Tag: Landcare NSW

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.

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)

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.

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

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 Recruitment and Nominations Committee to search state-wide for candidates to nominate to the LNSW Board

2.Add two State Advisory Council (SAC) members to the Recruitment and 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?

We anticipate in holding the SGM before the end of June 2025 (TBA), where these propositions will be put forward to Members for voting.

A Governance webinar will be set up to further discuss these changes, allowing for our Members to participate in a Q&A with consultant Randall Pearce, and Landcare NSW.

You can register your interest in the Governance webinar (date TBC), by emailing your details to: enquiry@landcarensw.org.au

Please ensure you state you’d like to register for the ‘Governance Webinar‘, include your name, contact details, region, group name, and any questions you’d like answered.

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. 

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

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.

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