Tag: Landcare NSW

Media Release: Landcare NSW and OzFish launches citizen science initiative to help bushfire affected waterways in NSW 

Joint Media Release

Monday 6th December

OzFish in partnership with Landcare NSW has today announced a state-wide citizen science program in a bid to monitor the recovery of waterways since the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires.

Aptly named Waterway Fire Science, the project which is funded by the Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery Grants program aims to mobilise community groups and recreational fishers to self-monitor the recovery of their local waterways. Volunteers will use a range of water sampling techniques that will contribute to ongoing research efforts and future bushfire recovery programs.

OzFish’s Project Officer for NSW South Coast, Lucas Kas is enthusiastic about the immediate impact citizen scientists can have.

“The more people we can get to roll up their sleeves and get out in the field to collect data, the clearer the picture we will have of the rate of recovery,” said Lucas.

“Understanding the way these systems are recovering is key to minimising the impact fires have in the future. It allows OzFish and our partners to see what activities will increase the resilience and revival of our waterways after fire events.”

“Bushfires are inevitable in Australia, but residents can now get involved in how to help habitat revive,” said Lucas.

OzFish and Landcare NSW are calling upon community members interested in making a positive contribution to their local waterways, to get involved.

Through the partnership, OzFish will provide training on identifying the impacts fire has on riparian vegetation, water quality and riverbank stability, as well as how to measure, monitor, respond to, and commence recovery of impacted waterways.

Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron said local Landcare groups, recreational fishers and individuals can access training and increase their skills and knowledge to make a real difference on the ground.

“Training will be provided through a series of both online and in-field workshops across NSW, of which the dates and locations will be announced in early 2022,” said Stephanie.

“Volunteers will also learn how to collect key readings of vegetation, as well as harnessing exciting new technologies like eDNA to confirm the presence of any species in the area.

“At each event all equipment will be provided to allow volunteers to carry out a range of monitoring techniques such as water bug sampling and mapping terrestrial and aquatic fauna using underwater cameras,” said Stephanie.

If you’d like to get involved or hear more about the project, head over to Waterway Fire Science – OzFish Unlimited and click on the Waterway Fire Science page under projects and register your interest now.

This Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery project has been supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program for Wildlife and their Habitat.

ENDS

Interviews Available

Media Contacts
Jonathon Bleakley – Media Manager | OzFish Unlimited
Jonathonbleakley@ozfish.org.au | 0402171914

About OzFish 
OzFish Unlimited is a national fishing conservation charity established to improve the health of our rivers, lakes and estuaries. It is a member-based organisation dedicated to make our fishing grounds healthy, vibrant and more productive. Their active work includes; habitat restoration such as resnagging, riverbank planting, fishways, shellfish reefs and educational and community capacity building programs.

About Landcare NSW
Landcare NSW is the peak body and voice of community Landcare in NSW. Our mission is to care for the land and the environment. The Landcare movement is a community-based approach to managing and protecting our natural resources – creating more productive and sustainable farms, conserving our environment, and building more cohesive and resilient communities. Landcare connects you to on-ground activities where you can volunteer with like-minded individuals who have a passion for caring for country.

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Cultural immersion for Greater Sydney Landcare – Learning about the history and traditions of our First Nations peoples

Recently, the Greater Sydney Regional Landcare Coordinator used a “Working Together” small grant to fund a cultural immersion day, facilitated by Den Barber from Yarrabin Cultural Connections.

Held in the lower Hunter Valley, the day included visiting and interpreting several Aboriginal sites, a smoking ceremony and a dance performance.

It was a popular and successful event, said Greater Sydney Regional Landcare Coordinator, Madeline Florin with 29 people attending with a waiting list.

“There was plenty of discussion that was both informative and, at times, challenging. All who participated found it valuable with about half the participants taking something away that they could use with their own Landcare group.

“A moment of communal comprehension and understanding was when our group was unexpectedly denied entry to a site we had planned to visit. This was confronting and provided a moment of reflection on the fact that many Aboriginal people are not able to access their Country.

“This opportunity was great in that our Landcarers across Greater Sydney are working with varying degrees of knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, history and land management techniques and there is a need and thirst amongst the Landcare and Bushcare communities to learn and better understand Aboriginal culture. This will promote more respectful and culturally sensitive engagement from the Landcare and Bushcare community.

Madeleine said each participant learnt a great deal and the day’s impact was personal with different reflections from different participants.

“It made everyone think more deeply about the day and we can all take something unique away from it. The co-presenters of Den and Aboriginal Landcare Coordinator from the Cooks River Alliance, Ciaron Dunn, helped give different perspectives, knowledge and views.

This day was just the beginning of a learning journey and many participants reported that they will go away and continue learning.

