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Building on land connection ENTRAL and northern Yorke Peninsula has long been consid- Cered a prime agricultural region. But a group of men with a passion- ate interest in regeneration have their sites set on a 303-hectare property called Millers Farm near Weetulta for very different reasons. Part of it is still leased for cropping, but the Gynburra Narungga Men’s Group (GNMG) wants to phase out farming altogether and turn the property into a cultural ‘eco-healing” sanctuary. Chairperson David Wilson says he and secretary Owen Karpany came up with the idea to establish a drug- and alcohol-free native bush proper- ty in 2001-02. “If the land was a farm, and indeed this has been the case with the Millers property, then we envisioned re-veg- etating it back to native status,” he said. “The reason we had this approach was to have a place where Narungga people could have access to land that resembles the country in which their ancestors lived on and a place that could facilitate healing “Hence our motto: ‘Heal the land and the land will heal you’.” “We got some other men on board with the idea and formed the group A new and then Millers Farm became avail- Gynburra Narungga Men’s Group chairperson David Wilson at wetlands north of Adelaide with treasurer Micheal O’Loughlin generation able and we applied for a grant from and secretary Owen Karpany. Indigenous Land Corporation to purchase it. The name Millers Farm is being used vegetation already present. and kept out along with pest plants, of ideas “In the meantime, the organisation on a interim basis with the farm to be Carbon credit schemes are on the and low-impact trails and amenities WITH a property management plan called Narungga Nations Aboriginal changed to a Narungga name in the cards, along with natural energy and – including walking pathways, view- established for their Millers Farm Corporation for Land was formed to near future. recycling systems, such as solar power ing platforms and open areas – will regeneration project, Yorke Peninsula, hold all lands for Narungga people GNMG plans to revegetate by rein- and ongoing research into alternative be established. the Gynburra Narungga Mens Group and we subsequently sub-lease our troducing native plants to the prop- energy sources. “Since its purchase, the men’s group has listed a number of benefits they property from then.” erty as well as building on the native Feral animals are to be eradicated has sub-leased the property to a hope to receive. This includes farmer,” Mr Wilson said. increased: “Within the last couple of years ● biodiversity knowledge and there has been a push to return to the participation original idea of creating an eco-heal- ● physical benefits ing sanctuary. ● spiritual connection to country “During the past two-year period a ● emotional and social well being lot of work has been done to move ● knowledge of natural energy and towards this objective.” recycling systems ● self determination A property management plan was ● developed for the group by revegeta- reconciliation through tion experts EcoProTem while the stakeholder interactions with non- Aboriginal groups groups’ own skill set ranges from con- ● knowledge of conservation and servation land management, farming, land management computing, finance, board manage- ● knowledge of new carbon ment, marketing and promotion, and initiatives process, and liaison. ● satisfaction for playing a role in “We’re on the verge now of going biodiversity growth for land, sea, for grants,” Mr Wilson said. animals, plants and humans. “One way or other we’re going to do GNMG chairman David Wilson says this, whether we do it incrementally the group also wants to reduce or whether we get all the money, as in carbon emissions and identify Millers Farm at the top of Yorke Peninsula includes areas of remnant big biodiversity grant. training and professional revegetation and, (inset) a large sand dune ecosystem with pristine “Either way it’s going to be pretty development opportunities. beaches on the seaside. good.” Community Action Grants give landcarers a boost Comment by JOE LUDWIG, community groups involved with volunteers associate themselves with in natural resource management and species as well as surveys or other Minister Agriculture, landcare projects. this dynamic movement, even if capacity building projects to sustainable resource management Fisheries and Forestry The new Community Landcare they’re not involved in a formal consider applying. awareness raising activities. Grants build on the success of the Landcare group. I also encourage applications from These grants were created in THE sustainability and health of our Community Action Grants with a It was with pleasure that I community farming systems groups response to the strong feedback natural environment and productive renewed focus on sustainable farming announced these new grants after with projects designed to increase received during the review of Caring lands is dependent on the wonderful and fisheries, agricultural innovation meeting with groups in Queensland the participation in sustainable for our Country and are delivered work being done by community and and community capacity building. and visiting some of the projects agriculture of young people, under the Sustainable Agriculture farming groups. Grants between $5000 and $50,000 they are undertaking to improve Indigenous Australians, women or stream of Caring for our Country. Their dedication is driving are available to assist community their local natural environment. people from culturally and Through the agriculture stream of wonderful results using programs and farming groups and support Projects like these are underway linguistically diverse backgrounds. the next phase, the Gillard like Community Action Grants, their work to manage their natural across Australia and the Community Eligible activities include, but are Government will support activities programs that provide funding to environment and productive lands. Landcare Grants were developed to not limited to, demonstrating, that will help achieve a sustainable, local community groups across The name, Community Landcare recognise the importance of trialling and adopting cropping or productive and resilient agricultural Australia for conservation of the Grants, was chosen to reflect the supporting people to bring about grazing practices that improve soil base for Australia. Australian landscape. widespread support for the Landcare change in the landscape. condition and reduce wind and Applications for the first round of That’s why I took such pleasure in movement. The Community Landcare Grants water erosion, demonstrating fishing Community Landcare Grants close recently announcing a new grants Recent surveys have found farmers, are open to a wide range of groups practices to minimise impact on the 20 March 2013. program that will support community groups and other and I encourage all groups involved marine environment and non-target ■ Visit nrm.gov.au 2 ● ● ● ●

