Partnership Archives

New partnership set to strengthen ties between Landcare and Local Government in NSW

26th November, 2021

NSW peak bodies Landcare NSW and Local Government NSW (LGNSW) are joining forces to work together to improve environmental and community outcomes across NSW.

Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron said the partnership is a natural fit for Landcare NSW whose mission is to support grassroots Landcarers to care for our land, environment, and communities.

“We are thrilled to be working with Local Government NSW to formalise the partnership between our two organisations,” Ms Cameron said. “We already work together in many parts of the state through on-ground projects that focus on environmental protection, sustainable food production, and community engagement and wellbeing.

“Landcare NSW has existing relationships with a number of Local Government NSW member Councils who host Regional and Local Landcare Coordinators. This partnership is a step in the right direction to expanding that connection further.”

LGNSW President Clr Linda Scott said the partnership will allow both organisations to achieve strong environmental and social outcomes.

“Councils across NSW are committed to good environmental management, and many already work with Landcare networks and groups to coordinate and collaborate on a range of community led, volunteer driven natural resource management activities and projects,” Cr Scott said.

“This partnership will allow us to explore future opportunities where we can align and collaborate.”

Landcare NSW is the peak body for community Landcare in NSW. It is a not-for-profit organisation that represents the many Landcare groups and volunteers that constitute the Landcare movement in NSW.

The partnership will include a bespoke membership opportunity for Local Government NSW members to support and connect with Landcare in their local region.

Landcare NSW is the peak representative body of community Landcare groups in NSW. Landcare is a community-driven approach to sustainable natural resource management with a focus on improving the resilience of the environment now and into the future.

Local Government NSW is the peak body for local government in NSW, representing general purpose councils and related entities. Local Government NSW aims to strengthen and protect an effective, democratic system of local government across NSW by supporting and advocating on behalf of member councils, including actively and persuasively representing the views of local government to the NSW and Australian governments.

Media Contacts:
Landcare NSW Jodie Lovell – 0439 316 151
Local Government NSW Media: 0448 718 892

New Partnership set to develop and deliver nature-based climate change mitigation and biodiversity projects in NSW

Landcare NSW has today announced it is partnering with South Pole, a leading project developer and global climate action expert, to develop climate action projects across NSW.

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit said the partnership is a natural fit for Landcare NSW whose mission is to care for our land, environment, and communities.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with South Pole to develop world-leading projects taking practical action to deal with climate change. We need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote nature-based carbon sequestration and this partnership is a step in the right direction.

“Our partnership will take an innovative approach to make lasting change. It will see the development of carbon credit projects that deliver real, tangible benefits to the local communities in which our Landcare groups and landholders live and work throughout NSW,” said Dr Zammit.

Dr Thomas Schroder, Head of Climate Action for South Pole said the partnership will allow both organisations to achieve strong environmental outcomes.

“Working with Landcare NSW to reduce and remove carbon emissions, as well as restore and protect our state’s unique biodiversity, is an exciting opportunity for South Pole,” said Dr Schroder.

“As well as supporting our national decarbonisation efforts, developing these projects with landholders and local Landcare groups can provide new revenue streams for farmers and property owners while leading to direct productivity gains and positive environmental outcomes on the ground.”

The partnership brings together South Pole’s global and local expertise as a project developer with Landcare NSW’s strong community network, creating opportunities for Landcare members across the whole state via the range of carbon and biodiversity project options available. Landcare NSW is currently identifying a number of regions for pilot projects.

A range of nature-based projects will be possible including soil carbon, human induced regeneration, beef cattle herd management and forest management. These can be registered with the Federal Government’s Clean Energy Regulator to generate Australian Carbon Credit Units, or with international voluntary carbon standards, such as Gold Standard or Verra. Biodiversity conservation projects will also form part of the offering, in light of the NSW Government’s Biodiversity Offset Scheme and voluntary standards. These projects not only generate on-farm benefits, they also sequester carbon and protect and restore biodiversity. This generates a revenue stream that pays the farmer to undertake necessary activities.

South Pole is a global profit-for-purpose company and certified B Corp which develops emissions reduction and biodiversity projects across a range of methodologies and works with the private and the public sector to drive decarbonisation. Active in Australia since 2012, South Pole has a team of experts in local offices in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as regional representations.

Media contacts:

Landcare NSW
Jodie Lovell – 0439 316 151

South Pole
Carly Youd – 0432 357 468

LANDCARE ACKNOWLEDGES LOCAL LAND SERVICES CHAIR RICHARD BULL

Landcare NSW has acknowledged the invaluable contribution retiring NSW Local Land Services Board Chair Richard Bull made to sustainable agriculture and the state’s natural resources sector during his eight years with the organisation.

Rick became Chair of the Board of Local Land Services (LLS) in 2017 and worked alongside Landcare NSW former Chair Rob Dulhunty and then current Chair Steph Cameron during a period of major expansion and development for Landcare.

Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron thanked Rick for the critical role he has played during his time as Chair of LLS.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role as Chair of Landcare NSW has been to work alongside Richard Bull to build a harmonious and productive relationship between LLS and Landcare for the benefit of landholders, industry and the Landcare community. Rick brought experience, intelligence and wisdom to every interaction. I valued his wise counsel and guidance and the quiet way he steered a path through sometimes difficult waters to reach a resolution. 

“Rick saw the potential of harnessing the passion and skills of the Landcare community. Under his leadership, we saw a period of renewal, collaboration, trust and joint planning which brought government and the Landcare community together,” Ms Cameron said.

Landcarers across NSW will continue to benefit from the thriving partnership between LLS and Landcare NSW, after the two organisations refreshed and re-signed their Memorandum of Understanding in January earlier this year.