The “Working Together” Aboriginal Communities Engagement Program is an initiative made possible by the NSW Landcare Program. A collaboration of Local Land Services NSW and Landcare NSW Inc. supported by the NSW Government.

NSW Landcare Program Gathering, Dubbo 2021

A key component of the NSW Landcare Program is the facilitation of a community of practice, or, ‘gathering’/workshop, for Program Participants (Host Organisations and Coordinators).

This type of forum has been identified as a key milestone for the Program. The opportunity for hosts and coordinators to come together from across the state to share experiences, learn with each other and from each other and to build personal relationships at both the regional and state scales, is seen as critical to building common understanding and capacity for our Landcarers.

Registrations are well over 100 now, with another 50 or so expected comprising of Landcare Coordinators, host organisation members and Regional Landcare Coordinators descending on Dubbo from 8-10 June.

With a key note address by Robbie Sefton, an inspirational communication specialist and farmer, plus guest trainers that will provide sessions that ‘Build Resilience, Not Burnout’ and ‘Whole Brain Thinking’ there is a lot to stimulate thought.

However, this Gathering is not only about learning and receiving information, the Program Team and Landcare NSW staff also want to hear from the Coordinators, hosts and their regions about what works well, the different ways of doing things and what could work better for Landcare into the future.

There are sessions requiring regional thinking and regionally responses, individual self selected optional trainings and plenty of time to confer and network.

Naturally it wouldn’t be Landcare without a few social opportunities and participants are encouraged to attend events at the Devils Hollow Brewery on the first night and the special Conference Dinner on the Wednesday night. If you would like more information, please contact the NSW Landcare Program Team.

Media Release: Landcare NSW and OzFish driving fish habitat improvements in NSW

Joint Media Release

Monday 30th November

The Landcare NSW and OzFish partnership to deliver improved fish habitat in NSW has achieved close to one million dollars of habitat restoration work in its first twelve months.

With an initial investment from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts of $200 000, the two groups have attracted an additional $330,000 cash investment and over $500,000 in-kind support into fish habitat restoration work for the state’s inland rivers and coastal waterways.

The partnership focuses on local groups coming together to determine their waterway’s fish habitat needs and to take action to improve it. Under the expert guidance from the OzFish team, groups devised a range of projects including, re-snagging, trash racks, re-planting, fish monitoring, weeding, fencing and clean-ups.

Cassie Price, OzFish’s Director of Habitat Programs said, ‘We know everyone is having a challenging year, but it is amazing what Landcare and OzFish volunteers have achieved together despite the conditions out there on the ground.

“There are now 14,300 more trees along NSW riverbanks that will provide shade and stable water temperatures, insect fall and eventually snags for fish. Sixty more snags in our rivers installed which will provide instant homes, shelter and food for fish, along with 30km of riverbank weeded, cleaned up and restored. Plus a trash rack stopping litter, eight engagement events, and a search for a lost fish in Sydney.”

The real value in the partnership was seen in the mobilisation of five hundred recreational fishers and Landcarers who got involved in a wide variety of new restoration initiatives bringing ideas, energy and enthusiasm to the table and over 2,000 hours of volunteer time to improve their local waterway.

“There is a lot of work that goes into delivering these outcomes. It’s a credit to each of these communities, that they have dedicated groups willing to volunteer for their local rivers and for fish’ she said.

“We are happy to be celebrating the achievements of year one of our partnership, and the work continues,” Cassie said.

Landcare NSW CEO Adrian Zammit agreed, “Landcare NSW is thrilled to see this partnership deliver such amazing results for NSW. The results delivered so far are clear evidence that NRM challenges require close collaboration and partnerships between like-minded organisations.”

The project was made possible with funding support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts and BCF Boating Camping and Fishing.

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Land and environment jobs would help to build a post-COVID economy

Landcare NSW is disappointed the Federal Budget did not include funding for a Land Management and Conservation Stimulus Package but recommends the Federal Government keep the idea on the table.

Landcare NSW welcomes the Budget allocation for projects to improve ocean health, renew visitor infrastructure in world heritage sites and expand recycling infrastructure.

“This Budget focused on tax cuts and infrastructure but there is still a chance for the Government to stimulate the economy by working with the volunteer Landcare community to create jobs in managing the land and environment,” said Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit.

In the lead up to the Budget, along with 70 farming and conservation groups around the country, Landcare NSW asked the Federal Government to fund a national conservation jobs plan.

Dr Adrian Zammit, said: “Our sector stands ready to make a massive contribution to job creation around the country.

“We are confident we can stimulate the economy by creating jobs to restore the environment which has been severely impacted by fires and drought.

“Our land needs people to plant trees, erect fencing, restore riverbanks, remove pests and weeds and create habitat for threatened species,” said Dr Zammit.