In Brief Landcare Council appointments: In December last year Minister for Agriculture, Sustainability support Fisheries and Forestry Joe Ludwig announced new appointees Kate Jones, Jackie Jarvis, Lynne EGIONAL Landcare Facilita- Strong and Ron Archer to the Australian Landcare tural groups across the Eyre Pen- Council. tors are working with farmers insula and collaborate with a range The Australian Landcare Council is the Racross Australia to increase of grower-driven organisations, government’s key advisory body on natural the uptake of sustainable farm and industry, and government to pro- resource management and Landcare. land management practices and to mote and implement new tech- All appointees are active members of their local promote the Landcare philosophy nologies and sustainable land man- communities and well equipped to carry out the and ethic. agement practices. functions of the council and foster community, Funded under the Australian Gov- “A pivotal part of my role on the industry and government partnerships in the ernment’s Caring for our Country Upper Eyre Peninsula is working management of natural resources initiative, Regional Landcare Facili- with farmer groups; healthy groups For full member biographies or for more tators are located in each of the nat- mean an efficient way of transfer- information on the Australian Landcare Council, visit ural resource management regions ring information,” said Regional www.daff.gov.au/natural-resources/landcare/council where they assist community Land- Landcare Facilitator Linden Masters, care and production groups and who is hosted by the Eyre Peninsula Landcare Eureka Prize: Nominations support land managers to meet chal- Natural Resources Management opened earlier this month for the Landcare Eureka lenges including climate change. Board. Prize for Sustainable Agriculture. A recent independent evaluation “Farmers want to improve prob- The award promotes excellence in research and of the Regional Landcare Facilita- lem areas or paddocks and are ask- innovation in sustainable agriculture and natural tor initiative highlighted the many ing what to do on soils they can’t resource management, including climate adaptation. and varied achievements of facilita- currently do anything with.” As the global demand for food increases and we tors and praised the flexibility With help from the facilitators, face the effects of climate change, leading within the initiative, which enables farmers have received on-farm vis- research, science and innovation in sustainable the facilitator role adapt to support its and technical advice on how to agriculture will ensure Australia’s agricultural the needs of communities in best manage their problem areas. land is well-placed to respond to these diverse agro-ecological landscapes. This has resulted in demonstration challenges. In the Eyre Peninsula of South sites which allow other local farmers Open to an individual, group or team for Australia, three part-time Regional to learn from and adopt improved outstanding agricultural scientific research, Landcare Facilitators support broad- farming practices such as fencing to development or innovative application of acre farmers and farming groups to land class, sand hill blow out reha- sustainable agricultural practices that has address challenges such as wind bilitation and soil amelioration. improved, or has the potential to improve, the erosion, salinity, and soil acidity and By working closely with land Regional Landcare Facilitator George Saveka shows off the banana harvest at sustainable use of our natural resources. alkalinity which have the potential managers and industry groups the St Paul’s Community Garden on Moa Island, Queensland. For more information on the Eureka Prizes, to affect farm business profitability Regional Landcare Facilitators are including the Landcare Eureka Prize for and the sustainability of natural able to support landholders to for sustainable agriculture are quite Torres Strait are now engaged in Sustainable Agriculture visit resources. address challenges and adopt more different. Landcare projects. www.eureka.australianmuseum.net.au/about The facilitators link a network of sustainable agricultural practices. Traditional gardening systems The evaluation also found that more than 20 farmer and agricul- In the Torres Strait, the challenges have declined since the introduc- the Regional Landcare Facilitator ALC News in Brief: The 54th Australian Landcare Council meeting was held in the rural tion of reliable food stores and network is not only making a posi- West Australian town of Katanning in November shipping in food has an extremely tive contribution to the uptake of 2012. high transport energy demand. sustainable agriculture practices As part of this meeting, the council visited a “My passion is to strengthen our but has also had a range of other diverse range of Landcare sites in the area, cultural inheritance to younger positive impacts including improv- meeting with farmers, small landholders, local generations by linking modern ing regional partnerships and Landcarers and other community volunteers. horticulture techniques with tradi- increasing the flow of information Council members were impressed with the tional knowledge,” said George among those in the natural resource passion and hard work shown by the locals and Saveka, Regional Landcare Facilita- management and agriculture com- took away many key lessons, including the tor with the Torres Strait Regional munities. importance of whole-of-farm planning and Authority’s Land and Sea Manage- In particular, Regional Landcare landscape management the advantages of paid ment Unit. Facilitators play a role supporting Landcare support staff, and the multiple benefits George works with Islander com- the Landcare community, especial- Landcare has for communities. munities across the Torres Strait to ly in regions where Landcare is fac- The Community Call for Action was discussed at establish local food gardens, sup- ing difficulties with membership, the meeting, with the council initiating two porting Torres Strait Islanders to funding and resources. working groups to manage responses received reinstate their self-reliant food pro- “The RLF helps to source funding from the public and to generate the council’s own duction capacity through sustain- for us and shares information response. able methods, while also improving about opportunities so we can All Landcare stakeholders are encouraged to develop their own complementary strategies to dietary outcomes and preserving access funding,”said Megan Munch- the Framework for Australian Landcare’s and strengthening the cultural her- enberg from Gregory River Land- Community Call for Action and to declare their itage of the younger generation. care Group in the Southern Gulf commitment to Landcare through the council’s Interest in sustainable agriculture region of Queensland. website. has escalated throughout the islands “They also fill the knowledge gap. The council’s research projects on the multiple with many new community driven People up here are time-poor but benefits of natural resource management and initiatives including garden, fruit the RLF has the capacity to find out Landcare and Successes and Barriers to tree and nursery establishment as what people’s problems are and Indigenous engagement in NRM are expected to well as weed control and degraded find solutions and share that infor- be completed before the next council meeting, to site rehabilitation. mation with landholders”. be held in Canberra next month. George has developed a strong ■ To contact your Regional ■ For more information on the council’s Landcare ethic among the Torres Landcare Facilitator visit activities, visit www.daff.gov.au/natural- Regional Landcare Facilitator Linden Masters (left) supports Sam Britza (right) Strait communities and as a result www.nrm.gov.au/contact/officers. resources/landcare/council. to address soil constraints on his property at Lock, South Australia. all primary schools within the html ● ● ● ● 3

