2020 ANNUAL REPORT ALL AUSTRALIANS ACTIVELY CARING FOR THE LAND AND WATER THAT SUSTAINS US. It is estimated that 80% of Namadgi National Park in the ACT was burnt in the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires. A volunteering event was coordinated by Landcare ACT with funding from the Landcare Australia Bushfire Recovery Grant and led by Southern ACT Catchment Group. The volunteering event was booked out within minutes of being advertised. Volunteers spent the day weeding, removing wire and star pickets as well as dividing and planting Dianella. Photo courtesy of Landcare ACT.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 3 Junior Landcare Ambassador Costa Georgiadis with young Junior Landcarer’s Methnie K. and Rayhan J. Contents

6 About Landcare Australia

8 About the Landcare Movement

10 Message from the Chair

12 Message from the CEO

16 2019/2020 Highlights

30 Landcare Australia Impact

32 Landcare Australia and the UN SDGs

34 Revegetation for Threatened Species Impact

36 Landcare Farming Program Impact

38 Biodiversity Impact

40 Coastcare Impact

42 Junior Landcare Impact

44 Corporate Environmental Volunteering Impact

47 Government Partners COVER: Jill Redwood stands on her property in Goongerah, 48 Corporate Partners East Gippsland surrounded by the fire-recovering riparian zone and Manna gums along 63 In-Kind Supporters the Brodribb River. During the Black Summer bushfires, 63 Corporate Environmental Volunteering Jill was in the thick of the bushfire zone and managed to save her home, however the 64 Board and Committees surrounding forest habitat and wildlife was not so lucky. As 66 Financial Summary President and volunteer of the Goongerah Landcare Group, Jill has been working with other 70 2019 State & Territory Landcare Awards Winners landcare volunteers and the local community on projects to restore the natural habitat.

BACK COVER: During Landcare Week in August 2019, Landcare ambassador Sophie Taylor- Price honoured her grandfather the late former Prime Minister the Hon. Bob Hawke AC by unveiling a Landcare interpretive sign at Wentworth in NSW, the location where he announced national expansion of the Landcare movement. 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 5 About Landcare Australia

Landcare Australia is a national not- sustainable land management for-profit organisation established practices and environmental VISION more than 30 years ago that conservation. supports the landcare community From the coast to the country, and with funding, capacity-building, All Australians actively from urban cities to the outback, on-ground projects, information, caring for the land and landcare’s greatest asset is its networking and promotion of people. The Landcare movement is water that sustains us. landcare achievements. diverse and encompasses farmers Together with the landcare and farming systems groups, PURPOSE community, our efforts improve landowners, landcare groups and biodiversity, build resilience in networks, Traditional Owners, • Empowering Australia’s food and farming Bushcare and ‘Friends of’ groups, individuals and systems, and create stronger Coastcare, Dunecare and Rivercare groups, landcare facilitators and communities communities. As a leader in the environmental sector, coordinators, youth groups and • Sustainable Landcare Australia has strong other community groups involved expertise in designing, managing in protecting, enhancing or management and completing challenging restoring their local environment. of natural and and complex major ecological The Junior Landcare program productive restoration projects involving large provides a pathway for children to scale revegetation and carbon landscapes become lifelong landcarers starting abatement. with early learning childhood • Building resilient Established in 1989 by the late centres through to primary and ecosystems and former Prime Minister, the Hon. secondary schools. Bob Hawke AC, Landcare Australia communities. Since 1989, Landcare Australia has supports over 6,000 groups and worked collaboratively with federal, 140,000+ volunteers with landcare state and local governments projects that are focused on and their agencies, the National

6 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT Landcare Network and the • support the adoption of of positive environmental and Landcare peak bodies, corporate sustainable agriculture community outcomes, these include: and philanthropic partners, practices that will deliver a • a sustainable approach to sponsors, community groups and more productive and profitable integrated land management individuals to support the landcare agriculture industry. • environmental protection, community. This long-standing For over 30 years, Landcare enhancement and conservation of engagement with local community- Australia has worked at the land, water, waterways and coasts led environmental initiatives forefront of community and • natural habitat restoration to has led to the organisation’s corporate engagement in natural enhance biodiversity renowned reputation and trust by resource management and • building resilience in Australia’s Australians. environmental project delivery. food and farming systems Landcare Australia develops Custodian of the ‘caring hands’ • creating social cohesion and campaigns in partnership with logo, Landcare Australia manages wellbeing in communities. stakeholders to: the Landcare, Coastcare, Junior With the impact of a changing • support the sharing of Landcare and Landcare Farming climate, and natural disasters knowledge and promote the brands on behalf of the landcare like drought, bushfires and flood, development of community movement. The Landcare brand landcare has never been so leadership and resilience; is recognised and trusted, with important. • recognise and celebrate the consistently positive attitudes in achievements of the landcare local communities towards landcare What makes Landcare Australia community; projects, and 78% awareness unique to any other national • encourage participation in among Australians of the landcare environmental organisation is landcare activities and the ‘caring hands’ logo. effective partnerships and people. recruitment and retention of The funding and in-kind Across Australia, our partnerships volunteers; contributions raised from support thousands of people • attract government, corporate partnerships and sponsors involved in Landcare who are and philanthropic funding and supports Landcare Australia volunteering to protect local in-kind support for good quality, to develop programs that ecosystems that contribute to the hands on projects and programs are practical, deliverable and sustainability and productivity of our that will improve environmental community focused. land and water assets for the benefit outcomes; and of all Australians. Through this support, Landcare Australia achieves a diverse range

