Celebrating 25 Years of Landcare Illawarra

A Night of Connection & Reflection

Landcare Illawarra recently celebrated their 25th birthday. Like many 25-year-olds, Landcare Illawarra seemed confident, skilled, and somewhat mature…yet youthful. The celebration was held on a mild October evening at Curry’s Mountain Estate, a beautiful location and great supporter of Landcare in the Illawarra.

Attending this event was not just a trip down memory lane, reconnecting with volunteers, committee members and coordinators (past and present), it was also a reminder of the creative, resourceful and generous nature of Landcare.

The celebration included an outdoors AGM, live music, great food, a guided tour, and a photo display celebrating and remembering those who have been a part of Landcare Illawarra, including several wonderful souls who have since passed. One such soul was Mike Swanson, who exemplified the Landcare volunteer who just keeps on giving. Mike was Treasurer for Tullimbah Landcare, Landcare Illawarra, and South East Landcare, bringing commitment, patience and expertise to each of these roles.

Coordinators

In 1999, Landcare Illawarra was established, and with this their first coordinator was engaged. Alasdair Stratton was fresh-faced and eager, working with the four established Landcare groups and the Landcare Illawarra committee. Coordinators have long been a part of the Landcare infrastructure and tapestry, and play a critical role in the success of groups and networks. After 12 months in the role, Landcare Illawarra had 14 member groups spread across the Illawarra between the coast and the escarpment.

Another of Landcare Illawarra’s Coordinators, Megan Lee (previously Rowlatt), was passionate about bringing young people into Landcare, leading her to connect with Naomi Edwards from Queensland to start up a national youth-focused Landcare organisation called Intrepid Landcare (now 10 years old). The flow on effect from having secure and well supported Coordinators cannot be underestimated.

Science and Practice Leader

I was also reminded of the places where Landcare is a leader.  Richard Scarborough and Anders Bofeldt will long be remembered for their passion and dedication to the woodlands and rainforests of the Illawarra, and their relentless pursuit of getting the right plant in the right place.

The Illawarra Woodlands and Rainforest Project targeted threatened ecological communities and outcomes for ecosystem integrity and restoration, anticipating changes with climate and site-specific succession. There are many plants and multi-purpose plantings across the Illawarra that are a direct result of the work from this project.

Partnerships

Stories were told from the time when Conservation Volunteers Australia were a key partner for Landcare Illawarra, offering the hosting arrangements for coordinators and providing a continuous supply of conservation volunteers to sites across the Illawarra.

Thank you Landcare Illawarra, for all the work, for a lovely evening, and for the trip down memory lane.

 

– Peter Pigott, NSW Landcare Program Community of Practice and Events Coordinator, Landcare NSW

Images via Landcare Illawarra and Landcare NSW

2024 Landcare NSW Annual General Meeting

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:

The Annual General Meeting is an important event for Landcare NSW. Both the Chair’s Report and the audited Financial Report will be accessible to members prior to the meeting through this Governance link.

All business that will be conducted during the Annual General Meeting will be outlined in an agenda made available prior to the meeting.

Details regarding the Annual General Meeting are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 20th November 2024
Time: 8:30am – 9:30am
Location: Meeting will be a Hybrid*, with an in-person location in Sydney and online via Zoom.

*Meeting specifics will be shared upon Registration. Note attending in-person has limited capacity.

PLEASE REGISTER TO ATTEND:
Please ensure you register your intent to attend here, registration closes Friday 8th November 2024.

________________________________________
Lynette Thomson
Secretary

Creating Canopies’ 200,000th Tree Planting

Landcare NSW was thrilled to join Greater Sydney Landcare, Greg Warren MP Member for Campbelltown, LNSW Board Member Steve Bunnell, and our wonderful volunteers to help plant the 200,000th tree of the Creating Canopies project since its inception in 2020.

The planting celebration took place at Campbelltown Hospital in September next to a hillside location where previous plantings were now thriving.