Traditional touch in the Top End HE knowledge accumulated by of over 120,000 people and faces the ability to analyse shellfish samples the Larrakia “saltwater people” increasing population and industrial in a Department of Fisheries laboratory. Tthrough thousands of years in growth. Shellfish study partner, the Australian the Top End is being cultivated to This growth will only intensify pres- Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), bring a fresh, yet ancient, dimension sure on the harbour environment and broadened the study to include other to Landcare. the wildlife it supports. indigenous cultural heritage and food With help from a grant from the The Qantas Foundation project has sources, such as oysters and mudcrab, Qantas Foundation, the Larrakia supported the Larrakia people’s desire for the testing of heavy metals and Nation Aboriginal Corporation aims to increase respect for sacred and sig- potential viral infections as markers of to build “culturally appropriate res- nificant indigenous sites among the pollution. ource management” by increasing general community. Results of the Larrakia Rangers’ connections with the region’s tradi- The Larrakia people began a unique shellfish analysis formed part of an tional land managers. indigenous training and education overall water quality and state of the Using traditional ecological knowl- project with the support of Qantas harbour reporting by NRETAS. edge is a relatively new concept to nat- Foundation funding in 2009 and with Larrakia Nation member Donna ural resource management, but ongoing support in 2010-11 also Jackson was delighted the group of increasingly accepted because it is trained female participants. women had gained certification. knowledge firmly rooted in reality. Men and women have undertaken a “For some more senior Larrakia It has been built through keen per- range of activities to become Larrakia women, like myself, it’s been a long sonal observation, interaction and Rangers, including ship safety work- held dream to obtain a Coxswains thought, sharpened by the daily shops and Coxswains certification ticket (certification), and after 13 rigours of an uncertain survival. (mastering a water vessel up to 12 years we are finally able to do the For the Larrakia, the environments metres) allowing the rangers to assume training,” she said. around Darwin Harbour are “cultural responsibility of fisheries survey ves- “Everyone gained a lot more confi- landscapes” that are vital to wellbeing. sels to carry out site surveys and sam- dence and knowledge about natural Today, Darwin Harbour and sur- ple shellfish collections. resource management, ship safety, rounding catchment has a population The Larrakia Rangers now also have radios and fire safety.” Mud crap sampling on Darwin Harbour. Fighting root rot organically AUSTRALIA’S biggest avocado grower is The trial will also investigate the nutri- Mr Simpson expects the avocado trees using organic compounds to improve tional benefits of the organic compounds and soils receiving organic compounds soil health with the aim of combatting to avocado trees and the impact on fruit in the trial will become healthier in the the disease phytophthora. yields. long run, as root rot problems are over- It is hoped the research, being carried Mr Simpson said, if successful, the come and organic soil matter builds up. IF THE organic compounds being assessed out at Simpson Farms in Childers, organic compounds could set up a more The aim is to reduce tree decline under the Woolworths-Landcare Australia Central Queensland, will help reduce the natural biological system to combat (caused mainly by phytophthora root program do their job, Chad Simpson says avocado industry’s reliance on synthetic microbial root rot disease and improve rot) by about 25 per cent within 18 consumers will benefit from better quality fruit chemical fungicides. soil structure. months. on the table, grown from healthier trees in Simpson Farms produces about 11,000 Sugarcane and tomato growers have Within 24 to 36 months, significant healthier soil. tonnes of avocados per year – about two long recognised the benefits of amending improvements are also expected in avo- Simpson Farms will assess the post-harvest million trays or 20 per cent of the nation's soil with molasses and other organic cado fruit yields and tree health among quality of fruit from the trial through new annual production – and distributes them additives to lift yields and increase popu- trees already in decline. processing procedures. to Woolworths stores across Australia. lations of beneficial microbes that fight Improved tree health should boost “We anticipate that differences in the post- The company also exports to a range of root parasites. water and nutrient use efficiencies, irri- harvest fruit quality, especially those due to markets, mostly in Asia. Mr Simpson believes the avocado indus- gation efficiencies and productivity, and disease incidence, will be observable,” said Mr Company agronomist Chad Simpson try could learn from their experience. the avocado trees should have a reduced Simpson, who anticipates field days will be said phytophthora root rot was the major Simpson Farms sits near sugarcane pro- dependency on root rot chemical fungi- held for interested avocado producers during disease problem facing the company and the trial, which is due to finish in 2014. ducers, so molasses is readily available at cides (mainly phosphoric acid). Higher fruit quality will give Simpson Farms the wider avocado industry in Australia. low cost. Across the property, the aim is to cut good standing in the supply chain and will The fungus kills feeder roots, which At the Simpson Farms trial site, each of the use of synthetic fertilisers by 10 per potentially lead to higher returns. slows the tree’s nutrient and water uptake. the organic compound treatments was cent within three years and reduce chem- “Should the organic treatments prove This causes progressive tree decline, applied to the soil in January 2012 in ical weed spray applications, tractor use successful, growers will have confidence lower fruit yields, and small, poor quality individual rows of six-year-old Hass avo- and irrigation pump time. to use these products to reduce their fruit. cado trees. A combination of these factors should chemical inputs – therefore increasing “It is a big issue for us in terms of yield Regular follow-up applications are lead to a smaller carbon footprint and their profitability – and lessening their losses and for the wider industry, with an being carried out during the three years significant cost savings. impact on the environment.” estimated 10 per cent of the total avoca- of the trial. It has been estimated the company’s The company has about 180,000 do tree area affected,” Mr Simpson said. Healthy Hass trees at the top of the main farm produces about 2.6 tonnes per avocado trees producing Hass, Shepard, A $55,000 Woolworths Fresh Food rows will be compared to unhealthy trees hectare of carbon emissions each year. Wurtz and Reed varieties, and about Future grant, administered through at the end of each row to monitor tree Mr Simpson said although this level 200,000 more trees will come into full Landcare Australia, is being used to set health improvements. was low, the company would benefit production in the next five years. up a 10-hectare trial at the Simpson The trial plots will be run under the from any carbon footprint reduction that Simpson Farms also supplies about 290 Farms property. same standard commercial management could result from using organic fertiliser tonnes of mangoes to the Australian market It will assess the efficacy of organic as the remainder of the farm’s orchard, so compounds on trees. each year and operates a pack house and amendments, including molasses and the treatment rows will receive supple- “A smaller carbon footprint for us avocado processing plant on-site. humic acid, in arresting tree decline due mentary fertiliser applications, and pest equates to better production efficiencies, to root rot. and disease control measures, as required. lower costs and higher returns,” he said. 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Saving bilbies in the Territory EMOTE sensor cameras set up who has been working on the in the Tanami Desert are cap- Sangster’s Bore project since 2007, Rturing photographs of threat- says she is sad that the number of bil- ened species that could prove crucial bies has declined. to saving them from extinction. “In the past my people would see Night shots of the Greater Bilby lots of bilbies everywhere,” Mad- (walpajirri) scampering across the eleine said. ground and sharing the same burrow “The bilby has a dreaming story system with rabbits and echidnas are about the people who looked after an invaluable record of the rare mar- them before and we have to look after supial. them now. We have to bring back The cameras were installed in June endangered animals, bring the popu- as part of a project to maintain and lations back.” protect the bilby population and Madeleine has been tracking the reduce predation by foxes at bilbies as part of the fox baiting proj- Sangster’s Bore (Lungkartajarra), ect including a recent 50 kilometre which is listed as one of the most sig- stretch recording animal activity and nificant sites for threatened species strategically laying and checking conservation in Central Australia. baits. The project is already collecting Sangster’s Bore provides critical invaluable information on the threat- habitat for three species classified as ened species. vulnerable to extinction – the Great “The cameras have shown three to Desert Skink, Brush-tailed Mulgara four different types of animals shar- and Marsupial Mole. The site is also ing the one burrow including bilbies, an important management zone for echidna and rabbits... you can see the Southern Tanami Indigenous introduced and native species co- Protected Area. habiting,” he said. The project is funded by Territory “By investing in this project we are Natural Resources Management and introducing new ways and using local is a collaborative effort between the traditional knowledge to really Central Land Council, Warlpiri understand what is going on out in Rangers and Desert Wildlife Services. the desert.” CLC Regional Land Management The project will use funds next year Officer Richie Brittingham says the Territory Natural Resources Management Warlpiri ranger Preston Kelly working in the field. to undertake an aerial survey to esti- rangers’ traditional knowledge and mate distribution and number of bil- expertise in animal tracking was used a fox taking bait from a specially can not only maintain bilby popula- knowledge skills complement one bies across an additional 100 kms of to find active burrows to locate seven designed dispenser for the first time tions in their natural habitat but also another. Over the past three field the potential core habitat area. of the 17 remote sensor cameras. The ever seen in the wild. provide valuable information for trips the senior ladies were tracking Over the past year Territory NRM remaining 10 cameras were put near Richie says the information gath- other land managers in Central an echidna and were very keen to has funded 37 groups including 13 the fox-specific baiting dispensers to ered by this project will help with Australia facing the same problems find it – it was only after we checked Indigenous land management groups, make sure non-target species such as strategies to protect the bilby in the with threatened species,” he said. the cameras one evening and its pic- four pastoral landcare groups, eight dingoes, lizards and birds were not area, and with developing a model “It is a combination of using new ture appeared that they could say, pastoralists, four educational institu- affected. for protecting other isolated popula- tools like remote sensor cameras and ‘Yes, that’s it, that’s the one’.” tions, four conservation organisa- As well as evidence of bilby popula- tions of threatened species in the the ecological knowledge of rangers “It brought an immense amount of tions, three urban land care groups tions and the presence of rabbits and Northern Territory. and senior traditional owners. satisfaction, laughter and pride.” and four local government and indus- feral cats, the cameras have captured “I see it as a long term project that “The cameras and traditional Warlpiri ranger Madeleine Dixon, try groups. In Brief Assessing WA nitrogen to boost production Resources for groups: Does your Landcare group need some help promoting its activities? Maybe IN SOUTH-WEST Western Aust- you’d like to run a Trees for Mum or Landcare for ralia, the Gillamii Centre is finding Singles event but aren’t sure where to start. that broadening its scope has The Resources section of www.landcareonline.com.au strengthened its role in educating is jam packed full of useful brochures, templates, and how-to guides that are free for Landcare groups to landholders about farming sys- download. tems and the environment. There is also free, customisable artwork available for While the Cranbrook-based bumper stickers, flyers, posters, and email signatures group was heavily geared to fenc- using the graphics from the new Landcare Community ing remnant vegetation and reveg- Service Announcement Campaign, LIFE – Landcare is etation in its early years, its role for everyone. has changed as landholders’ prior- ities have evolved. Bankmecu video: Landcare Australia and A key component of the centre’s bankmecu have been in partnership since 2008 to current activity is being involved support the innovative and significant Conservation in profitable and sustainable agri- Landbank project in Victoria. culture. To learn about the Conservation Landbank and its Gillamii staff are developing outstanding work in restoring biodiversity across the activities focussed on productive five Conservation Landbank properties, you can watch a agricultural systems, like research- video explaining the project on the Landcare Australia ing methods of addressing non- YouTube channel: wetting soils, field trials of new www.youtube.com/LandcareEducation annual and perennial pasture Other videos recently added to Landcare Australia’s species and Yield Prophet trial sites YouTube channel include National Landcare Conference delegates describing what Landcare means to them, to assist with nitrogen decision- profiles of the three finalists in the inaugural Bob Hawke making based on soil water. Landcare Award, and an overview of last year’s But Gillamii also continue to Westpac Education finalist outing in Taronga Zoo. pursue strategic biodiversity activ- DAFWA Geraldton researcher Stephen Davies discusses setting up air seeders to band wetting agents at a non- ities, such as involvement in the wetting soil day. Adventure Conservation: Adventure Gondwana Link Project and a Conservation is an opportunity to have fun and make a recent Biodiversity Fund project in widely adopted perennial pastures undertaken in WA on efficient these pastures to the point where difference at the same time. Adventure Conservation partnership with the neighbouring in the 400- to 500-millimetre rain- nitrogen rates for both kikuyu and they become a key performer of activities support local Landcare efforts and deliver North Stirling’s Pallinup Natural fall zone on the South Coast. tall wheat grass. the farming system. important conservation outcomes that could not be Resources group to establish A recent project addressing a gap The Gillamii Centre set about to By maintaining a strong member done by conventional paid staff because it is too 1000ha of native vegetation per in perennial pasture agronomy was address this issue and to determine base and keeping the conversation expensive or logistically impossible. year over four years. a natural progression from this. the most effective rates of nitrogen flowing with their key stakeholders In partnership with Landcare groups from across the Since 2004 Gillamii has had a Gillamii teamed up with the to profitably improve production. like the Cranbrook Shire, South catchment and beyond, the Hawkesbury-Nepean CMA strong focus on increasing the Department of Agriculture and Though the results are still Coast NRM and DAFWA, the in New South Wales has produced an exciting new adoption of perennial pastures, Food WA (DAFWA) and North undergoing analysis, the research Gillamii Centre plans to keep brochure highlighting a range of Adventure especially on under-productive Stirling’s Pallinup Natural Resources has clearly demonstrated that the evolving to provide a relevant serv- Conservation activities. land, with tall wheat grass and to develop a nitrogen response trial. use of strategic nitrogen can ice for both their large and small The booklet can be downloaded by visiting kikuyu becoming the two most There had been very little work increase the level of production of www.hn.cma.nsw.gov.au landholders. ● ● ● ● 5