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 7 About the Landcare Movement

“The degradation of our Landcare evolved in Victoria with Rick Farley of the National environment is not simply through an initiative of Joan Kirner, Farmers Federation (NFF), and (then Minister for Conservation, Phillip Toyne of the Australian a local problem, nor a Forests and Lands) and Heather Conservation Foundation (ACF), problem for one state Mitchell, (then President of the successfully encouraging the or another, nor for the Victorian Farmers Federation). Hawke Government to commit to supporting the emerging With the generous support of Commonwealth alone. movement. community members, farmers and Rather, the damage being Victorian departmental officers, Landcare became a national done to our environment is Heather Mitchell and Joan Kirner programme on 20 July, 1989 a problem for us all – and were able to launch ‘Landcare’ in in Wentworth NSW, when the a small town in central Victoria in Australian Government with not just government- but November 1986. bipartisan support, announced for of us individually and its “Decade of Landcare Plan” and Many Australian communities had committed $320 million to fund the together.” already begun practising ‘Landcare’ National Landcare Programme. decades earlier; accounts from The former Australian some of our most enduring 1989 was also the year that the Prime Minister the Landcare groups show grass roots national not-for-profit organisation Hon. Bob Hawke AC environmental issues being tackled Landcare Australia was established. as early as the 1950s. The national formation of the In January 1988, Australia’s first Landcare movement brought official Dunecare groups formed farmers and conservationists on the New South Wales Mid North together to resolve environmental Coast at Hat Head, Diamond Beach, issues. In his speech to launch Scotts Head and Diggers Beach. Landcare, former Prime Minister Bob Hawke AC spoke about the In 1989, the national Landcare importance of co-operation to care movement was officially recognised for the land.

8 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT Over the last 30+ years, Landcare and community. These partnerships has evolved to become one of the build local community ownership largest volunteer movements in of issues, unlock volunteer Landcare is about Australia. There are thousands knowledge, capability and capacity of people and countless to create better outcomes for the working together caring communities working together environment and those that seek to for the land to preserve towards sustainable land use and protect and enhance it. our natural resources undertaking on-ground action to In the last three decades landcare protect, enhance or restore an and biodiversity for has achieved a great deal of good area on behalf of the community. work. Yet there is much more to do. generations to come. The Landcare model has been so Landcare enables people successful it has been adopted in Landcare Australia will continue to over 20 countries. work in partnership with multiple to actively care for the stakeholders to support the Landcare plays a leading role in natural environment in landcare community so they can advocating a balance between their community. continue to restore and protect the Australian sustainable land environment in communities across management practices and Australia. environmental conservation. Landcare activities deliver a diverse range of positive environmental and community outcomes. What makes landcare unique to any other community movement is the very large number of active groups, and the effective partnerships created between business, researchers, natural resource management agencies, government

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 9 “On behalf of the Landcare community, we extend our appreciation to all who contributed so supportively, collaboratively and generously this year.”

