Western Landcare

Soil Ya Undies

The use of the ‘Soil Ya Undies’ activity to promote soil health education in primary schools throughout Western New South Wales (NSW).

The Issue

The challenge was to create an activity that could be taken to schools as part of the Western Landcare School Education Program to highlight the importance of soil health. Living in Western NSW where our soils lack nutrients, students need to understand the importance of soil and how to keep a healthy balance. Due to the difference in climate and soils across the region we needed an activity that would be transferable across the West whilst also being hands-on, fun, and engaging to students.

The Solution

Upon hearing about the work that Dr Oliver Knox from University of New England undertook with his soil health program we created our ‘Soil Ya Undies’ for schools. Cotton and synthetic underwear were purchased and buried in the school grounds. Undies were buried for six weeks, then dug up and analysed for the condition and discussed.

Our team created two relevant worksheets relating to the burying and digging up process of the undies. The worksheets were age appropriate covering soil types, natural and synthetic fibres and improvements that could be made to the soil. This activity was highly supported by all schools that participated.

The Impact

This activity promoted the importance of soil health and its influence on sustainable agricultural practices to primary school students. It began the conversation in the classroom on how soil impacts these practices and ultimately the quality of food and fibres that we consume daily. It is important for students to understand the impact soil below the ground, has on the productivity above ground from growing fibres, feeding humans, animals, and keeping waterways healthy.

Learnings

This activity highlights the importance of healthy soil and ways to nurture this precious resource. Basic soil health education is vital to agriculture, and teaching it in primary schools can greatly benefit Landcare efforts.

– Vanessa Anderson, Local Landcare Coordinator, Western Landcare NSW

This initiative made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

Parliamentary Friends of Landcare 2024: ’Trees in the House’ Event Case Studies

Landcare NSW is proud to host the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL) ‘Trees in the House’ 2024 event, presenting case studies that highlight Landcare NSW’s community-led approach to natural resource management and its inclusive motto, “Landcare is for Everyone”.

Established in 2015, the PFL provides a unique platform for NSW Members of Parliament from all parties to connect with and support Landcare initiatives across both urban and rural areas. Landcare NSW, as the peak representative body, focuses on fostering sustainable farming, environmental conservation, and stronger communities, underscoring its role in building a resilient and sustainable future for the state.

Fire Ant Workshop

Granite Borders Landcare Committee hosted a fire ant biosecurity workshop in Tenterfield to address the increasing threat of fire ant infestations spreading from South East Queensland into New South Wales.

With expert guidance from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the New England Weeds Authority, locals learned about fire ant ecology, infestation indicators, and risk mitigation strategies. Participants developed property biosecurity management plans, received biosecurity signs, and engaged in hands-on training, including a demonstration by a canine detection unit.

The success of the workshop, which fostered community awareness and inter-agency collaboration, led Tenterfield Shire Council to request future workshops to strengthen biosecurity efforts in the region.

Presenter: Granite Borders Landcare Committee

Engaging Gumbaynggirr Youth – South Grafton Dunggirr (Koalas)

Clarence Landcare collaborated with local primary schools in South Grafton to engage Gumbaynggirr youth in koala conservation and environmental awareness.

Supported by the NSW Koala Strategy through Envite Environment, the project brought together Aboriginal students from Gillwinga and St Josephs schools – both of which regularly have koalas on their grounds – for a cultural and educational event.

With guidance from Aboriginal Landcare Officer Michael Kennedy, the students participated in a Welcome to Country, listened to koala songline stories, and enjoyed interactive presentations about koalas and Landcare. The day included hands-on outdoor activities where students learned to identify koala food trees and planted their own, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in protecting their local environment.

The students’ enthusiasm and interest in joining a Junior Ranger Koala Team underscored the event’s success in inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards.

Presenter: Michael Kennedy, Aboriginal Landcare Officer, Landcare NSW

OzFish & Landcare NSW Collaboration

Landcare NSW and OzFish have partnered on 100 projects across the state to address the critical ecological issues facing NSW waterways, such as declining fish populations, riverbank degradation, and habitat loss.

By uniting recreational fishers and Landcare groups, these projects promote hands-on community involvement in fish habitat restoration, including planting native trees and installing in-stream habitats. The initiative has mobilised thousands of volunteers, strengthening local ties to the environment and showcasing how collaborative efforts can drive meaningful environmental conservation.

This partnership model exemplifies how empowered communities can safeguard NSW’s waterways and promote ecological sustainability for future generations.