Big moves for Little River group By BRETT de HAYR, tive officer Pip Job said a critical ele- National Landcare Facilitator ment of its strategy was the employ- ment of local staff, “not necessarily ANDCARE groups across the with previous experience in the field country are changing and inno- of natural resource management, but Lvating to meet the needs of their rather with skills in business manage- community. ment and the ability to communicate In the process, they face funding with the people they live with in their challenges, and the need for increas- community”. Little River Landcare group field day in the Cumnock area of Central West NSW. ingly time-poor people to fill organi- Experience has given Little River sational roles. Landcare an impressive track record “Other Landcare groups were say- A new committee with a new vision Why is the future promising? A series of case studies on innova- in efficiently meeting the needs of its ing, ‘If Little River goes, what chance was formed in August 2012. Because Little River Landcare is tive groups and organisations with community; 91 per cent of every dol- have we got?’” Pip said. Little River has a new committee focusing on a business model that is the Landcare movement has been lar in funding received is spent doing At a public meeting in April 2012, structure that will focus on strategi- highly responsive to the needs of the developed to track this process. on-ground works and capacity build- the members strongly expressed their cally on portfolios such as finance, catchment today. The case studies are different, but a ing programs and only nine per cent is disapproval of the closure. partnerships, community:economic As Pip said: “We are prepared to common element is staying true to spent on overheads, including salary. This brought about multiple changes and community:social. step away from “normal” Landcare what their community wants and This model of good governance, that have launched the organisation The new structure will allow for co- activities and tackle some of the chal- needs and the preparedness to try networking and professionalism paid into an exciting new future. opting others to help them in areas lenging issues facing rural communi- new approaches. good dividends for the organisation In a rural area where many commu- where their own knowledge might be ties.” This first case study is the story of over many years. nity groups have folded and commu- lacking, building a “brains trust” “We are setting goals to become Little River Landcare, an agriculture- But in 2011, Little River Landcare nity services such as banks, shops, around the subject. financially independent from gov- focused group in the Central West of hit a major roadblock caused by newsagencies and more have long The committee members and their ernment funding. NSW. uncertainty over funding. since shut their doors, to lose the chosen associates will develop quar- “We want to stand on our own two The organisation tackles issues with After a rocky 12 months of analysing Landcare group was to lose one of terly, annual and five-yearly goals for feet and develop relationships with a triple-bottom-line approach, ack- the organisation and its financial the last and most significant social their portfolio. investors who share our vision and can nowledging that in order to bring position, the Management Committee conduits for the community. The committee is focused on devel- be incorporated into our activities. about long-term environmental out- decided to shut the doors. Pip said members shared an almost oping a robust business model for the “It’s simple: Little River Landcare is comes, you must work with the peo- This announcement sent a ripple unaminous consensus that Little organisation to help build resilience evolving to meet the needs of its ple and economics of the catchment. through Central West NSW commu- River “isn’t just about environmental in the Little River catchment, its fam- catchment and our timing couldn’t Little River Landcare’s chief execu- nities. projects, but about people”. ilies and also the catchment’s economy. be better!” Support Landcare on the road VICTORIANS can now show their “This is an innovative and fun Mr Smith congratulated South support for Landcare by choosing way for Victorians to show their Gippsland Landcare Network a special Landcare number plate support for Landcare,” Mr Smith Facilitator Belinda Brennan for for their vehicle. said. helping to develop the number Minister for Environment and Each Landcare number plate plates. Climate Change Ryan Smith laun- has the slogan “Supporting Land- The Coalition Government has ched the nation’s first Landcare care” and motorists can choose a provided $12 million to fund 68 number plates at Waratah Bay in number between 001-LC and new Landcare facilitators across South Gippsland late last year. 100-LC, depending on availability. Victoria to support Landcare “Driving around with Landcare “Out of Landcare’s thriving groups and networks, build number plates is a great way for community of more than 60,000 expertise and partnerships, and people to fly the flag for this icon- members across Victoria, the assist with advice on project ic grassroots movement,” Mr South Gippsland Landcare development. Smith said. Network was the first to come up The funds raised from the Victoria is the first State to have with this great idea and turn it Landcare number plates will special interest number plates into a reality,” Mr Smith said. assist the South Gippsland Land- dedicated to Landcare thanks to “It’s this kind of creative think- care Network to continue its the efforts of the South Gipps- ing, hard work and spirit that has work for the environment and land Landcare Network. kept Landcare thriving for a community in protecting rem- The number plates have a dis- quarter of a century and it gives nant vegetation, creating koala tinctive Landcare look with green me great confidence that the habitat and rehabilitating land South Gippsland Landcare Network (SGLN) board chairman Mark Uren with Fosky, SGLN’s mascot. lettering and its iconic hands. movement is in good hands.” slips. 6 ● ● ● ●

Tending to gardens for the future HE motto:“Work responsibly to maintain, protect and enhance Tlocal and global environments”, embedded in Scotch Oakburn College’s Vision for Learning, has found expres- sion through the Claremont Gardens project. With a Coles Junior Landcare Gar- den Grant, Scotch Oakburn College purchased two compost bins, two worm farms, gardening tools, seeds and seedlings, and created seven gar- den beds. During construction, a veggie gar- dening workshop was held along with days where several parents assisted classes with fencing, bird netting, and general work in the gardens. Every class spent time each week, if not each day, tending their veggie gar- den and managing shared resources such as fruit trees and flower gardens. Each class developed a plan for preparing the soil, watering, plant- ing, weeding, mulching, and tending the vegetables as they grow. Students were responsible for man- aging the composting systems and for collecting food scraps from the Boarding House each day – an activ- ity which reduced the amount of food scraps going to landfill. They co-operatively decided how best to harvest their food and learnt healthy ways to turn their veggies into tasty meals and condiments. The project also took a wider view. Students learnt about “food miles” and the carbon and ecological foot- Students from Scotch Oakburn College get involved in Junior Landcare. prints involved in food getting from seeds to the dinner plate, as well as communities are learning to live stand the many inputs into sustain- of tending to the future of the planet. and the interdependence needed to wise water use, prevention of nutri- within our ecological, economic and ability. Round Square students are expect- maintain a healthy relationship bet- ent run-off into waterways and com- social limits – a trend critical for our Scotch Oakburn College is a very ed to demonstrate an active interest ween human beings and the planet. panion planting combined with gar- quality of life both now and in the active member of the global Round and concern for all natural environ- Applications close for the first round den design to minimise pests. future. Square Schools Association, which ments, to be aware of proven prob- of Coles Junior Landcare Garden The school’s curriculum has a Students developed their ability to has environment as one of its six pre- lems and to play a practical role in Grants in 2013 at 5pm (AEDT) on “Sustainable Communities and Liv- make sustainable living choices, cepts. tackling environmental issues. February 15 and the second round ing Dimension” that considers how adapt to rapid change and to under- Students are taught the importance Students are taught the fine balance closes on May 10. Juniors capture backyard magic THE Yates Junior Landcare Backyard Challenge winners have been announced, with children sharing their passion for their local environment and flair for photography and film making. Participants were asked to submit entries that answer the question “how does your backyard grow?” The winning photos and videos included themes of gardening, sustainability, water and drought. Winner of the 8 to 11 years photo category Natasha Webb told the story behind her winning photograph. “My backyard is filled with so many different colours. Every plant and flower is that colour for a reason, it sends a message to the birds and insects so they know what is safe to eat. Being dif- ferent is a good thing.” Judy Horton, Yates Communications Manager, was thrilled to see such high-calibre entries from kids all over Australia that were passionate about their backyards. “It’s so wonderful to see kids discovering how their backyard grows and showing their appreci- ation for their local environment,” she said. “It’s also exciting to know we have an up-and- coming generation of children that are so enthu- siastic about gardening and the environment.” The entries were scored by a panel of high-pro- file judges, including Landcare Ambassadors Catriona Rowntree and Jack Thompson. Among the prizes for the winners are Canon cameras and video cameras, and Yates and Junior Landcare prize packs. ■ To see a selection of the best images from the challenge, visit our YouTube channel, Landcare TV, and watch the Yates Backyard Challenge Winner of the 7 years and under photo category in the Yates Junior Landcare Backyard Challenge “Boy in the spelt grass” by Dougall Hughes, 5. video, www.youtube.com/landcareeducation ● ● ● ● 7