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Doug Humann AM

LANDCARERS across the country we normally would. As restrictions After rescheduling from late 2019, have confronted the challenges have increasingly eased, the first inaugural Landcare Youth of the past twelve months with Landcare groups, and associated Summit was held at Parliament courage and resilience, and environmental management and House, Canberra in November with actions which speak to the sustainability organisations around 2020, with online participation of strength and enduring vigour of the country have resumed on- high school students and youth the Landcare spirit. It’s something ground activities and embarked leaders from across the nation, with which each and every one of on an ambitious range of projects. representing the inspiring next us should feel immensely proud. This is in no small measure due to generation of Landcare. Facilitated support from a series of Landcare by Landcare Australia ambassador The devastation of the 2019/20 Australia grant schemes developed Sophie Taylor-Price, this on-line summer fires, preceded by with government, business and event would surely have inspired crippling drought conditions, was philanthropic support. On behalf her grandfather and former a period of great difficulty for all of the Landcare community, we Prime Minister Bob Hawke, whose Australians as we saw lives lost extend our appreciation to all ultimate goal for the Landcare and livelihoods and landscapes who contributed so supportively, movement was the mobilisation of devastated. Our commiserations collaboratively and generously the nation’s youth in the continued and sympathy is extended to this year. preservation and protection the all those who were and remain Australian landscape. effected. The team at Landcare Australia has successfully continued operations Sadly, the 2020 National Landcare Nevertheless, long before it was throughout the pandemic, Conference, a key date in the safe to begin restoration of these including liaising with Landcare Landcare calendar was also impacted regions, Landcare groups across affected areas. I deferred due to pandemic-related groups and volunteers were keenly acknowledge and thank our CEO restrictions, but we look forward mapping out a recovery strategy Dr Shane Norrish for steering the to delivering a wonderful coming for their communities and stricken ship during these uncertain times together at the 2021 National local habitats and commencing and for the whole team for their Landcare Conference and National restoration. I have been proud commitment. Landcare Awards gala dinner in to see the Landcare movement Sydney in person in August 2021. respond to support these groups, Despite the challenges faced At this point we will recognise and for Landcare Australia to during this period, there has and celebrate the 2019 State and be at the forefront in enabling a been exponential growth in our Territory Landcare Awards and response. Junior Landcare and Coastcare honour our community movement programs, Landcare Webinars and The onset of COVID-19 contributed which has collectively withstood the introduction of the Landcare unprecedented obstacles as the one of the greatest tests of most of Farming Program’s My Landcare nation grappled with the global our lifetimes. Legacy, among an exciting range of pandemic, not the least of which community engagement initiatives. was the diminished ability for community Landcarers to meet as

10 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT In the 31 years since Bob Hawke We look forward to further launched the decade of Landcare, strengthening of the Landcare a series of burgeoning and diverse movement in the year ahead. partnerships have been, and will Doug Humann AM continue to be established with Chair Federal and State Government bodies, non-government organisations, corporations, trusts and noted individuals. I thank and acknowledge all of our partners, many of whom are referenced in this report. We continue to progress the initiative of a single voice for Landcare through collaboration with the National Landcare Network and state and territory Landcare organisations; working together to support the evolution of the Landcare community. Our combined objective has always been, and will always be upholding and safeguarding the interests of the Landcare network and community environmental ‘care’ groups across Australia: from farmers, landholders and Traditional Owner groups to Bushcare groups, ‘Friends of’ groups, Coastcare, Dunecare, Rivercare and Junior Landcare. We look towards a brighter future and the enhancement and continued cultivation of the indomitable Landcare spirit. 12 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT “Landcare groups were identified immediately after the bushfires as crucial to the recovery, assisting to rebuild the communities in which they live and work.”

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Dr Shane Norrish

Our Annual Report presents some Shortly after the bushfires, the natural areas look like now? We of the outstanding impacts achieved COVID-19 pandemic imposed a need a resilient Landcare now more by Landcare groups during this global emergency on a scale not than ever. highly challenging year, mostly seen before in our lifetime. Like I remain convinced that a strong through the substantial backing of much of the country, Landcare and united national voice is the Landcare Australia’s partners and Australia and Landcarers best outcome for Landcare. Despite supporters, including the Australian transitioned into a much different the best intentions and significant Government, for which we are set of social conditions. Through efforts of many stakeholders extremely appreciative. all of this year’s disasters, over a long period of time, we Landcarers got on with the job, This has been a year like no other, recognised in March that a single and an enormous amount of with our nation confronted by united national voice would not be social distancing compliant work is a succession of unprecedented achieved this year. However, we still underway. Thank you to all involved events. We began the year believe wholeheartedly that a united in the Landcare community for your contending with the impact of voice is essential for successfully on-going and determined effort. drought, which still continues in supporting the interests and growth some regions. By Spring we were I also acknowledge the outstanding of Landcare. To achieve it, we confronted by extensive early commitment of Landcare Australia’s welcome continued collaboration bushfires, which exploded into the Board and staff to supporting our with the National Landcare Network horrific Black Summer. And then valuable work over the last year. and peak Landcare organisations came the global pandemic. Our Directors contribute significant in each state and territory. We will time and expertise to support also continue to support Landcare Landcare groups were identified the organisation and Landcare networks and groups, youth immediately after the bushfires as movement, all on a voluntary basis. networks, Indigenous organisations, crucial to the recovery, assisting to Landcare Australia’s team of skilled environmental NGOs, farming rebuild the communities in which staff have also worked extremely organisations and the vast range they live and work. However, in hard to continue delivering the of other organisations, groups and order to be most effective in this excellent results for our partners individuals involved in Landcare, important role, they required and stakeholders presented in this just as we have always done. prompt funding, and I would like year’s Annual Report. to again thank all of the generous We will continue to work hard individuals and businesses that In the last three decades Landcare supporting all Landcarers, wherever provided donations for Landcare’s has achieved much, yet there we can, and all Landcarers bushfire recovery efforts. In is much more to do. We are all should be extremely proud of combination with funding from confronting the impacts of a their achievements and positive some of our partnerships, including changing climate, biodiversity contributions to their local area and WIRES and Brambles CHEP, the loss, droughts and of course, the communities in a very challenging donations enabled Landcare devastating bushfires. I again year. Australia to support Landcare encourage all who value Landcare to Dr Shane Norrish groups commence some of the first work together with us at Landcare Chief Executive Officer recovery projects across Australia. Australia, so we can further build The speed and immediacy of Landcare’s success. If Landcare their response was a wonderful hadn’t been around for more than representation of the Australian 30 years, what would Australia’s spirit of solidarity.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 13 Landcare Australia is proud to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which we live and work. We value and respect their deep and continued spiritual and cultural connections to the land, waters and seas, and pay our respects to their Ancestors and Elders past, present and future.

