Tag: Regional Landcare Coordinators

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

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

LANDCARE NSW: AMPLIFYING REGIONAL VOICES FOR EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY

As the CEO of Landcare NSW, I am committed to ensuring that the voices of our diverse regions resonate powerfully in our advocacy efforts with government and parliament.

Our recent State Advisory Council (SAC) meeting in August provided a wealth of insights into the unique challenges and priorities of each region, which will shape our strategies and guide policymakers on what Landcare in NSW needs to thrive.

Key themes emerging from these discussions include supporting the growth of volunteers, recruiting new coordinators, addressing the increasing administrative burden of grants, and fostering strong partnerships with the NSW Government.

Here are some of the key concerns and aspirations from across our vibrant communities which I gleaned from the SAC meeting, and I think will be helpful for our readers to hear.

The South East region aims to solidify the current Landcare Enabling Program by launching a regional training program that champions personal development and fosters collaboration among the 14 networks. This initiative is designed to enhance the skills of coordinators and strengthen bonds between networks, thereby boosting the overall effectiveness of Landcare activities.

In the Central Tablelands, the top priority is to streamline the roles of the Regional Landcare Coordinator (RLC) and the Regional Administration Support Officer (RASO) to reduce the administrative burden on local coordinators. By clearly defining these roles, we can ensure local networks receive consistent and meaningful support. Additionally, the region highlights the importance of securing diverse funding sources to maintain long-term sustainability.

Greater Sydney is focused on enhancing visibility and capacity through events like the biennial Greater Sydney Gathering and improved reporting mechanisms for the NSW Landcare Enabling Program (LEP). They are also working on expanding networks in areas without Local Landcare Coordinators (LLCs) and exploring corporate engagement and fee-for-service opportunities to fund their dynamic activities.

The Hunter & Mid Coast regions are prioritising rainforest preservation and restoration, boosting engagement with schools and local councils, and improving regional communications to raise the profile of Landcare activities.

The Murray region is developing strategic directions, ensuring robust communication across districts, and building strong relationships with stakeholders to enhance project delivery capacity.

In Murrumbidgee, the focus is on fostering relationships between First Nations People and farmers, securing funding for large on-ground works, and zeroing in on carbon and natural capital projects.

The New England region is centred on resilience, disaster preparedness, and strong partnerships with local government and schools, while the North Coast region is navigating the complexities of the Landcare Enabling Program and engaging local communities through various vibrant events.

The North West is promoting volunteerism growth, natural capital, carbon markets, and strategic planning, and the Western region is focusing on emerging partnerships, staff recruitment, and leveraging social media to raise the profile of their activities. 

Advocacy for Support of Landcare in NSW

 

The insights from the recent SAC meeting underscore the pressing need for targeted support and funding to address the specific challenges and priorities of each region.

As we continue to advocate for Landcare in NSW, it is vital that government and parliament understand the diverse needs of our regions.

From securing long-term funding to enhancing training programs and building strategic partnerships, these efforts are important for the sustainability and growth of Landcare across the state.

Additional Important Areas of Advocacy

I am also hearing that the following matters are also important that Landcare regions want advocacy on: 

  • Building on NSW Government Investment of Landcare LEP 3 (2023-2027): Emphasise the need for additional funds to support on-the-ground projects and highlight the potential of the established 126 Landcare coordinators. We must also work to get Landcare in front of other government agencies so we are seen as a greater resource for government in solving state NRM and related problems. 
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER or MERI): Stress the need for robust MERI systems to track project progress and effectiveness, highlighting the role of MERI in securing ongoing funding and support. We need to be more effective in telling the story of our impact across the state. 
  • Multiple Benefits (Not Single or Co-benefits): Promote a holistic approach to environmental projects to achieve multiple benefits and highlight the efficiency and value of integrated solutions. This is particularly relevant in the emerging area of natural capital.  
  • Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness: Broaden the focus (of Landcare in NSW) to include environmental biosecurity alongside agricultural biosecurity, emphasising the importance of protecting natural ecosystems from invasive species and diseases. This focus is not just limited to biosecurity but also includes disaster preparedness and potentially other areas yet to be defined. 
  • Funding Stability and Administration: Advocate for longer-term grants to provide stability and allow for comprehensive project planning and implementation, addressing the challenges faced by Landcare groups with short-term funding cycles, and emphasising the need for certainty. Additionally, regions are concerned about the administrative burden and the potential loss of staff. 