Be Natural boost for grassroots projects A Christmas funding boost arrived for such innovative and worth- for 20 community projects across while projects,” Mr Scotcher said. Australia, courtesy of the Be Nat- “Be Natural is committed to ural Landcare Community Garden helping people reconnect with Grants. nature and is delighted to be able The successful projects, which to work with Landcare Australia to will each receive funding of up to support these fantastic community $2500, share the common theme of projects. focusing on engaging with local “I really look forward to seeing communities, fostering grassroots the results.” projects, encouraging sustainable Landcare Australia chief executive living and raising awareness of the officer Heather Campbell believes importance of local environmental the projects funded through the action. grants program will be of great The grants go to community benefit to the local communities groups and schools working on a involved. range of projects, including devel- “The array of projects being oping community gardens from funded through this grants pro- the ground up, planting harmony gram with Be Natural is a fine and interactive sensory gardens, example of what can be achieved hosting bush tucker workshops, when communities work together, The Lion-Landcare grant enabled Ged and Robyn Plunketts’ Tamborine Pastoral Company to build a pad for building compost. and collecting seeds to propagate which is what Landcare is all seedlings. about,” she said. Be Natural spokesperson Nik “The gardens not only raise Scotcher said the company was awareness of sustainable living, but delighted to continue its partner- also involve local people in rede- Building sustainable ship with Landcare Australia, veloping landscapes into produc- which since 2010 had supported 34 tive natural environments.” local environmental projects. ■ To see the full list of grant “It’s great to see communities recipients visit systems, cutting waste come together and develop plans www.landcareonline.com.au AIRY farms across southern saw more than 100 people attend. “We are most grateful to Landcare The Orchard opening at Australia have made substan- In south-east Queensland, the Lion- for the opportunity to progress our Crib Point Community Dtial gains to their management Landcare grant enabled Ged and composting project and in doing so Garden in Victoria. of pasture nutrient and dairy waste Robyn Plunketts’ Tamborine Pastoral assist other farmers to look closely at with the help of the Lion and Land- Company to construct a one-hectare soil and plant health.” care Australia Environmental Sustain- pad for building compost, along with Other recipients of the Lion-Land- ability Dairy Grants Program. a nutrient catchment dam to catch any care grant have also reported fulfilling Henry, Annette and Neville Lind- run-off from the pad in wet weather. results. berg, who dairy in the Denmark This allows old hay, silage, manure “Better utilisation of nutrients is a region of Western Australia, worked and effluent to be turned into com- win-win situation for the environ- with the Wilson Inlet Catchment post over a month-long process. ment and the farm business operator,” Committee to design and determine Any water collected in the catch- said Craig and Tamara Zilm of the best location for a new solids trap. ment dam is recycled and sprayed on Birdwood, South Australia. They used the funding to buy pumps, the compost to enhance the process. “We thank Lion for the opportunity pipes and fittings, the central elements As a result of the project, solid for us to do some environmental in a system which has helped them waste from the feed bay, hay racks, work on our farm that would other- control the dairy solid waste entering and runoff from the compost pad wise not have been possible.” natural waterways. have been prevented from entering Robert McIntosh of Berry, NSW, An additional effect has been to the Albert River Catchment. agreed financial and environmental increase the wellbeing of cows. The Plunketts have reduced their restraints would have meant such a Instances of lameness are lowered fertiliser inputs, leading to improved project as effluent ponds, tree plant- because they tread through less waste soil health and less environmental ing and extra fencing would have in the dairy. contamination. been impossible from normal farm By allowing re-use of the waste, there The compost pad has become a cash flow if not for the assistance of is also the potential to decrease the use demonstration site on the benefits of Lion and Landcare Funding. of manufactured fertiliser on pastures. recycling. The 22 farms that received grants in The project has included substantial Several field days have been held to late 2011 embarked on a wide range community engagement. discuss composting, with participants of projects, including new solids traps The Wilson Inlet Catchment Com- ranging from farmers, dairy suppliers and storage pads, pump and effluent mittee was involved in the design and and staff from the University of irrigation systems, composting of solid location of the solids trap and the Queensland’s Gatton dairy division. waste, concreting of main laneways, Lindbergs encourage school excur- “We now know how to improve our new effluent management infrastruc- sions through the Mt Barker com- soils with compost while being envi- ture, improvements to effluent dams munity college. ronmentally friendly,” said Robyn and laneways, and tree planting and Two events to showcase the project Plunkett, a veterinarian. fencing to protect riparian areas. Coles Junior Landcare Garden Grants Now Open That’s why, since 2008 more than Since 2008 Coles has been providing School Garden Grants of up to 1500 grants have been provided $1,000 to schools and youth groups to help create gardens in their through the Coles Junior Landcare Garden Grants program, to help grounds or community, such as bush tucker gardens, water wise Aussie schools and community groups gardens or veggie gardens. establish their own garden projects. These programs encourage students to learn about the environment coles.com.au/helpingaustraliagrow through “outdoor learning” in developing their own school gardens.

To apply please visit www.juniorlandcare.com.au 8 ● ● ● ●

BPAY’s push for paperless to save trees N 2012, BPAY partnered with increasing vegetation and biodiversi- Landcare Australia in a campaign ty in the Billyrambija landscape and Ito encourage people to save trees decreasing environmental problems by making the switch to paperless such as weed invasion and erosion. billing. The group was also part of The The “BPAY View” product seeks to Billyrambija Joint Venture project, eliminate paper bills by sending bills which aimed to reintroduce koalas electronically, directly to your online into Tarlo River National Park, along banking. with the University of Western Syd- In 2013, this initiative will fund two ney and the University of Sydney. environmental groups to plant trees Planting of native seedlings to and support local volunteers to increase habitats for the new popula- regenerate and revegetate their local tion of koalas is ongoing and the patches. project has seen some success with The Billyrambija Landcare group in group member Jorgen Nielsen the beautiful highlands of NSW will reporting six rescued koalas have be funded to plant over 2700 native been successfully relocated to the seedlings to help rebuild the local park, from which three joeys have landscape. been born. In Ivanhoe, Victoria, Friends of “The joint venture has been operat- Burke Road will remove exotic ing for six years, during which time, weeds and plant a range of native our Landcare group has had the task seedlings around some of the most of radio-tracking the collared beautiful billabongs still in urban koalas,” Mr Nielsen said. Melbourne. “Thank you to BPAY for supporting Billyrambija Landcare group was our group to purchase 2700 seedlings formed in 2002 and has more than 35 for the autumn planting season, Jemina is one of six rescued and relocated koalas who now calls Billyrambija home. members, all committed to environ- including a range of native species mental rehabilitation on their prop- and koala food trees that will provide wildlife corridor and is being recently helped out with bush regen- clothing that will allow volunteers to erties along the Wollondilly River suitable habitat for koalas and replanted with indigenous plants. eration and planting activities and effectively remove noxious weeds. and around Tarlo River National increase local birdlife and other The main Yarra trail passes through RMIT university students have also Stanley Barker, team leader for the Park. native animals in the area.” the reserve and joins the Koonung been involved, conducting field trips Friends of Burke Road, said the The group, which is made up of Tens of thousands of drivers on trail within the reserve. and restoration work and writing a group is grateful for the support. neighbouring landholders, is work- Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway are The Friends of Burke Road volun- management plan for the site. “The area is now being reinhabited ing together to restore river banks, unaware they are passing within teer group has been busy removing With the support of BPAY View and by owls, parrots, possums and frogs, improve water quality and revegetate metres of one of the last natural bill- large areas of invasive weeds such as Landcare Australia the group hope to providing habitat for water birds wildlife corridors. abongs along the Yarra River. Wandering Tradescantia and Creeping increase the number of regular volun- when wet, and forming part of a cor- In the past 10 years the group has Burke Road Billabong Reserve is a Moth Vine, allowing the dormant teers and provide essential tools and ridor linking healthy vegetation fenced vegetation remnants and 9.5-hectare site on the Yarra River in seed bed beneath to regenerate. resources to work more effectively. along the Yarra... thank you to BPAY planted wildlife corridors linking East Kew. Corporate volunteer teams organ- The group also plans to purchase a for recognising our work and sup- these remnants with a view to The reserve is part of the Yarra ised by Landcare Australia have range of new tools and protective porting our actions!” Honouring mums and growing a greener future WHEN Angela Van Dam attended project that needs more hands a Trees for Mum event in Sydney than your group can access, why after losing her mother to cancer a not think about getting involved in couple of years earlier, she found it Trees for Mum? to be an “emotional yet fulfilling Since it began as a single planting experience”. event in Sydney in 2002, Trees for Two years later, having relocated, Mum has since grown into a series Angela worked with her local Land- of planting events, held on care group, Woodend Landcare, Mother’s Day each year, to remem- and with the support of North Cen- ber Mums who have passed away tral CMA, to run an inaugural Trees as well as celebrate those who are for Mum event in the Victorian still with us. town. It was a great success. Landcare Australia teamed up Angela promoted the event with Trees for Mum last year to through social media, local news- develop a project kit and free pro- papers and even took to the streets motional resources for any group with a group of friends and their or organisation that would like to babies to do a flyer drop. get involved and run their own People were encouraged to regis- Trees for Mum event. ter in advance to ensure a tree would The Trees for Mum project kit be available for them on the day. gives a detailed outline of what’s Angela said the day itself was a involved in running an event, and great success, a trend she hopes to people can also download artwork continue. for flyers, posters, registration form, “We had about 150 people and event checklist and more, from the we planted about 200 trees and Landcare Australia website. grasses,” she said. So if you have a lot of trees to get “The feedback was overwhelming in the ground and May 12th works and we’ll definitely be running it for you, why not plant some Trees again this year.” for Mum this year? Trees for Mum in Woodend is just ■ Download the Trees for one of many similar events that will Mum project kit and take place on Sunday, May 12. promotional templates from If you are a member of a Land- the resources section of Angela Van Dam (third from left) and two other Woodend Mums celebrate their first Mothers Day at Trees for Mum with husbands care group and have a planting www.landcareonline.com.au and bubs. ● ● ● ● 9