2019/2020 Highlights

16 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT Landcare Australia Bushfire Recovery Program

IN LATE JANUARY, Landcare Australia’s Bushfire and Natural Disaster Recovery Fund was launched to support Landcare networks, groups, landholders, farmers and community environmental groups located in bushfire affected areas across Australia. Landcare Australia made contact with landcare networks and groups in the impacted areas to determine how best to support them in the short, medium and long term. The priority issues for the groups included support for restoring essential wildlife habitat, getting on top of invasive weeds, erosion control and protection of our waterways and aquatic habitat. The grants program was made possible due to the generous donations from private donors and organisations from across the country and around the world, including Landcare Australia partners Brambles CHEP, Bushman’s Tanks, Bloom Aid and Hawke’s Brewing. With this funding, applications for the Landcare Australia Bushfire Recovery Grants Program opened in April. By late May, Landcare Australia had awarded more than $300,000 in grants to 23 wide-ranging regeneration projects that focused on rainforest revegetation, nest boxes for decimated native species and feeding programs for endangered wildlife.

TOP: John Hermans of Clifton Creek, Victoria installing a deer proof fence.

BOTTOM: The January bushfires destroyed 220 hectares of Wyndam Farm in South Australia including the decimation of large ancient red gums. This resulted in losing hollows and reducing canopy stepping-stones for the declining woodland birds of the Eastern Hills.The Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association received a Landcare Australia Bushfire Recovery Grant to fund re-planting of local trees including red gum, installing tree guards, and maintenance of more than 2,000 local native seedlings in Davidson Creek.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 17 2019

Willa Willa Connections in Adelaide

LANDCARE AUSTRALIA EXPANDED its involvement with the Community Streamside Habitat Improvement Project in Adelaide. The work encompasses a riparian revegetation and biodiversity project to improve the area and quality of habitat along Willa Willa (Brownhill Creek) near Adelaide Airport. Landcare Australia has managed the project implementation in partnership with the City of West Torrens. Local Landcare networks and the Kaurna people, the Traditional Owners for the area, have also undertaken site work and continue to be closely involved in the project. The site is owned by Adelaide Airport and jointly managed with the City of West Torrens. The project’s initial goal was to establish 10,000 local indigenous plants across a one-kilometre section of the creek along the southern boundary of Adelaide Airport. This riparian habitat is critically important, particularly in the urban environment. This type of strategic restoration work provides essential urban corridors for wildlife, while also reinstating vital ecosystem services, including nutrient recycling and pollination services. A community planting event and corporate environmental volunteering events with Konica Minolta and Telstra helped to plant 2,000 trees, shrubs and grasses. A second planting day event had 125 community members working on the site planting and installing guards on local native seedlings. In 2020, the project expanded with a further 6,231 plants scheduled for planting, bringing the total plants being established on the site to 16,231. Campaigns by MobileMuster and Woolworths Rewards helped to fund the additional plants.

TOP: Photo of the degraded riparian area before the planting.

BOTTOM: Photo showing the impact of the restoration project 12 months after the planting.