Creating Canopies aims to plant 300,000 native trees and shrubs across Greater Sydney by the end of 2025.

Funded by the NSW Government under the Greening our City program, this project targets Local Government Areas of Sydney with less than 30% canopy cover.

By planting native trees and shrubs, we’re not only providing shade and cooling, but also connecting habitat corridors and improving the quality of life for all residents.

If you would like to join an upcoming planting, please visit Greater Sydney Landcare’s website.


All photos by Greater Sydney Landcare.

Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare are committed to connecting people to the environment and supporting their efforts to protect, restore, and improve it. Creating Canopies is funded by the NSW Government under the Greening our City program, aiming to reduce urban heat in Greater Sydney.

Image at top: Greg Warren MP Member for Campbelltown at the Creating Canopies’ 200,000th Tree Planting

Greater Sydney Landcare staff getting ready for the planting at Campbelltown Hospital

Volunteers planting at Campbelltown Hospital with Creating Canopies

Landcare Hero Spotlight

Sue O’Brien
(Corowa District Landcare)

Sue O’Brien from Corowa has been a dedicated Landcare volunteer since its inception, focusing on improving local environments and cherishing the friendships formed along the way.

Sue’s passion for nature began in 1969, when her family moved to Mount Evelyn, Victoria. Her mum was a keen bird observer and orchid hunter. Many Saturday afternoons were spent bushwalking and enjoying the discovery of flora and fauna.

Luckily, her 6th grade teacher was Fred Rogers who, along with teaching, was a field naturalist and author of guide books in relation to the Little Desert and Acacias of Victoria.

Sue notes, “How lucky was I to be surrounded with people who not only cared for the environment, but were willing to teach the importance of our relationship within this amazing place we called home.”

Reflecting on her experiences, Sue recalls the transformative efforts in the Ancona Valley, including fencing Brankeet Creek and planting native species, which helped reduce soil salinity. Her involvement in these initiatives included bringing her daughter along, instilling in her the importance of environmental care, which she now carries on with her own family and Landcare involvement.

In the early 1990s, Sue and her late husband started a ‘friends group’ for the botanic gardens situated in Mansfield, Victoria. They lived right next door to the park, which now contains art installations, play areas for children, plus facilities for families to gather.

While Sue has stepped back from her physical involvement with Landcare, she is a valued member of Corowa District Landcare and recently joined us at the NSW Landcare Enabling Program State Gathering in Manly.

We wanted to say thank you to Sue for her unwavering dedication to Landcare and the invaluable contributions she and her family have made to our local environments.

Sue is pictured at top with Mansfield Shire Council member Sally Dowling and Council Superintendent of Parks & Gardens John Fogarty, and above with members of Corowa & District S.H.E. Shed Inc.

Landcare and Disaster Resilience

Disaster Preparedness & Resilience Through Community

We are well aware of the climate change induced challenges that we now face. Building resilience through preparedness and adaptation is something built into the DNA of Landcare.

This piece aims to offer some insight into what Landcare is already doing in relation to disasters, and that because of the Landcare ethic, the movement and the model (National Landcare Framework), Landcare continues to offer so much to disaster resilient communities and landscapes.

I see Landcare as providing many of the ingredients that support individuals and communities in challenging times,” Peter Pigott, Community of Practice and Events Coordinator at Landcare NSW reflected after attending the 2024 Australian Disaster Resilience Conference in Sydney.

“Placemaking, landscape preparedness, and connection within community and to landscapes are all critical to disaster resilience. There is increasing research linking the strength of social capital and what is known as ‘social infrastructure’ to better outcomes in and following disaster.”

Landcare groups and networks are placemakers—bringing the community together to co-create a renewed sense of place, identity, and connection to the land. Daniel Aldrich’s findings on social infrastructure and disaster resilience highlight that the communities with strong pre-existing ties and collective involvement in land management were more resilient in the aftermath of the fires.