LEFT: The Holden kangaroo enclosure sign, produced by Wildhaven to highlight Holden HELPs the support they receive from Holden and Landcare Australia.

RIGHT: Two rescued rebuild habitats baby wombats, will be cared for at N FEBRUARY 8, 2009, one of the “We were delighted to be involved with would be lost without Wildhaven for at least Black Saturday bushfires that Landcare and Holden and thrilled they the Holden Captiva two years before Oswept Victoria roared through cared about what we were doing,” he recieved as part of the being released into Wildhaven Wildlife Shelter at St And- said. Holden HELP program, the wild. rews, killing 800 animals and incinerat- “We had been struggling and appeared used to transport inju- ing 22 years of work by Alan and Stella to be falling through the cracks for any- red and rescued kanga- Reid. one to help us.” roos, wallabies, koalas It has taken two-and-a-half years for A number of major projects have been and wombats. the Reids to rebuild. completed as part of the Holden HELP “When I am rescuing and transport- Following Black Saturday, Holden program. ing wildlife, people see the branding helped bushfire-affected communities, An enclosure to house kangaroos and and are very surprised such a big com- including St Andrews, by donating 300 wallabies prior to their release into the pany cares about our wildlife. vehicles to be used in bushfire relief wild was built and a fire shelter was also “We have had many people say they efforts. constructed. will now buy a Holden knowing they As a way of continuing and strength- This shelter will accommodate young care and are doing something practi- ing this support, Holden and Landcare animals on high danger fire days to help cal to support bushfire affected com- Australia developed the Holden HELP avoid the tragic loss of those housed in munities.” program in 2010 to help rebuild native the nursery that occurred in 2009. Alan and Stella work closely with habitats affected by bushfires across The first aid enclosure provides an Healesville Sanctuary. four States and help ensure the safe undercover respite and recovery area In future, they hope to collaborate rehabilitation of native animals. for wallabies and kangaroos, and is on projects addressing endangered Wildhaven Sanctuary was one of the being rebuilt through the program. species and help them with evacua- first participants of the program and Holden employees have also support- tion in the event of another fire. has been actively involved ever since. ed Wildhaven by volunteering their With ongoing support from Hol- Wildhaven Sanctuary owner Alan Reid time to plant trees and grasses and den they are also working to bring said the HELP program “was made for undertake general maintenance jobs. koalas back to the areas where they us”. Stella Reid believes the sanctuary were before Black Saturday. A Ray of sunshine at Ourimbah A SYDNEY labourer who found It is also part of an important love of animals. The group’s work has Landcare after a lack of work forced wildlife corridor linking significant provided important habitat for native him into Centrelink’s volunteer pro- forested reserves to the north and animals like swamp wallabies, platy- gram has become one of the most south of Ourimbah Creek. pus, wombats, bandicoots and snakes. dedicated members of Palm Grove One of the first projects Ray worked For their part, members of Palm Ourimbah Creek Landcare. on was the construction of a shelter Grove Ourimbah Creek Landcare are Ray Galway relocated to the NSW with seats, now a hub where the delighted to have Ray as part of their Central Coast 12 years ago, but found group meets for morning tea. group and feel he has contributed in secure employment hard to find. Ray was also involved in the con- many ways especially with his knowl- He was motivated to lead a produc- struction of 150 habitat boxes that edge of local birds. tive life in his new home and began have provided habitat for a variety of The group has received funding working with Palm Grove Ourimbah animals over the years. As he has from the Hunter-Central Rivers Landcare as part of Centrelink’s vol- worked on these projects, his skills in Catchment Management Authority unteer program. bush regeneration have developed. (CMA) to enhance native vegetation That means he has to travel up to 70 Twelve years ago he didn’t know the on part of the land they are working kilometres a week to attend the difference between privet and a rose with, including a wetland site, and group’s twice-weekly bush regenera- bush: now he has the skills to identify recently received a $240,000 grant tion sessions. weeds and propagate native plants. from the NSW Environmental Trust Palm Grove Ourimbah Creek Land- Ray is no longer part of Centrelink’s to be spent over six years on weed care was established by a group of volunteer program, but he is a inte- removal. enthusiastic local residents who were gral part of Palm Grove Ourimbah The weed removal project aims to determined to restore old farm pad- Creek Landcare and attends its meet- help regenerate this section of docks on 23 hectares of public land ings out of commitment to the group. Ourimbah Rainforest which will not near the Sydney Newcastle Freeway. “I look around me and reflect on only improve biodiversity but also The site is a biological hotspot. what we have here and thinking back reduce sediment entering Tuggerah About 190 plant species, 171 types of to what this area was like 12 years ago, Lakes from Ourimbah Creek. fungi and 117 bird species, including I feel a sense of achievement” said ■ Visit sites.google.com/site/ threatened species like Melaleuca bicon- Ray. palmgroveourimbahcreeklandcare/ vexa and Syzygium paniculatum,the “We have done so much in 12 years.” for more details about the work of Giant Barred Frog and Powerful Owl. He is also motivated because of his this group.