Rick played a critical role in Co-Chairing the Joint Management Committee that oversees the four-year, $22.4 million NSW Landcare Program which continues to underpin the partnership.

A sheep producer at Holbrook and agricultural consultant, Rick has lived his entire life on the land and has been committed to advancing the state’s agricultural sector throughout his career. He was the inaugural Chair of the Murray LLS Board from 2013.

“He was very familiar with Landcare from his contacts in the Murray region and brought that understanding to the state level,” said Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit.

“He had a genuine commitment to support the growth and development of Landcare.  He understood the importance of the relationship between Government and Landcare at all levels.

“Rick attended every Landcare Council meeting and would listen carefully to each of the reports provided by Councillors. This ensured he got information directly from grassroots representatives. He took time out of his busy schedule to attend Landcare conferences and events where he spent time with the volunteer committee members, Landcare coordinators and volunteers. There is nothing he liked better than getting out of the office and out into the field to talk to people on the ground.

“The esteem in which Rick is held by the Landcare community is enormous.  We thank him for his contribution and hope he will continue to play a role in our community,” said Dr Zammit.

MEDIA RELEASE: Local Land Services and Landcare NSW Stronger Together

27th January, 2021

Local Land Services and Landcare NSW Stronger Together

Landcarers across NSW will continue to benefit from the thriving partnership between Local Land Services (LLS) and Landcare NSW, after the two organisations refreshed and re-signed their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Following a year of drought, bushfires and floods, in 2021 the organisations are committed to empowering local communities and Landcare groups to deliver sustainable agriculture and to best manage the state’s natural resources.

LLS Chair Richard Bull said the MOU cements the collaboration between LLS and Landcare NSW and will ensure relationships between the organisations’ vast regional networks will go from strength to strength.

“The relationship between LLS and Landcare NSW has been extremely fruitful and rewarding, and we certainly look forward to building on that success in the future,” Mr Bull said.

“By recommitting to this partnership we are not only working together to achieve better landscape outcomes, but we are putting ourselves in the best position to adapt and build on the success of our various projects.

“Both organisations have a common aim to improve our state’s natural resources and better manage our landscapes – this MOU gives us that delivery vehicle.”

Landcare NSW Chairperson Stephanie Cameron said signing the new MOU is an important step for the organisations, which first committed to the partnership in 2015.

“The MOU plays an important role in guiding the collegiate culture, co-governance, co-design and joint leadership of our flagship project – the Landcare NSW Program,” Mrs Cameron said.

“Landcare NSW is incredibly proud of the partnership to date with extensive outcomes achieved across the state to better care for our lands.”

The NSW Government’s NSW Landcare Program continues to underpin the partnership, supporting the organisational capacity of Landcare NSW by investing $22.4 million over four years to expand the highly successful Local Landcare Coordinator Initiative.

The program employs 12 Regional Landcare Coordinators and 72 Local Landcare Coordinators across NSW that work directly with Landcare groups to improve their governance, communication, partnerships and ability to coordinate on ground activities.

Around 60,000 people in NSW identify as being Landcarers, and they are supported by almost 3,000 Landcare Groups.

Photo: LLS Chair Richard Bull and Landcare NSW Chairperson Stephanie Cameron signing the new MOU.

Supporting Document: MOU Landcare NSW and Local Land Services

MEDIA: Matthew Burgess, NSW Local Land Services, 0412 795 307
Samantha Stratton, Landcare NSW, 0486 767 955

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.

New partnership to address mental health and build mental fitness in rural communities across NSW

A new partnership between Landcare NSW and Gotcha4Life will soon see the delivery of workshops and training in rural communities across NSW to address mental health and build mental fitness.

The partnership, announced last night in Sydney, will focus on ‘prevention through connection’.

Landcare NSW signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gotcha4Life, a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to connecting corporate Australia, government, community and NFP to help reduce instances of poor mental health in Australia. The MoU is for Landcare NSW to assist in the delivery of Gotcha4Life programmes through the extensive Landcare networks across the state to reach a wider audience efficiently and effectively.

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit, said: “Landcare NSW is delighted to partner with Gotcha4Life and deliver these worthwhile programs using Landcare’s social capital, connection and networks across NSW. Positive mental health is something that everyone needs to work on, but in these trying times of prolonged drought and bushfires it’s particularly hard.

“Our rural and regional communities are hurting. The state is in the grips of the worst drought on record, and many farmers have not received any income from their farms for several years and the current climatic forecast suggests that there is no prospect of significant, drought-breaking, rain in the near future. For many people in our rural communities, the onset and impacts of a catastrophic bushfire season, is the last straw.

“It is incredibly important to support our rural and regional communities through this time. Across our communities we are seeing a dramatic increase for the need for support and connection and our aim is to empower communities to take effective action, build connection and reduce the incidence of suicide and the heart-breaking impact it has on our communities.

“Landcare is more than a collective movement. It is a community and for many across NSW, it is a family,” said Adrian.

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 O.K. We envisage a society in which everyone has a Gotcha4Life mate who they can open up to, warts and all and rely on no matter what.

“We’ve set an ambitious aim to reach 500,000 people within the next five years who will be benefiting from mental fitness programs to ensure these friendships can be activated when it really counts. Our partnership with Landcare NSW will be vital to achieve this,” said Gus.

Gotcha4Life funds sustainable educational workshops, training programs and products that build mental fitness in communities across Australia to enable strong, open and binding relationships.

Every year:

Over 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt
More than eight people die each day in Australia by suicide
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between 15 and 44 years of age
In 2017, about 75% of people who died by suicide were males and 25% were females

For further information contact:

Jodie Lovell, Landcare NSW
Email: jlovell@landcarensw.org.au
Mobile: 0439 316 151