18 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT Investing to Protect Wetlands and Native Vegetation

LANDCARE AUSTRALIA COMMENCED its $345,000 investment in a project to protect wetlands and native vegetation in the NSW Karuah Catchment. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Karuah Borland Landcare Program to help the Midcoast Council, Hunter Local Land Services, Karuah and Great Lakes Landcare and private property owners. Current and past land management practices including agriculture, oyster farming, lifestyle and tourism have put the Karuah Catchment under stress. One of the biggest environmental issues in the Karuah Catchment is run-off pollution from agricultural land, including poultry production and grazing. Native vegetation and off stream wetlands provide habitat for animals, including Threatened Species and shelter for livestock, as well as a crucial buffer and a filter to capture pollutants before they reach the river and impact downstream. Research shows that one river section, known as The Branch, is a major source of degraded water quality within the Karuah River and this catchment-wide project is a big part of the solution. Landholders, farmers, landcare groups, local communities and catchment managers are working together to restore ecosystem health and improve water quality. Landcare Australia is directly supporting on-ground works across rural properties, fencing-off and protecting nearly 270 hectares of environmentally sensitive wetlands, and a further 47 hectares of riparian vegetation. Project activities will help improve water quality and biodiversity habitat throughout the catchment; support more productive, resilient and sustainable farms; and build knowledge for the wider community.

TOP: Geoff Le Messurier (Senior Land Services Officer, Hunter Local Land Services) and Brian Royce (Farmer, La Grande Lande) inspecting the recently installed fence to exclude livestock from environmentally sensitive areas.

BOTTOM: Hunter Local Land Services and Midcoast Council officers inspecting the wetlands now protected on La Grande Lande.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 19 WIRES Landcare Australia Wildlife Relief and Recovery Grants

LAUNCHED IN APRIL 2020, the WIRES Landcare Australia Wildlife Relief and Recovery Grants program is a pioneering alliance between two not- for-profit organisations that have been part of the fabric of local communities for over 30 years. In June, a landmark $1.185million in grants was awarded to 64 environmental groups across the country. Made possible due to the unprecedented volume of donations to WIRES from within Australia and around the world following the Black Summer bushfires, this grants program is supporting regeneration projects focused on restoring habitat impacted by the bushfires and drought. The projects include rainforest revegetation, installation of nest boxes to replace destroyed tree hollows for decimated native species, feeding programs for endangered wildlife, management of invasive weeds, erosion control and the protection of waterways and aquatic habitat. Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish applauded the overwhelming response to the grants program, citing the extraordinary commitment landholders and community environmental groups displayed towards the relief and recovery of bushfire and drought-impacted regions across the country. “The demand for assistance and the quality of applications was so great, that WIRES provided additional funding to support more groups than originally contemplated.”

TOP: Among numerous species, the Red-legged Pademelon will benefit from habitat restoration and protection work by Rainforest4Foundation, a recipient of a WIRES Landcare Australia Wildlife Relief and Recovery Grant.

BOTTOM: Quoll Headquarters is a 400 ha Spot-Tail Quoll sanctuary. After the area was devastated by bushfires, dense weed populations emerged, threatening native habitat and increasing risk of future fires. With a WIRES Landcare Australia Wildlife and Recovery Grant, the Granite Borders Landcare Network is conducting a weed control program to protect the habitat of the Spot-Tail Quoll and other native flora and fauna.

20 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT WIRES LANDCARE AUSTRALIA WILDLIFE RELIEF & RECOVERY GRANTS 2020

In 2020, 64 Landcare and environmental + = community 49 15 64 groups were given grants for Bushfire Drought PROJECTS wildlife relief Recovery Resilience funded and recovery Projects Projects

Wildlife habitat created via revegetation OVER

92,000 FUNDING PLANTS TO BE PLANTED $1.185 million for environmental 1,554+ projects

PROTECTING PROJECT WILDLIFE activities are taking 24 place in 24 50+ REGIONS different NEST Targeted NRM/ BOXES species Catchment regions to be (and countless installed more to benefit)

Types of KOALA 21 PROJECTS threatened GLOSSY BLACK COCKATOO 14 PROJECTS species supported BANDICOOT 8 PROJECTS by multiple PYGMY POSSUM 8 PROJECTS projects GREATER GLIDER 7 PROJECTS

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 21 Landcare 30 Year Anniversary Campaign and Landcare Week