Landcare NSW CEO Turlough Guerin and Project Manager Katie Caldwell meeting with Tamworth Regional Landcare Association

CALL TO ACTION


With only 20 months before Landcare NSW needs to present a strategic business case articulating our case for another government-funded program (i.e. for the period post 2027), we are turning our minds to getting prepared for that period.

We have much to do now to demonstrate to our main funder what we have achieved. I want to hear from all regions and networks on all the issues where you expect to see a better partnership with Local Land Services (LLS) and our other government partners.

Your feedback is essential to ensure we are addressing the most pressing concerns and working together effectively to achieve our shared goals.

Let’s continue to strengthen our collective voice and build a more resilient, sustainable, and thriving Landcare community. 

Turlough Guerin CEO, Landcare NSW 

COORDINATOR GRANT CLOSING FRIDAY 3 NOVEMBER

The NSW Government has committed $59 million to Landcare and Landcare activities in NSW over the next 4 years through the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027.

Landcare NSW, in partnership with Local Land Services, will deliver the program as a continuation of their long-standing successful partnership.

NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators grants

The first phase of the program will activate $33 million in funding to employ up to 83 full-time equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinators and support staff across NSW.

Phase 1: NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators | NSW Government is currently open and applications will close 11:59pm this Friday 3 November 2023.
Important information to note:
If you have any technical issues with the form, please contact Smarty Grants as soon as possible:
Technical Assistance
SmartyGrant
Phone: (03) 9320 688
Email: service@smartygrants.com.au

Applications now open

Applications are now open for the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators grants.

To view the program guidelines, including detailed role descriptions, and to apply, head to www.nsw.gov.au/lep

Applications will close 11:59pm this Friday 3 November 2023. There will be no extensions to this deadline.

Local and regional coordinators play a key role in the program including:

  • supporting and facilitating the delivery of on-ground projects that care for the local natural environment and agricultural systems
  • strengthening the capacity of Landcarers by further developing their knowledge and skills
  • ensuring effective collaboration and partnerships between Landcare groups, Local Land Services, other government agencies and Landcare NSW
  • leveraging funding opportunities to maximise socio-environmental outcomes.

This funding also includes up to $5,000 for each local and regional coordinator role to undertake professional development over the course of the 4 year program.

The Landcare NSW and LLS partnership

Together, Landcare NSW and Local Land Services are committed to empowering local communities and Landcare groups and networks to deliver sustainable agriculture and to best manage the state’s natural resources.

NSW LANDCARE ENABLING PROGRAM 2023 – 2027

The NSW Government has committed $59 million to Landcare and Landcare activities in NSW over the next 4 years through the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027.

Landcare NSW, in partnership with Local Land Services, will deliver the program as a continuation of their long-standing successful partnership.

NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators grants

The first phase of the program will activate $33 million in funding to employ up to 83 full-time equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinators and support staff across NSW.

Local and regional coordinators play a key role in the program including:

  • supporting and facilitating the delivery of on-ground projects that care for the local natural environment and agricultural systems
  • strengthening the capacity of Landcarers by further developing their knowledge and skills
  • ensuring effective collaboration and partnerships between Landcare groups, Local Land Services, other government agencies and Landcare NSW
  • leveraging funding opportunities to maximise socio-environmental outcomes.

This funding also includes up to $5,000 for each local and regional coordinator role to undertake professional development over the course of the 4 year program.