Landcare also plays a key role in disaster preparedness. The focus on proactive environmental care and sustainable land management practices, such as revegetation, erosion control, and fire management, helps communities mitigate the risks of future natural disasters. Communities involved in Landcare projects are not only better connected, but also more knowledgeable about their local environment, which enhances their capacity to anticipate and respond to future threats.

Landcare NSW’s People Led Prevention Project, funded through the NSW and Australian Government Disaster Risk Reduction Fund, has worked with Landcare communities across NSW to build knowledge and capability for disaster preparedness and nature-based solutions to mitigate hazard risks.  This project leaves a legacy of resources for communities to tap into as they explore what it means to be prepared.

There is an increasing number of Landcare partnerships with First Nations communities, sharing practices of cultural fire that have a tangible impact on fuel loads and build positive relationships in community.

In the aftermath of disasters, rebuilding the social fabric of communities is as crucial as restoring physical infrastructure (Stilger B, 2017). Following the 2019-2020 fires and 2022 floods across many parts of the state, numerous Landcare groups across NSW mobilised to restore the natural landscape and help rebuild the social fabric of fire-affected and flood-affected communities.

A new Landcare group is forming following devastating flash flooding in the town of Eugowra in the Lachlan Valley in the Central Tablelands region of NSW,” Peter recounts following a conversation with a Local Landcare Coordinator.

“In a town where 80% of homes and businesses were damaged, the formation of the new group and the support from the Landcare Coordinator is contributing directly to disaster recovery.  Getting together to have a little fun is one of the activities of this Landcare group and might be one of the most important aspects of their Landcare work at this time.”

There are times in community where we just need to be able to get together and enjoy being with one another. Landcare does this too. Community events centred around a shared task, good food and an element of fun are such important parts of the wellbeing of the Landcare group and have deeper impacts in the context of disaster resilience.

Dr. Rob Gordon, a psychologist specialising in disaster and recovery, highlights the crucial role of community and social connection in the healing process after disasters. He argues that psychological recovery is deeply intertwined with social recovery, as people often process their trauma and grief through community support and shared experiences. Landcare’s collective environmental action aids both ecological and psychological recovery. The meaningful, shared work aspect of Landcare provides a framework for social healing.

In 2024 the Sydney Environment Institute explored how self-organising systems like community Landcare groups and networks can be supported to build long term resilience (Webster et al.,2024) and offer us encouragement, recommending: 

  • Advocating for robust support mechanisms for self-organised community networks to enhance their disaster response capabilities and overall resilience. 
  • Emphasising the promotion of social cohesion within communities to cultivate a culture of collaboration and mutual support during times of crisis. 
  • Urgently addressing the challenges posed by climate change to mitigate future disaster risks and build sustainable, long-term resilience within communities. 

The future we face is one that we need to be prepared for. We know that being connected to each other, to community and care, to place, and to nature is part of being prepared in a way that will minimise the impacts of disasters on us and on Country. Landcare does this well. What is possible when we embrace our role as a key ingredient in building disaster resilient communities and landscapes?

Landcare NSW Natural Disaster resources are located here.

 

References: 

Aldrich, D. P. (2012). Building Resilience: Social Capital in Post-Disaster Recovery. University of Chicago Press. 

Webster, S., Pittaway, E., Gillies-Palmer, Z., Schlosberg, D., Matous, P., Longman, J., Howard, A., Bailie, J., Viney, G., Verlie, B., Celermajer, D., Naderpajouh, N., Rawsthorne, M., Joseph, P., Iveson, K. and Troy, J. (2024) Empowering Communities, Harnessing Local Knowledges: Self-Organising Systems for Disaster Risk Reduction (April 2024). Sydney Environment Institute. 

Gordon, R. (2004). The social system as a site of disaster trauma. Australian Journal of Emergency Management, 19(4), 16-22. 

Silberberg, S., Lorah, K., Disbrow, R., & Muessig, A. (2013). Places in the Making: How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities. MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning. 