IN 2019, LANDCARE and Landcare Australia celebrated a 30 year anniversary. Landcare Australia in partnership with the National Landcare Network (NLN) and the State and Territory Landcare Organisations (STOs) created a year-long campaign to promote and Over the last 30 years we raise awareness of landcare including Landcare have been working together Week. to represent and support the The campaign objectives were to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the thousands of landcare groups, thousands of landcare networks and groups, facilitators and volunteers volunteers, farmers and landholders, Traditional across Australia who protect Owners and other community environmental groups across Australia. The campaign the environment in their acknowledged the emergence of other local communities through environmental groups that share the landcare ethos of protecting the environment in their sustainable land management local communities through sustainable land and conservation activities. management and conservation activities. Sophie Taylor-Price, Bob Hawke’s granddaughter, was appointed campaign ambassador to champion landcare and Landcare Australia. Sophie made a commitment to be a long-term supporter of landcare and in particular, to be a voice for young Australians wanting to make a difference. Landcare Australia created the Landcare Youth Summit program in response to this commitment, and to help landcare and Landcare Australia increase its connection to a youth audience and empower them to take action in their local communities. Highlights of the campaign include a Federal Parliamentary mention of Landcare and the Landcare 30 year anniversary; and a letter to the landcare community from Bob Hawke AC acknowledging the 30 year milestone and their dedication to caring for the land. Media highlights of the campaign include ABCTV 7.30 Report, ABCTV The Drum, Australian Community Media mastheads including The Land, the Australian Women’s Weekly and hundreds of regional and ABC media items.

22 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT Landcare 30 Year Anniversary Campaign and Landcare Week

LANDCARE 30 YEAR Anniversary events held between July and December 2019 included: • Landcare 30 Year Anniversary July 20 celebration event in Melbourne • 2019 Landcare Awards events held in all States and Territories • Landcare Week held in August • Coastcare Week held in early December. A Landcare 30 Year celebration event was held in Melbourne with special guests that included the former Minister for Agriculture, Senator the Hon. Bridget McKenzie. Other guests included representatives from the National Landcare Network, Landcare Victoria, DELWP, and long time Landcare champions Rob Youl, Pam Robinson, Kaye Rodden and many others who have worked tirelessly for landcare. During Landcare Week, a community event was held in Wentworth NSW where 30 years before, former Australian Prime Minister the Hon. Bob Hawke AC delivered his speech to launch the national formation of the Landcare movement. Landcare 30 Year Anniversary ambassador Sophie Taylor-Price honoured his ground- breaking address with a special tree-planting and unveiling of a commemorative historical Landcare sign. From the bush to the beach, Landcare Week also hosted an event at Curl Curl Beach in Sydney attended by local member Zali Steggall OAM MP. The Landcare 30 Year Anniversary campaign brought together landcarers of all ages from across the country to celebrate their achievements, and to share their message that Australia needs landcare now more than ever.

TOP: Federal Member for Warringah, Zali Steggall OAM MP, planting trees for an event at Curl Curl beach for Landcare Week.

BOTTOM: The unveiling of a Landcare interpretive sign at Wentworth, NSW with Landcare Australia Chair, Doug Humann AM, and Landcare ambassador, Sophie Taylor-Price.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 23 Junior Landcare Learning Centre

LAUNCHED AT THE start of the 2020 school year, the Junior Landcare online Learning Centre includes resources developed by educational professionals that are aligned to the school curriculum. The Learning Centre features dynamic 30-minute learning activities for teachers and educators, parents and carers, youth groups and landcare community groups. Made possible due to the generous support of Woolworths Supermarkets, the Junior Landcare Learning Centre has environmental education activities to help children be aware, empowered and active in caring for their environment. The activities include a story, step-by-step instructions, curriculum links and references, extension activity ideas and many have instructional videos. The activities are easy and fun to help get children involved in environmental sustainability activities at school, at home or in the community. Each month, the Junior Landcare team create new learning activities focused on four key areas: food production, Indigenous perspectives, waste management and biodiversity. In April, with students at home because of COVID-19, a series of Just for Kids activities were created to help children at home explore Junior Landcare and create their own ideas. The activity sheets are based on the Learning Activities in the Junior Landcare Learning Centre.

PHOTOS: Every month new activities are added to the Junior Landcare Learning Centre.

ILLUSTRATIONS: Meet the Junior Landcare characters Suyin, Jarrah, Amir and Beth. The characters illustrate the Learning Centre and help bring to life the stories in the Learning Activities.

24 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT Junior Landcare ‘What’s in Your Backyard?’ Competition

IN EARLY 2020, popular TV star and Landcare champion Costa Georgiadis, became the ambassador for Junior Landcare. Costa launched the Junior Landcare ‘What’s in Your Backyard?’ campaign to encourage children cooped up during the COVID-19 lockdown, to observe their natural environment and take a photo. Costa asked children across Australia to grab a camera and snap photos of the flora and fauna they could see, and describe why it was important to them. Children submitted photos to Junior Landcare to be in with a chance to win one of ten cameras. The campaign was created to help launch the new Junior Landcare Learning Centre. With 3,000 entries from children across Australia, the campaign was an overwhelming success. A panel of judges, including Costa, selected a winner from every State and Territory with the overall national winning entry going to seven-year old Jarrah McGuaran’s photo of a camouflaged Green Looper (Hypodoxa bryophylla) moth. Costa’s message to the children involved was “Not only have you shared your brilliant images but you tell the story of your connection to a bigger world of nature and environment all around. Your observations matter because they give us inspiration and reason to be landcarers for life.”