Applications now open

Applications are now open for the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators grants.

To view the program guidelines, including detailed role descriptions, and to apply, head to www.nsw.gov.au/lep

Applications close on Friday 3 November 2023 at 11:59pm.

Need more information?

Two webinars are being held to give applicants an opportunity to ask questions about the program and application process.

Register for the session that best suits you:

Landcare NSW and Local Land Services have worked closely with Landcarers to ensure this program meets the needs of Landcare and regional communities.

The Landcare NSW and LLS partnership

Together, Landcare NSW and Local Land Services are committed to empowering local communities and Landcare groups and networks to deliver sustainable agriculture and to best manage the state’s natural resources.

NSW LANDCARE PROGRAM UPDATE 2023 – 2027

The NSW Government has committed $59 million to the Landcare Enabling Program over the next 4 years (2023- 2027). Landcare NSW in partnership with Local Land Services will deliver the Program as a continuation of their long-standing successful partnership.

The commitment to the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027, will employ up to 83 full-time equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinators and support staff across NSW. This commitment builds on the success of the NSW Landcare Program, a $22.4m commitment 2019-2023, which supported the employment of 84 part time local and regional Landcare Coordinators in NSW.

Landcare NSW and Local Land Services (LLS) are currently planning the next phase of the NSW Landcare Program. The Joint Management Committee (JMC) which is made up of representatives from both Landcare NSW and LLS engaged Nation Partners to help facilitate and design the implementation plan for the new program.

A working group comprising of LLS and Landcare NSW volunteers was established to support this process co-chaired by Gary Rodda (LLS) and Turlough Guerin (LNSW) and ensured feedback from recent focus groups, the Landcare State Gathering and evaluation reports were taken into consideration.

A key focus is ensuring a fair and equitable process for potential Landcare group applicants.

Coordinator Grants Package

The critical components of the program are the employment of Local and Regional Coordinators.

The Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) and LLS are developing the grants package. Landcare NSW, specifically the Program Manager, provided input into the design and planning of the program.

The intention is to have the new program grants package available in September, with the view to advise successful applicants in October 2023. Typically, open/close periods for a grant is four weeks.

Details such as part time versus full time coordinator positions, the types of roles that will be supported, salaries and host organisation eligibility will be clearly defined in the guidelines when they become available. Due to probity reasons, we cannot provide any specifics until the guidelines are released.

Once the Minister releases the grant guidelines for the Coordinator component and the application period is open, the NSW Landcare Program plans to hold two online webinars to respond to any questions regarding the application. These sessions will be recorded and made available.

We have developed an Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to answer some of the questions we have been receiving as best we can at this stage. We also encourage those Landcare groups and regions with an interest in hosting a coordinator to get in touch with their regional Landcare body: Regional & Local Landcare Coordinators — NSW Landcare Gateway

Enabling Components – Shared Services Hub and Digital Landcare 

Landcare NSW has begun working on two new components of the Program as a matter of priority to ensure support for host organisations and coordinators.

The new Program has a Shared Services Hub component which will provide a suite of essential support services for Landcare groups to opt in to. The Hub aims to streamline access to centralised support services such as human resources, incuding induction packages for new coordinators as a priority.

Another new component is the Digital Landcare component focused on digitising knowledge to increase efficiencies, access and reach to support hosts and coordinators with readily accessible information. This is being looked at as a priority and Landcare NSW has begun a Digital Projects’ Scoping phase.

This will include a thorough review process of all the current digital assets of Landcare NSW and provide a Road Map, detailed plan, recommendations for requirements for the build and implementation phase of the Landcare NSW Digitalisation Project. Given the time it will take to design and implement a solution, it will likely take a minimum of 6-12 months before any new systems could be in place with user testing and training.

 

March Update – NSW Landcare Program 2019 – 2023

The NSW Landcare Program has well and truly established a solid foundation with 72 local Landcare Coordinators and 12 Regional Landcare Coordinators now working to support the networks and groups across the state.