 

Leadership Announcement for Landcare NSW

Announcement: Leadership changes at Landcare NSW

“Dear Landcare NSW Community,

I hope this message finds you well and as Chair of the Board, I wish to share this important news regarding our leadership at Landcare NSW.

As of Thursday 19th September, Turlough Guerin has resigned from his position as CEO of Landcare NSW to explore new opportunities and interests. He has led the organisation for just under 3 years through significant change, and the Board sincerely thank him for his substantial dedication, constant energy and notable achievements that have strengthened Landcare at all levels.

Turlough joined Landcare at a time of transition and used his extensive corporate, community service and government experiences to transform many aspects of Landcare in parallel with the Board’s governance and constitutional reforms. His strengths are many and his mix of technical, entrepreneurial and leadership skills have made a real difference.

Turlough’s dedication and leadership have significantly strengthened our organisation, helping us to more than double our funding from the government to nearly $60 million. This achievement enables us to expand our programs and enhance support for local Landcare groups throughout New South Wales.

Turlough also secured a second round of funding for both the Private Land Conservation Program, in partnership with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, and the Creating Canopies program funded by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

These initiatives are delivering tangible benefits to our communities and the environment, fostering resilience and stewardship across the region. Additionally, Turlough has been instrumental in diversifying Landcare activities, particularly in disaster preparedness, ensuring our community is well-equipped to respond to environmental challenges. His efforts have broadened our funding base and increased the value Landcare NSW provides to the NSW Government and the opportunities for us to keep making a difference.

As we move into the implementation phase of the Landcare Enabling Program, we recognise that this is the right time for Turlough to transition. His achievements have set a solid foundation for our future endeavours. We are committed to building on this momentum to strengthen the organisation and enhance our impact.

The Board is actively working on a transition plan and will keep you updated as we progress. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have during this period.

We are optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead for Landcare NSW and are confident that together, we will continue to make a meaningful difference.

Let’s continue to support one another during this transition period as we look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.

Please join me in expressing our gratitude to Turlough for his significant contributions and in wishing him the very best in his future endeavours.” Gareth Johnston, Chair – Landcare NSW.

Former Landcare NSW CEO, Turlough Guerin

LANDCARE NSW SEEKS INDIGENOUS LEADER FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ARE YOU AN INDIGENOUS LEADER?

The Nominations Committee are now seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Independent Director role.

 

The Nominations Committee are now seeking applications from people of Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander background who are interested in joining the Board of Landcare NSW, the peak body for Landcare in the state.

Landcare NSW is committed to increase opportunities to consciously develop stronger connections and partnerships between Landcare groups and Aboriginal Communities.

“Indigenous leadership and cultural guidance will make an invaluable contribution to Landcare NSW’s governance, which will lead to enhanced connections between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the Landcare community across the state of New South Wales,” said Stephanie Cameron (former Landcare NSW Chair of the Board)

The Independent Director roles are to bring additional skill, expertise and experience to the Board, with this role specifically dedicated to a representative of Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander background to bring a cultural lens to the Landcare NSW Board.

Nominations will be open to Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander individuals who wish to lodge an Expression of Interest.

As this position needs to be filled as soon as possible and is currently a ‘Casual Vacancy’, all expressions of interest will be reviewed and assessed by the Nominations Committee as received. This committee will also conduct the interview and probity checks, with formal appointment to fill the position by the Board of Directors at one of the next Board meetings.

If you have any questions please get in touch with Nominations Committee Chair – Steve Bunnell via email: election@landcarensw.org.au

If you wish to send an expression of interest, you can do so by filling out the Expression of Interest Form, and sending through to election@landcarensw.org.au

 

Join Our 200k Tree Planting Celebration!

A Milestone Event

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

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

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

And we need your help!

Creating Canopies Volunteers Planting with GSL

Event Highlights:

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

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

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

Why Attend?

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

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

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

Event Details:

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

Greater Sydney Landcare Tree Planting volunteer

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

Register today on Greater Sydney Landcare’s Eventbrite page.