X17076306 10 ● ● ● ●

Budgewoi’s winning restoration EARLY 50,000 hours of on- ground work across 17 years Nearned Budgewoi Beach Dune- care the prestigious Biodiversity Con- servation Award. The award, part of the 2012 Keep Australia Beautiful Australian Sust- ainable Cities Awards, recognises the long effort undertaken by volunteers on the NSW Central Coast in restor- ing two kilometres of dune vegeta- tion at Budgewoi Beach. Local volunteer and president of Budgewoi Beach Dunecare Phil Heaton said the dunes looked like a “pasture of Bitou Bush” 17 years ago. Now, Mr Heaton describes the dunes as “a thriving and balanced coastal ecosystem”, with key access points and raised viewing platforms allowing greater protection and appreciation of the coastline. The eradication of weeds such as bitou bush has been a key focus of the group. It developed a systematic program involving primary, secondary and follow-up maintenance weeding. More than 50,000 local native prove- nance plants such as the Melaleuca quinquenervia, assorted Banksia and Eucalyptus have also been propagat- ed in a nursery onsite and planted during the most favourable months, from March through to October. The group has actively engaged with local residents through commu- Members of Budgewoi Dunecare earned the Biodiversity Conservation Award for their efforts in restoring two kilometres of dune vegetation at Budgewoi Beach. nity planting days and site visits that attract Landcare organisations, school Catchment Management Authority plant natives in a wetland adjacent to more stable dune system that has wildlife,” Mr Heaton said. groups, TAFE, the University of New- (CMA) and Wyong Shire Council the dunes and the Budgewoi Holiday been transformed from fragmented ■ For more information about castle and the local community. through funding from the Australian Park. weed-ridden sections of vegetation Budgewoi Dunecare visit Budgewoi Dunecare recently part- Government’s Caring for our Coun- “The people of Budgewoi can enjoy to a more connected ecosystem pro- www.budgewoibeachdunecare nered with the Hunter-Central Rivers try to remove noxious weeds and a coastal environment that has a viding a healthy habitat for local .com.au/ Investing in a sustainable future for 50 years AUSTRALIANS have a long and community programs and proud history of “giving it a go”, dedicate hundreds of hours in but it takes more than blood, people time and in-kind support. sweat and tears to go the “Our employee volunteering distance and build a company program is second to none and that represents the world’s each year we hold our Month of largest integrated bauxite Service initiative for employees mining, alumina refining and to show how much change can aluminium smelting system. occur by working together within This year Alcoa of Australia our communities.” celebrates 50 years of operating One community partnership and investing in Australia and its that has stood the test of time is people; and it is a time to reflect Greening Australia, the on past achievements, environmental landscape challenges faced and celebrate protection, restoration and the people who made the education organisation. achievement possible. Alcoa and Greening Australia The company’s rich history celebrated a 30-year milestone started out in Western last year in what is thought to be Australia’s Darling Range in 1957 one of Australia’s longest and when the Western Mining most successful corporate and Corporation (WMC), then one of environmental NGO Australia’s most successful partnerships. mining companies, began With Alcoa’s past built on the exploring for bauxite. qualities of aluminium – known After deposits were confirmed for being lightweight, endlessly and prospects deemed bright recyclable, corrosion resistant WMC invited two other and integral to everyday life – its Australian mining companies, future certainly looks bright as Broken Hill South Ltd and North Alcoa employees and community members. look around and see the Broken Hill Ltd, to form a new kilometres south of Perth. Alcoa of Australia’s managing without their continuing multitude of products now using company and develop an The first alumina shipment left director Alan Cransberg has dedication and commitment we aluminium. integrated aluminium industry. Kwinana port aboard the Lake been with the company for more would not be here today Planes, trains, cars, buses, An injection of funds was Sorrel on 22 February 1964 than 30 years, from the early celebrating this remarkable laptops, iPads, mobile phones, needed, so the new joint venture bound for Alcoa’s Point Henry days as a graduate civil achievement. DVDs, building materials, approached the Aluminum smelter in Geelong, Victoria. engineer to leading a 5000- “And while Alcoa has outdoor furniture, screw cap Company of America for help to One month later the first export strong workforce today. contributed to the nation’s bottle tops, beverage cans, develop the sizable bauxite shipment of aluminium ingots “It’s a remarkable milestone economic and social prosperity, aluminium foil, the list goes on. deposit. was despatched from Geelong and testament to the many through royalty and tax It is hard to imagine what the The companies struck up a to Japan. talented, courageous and payments, local purchasing, next 50 years will bring but you partnership, forming Alcoa of Together with Alcoa of industrious people who have jobs and wages, it’s the regional can be sure aluminium will Australia in June 1961. Australia’s Mining Operations, worked and currently work for communities in which we feature strongly, as will Alcoa of Alcoa’s first bauxite was mined Kwinana Alumina Refinery and Alcoa,” he said. operate that are the real Australia. from Jarrahdale, east of Perth, in Point Henry Smelter also “We have many long-term beneficiaries. Both are committed to 1963, supplying Alcoa’s Kwinana celebrate 50 years of operations employees who have clocked up “Each year we invest around advancing each generation to refinery on the coast 35 this year. 25, 30 and 40 years of service; $5 million in a variety of create a sustainable future. ● ● ● ● 11

In Brief

LIFE website needs your input: Does Powerful alliance boosts your group need some new volunteers or maybe you have a one-off project that requires some additional support? You can now actively search for volunteers by posting an ad on our new LIFE jobs board. It’s free and easy to use and will help you reach school Landcare learning people who want to get involved in Landcare. Our new LIFE Stories section is all about sharing N LATE 2012, Huntly Primary the fantastic stories that are out there in the School and Northern Bendigo Landcare community. ILandcare Group took on a joint So if you have a great Landcare story to share, project, Kids Teaching Kids, with simply submit 300 words and a video or photo and it funding from CitiPower and will be shared for everyone to enjoy. Powercor and Junior Landcare ■ Visit www.landcarelife.com.au to see how through their Powerful Partner- you can get involved. ships Grants Program. The grants, distributed late last Bushfire recovery: Our thoughts are with year, enabled schools and Landcare those affected by this year’s bushfire season across groups across Victoria to under- the country. take joint projects. As we go to print, Landcare Tasmania has Huntly Primary School and Nor- information on its website about donating to the thern Bendigo Landcare group, who Bushfire Recovery Appeal through the Tasmanian Landcare Fund and relief funding for farmers in have been working together for the affected areas. past three years, used the funding The organisation is also compiling a list of to undertake their joint project, businesses in the state offering special support. Kids Teaching Kids on the Bendigo See www.landcaretas.org.au to find out more. Creek. If you would like to help in any of the bushfire- This full-day event, held in affected areas across the country, you can contact November 2012, saw kids from groups in your local area. Huntly Primary School lead stu- Organisations such as your local Landcare group or dents from other local schools in a BlazeAid may need assistance for recovery range of practical on-site environ- operations. mental activities. ■ Visit www.blazeaid.com for more The Northern Bendigo Landcare information. Group worked closely with the students on the activities, which Durham Downs gets social: Rural women included treeplanting, habitat sur- from across three States gathered at Durham Downs veys, Indigenous heritage, stormwa- Station in far western Queensland late last year to ter education, water quality testing learn more about the use of social media in natural and macroinvertebrate sampling. resource management and sustainable grazing CitiPower and Powercor regional techniques. asset manager Peter Church is The women engaged in a workshop with ‘agvocate’ and Twitter queen Stephanie Coombes, who designed delighted to see the significant and established the Careers in Australian Agriculture impact the program is having with website, and regularly uses social media to local community groups. communicate the message of agriculture, bridging “We are proud of the services we the rural urban divide. provide to local communities, Desert Channels Queensland was also on hand at both as a distributor of electricity the event to provide women with access to further and as a supporter of local pro- information on sustainable land management and grams and initiatives,” he said. network with women across the Desert Channels “The Powerful Partnerships Jun- Huntly Public School students Bryce, Abby and Grace with Peter Church, Nicole Howie and Amy Gillett. region. ior Landcare Grants program has The workshop was coupled with various workshops enabled local schools and Land- to help them meet their environ- ivities in their local area. ■ To learn more about the and guest speakers as part of a larger Durham care groups to work together to mental goals.” The grants were available to CitiPower and Powercor Junior Downs Station Ladies Day that encouraged women to develop and undertake environ- To be eligible for a grant, primary schools and Landcare groups in Landcare Powerful Partnerships develop self confidence, sense of responsibility and mental projects that will make a real or secondary schools needed to the CitiPower and Powercor distri- Grants Program and read a full well-being, encouraging their involvement in natural difference to their communities. partner with a Landcare group bution areas of inner Melbourne list of recipients, visit resource management decision-making in a familiar, “We are thrilled to have been able and undertake environmental act- and central and western Victoria. www.juniorlandcare.com.au comfortable and supportive environment. The social media workshop was possible thanks to assistance from Desert Channels Queensland. Discover many ways to care at Melbourne STILL looking for a new year’s res- difference to our environment,” olution? Stop by the Landcare mar- Mr Robinson said. quee at Melbourne’s Sustainable “Opportunities range from a day Living Festival from February 15 out planting trees to an afternoon to 17 for some ideas on how make helping clean up weeds around the a difference to the environment. local community – it all needs “About 120,000 people are exp- many hands to achieve.” ected to visit the festival, so we’re Children visiting the Landcare Landcare in Focus is proudly supported by the looking forward to sharing with tent will have the opportunity to Australian Government Caring for our Country people how easy, fun and reward- learn about and interact with a program and published by Landcare Australia Limited. ing it is to put their hand up to get range of bugs, including katydids, For more information or to submit an article, email involved in Landcare,” said the dung beetles and butterfies. [email protected]. Department of Sustainability and Also on offer will be opportuni- Please note that due to space restrictions we Environment’s Landcare project ties to learn more about ways to cannot guarantee that all submissions will be included. officer John Robinson. get involved with urban-based All submissions must adhere to the following “Landcare groups welcome vol- groups who care for and restore guidelines and the deadlines below and must include: unteers whether they have an hour, areas of public land, including ● One article of no more than 300 to 600 words a day, or can help out more regu- local parks and reserves. saved as a Microsoft Word document or a PDF. larly with on-ground projects.” Visitors can also pick up tips on ● No more than 2 or 3 high-resolution (must be at Traditional forms of volunteer- how rural landowners, groups and least 1MB in size) images that clearly illustrate the ing with Landcare remain popular, local communities come together accompanying article. with newer, more flexible ways to plan, organise and collectively ● Full captions for each attached image that explain emerging to accommodate the develop practical ideas to address who is in the photos and/or what they illustrate. Also, please ensure we have permission from any people growing need for short-term, one- land management and environ- featured in the photos to use these photos in off, or occasional volunteering mental issues. Landcare in Focus opportunities. ■ Visit the Landare marquee at ● Contact information for more information if At the marquee, the Landcare team the Sustainable Living Festival, required will share information on the dif- which will be on the river ferent options for getting involved. promenade from Federation Dates for 2013 are as follows: Square to Birrarung Marr, “Volunteering with Landcare is a Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority Landcare corporate Publication Date Submission Deadline between Friday 15 and Sunday partnerships facilitator Karen Brisbane and Department of Sustainability and great way for people of all ages, 17 February 2013, or to find out May 2 March 29 backgrounds, interest and skills to more about Landcare visit Environment Landcare project officer John Robinson in the Landcare marquee August 1 June 28 meet like-minded people making a www.landcarevic.net.au at Melbourne’s 2011 Sustainable Living Festival. November 7 October 4 12 ● ● ● ●