TOP: Ambassador for Junior Landcare, Costa was ‘overwhelmed’ by the variety of photos from children living in the city and the bush who got involved. From chickens, birds and bugs, to trees, flowers and backyard vege gardens. The photos demonstrated how every child has their own special connection with nature.

BOTTOM: A stunning image of a camouflaged Green Looper moth taken by national winner Jarrah from Ballina in NSW. His entry said, “My name is Jarrah, I’m 7 years old and I like nature. When I was with my Mum, I found a beautiful camouflaged moth on the tree.”

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 25 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants Program

THE WOOLWORTHS JUNIOR Landcare Grants Program offers opportunities for Australian primary and preschool aged children to engage in outdoor, hands-on environmental learning activities that promote the development of positive environmental, educational and social outcomes. The grants of up to $1,000 each, support the delivery of environmental projects that focus on sustainable food production, Indigenous perspectives, improving waste management and enhancing native habitats. During the year, the 538 recipients of the first round of grants submitted their final reports. A second round of Woolworths Junior Landcare grants was distributed in late 2019 to 617 primary schools and early learning centres, bringing the total number of organisations who have received a grant to 1,155. This means more than 100,000 students across the country are getting hands-on in caring for the environment, helping to grow the next generation of environmental champions. A third round of Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants is planned for 2021. Funding for the grants comes from 10 cents from the sale of each Woolworths Bag for good™. The bag was launched when the supermarket removed single-use plastic shopping bags across stores nationwide.

TOP: Students at Yale Primary School in WA display the fruits of their results from their Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant project. According to their teacher, “The look of delight and pleasure the students demonstrated on the harvesting of their vegetable crops then tasting was pure joy.”

BOTTOM: Helensville State School in QLD was one of 617 schools and early learning centres to receive a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant in late 2019. Their project is seeing Green Team students learn about waste management by setting up, managing and maintaining worm farms and composts bins.

26 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT Landcarer.com.au

ONLINE COLLABORATION platform, Landcarer, is a national platform that enables the landcare community to collaborate and share knowledge. Funded by the National Landcare Program, Landcarer was developed in 2018 and has continued to respond to user feedback and made ongoing improvements to the platform. Landcarer has welcomed over 1,000 users and the interest from landcare networks, groups and volunteers continues to grow. The key activities launched during the year to engage and attract users to the platform include: • Webinars attracting more than 900 registrations with content focused on digital tools for groups, Junior Landcare learning experiences and an integrated catchment management approach to community driven natural resource management. • A library of how-to guides, videos tutorials plus a blog to help users keep up-to-date with the new tools and resources. • A mobile app enabling users to share project updates and engage with each other from the field. • A story competition with 30 inspirational stories shared from groups across the country on the power of local community action. Friends of Manly Dam won the first prize of $500 with their story about a group of passionate community volunteers coming together to protect and care for an area of bushland in the Sydney suburb of Manly Vale. • A membership management tool allowing groups to manage their membership renewals directly on the platform including payments. Landcarer has an active community of online users who have found a place where they can connect, share their ideas and experiences, and help others.

TOP: The Landcarer platform in action.

MIDDLE: Photo submitted to Landcarer of Kinglake Landcare Group planting trees and shrubs on a local member’s property. Photo courtesy of Roger Cook.

BOTTOM: Story competition winners, Friends of Manly Dam. Photo courtesy of Michael Allen.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 27 2019 State & Territory Landcare Awards

THE STATE & TERRITORY Landcare Awards are a bi-annual campaign, with the winners going forward to the National Landcare Awards the following year. In 2019 there were 323 nominations for nine national award categories. Due to COVID-19, the National Landcare Awards gala dinner will now be held in Sydney on Thursday 5 August, 2021. This event is to be held during the 2021 National Landcare Conference hosted at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour in Sydney. The Landcare Awards campaign celebrates inclusivity and recognises Landcare individuals, groups and organisations across the country for their outstanding contribution to preserving the unique Australian landscape. With the support of Landcare Australia, each state and territory managed local promotions for nominations and a judging process with a panel of independent expert judges. Eight unique Landcare Awards events were held, attended by local dignitaries, awards sponsors, landcare groups and volunteers, business and industry and community volunteers. PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY Landcare Australia worked in partnership with the following organisations to deliver the 2019 State and Territory Landcare Awards: • NSW – Local Land Services • VIC – Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) • NT – Territory Natural Resource Management • WA – Western Australian Landcare Network • ACT – Landcare ACT • TAS – Landcare Tasmania • SA – Landcare Association of SA • QLD – Queensland Water and Land Carers