Greater Sydney Landcare Creating Canopies logo

Landcare Broken Hill project gives hope

The Imperial Lakes Nature Park is slowly taking shape with help from volunteers and the group from Broken Hill Corrections. (ABC Broken Hill: Oliver Brown)

The Restoration of Imperial Lakes

Landcare NSW was thrilled to see ABC Broken Hill publish an article authored by Oliver Brown about the Imperial Lakes site restoration being undertaken by inmates of the Broken Hill Correctional Centre via a partnership between Landcare Broken Hill and Corrective Services NSW, and the positive impact for all involved.

“The early days of that restoration were “daunting”, according to Landcare ranger David Elston.

Volunteers could not tackle the magnitude of the clean-up alone, they needed backup.

That help came in the form of Andrew and six other men from the prison, who volunteered for the project.”

It was wonderful to hear Andrew talk to the program helping him nurture his connection to country and culture.

Professor Bartels, a board director at the Justice Reform Initiative, said programs such as this had the potential to play an important role in helping people in the final stages of their sentence reintegrate into society.

We highly recommend reading the full article here.

A heartfelt well done to all involved with the program.

Broken Hill Corrections functional manager Daniel Drury and Broken Hill Landcare ranger David Elston are both excited about the partnership. (ABC Broken Hill: Oliver Brown)

Strengthening Governance

Landcare NSW’s Commitment to Risk Management

Landcare NSW is proud to announce a significant milestone in our journey toward enhanced governance: the introduction of our Risk Appetite Statement. This strategic initiative reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in managing the various risks we encounter, ensuring we remain aligned with our mission of supporting local communities and environments to flourish. 

Our Risk Appetite Statement, as outlined in the recent board meeting, is a comprehensive framework that defines the levels of risk we are prepared to undertake in pursuit of our strategic objectives. It aligns with the principles emphasized by the Governance Institute of Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, integrating recognised governance standards into our organisational practices. By clearly defining our risk thresholds, we can confidently pursue innovative initiatives that drive growth and impact while safeguarding our resources and reputation. 

The document covers various types of risks, including financial, reputational, technological, and strategic risks. For instance, we maintain a low-risk appetite for the irresponsible use of financial resources and a zero-tolerance approach to legal non-compliance. Conversely, we have a high appetite for exploring new revenue sources within reason, reflecting our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to financial sustainability. This is particularly important as Landcare NSW transitions to a more self-sustaining financial model, reducing reliance on government grants and diversifying our funding streams. 

The Risk Appetite Statement provides specific risk tolerances that act as benchmarks for our daily operations. These metrics help us manage financial sustainability, technological advancements, member engagement, and community impact with precision and accountability. For example, operational costs should not exceed 70% of the total annual budget, and member retention should aim for a minimum of 85% annually. 

Governance and oversight are integral to this framework. Our Board and CEO share the responsibility of adhering to the Risk Appetite Statement, with regular monitoring and annual reviews ensuring our risk management practices remain robust and responsive to any changes in our operational landscape. This governance tool aligns risk-taking behaviour across various facets of the organisation, translating broad principles into actionable metrics that can be monitored and managed in real time. 

For our members, this initiative underscores our dedication to creating a secure and thriving environment for all Landcarers. It reassures you that we are taking deliberate steps to protect our shared interests and enhance the effectiveness of our collective efforts. For our government stakeholders, the adoption of the Risk Appetite Statement signals our unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency. It highlights our proactive approach to risk management, aligning with best practices and standards set by leading governance institutions. 

As we move forward, the Risk Appetite Statement will be a cornerstone of our strategy, guiding us in balancing innovation with prudent risk management. This approach not only fortifies our position but also ensures that we can continue to deliver meaningful outcomes for our communities and the environment. Together, we are building a resilient and forward-thinking organisation, well-equipped to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. 

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Landcare movement.

For more information on our Risk Appetite Statement and how it shapes our operations, please contact us at enquiry@landcarensw.org.au.