Presenter: Ryan Lungu, Program Manager, OzFish Unlimited

Soil Ya Undies

The ‘Soil Ya Undies’ activity, part of the Western Landcare School Education Program, educates primary students in Western NSW about soil health by engaging them in hands-on learning.

Inspired by work from Oliver Knox at the University of New England, the program involves burying cotton and synthetic underwear in school grounds to observe how soil affects decomposition over six weeks.

Supported by worksheets on soil types and fibre composition, the activity encourages students to discuss soil’s role in sustainable agriculture, food production, and environmental health. This fun, practical approach fosters early understanding of the vital connection between soil health and agricultural productivity.

Presenters: Associate Professor Oliver Knox, University of New England, and Vanessa Anderson, Local Landcare Coordinator Schools & Junior Landcare, Western Landcare NSW

WildVenture Landcare for Young Adults

WildVenture is a program in Greater Sydney that creates flexible, social events aimed at engaging young people in environmental restoration and building a community connected to nature.

Responding to challenges like eco-anxiety, digital isolation, and the difficulty young people face in finding supportive networks and accessible volunteer opportunities, WildVenture offers low-commitment events that allow young adults to participate in activities like citizen science, bushcare, and tree planting.

Over the past seven months, WildVenture has hosted eight events with around 100 young volunteers, fostering friendships and encouraging recurring involvement. To expand its impact, WildVenture seeks funding to increase event coverage across the Greater Sydney Basin, provide more restoration opportunities, and improve transport options, aiming to grow a vibrant environmental community for Sydney’s youth.

Presenter: Sophie Blair, Local Coordinator, Greater Sydney Landcare

LANDCARE NSW SEEKS LEADER FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ARE YOU A LEADER IN THE GREATER SYDNEY OR SOUTH EAST REGION?

Expressions of Interest (EOI) have been opened until 28 JULY, 2024.

The Board position of ‘Ordinary Director – Greater Sydney/South East Region’, has be now been opened for Expressions of Interest. Landcare NSW are now seeking applications from people living in the Greater Sydney or South East region who are interested in joining the Board of Landcare NSW, the peak body for Landcare in the state.

Former Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron said, “Landcare NSW is the peak body for community Landcare in NSW. The primary purpose of the organisation is to serve as a ‘resource advocate’ to ensure that the thousands of Landcarers in NSW have all they need to care for our land, environment and communities.”

To ensure that Landcare NSW has the perspective of everyone in the state, Board Directors are elected from electoral zones that cover the entire state.

“If you live in the Greater Sydney or South East electoral zone and share our commitment to strengthening and growing the community Landcare movement in NSW to improve the health of our natural and working landscapes, you should consider standing for the Board,” said former Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron.

The Greater Sydney & South East Electoral Zone covers the area of the state which correspond to the boundaries of NSW LLS Western Regional boundaries.

Are you skilled in Finance, NFP &/or Marketing and Philanthropy?

The Landcare NSW Board are currently ideally seeking EOI from skilled individuals with experience in Finance, Not-for-Profit organisations and/or Marketing and Philanthropy, who reside in the Greater Sydney or South East Region.

Candidates for Ordinary Director positions must normally reside within the geographic boundaries of the region they wish to represent. Here is a LINK to a map to help you determine the region you live in.

Candidates for Ordinary Director positions must be a member of a local Landcare NSW member group or a District Network. These candidates will need to verify their membership by having their nomination form signed by the secretary of the local association (must be incorporated) or by the district network association or regional association (if local group is unincorporated).

Nominations will be open to individuals who wish to lodge an Expression of Interest from 3 June to 28 July 2024. All nominated candidates must be vetted and approved by the Nominations Committee before proceeding to the election in the case of Ordinary Director candidates, and appointment in the case of Independent Director candidates.

Elections for Ordinary Directors will be held by electronic ballot online from 1 – 30 September 2024. Successful candidates will be announced at the November 2024 Annual General Meeting and will take office at the first Board meeting thereafter.

If you have any questions please get in touch with Nominations Committee Chair – Steve Bunnell via email: election@landcarensw.org.au

If you wish to send an expression of interest, you can do so by filling out the Expression of Interest Form, and sending through to election@landcarensw.org.au

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST HAVE BEEN OPENED AND WILL CLOSE SUNDAY 28 JULY 2024.

FIND OUT MORE

LANDCARE NSW SEEKS WESTERN LEADER FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST HAVE BEEN REOPENED AND WILL CLOSE SUNDAY 28 JULY, 2024.

The position of Ordinary Director – Western Region, has be now been reopened as a ‘Casual Vacancy’. Landcare NSW are now seeking applications from people living in the Western region who are interested in joining the Board of Landcare NSW, the peak body for Landcare in the state.