Garden rejuvenation HANKS to a Westpac Student tive impact on the environment. beautiful 3D dot painting by placing Sustainability Leadership grant Students tested the acidity level of the stones in patterns around the plants, Tthrough Junior Landcare, stu- soil and in groups researched the par- explaining to the children that like the dents at Northside Montessori School ticular needs of each plant. circular rings of stone that connected in Sydney have transformed a weedy After removing the weeds, adding the plants, they too were connected to disused area of land into an interactive native top soil and organic material the nature. and productive indigenous garden. pH level was adjusted so it was more The whole “village” has been involved “This experience has been so empow- suitable for native plants. with the Indigenous garden project ering and positive for the children,” These steps were valuable activities, including parent volunteers, together said Northside Montessori School in the science curriculum particularly, with students who helped to clear the principal Barbara Maxfield. giving insight into the needs of plants, area of weeds and prepare the soil for “Through Junior Landcare and ecosystems and land use. planting. Westpac, the children were able to see a Students then researched and used A parent volunteer who is a landscape project go from a sketch to a reality. computers to create individual plaques gardener helped considerably, and a “This not only increased their appre- which contained information on clas- local primary school, the Bush School, ciation of the environment and of sification, plant uses, history and dis- donated raw materials for the garden Australian Indigenous culture, but it tribution. sculpture. also helped to create a community Since the garden has been planted, Local high school Forestville Mon- spirit where everyone contributed the children are taking turns watering, tessori High School allowed students to toward a shared goal.” weeding and tending the garden. visit and watch their bush regeneration The students researched, selected and As the plants grow they hope to har- project in action. planted the native garden after separat- vest some of the plants and use them in Students were able to discuss local ing the area into three distinct zones – cooking and to make bush craft. traditional Indigenous land use and the bush tucker, bush medicinal and bush With help from Aboriginal artist importance of protecting native plants. craft. Walangari, students studied traditional Local nursery Harvest Seeds and Nat- Introduced weed species were removed Aboriginal symbols and created a gar- ive Plants in Forestville helped source from a 28 square metre area and were den mural and a sculpture. the plants and provided an excellent replaced by over 40 Indigenous plants. Walangari spoke with the children resource for information about plant Through their research and interac- about traditional Aboriginal people, needs and traditional plant uses. tion with the space, the students now land use and the spiritual connection Several parents donated books on Aboriginal artist Walangari helps to create a traditional mural and sculpture feel a strong connection to this area - with the land. Indigenous studies, gardening and with students. they realise how they can have a posi- He also turned the garden into a Aboriginal art. Seed search is on to maintain native biodiversity PROFESSIONAL seed collectors are target species may never have been “With other species, adequate searching north-western NSW for collected for seed propagation quantities are much easier to obtain. stocks of wild seed from more than before, so there are likely to be some “With Eucalypt seed, you don’t 100 different native species, particu- exciting discoveries ahead. need a lot, as a little goes a long way. larly from rare and endangered eco- “We’ll be sending the seed off to the “When harvesting Silver Leaf Iron logical plant communities across the University of New England (UNE), Bark or Bimble Box, you can gather Brigalow Nandewar region. where PHD student Lorena Talona, 10,000 individual seeds in just a gram The aim is to collect at least 200 will identify the conditions necessary of seed material.” kilograms of local provenance seed for germination,” he said. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA’s that can then be used in plantings to “If the germination process is sim- seed collectors are searching for com- re-connect key remnant areas of ple, we may be able to plant the seed plete collections of plant types that native vegetation. using direct drill equipment. make up each native vegetation com- These plantings will increase biodi- “However if species prove more dif- munity, including trees, shrubs, versity in the region and extend habi- ficult to germinate, propagation in a grasses, and vines. tat linkages for native species that nursery may be required.” Seed collectors must keep accurate may be forced to migrate to survive “Acacia species are particularly suit- records of where each species has as climatic conditions change. able for direct seeding, which is a fast been collected, so the seed can then Five professional collectors are har- and cost effective method of revege- be best matched to revegetation sites, vesting seed on behalf of the Border tation compared to planting individ- particularly with regard to soil type, Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Manage- ual seedlings. rainfall, and temperature range. ment Authority (CMA). “However, some key target species “We need to ensure the seed can PHD student Lorena Talona and Nick Reid from the University of New England The seed will be used to help re- such as Brigalow and Weeping Myall adapt to the new revegetation site, inspect the CMA seed bank at Moree. establish threatened ecological plant are difficult to source as the flowering which is why it’s so important to col- the plains, we need seed that can cope maintain viability, so the seed will be communities in high priority areas. and seeding times of these trees can lect local provenance seed, that’s seed with a hot summer climate, whereas refrigerated in air tight containers at Ecological Consultant Dave Carr is be unpredictable.” that has originated in the same area on the high country, plants need to the CMA’s seed bank storage site in co-ordinating the collection process. These species often need to be col- in which it will be planted,” Mr Carr be frost tolerant. Moree. “We’ve already collected a substan- lected from Threatened Ecological said. “Collectors are also asked to collect The seed collected through the tial quantity of Red Ash and Sticky Communities which requires a scien- “Local provenance seed has a much from at least 20 different plants that Brigalow Nandewar Biolinks Project Wallaby Bush seed from a semi-ever- tific license. greater propagation success rate and are well spaced apart at each harvest – Connecting Cattle, Crops and green thicket plant community on the “We have also been chasing seed of is more likely to survive long enough site, in order to increase the likeli- Creatures will be planted in new slopes of the Nandewar range between other Acacias, Sennas and Eremo- to germinate seed that will produce a hood of genetic diversity.” revegetation sites as the project is Bingara and Boggabri,” he said. philas, with the grasses to follow dur- second generation of vegetation. Prior to planting, the seed has to be implemented over the next four According to Mr Carr, many of the ing summer,” Mr Carr said. “When we’re revegetating sites on stored in cool, dry conditions to years. Australia Proudly supported by Westpac

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