Stephanie Cameron Archives

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: RETHINK, RENEW, RECHARGE: 2022 NSW LANDCARE & LOCAL LAND SERVICES CONFERENCE

Thursday, 26 November 2020

RETHINK, RENEW, RECHARGE: 2022 NSW LANDCARE & LOCAL LAND SERVICES CONFERENCE

Landcarers from around the state will converge on the far north coast community of Tweed Heads in 2022 for the NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference ‘Rethink, Renew, Recharge’.

The conference was to be held next year, but unfortunately had to be postponed due to COVID–19 impacts. It will now take place on 15-17 March 2022 at the Twin Towns Conference and Function Centre in Tweed Heads.

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said it would be fantastic to see the conference back after a three-year hiatus.

“The NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference presents an opportunity to bring together critical stakeholders across the land management space so that we can explore the trends, insights and strategies being used across our State,” Mr Marshall said.

“This means our land can be more diverse, productive and sustainable and we can empower landholders across the state to improve their local environment.

“Landcare, in conjunction with other stakeholders such as NSW Local Land Service, are working on innovative and interesting projects – several of which I have been lucky enough to see firsthand, such as the rehydration projects west of White Cliffs.

“Any edge we can give those who care for our land, whether farmers, not-for-profits or Government, is critical as cycles become less predictable, and I can’t wait to see what concepts and ideas come out of the 2022 Conference to achieve this.”

Chairperson of Landcare NSW, Stephanie Cameron said it was exciting to announce the go-ahead for the conference on the beautiful north coast.

“It will be particularly special for Landcarers to come together to learn and collaborating after tough times of drought, bushfires and COVID–19,” she said.

‘Rethink, Renew, Recharge’ is hosted by Local Land Services and Landcare NSW with the support of the North Coast Regional Landcare Network.

The conference will bring together a range of environmentally-associated organisations representing industry, not-for-profits, governments, research bodies and businesses as well as grass-roots volunteers.

State Chair of Local Land Services Richard Bull said the conference is about recognising that every day, countless people across NSW are doing their bit to grow and protect healthy environments.

“It is about celebrating everyone’s efforts, from the farmer planting a corridor of trees on his or her property to the urban-based Landcare group cleaning up a local creek,” Mr Bull said.

The three-day event will feature expert speakers and testimonies of Landcarers from around the state who will challenge delegates to rethink how they can best care for land and waterways.

There will be chances for those at the conference to renew their efforts by tapping into the latest research and learning new skills such as new skills in areas such as coast care and regenerative agriculture.

A choice of field trips will be on offer, giving participants the opportunity to recharge the batteries through visiting successful project sites and local places of great natural beauty.

The conference will also include the NSW Landcare awards.

The venue at Tweed Heads has been chosen because it is large enough to allow social distancing measures to be implemented if required.

More than 320 delegates and guests attended the most recent NSW Landcare and Local Land Services conference in Broken Hill last year.

“It will be great to see networks and partnerships that were forged in the outback in 2019 strengthened in the very different environment of the north coast in 2022,” said Chris Roberts from North Coast Regional Landcare Network.

The last time the conference was held on the north coast was at Port Macquarie in 2007.

Conference tickets will go on sale in 2021. Interested delegates and exhibitors can find updates at the conference website www.nswlandcareconference.com.au and by following ‘NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference’ on Facebook.

Media: Matthew Burgess, NSW Local Land Services, 0412 795 307

Samantha Stratton, Landcare NSW

A CELEBRATION OF COLLABORATION

A CELEBRATION OF COLLABORATION

Celebrating year one of the NSW Landcare Program in Landcare Week.

Landcare NSW and Local Land Services are celebrating Landcare Week, 3-9 August, and marking the first anniversary of the NSW Landcare Program, a true collaboration between the NSW Government, Landcare NSW and the 60,000 volunteers who care for our landscapes.

Local Land Services Chair Richard Bull said the four-year, $22.4 million program has generated a huge opportunity to support well connected, sustainable and productive communities, and has been a phenomenal success in its first year.

“Despite drought, fire, floods and a pandemic our Landcare volunteers and coordinators have shown their dedication and continue to deliver for our farms, our environment and our future,” he said.

The innovative co-design, co-governance and co-delivery model of the program means that NSW Local Land Services and Landcare NSW continue to be active across all corners and land tenures, from Broken Hill to Bellingen and everywhere in between.

“In North Western NSW alone, there are an estimated 1,080 Landcare projects underway- that’s an enormous achievement in these challenging conditions and a testament to the network of Local and Regional Landcare Coordinators and our local LLS staff,” Mr Bull said.

The program supports high quality regional jobs by employing 12 Regional Landcare Coordinators and 72 part-time Local Landcare Coordinators who have assisted more than 1,300 active volunteers over the past year alone.

Chair of Landcare NSW, Stephanie Cameron, said she was proud to lead a Landcare team who continually shows resilience, adaptability and purpose for the benefit of their communities.

“The NSW Landcare Program demonstrates what can be achieved when we all work together with a shared purpose of protecting our environment and agricultural resources.”

“Whether it’s planting trees to support threatened species, practising regenerative agriculture, taking part in cultural burns or working in urban Landcare, this partnership is empowering Landcarers to take positive action for our future,” Ms Cameron said.

Mr Bull said a shared vision was essential to the success of the program, and Landcare Week is the perfect time to celebrate and congratulate Landcarers who work all year round, not just during Landcare Week.

The success of this program lies in its people and the can-do attitude of this partnership.”

Ms Cameron said Landcare is for everyone.

“Landcare is about collaboration in learning, community and social connection which enables change towards more sustainable practices.”

“Everyone from farmers and fishers to citizen scientists can get involved and make a difference not just for the health of the land, but for the health of their community.”

For more information contact: (Jodie/Samantha)

Case studies available to media

The following case studies represent the diversity of work undertaken by Landcare groups.