Western Landcare NSW Chair, Paul Heley said, “This is a great opportunity to bring the ‘perspectives’ of Landcarers from the Western region to the Board table of the peak body for Landcare in NSW.”
Former Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron said, “Landcare NSW is the peak body for community Landcare in NSW. The primary purpose of the organisation is to serve as a ‘resource advocate’ to ensure that the thousands of Landcarers in NSW have all they need to care for our land, environment and communities.”

To ensure that Landcare NSW has the perspective of everyone in the state, Board Directors are elected from electoral zones that cover the entire state.

“If you live in the Western Board electoral zone and share our commitment to strengthening and growing the community Landcare movement in NSW to improve the health of our natural and working landscapes, you should consider standing for the Board,” said former Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron.

The Western Electoral Zone covers the area of the state which correspond to the boundaries of NSW LLS Western Regional boundaries.

If you have any questions please get in touch with Nominations Committee Chair – Steve Bunnell via email: election@landcarensw.org.au or you can also connect with Paul Heley, Chair of Western Landcare, to further discuss this opportunity for your region: chair@westernlandcarensw.com.au

If you wish to send an expression of interest, you can do so by filling out the Expression of Interest Form, and sending through to election@landcarensw.org.au

As this position needs to be filled as soon as possible and is currently a ‘Casual Vacancy’, all expressions of interest will be reviewed and assessed by the Nominations Committee as received. This committee will also conduct the interview and probity checks, with formal appointment to fill the position by the Board of Directors at one of the next Board meetings.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST HAVE BEEN REOPENED AND WILL CLOSE SUNDAY 28 JULY 2024.

LANDCARE NSW SEEKS WESTERN LEADER FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST HAVE BEEN EXTENDED AND WILL CLOSE FRIDAY 15 AUGUST, 2022.

Landcare NSW is seeking applications from people living in the Western region who are interested in joining the Board of Landcare NSW, the peak body for Landcare in the state.

Western Landcare NSW Chair, Paul Heley said, “This is a great opportunity to bring the ‘perspectives’ of Landcarers from the Western region to the Board table of the peak body for Landcare in NSW.”

Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron said, “Landcare NSW is the peak body for community Landcare in NSW. The primary purpose of the organisation is to serve as a ‘resource advocate’ to ensure that the thousands of Landcarers in NSW have all they need to care for our land, environment and communities.

To ensure that Landcare NSW has the perspective of everyone in the state, Board Directors are elected from electoral zones that cover the entire state.

“If you live in the Western Board electoral zone and share our commitment to strengthening and growing the community Landcare movement in NSW to improve the health of our natural and working landscapes, you should consider standing for the Board,” said Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron.

The Western Electoral Zone covers the area of the state which correspond to the boundaries of NSW LLS Western Regional boundaries.

If you have any questions, please visit BOARD DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS – Landcare NSW to find out more and apply or get in touch with Nominations Committee Chair Gareth Johnston via email on election@landcarensw.org.au

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST HAVE BEEN EXTENDED AND WILL CLOSE FRIDAY 15 AUGUST, 2022.

Future change makers found in Western Landcare with schools programme

On the Western Rangelands the next generation have been busy engaging with the change maker that is Landcare and communities and environments are flourishing due to it.
Focusing on growing knowledge about environmental sustainability, healthy environments, the human impact on the environment and more, the community is helping guide the next generation to a diversity of view and options that help empower young people to make a change.

Landcare and community groups have been investing in school-based programs to ensure that young people are invited to have conversations about how to build a more sustainable world and in a way that’s accessible and understandable.

“Introducing activities such as gardens to schools and communities can help tackle several problems potentially faced in rural towns. School and community gardens in rural towns play an important role in addressing a multitude of issues, including food security, nutrition, education, sense of ownership, community, and the protection of our soils as a valuable natural resource,” says Western Landcare Executive Officer Louise Turner.

“School and community gardens have helped to bring people with like-minded interests together. Early education helps to provide context for understanding seasonality and life cycles while giving people the opportunity to work cooperatively on real tasks.

“Many schools have expressed interest in using gardening activities to incorporate other learning opportunities such as cultural diversity, Aboriginal uses, sustainability issues, plant identification, creating worm farms, habitats of native fauna, and history into their education programs.

“Integrated education into the ethos of Landcare provides students with tools to educate pupils about environmental issues and articulate their vision for a sustainable future. They then go home and start the discussion and understanding of environmental issues with their support network and families and that can only be a good thing,” Louise said.