The NSW Landcare Program is a state, regional and local investment in the partnership between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW, empowering people to take action on local problems and deliver outcomes across local and regional issues.

The NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference held in Broken Hill in October 2019, demonstrated the strength of the partnership with government and highlighted the social networks, individual and group efforts that are the lifeblood of the Landcare movement in NSW.

The NSW Landcare Program 2019 – 2023 builds on the previous Local Landcare Coordinator Initiative, and is a collaborative endeavour of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW, supported by the NSW Government and overseen by a Joint Management Committee.

**In May 2020, the program will bring all coordinators and a member of our host organisations to Dubbo with the theme of “Nurturing our Networks”. The event will introduce the program and its components and how volunteer members and coordinators will be supported to work toward delivering on the program outcomes.  An important part of the program will be to demonstrate through data, the critical value Landcare provides in addressing the current environmental challenges.

 A key focus of the gathering is providing the opportunity for networking, peer to peer learning and information to support the coordinators and hosts in the work they do.

To find out who the Local and Regional Landcare Coordinators for your area are click below:

Regional and Local Landcare Coordinators

** UPDATE – As at 18 March 2020, the Joint Management Committee met to discuss the NSW Landcare Program and the perceived risk to bringing everyone in the Landcare Program across the state to meet in May in Dubbo.

Effectively it was felt that due to the uncertainty around infection rates of COVID-19 and other complicating factors, it would be unfair to ask everyone to attend in person from around the State.

We will postpone this event and work toward a new date that is suitable.

We would ask that you immediately cancel any accommodation and travel arrangements.

Update on the NSW Landcare Program 2019-2023

The NSW Landcare Program (2019 – 2023) is a $22.4 million investment co-delivered by Landcare NSW and NSW Local Land Services to unlock the potential of the extensive volunteer network and Landcare movement across NSW.

The Program is a continuation of the previous Local Landcare Coordinator Initiative (2015 – 2019).

The Program is comprised of a number of components:

  • Local and Regional Landcare Coordinators;
  • A Community of Practice Component;
  • People Development;
  • Aboriginal Program; and
  • Program Management and Support.

The Regional Landcare Coordinator is a new role with nine of 11 positions already filled. Contracts have gone out to 72 host organisations with 68 Local Landcare Coordinators employed on a part-time basis.The Regional Landcare Coordinators will work with the 68 part time Local Landcare Coordinators who support the 60,000-strong volunteer Landcare network across NSW. Hosted by local organisations such as Landcare groups, Councils and industry organisations, they are a key resource that underpin local and regional communities of practice and the capacity of Landcarers to participate in on ground actions.

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit, said the Regional Landcare Coordinators will play an important role in growing the effectiveness of the network of Local Landcare Coordinators.

“We’re seeing the overall health of Landcare groups surge because of the on-ground support that Local Landcare Coordinators are providing. The addition of Regional Landcare Coordinators will play a pivotal role in growing the effectiveness of our statewide Landcare network. They are the drivers of regional resource and knowledge sharing and will coordinate and leverage the strategic goals of Landcare NSW and its member groups,” Dr Zammit said.

The Community of Practice component is about connecting existing groups with networks in ways that magnify peer support outcomes, collation and sharing of knowledge, practices and learnings across a range of topics at a range of scales. It will invest in state and regional scale forums designed to bring Landcarers together to do what they do best… connect as a community.

The Aboriginal Landcare Program component will see the recruitment of an experienced Aboriginal Program Manager in 2020 to deliver on a number of key initiatives identified by Landcare NSW and the Indigenous Working Group that evolved from the last Muster.

The People Development component aims to invest back into the working people of the NSW Landcare Program, to support training, capacity development and other good modern workplace practices. The component will be developed and delivered by the Program Team in consultation with identified goals highlighted in the regional and local priority plans. We envision this kicking off in March 2020.