Landcare NSW Embarks on Governance and Strategy Check-up

Landcare NSW is excited to announce the commencement of a “Governance & Strategy Check-up” project. This initiative comes as we take stock of the governance changes implemented two years ago and navigate the final two years of the Landcare Enabling Program.

We have contracted with Randall Pearce of THINK: Insight & Advice to facilitate this dual process. Randall is not only an expert in not-for-profit management and governance but he knows Landcare and Landcare NSW well.

Key Highlights:

Extensive consultation with stakeholders, including interviews and focus groups.
Strategic planning to diversify revenue sources and ensure financial sustainability.
A critical State Advisory Council (SAC)/Board Forum in November to co-design and sensible further governance changes with the State Advisory Council and the Board.
Hosting three in-person workshops across the state for broader engagement.

Strategic Planning: With potential reductions in government funding, our next strategic plan will almost certainly focus on securing our financial self-sustainability. Randall Pearce will conduct key informant interviews with stakeholders, including government partners, NRM associations, thought leaders, and potential corporate sponsors. This comprehensive approach will culminate in a day-long planning session in September, involving the Board and selected guests, to chart the future course for Landcare NSW.

Governance & Membership: Building on the transformative 2022 governance reforms he supported Landcare NSW to undertake, Randall will conduct four focus groups with local and regional Landcarers to understand the impact of the reforms from your perspective. He will also enquire about your membership structures and how we might better connect local groups with your State Peak. This initiative will include a ¾ day State Advisory Council (SAC)/Board Forum in November to consider sensible next governance steps. Insights from this forum will inform a discussion paper for local groups to consider further with an aim to strengthen Landcare NSW as your representative and to better support our groups.

Further Consultation: We are also planning three in-person events across the state later this year to socialise the strategy and co-design new and improved governance arrangements.

We believe this collaborative and inclusive approach will ensure the continued success and sustainability of Landcare in NSW. Randall Pearce’s expertise and deep understanding of Landcare NSW will guide us through this period.

We invite all members to actively participate and share their insights, ensuring that our community’s needs and perspectives are at the heart of our future plans.

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting journey towards a stronger, more sustainable Landcare NSW.

Please reach out to our office for further information:

Phone: 02 8339 4816

Email: enquiry@landcarensw.org.au

Landcare NSW has announced a new governance structure which will come into effect from 1 July 2022 resulting in an enhanced democratic and transparent system for the organisation.

The new structure provides a renewed commitment to governance that continues to place the grassroots Landcarers it represents at the heart of all Landcare NSW does with clear lines of accountability and transparency.

Over a 20-month period, Landcare NSW consulted widely across the State and has modernised its governance arrangements by approving a new constitution at a Special General Meeting in November of last year.

Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron said: “By staying true to the intent behind forming Landcare NSW in 2007, we have confirmed the purpose of Landcare NSW is to act as a ‘resource advocate’ for local Landcare Groups.

“Throughout, we have struck a balance between good governance at the State level and providing local Landcare Groups the flexibility they need to deliver bespoke on-ground works,” said Ms Cameron.

Key features:

Landcare NSW will be incorporated as a company-limited-by-guarantee and implement a new Constitution effective 1 July 2022
An independent skills-based Board will be created with a seat reserved for an Aboriginal representative
A Governance Charter will be enshrined
Robust nominations and democratic elections processes will be implemented
Eleven Regional Bodies with boundaries aligned to those of NSW Local Land Services regional boundaries are being established
A State Advisory Council will be formed to facilitate information-sharing and coordination between the Regional Bodies (and the grassroots Landcare groups and Networks/Districts they represent) and the Landcare NSW Board
Terminology used to describe the structure of Landcare in NSW will be clarified to make it more understandable to members and stakeholders.

Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron said, “I would like to express my appreciation to our Landcarers for joining us on this journey. I believe by reviewing and updating our governance system so it is fit for purpose we will have strengthened Landcare NSW to prepare well for the future.”

Landcare NSW CEO Turlough Guerin said, “The new governance structure and processes will bring renewed organisational clarity to Landcare NSW. Our team has already commenced the work to support the transition and our first Board elections. I very much look forward to engaging with our Board of Directors and State Advisory Council representatives.”

The new system is coming into effect from 1 July 2022 and there are arrangements district networks and regional bodies will need to undertake to make the transition as smooth as possible. Further information specific to the needs of groups will be sent out in the weeks that follow.

For further information contact:

Jodie Lovell
Landcare NSW Communications
communication@landcarensw.org.au

Tag: State Advisory Council