“These are the kind of jobs and training young people want.

“Building homes and supporting business is welcome but we need a greater focus on the natural infrastructure that sustains our quality of life and enables wildlife to survive.”

Landcare is a well-established, trusted community movement that has robust systems, sound financial management and experience, enabling it to scale up quickly to deliver land and environment projects.

‘This investment would create social, economic and environmental benefits in the short, medium and long term,’ said Dr Zammit.

1200 Trees Planted at Fairfield Hospital

The grounds of Fairfield Hospital are set to green thanks to a partnership between the NSW Government, Fairfield City Council and Landcare NSW to plant 1200 trees.

Fairfield Hospital General Manager Paul Crowe and the Mayor of Fairfield Frank Carbone joined Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit and the Greater Sydney Landcare Network’s Creating Canopies team and 20 volunteers to plant new trees and undergrowth plants at Fairfield Hospital.

Mayor of Fairfield Frank Carbone said the new greenery will be a huge benefit to patients at the hospital, wildlife and the wider community.

“These trees will create a beautiful environment for patients, visitors and the wider community to relax, while creating new habitat and strengthening the corridor along Orphan School Creek,” Mr Carbone said.

The Department of Planning Industry and Environment’s Deputy Secretary of Place, Design and Public Spaces Alex O’Mara said the initiative was part of the NSW Government’s commitment to plant one million trees across Greater Sydney.

“Access to green spaces has immense health benefits for the community and play a big role in supporting mental and physical health and we are committed to ensuring everyone across Greater Sydney can experience these benefits,” Ms O’Mara said.

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit said the organisation was proud to partner with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in Greening our City.

“Landcare NSW works to improve the health of our environment and communities and by expanding the green canopy cover across Greater Sydney we are not only contributing to our community’s health and well-being but also the protection of our native plants and animals by providing much needed habitat,” Dr Zammit said.

Fairfield Hospital General Manager Paul Crowe said more than 1200 trees will make a huge difference to the health and wellbeing of patients and visitors to Fairfield Hospital.

“More canopy cover will improve the natural environment and contribute to the preservation of Cumberland Plain Woodland, while providing a peaceful place for patients and their families to enjoy,” Mr Crowe said.

The trees will be planted as part of the NSW Government’s $2.1 million investment and partnership with Landcare to plant 100,000 new trees across Greater Sydney.

The undergrowth plants have been donated by Fairfield Council Nursery.

Creating Canopies in Greater Sydney is looking for Landcarers and landholders from across the region interested in participating in tree planting activities and creating future canopies.

Landcarers and landholders interested in registering their site for trees can email trees@greatersydneylandcare.org or call (02) 4724 2147.

This project is a part of the NSW Government Greening our City program, planting 1 million trees in Greater Sydney by 2022. Landcare NSW will work with the Greater Sydney Landcare Network to deliver the planting of 100,000 trees with a focus on Western Sydney.

EOI – Appointment of Independent Members of Landcare NSW Council/Executive

Landcare NSW Inc., the peak representative body for the Landcare movement in NSW, is seeking expressions of interest for the appointment of two skilled and experienced persons to join its Executive Committee, which is the effective ‘board’ of Landcare NSW that provides oversight to a team of 20 staff led by a Chief Executive Officer.

We are seeking people with skills and experience in the following areas including, but not limited to,

  • business and/or team management,
  • fund raising and business development,
  • not-for-profit governance,
  • marketing and communications,
  • IT,
  • financial management,
  • and strategy and risk management.

See attachment here for full details and further selection criteria.

Persons interested in supporting Landcare NSW are invited to put a short expression of interest of no more than two pages, to:
The Chair, Landcare NSW, Suite 7, 56 Church Avenue. Mascot NSW 2020, or nominations@landcarensw.org.au by 15 October 2020.

Building Mental Fitness in Parkes and Forbes Shires

LISTEN HERE: Gus Worland Interview on 2PK/ROK FM Parkes

 

An exciting new collaboration between Gotcha4Life, Landcare NSW, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and Surf Lifesaving NSW has led to the opportunity to bring new programs to the Parkes and Forbes Shires with a focus on building mental fitness.

The four organisations saw the opportunity to work together in regional, rural and coastal areas in NSW by delivering workshops and training focussed on the concept of ‘prevention through connection’.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Cr Phyllis Miller and Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM have expressed the support of both Councils for the outlay of programs. After several years of drought and then COVID-19, now is the time to continue working on these important aspects of our community health.

Gotcha4Life is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to connecting corporate Australia, government, community and NFP to help prevent and reduce instances of poor mental health in Australia. CEO Tim Hodgson said, ‘We are so excited to work alongside such powerful and purpose-driven organisations, who have local reach into communities across NSW, enabling us to build mental fitness with local relevance and sustainable impact.”

