A Special General Meeting (SGM) will be called in the first half of 2025 to seek member support for the Propositions for Change detailed below.

The governance reforms introduced in 2022 have strengthened LNSW’s structure and positioned it for future funding opportunities.

While broadly seen as beneficial, challenges remain in achieving consistency across regional bodies, improving State Advisory Council (SAC) effectiveness, addressing board recruitment difficulties, and managing director workloads.

Continued refinement of governance practices will be essential to sustaining and building on these reforms.

Propositions for change

The following propositions for change to the Landcare NSW Constitution are to be considered. The research and workshop findings, and the rationale for each is included in the ‘Governance Check-up – What you need to know‘ document. We encourage you to consult this document as you consider the propositions for change.

Nomination and election of directors

1. Allow the Nominations Committee to search state-wide for candidates to nominate to the LNSW Board
2. Add two State Advisory Council (SAC) members to the Nominations Committee
3. Broaden the Board Skills Matrix to include ‘perspectives’ and add ‘geographic location’ as a search criterion for Board candidates

Composition of the Board

4. Create a single class of LNSW director
5. Add Landcare experience to the Skills and Perspectives Matrix. ‘Landcare experience’ is any experience gained through direct volunteering as a Landcarer, NRM expertise and experience gained through employment or through appointment to boards and commissions.

Size of the Board

6. Allow the board to function with between seven and ten directors
7. Continue to reserve a minimum of one seat for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Terms and conditions of directors

8. Allow directors to be nominated for a third term (given satisfactory performance and attendance)
9. Make a provision for payment of a stipend to all directors subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting

What’s Next?

LNSW will be holding the SGM on 3 June 2025 8.30-9.30am, where these propositions will be put forward to Members for voting. See Notice of SGM for more detail.

A Governance webinar has been set up on Thursday 15th May, 9-10am to further discuss these changes, allowing for our Members to participate in a Q&A with consultant Randall Pearce, and Landcare NSW.

You can review the full detail behind the above propositions, in the ‘What you need to know’ document.

Membership

There are no propositions to change the LNSW Constitution with respect to membership.

Landcare NSW has determined that it will seek to better implement the existing arrangements rather than undertaking greater change at this time.

Changes to the LNSW Membership and Insurance packages, will be addressed separately.

It is felt that the current structure is adequate but that some rules around the benefits (such as access to insurance and the Landcare Enabling Program) need to be clarified instead.

If you’d like to keep updated on this, please email through your EOI so we can register you for future communications, including an FAQ and Webinar with the Insurance Broker, which is scheduled for 19 May 2025, 1-2pm.

Email to register your interest or with any Membership and Insurance questions: memberships@landcarensw.org.au

A Message from our Board of Directors

Adapting for a sustainable future…

Finances
“Landcare NSW is evolving to meet the changing needs of our organization and community. While our core programs remain strong and fully operational – including the Landcare Enabling Program, BCT Public Land Conservation Matters, and the Creating Canopies project – we are implementing strategic changes to ensure our long-term sustainability.
As part of this evolution, we’re embracing flexible working arrangements, with our team transitioning to a remote-first model when our Mascot office lease concludes in March. This shift aligns well with our team’s preferences and modern workplace practices. We’re currently exploring options for virtual office support and meeting spaces to maintain strong collaboration and communication.

“Our finance team continues to provide excellent support through the expertise of our accountant Jasmin Rea and contract CFO Amy Holman, who offers specialized guidance as needed. As we navigate these changes, we appreciate our members’ understanding and support. We remain committed to serving your needs and building an even stronger Landcare NSW for the future.” – Kathy Kelly, Treasurer Landcare NSW

Membership

“Most of you know me as one of the Directors of Landcare NSW, a position I have held for three years. Recently, I also took on an additional role assisting with LNSW memberships.

With the support of our staff, I have been reviewing our membership structures and finding ways to better assist members with their enquiries.

One key improvement I’ve implemented is a more efficient process for handling insurance enquiries, which is now running smoothly. I am also supporting LNSW as we look at refreshing the membership and insurance offering, finding ways to support our Members, as I know we are stronger together.

If you have any Membership/Insurance enquires or require a copy of your Insurance Certificate of Currency, please contact me and I will ensure you receive it. You can contact me at memberships@landcarensw.org.au or lthomson@landcarensw.org.au

– Lyn Thomson, Secretary Landcare NSW

People:

“As the newest Director on the Landcare NSW Board, I have taken on a Human Resources (HR) support role.

This has involved reviewing all staff contracts, conducting staff interviews (phone call of 30 to 80 minutes), reporting to the Board, and, importantly, providing a direct conduit for staff members to the Board.

My findings so far include the following:

1) we have a very talented and diligent group of people on staff,
2) every individual has stated that they enjoy working as part of this great team,
3) all enjoy the flexibility provided to them in their work hours and conditions, and
4) there is an appreciation of the direct contact with the Board of Directors.

Productive organisations require an effective structure – which Landcare NSW has; and appropriate HR structures and pathways. which is what we are providing here.”

– Wayne Chaffey, Director Landcare NSW

2024 Board Directors - Group Photo (1) — Landcare NSW Board of Directors 2024: Bottom Left: Kathy Kelly, Gareth Johnston, Bruce Rolph, Lyn Thomson Top Left: Steve Bunnell, Liz Riley, Wayne Chaffey

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.