Founder of Gotcha4Life and television and radio personality, Gus Worland said: “Our vision at Gotcha4Life is a world where people are open, honest and supportive in their relationships and comfortable to express themselves when they are not ok. We envisage a society in which everyone has a Gotcha4Life mate who they can open up to and rely on no matter what.

“This collaboration will be vital to help engage people across NSW who are battling with the effects of drought, fire and COVID-19,” said Gus.

Marg Applebee, Coordinator for Central West Lachlan Landcare, and Di Gill, RAHMHP Consultant are pleased to be working with Gotcha4Life to help activate these programs the Parkes and Forbes shires.

Dr Adrian Zammit, Chief Executive Officer at Landcare NSW says, “While Landcare NSW’s mission is to continue to care for the land and environment, it is founded on a series of close-knit communities that we need to support. With over 70 Local Coordinators supported by their own local Landcare groups across NSW, we have the opportunity to assist with facilitation of this important program across the State.

The value we all gain from investing in these relationships and harnessing Landcare NSW’s extensive network means thousands of members across NSW will be able to have access to the mental fitness programs and powerful messaging that Gotcha4Life can bring.”

The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) currently has 20 Coordinators who live and work across NSW who connect people to local services and information.

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton said continuing to find new ways of building mental fitness and capacity in rural communities was absolutely essential after the challenges 2020 has brought.

“RAMHP will provide the advice that only a ‘local’ knows about each rural community and where to get help for your mental health. Our extensive range of rural mental health education sessions will complement the inspiring workshops powered by Gotcha4Life that redefine masculinity and femininity.

“We are looking forward to working with Gotcha4Life, Landcare NSW and Surf Lifesaving NSW to ensure our rural communities have access to a full suite of mental fitness programs and are equipped with the skills and tools to cope with ongoing challenges,” Tessa said.

Whilst Surf Life Saving NSW isn’t an organisation that we rely on day to day in the country, they are an important link in this partnership bring the hub of many coastal communities and are well-placed to provide practical support for initiatives and programs on the ground.

130 Trees planted for Kurrajong koalas

Greater Sydney Landcare Network today planted 130 trees in Kurrajong which will provide an important habitat corridor for a genetically distinct population of koalas.

Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit was joined by Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston and a group of 20 volunteers on Saturday 22 August, to plant 130 trees in Kurrajong Hills as part of the Government’s initiative to green Greater Sydney by planting one million trees over the next two years.

The planting is part of the Creating Canopies project being delivered in partnership with Landcare NSW. Funding for the project is provided by the NSW Government as part of the program to expand the city’s green canopy cover across Greater Sydney, with a focus on Western Sydney.

“This site is an important habitat corridor for the koala population in Kurrajong and we’ll be helping these creatures to thrive by restoring the koala corridor, planting their food tree species and removing weeds,” Ms Preston said.

“Greening our neighbourhoods and backyards is integral to our community’s health and wellbeing and the protection and resilience of our native plants and animals.

“More tree canopy means more shade, cooler suburbs and habitats for our beautiful wildlife.

“That’s why the NSW Government has teamed up with Landcare NSW and invested $2.1 million to plant 100,000 new trees across Greater Sydney by 2022 to expand the city’s green canopy.”

Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit said the project will help support the development of green spaces across Greater Sydney.

“With the support of the Greater Sydney Landcare Network, we will be planting 100,000 trees across Greater Sydney from 2020 – 2022. This will help grow native canopy to cool our city with Landcarers helping landowners and community members participate in tree planting activities,” said Dr Zammit.

“We will bring the skills and dedication of our extensive networks to help meet these ambitious goals. The expertise of Landcarers will be important in ensuring that appropriate sites are chosen, landholders are provided with correct advice on tree choice and long-term maintenance, and trees are planted with the best chance of surviving.

“We will work directly with landowners and local native nurseries in identifying the most appropriate tree species to be planted for each site.”

Creating Canopies in Greater Sydney is looking for Landcarers and landholders from across the region interested in participating in tree planting activities and creating future canopies.

Landcarers and landholders interested in registering their site for trees can email trees@greatersydnelandcare.org or call (02) 4724 2147.

To date, more than 300,000 trees have been planted across Greater Sydney as part of the Greening our City program to increase tree canopy and green cover across Greater Sydney by planting one million trees by 2022.

 

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit, Robyn Preston MP member for Hawkesbury and landowner Chris Keen.

MEDIA:

Jodie Lovell Landcare NSW | 0439 316 151

 

Landcare NSW will work with the Greater Sydney Landcare Network to deliver the planting of 100,000 trees with a focus on Western Sydney by 2022.