28 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2019 State & Territory Landcare Awards

THE 2019 STATE & TERRITORY Landcare Awards were made possible due to the generous support of our sponsors, the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, Australian Community Media, Austcover, Virgin and Woolworths. The nine national categories with winners going forward to the 2021 National Landcare Awards are: • Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award • Australian Government Partnerships for Landcare Award • Australian Government Landcare Farming Award • Australian Government Innovation in Agriculture Land Management Award • Coastcare Award • Australian Community Media Landcare Community Group Award • Woolworths Junior Landcare Team Award • Indigenous Land Management Award • Austcover Young Landcare Leadership Award Please see pages 70-71 for a full list of winners.

FROM TOP: Austcover Young Landcare Leadership Award Winner for Tasmania, Carmel Allen, Friends of Fernglade (Photo by Natasha Mulhall).

Australian Government Partnerships for Landcare Award Winner for the Australian Capital Territory, ACT Parks and Conservation Service and ParkCare Volunteers.

Australian Government Landcare Farming Award Winner for the Northern Territory, Dan and Tarun Richards with Rowan Ewing, Head of Landcare Services, Landcare Australia.

Indigenous Land Management Award Winner for Western Australia, Wunambaal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 29

2019/2020 FINANCIAL YEAR LANDCARE AUSTRALIA IMPACT 941 $3.18M TOTAL NUMBER OF PROJECTS FUNDING PROVIDED TO LANDCARE FUNDED BY GRANTS GROUPS THROUGH GRANTS, CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERING AND DONATIONS

65,911 6,636 STUDENTS INVOLVED IN HOURS OF CORPORATE JUNIOR LANDCARE PROJECTS ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERING

554,711 1,771 NUMBER OF TREES AND HECTARES AREA OF PLANTS ESTABLISHED WEED CONTROL

7,500 250,000 KILOGRAMS OF LANDCARE IN FOCUS MAGAZINE MARINE DEBRIS REMOVED READERSHIP FOR EACH EDITION 207,517 12,367 ANNUAL VISITORS TO LANDCARE LANDCARE, COASTCARE, JUNIOR LANDCARE AUSTRALIA, JUNIOR LANDCARE & AND OTHER GROUPS REGISTERED ON COASTCARE WEBSITES THE NATIONAL LANDCARE DIRECTORY 127 1,16 4 PROJECTS FUNDED WHICH INCORPORATED NEST BOXES INSTALLED TO SUPPORT AND SUPPORTED ABORIGINAL AND BIODIVERSITY, MANY OF WHICH ARE BUILT TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ENGAGEMENT AND INSTALLED SPECIFICALLY TO PREVENT AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER THE EXTINCTION OF THREATENED SPECIES

30 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT

2019/2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA’S IMPACT

Breakdown of grants distributed to groups and corporate environmental volunteering events

Australian Capital Territory 14

New South Wales 282

Northern Territory 13

Queensland 130

South Australia 79

Tasmania 15

Victoria 375

Western Australia 98

TOTAL 1006

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 31 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA AND THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

As an organisation committed to communities and In 2019-20, Landcare Australia has contributed to the future of our environment, Landcare Australia ten of the seventeen UN SDGs as shown below. This understands the critical role the United Nations contribution is the sum of all the activities directly Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) play supported across Landcare Australia projects and in building a common framework to address the programs, from Junior Landcare through to major global challenges we face, including those related to projects. They are aligned to the specific indicators for environmental degradation, climate change, sustainable the respective goal. The following assessment outlines agriculture, clean water, marine areas, health, and how Landcare Australia is achieving its commitments in wellbeing. The landcare community is made up of over alignment with the UN SDGs. 6,000 community groups which Landcare Australia supports who contribute to many of the UN SDGs as part of their everyday activities.

2 ZERO HUNGER HUNGER 4 QUALITY EDUCATIONEDUCATION

Establishment• Establishment of ofthe the Landcare Landcare Farming Farming Program Program to 65,911• 65,911 school school students students participated participated in inour our Junior Junior Landcare Landcare encourageto encourage widespread widespread adoption adoption of sustainable of sustainable agricultural educationeducation programs programs giving giving them them a hands-ona hands-on role role in inhelping practices.agricultural practices. to helpingsupport to positive support environmental positive environmental outcomes. outcomes. •39 39 sustainable sustainable agriculture agriculture projects projects funded. funded. •Landcare Landcare Australia Australia also launched launched the the Landcarer Landcarer platform platform Outcomes from activities contributed to UN SDG targets: dedicateddedicated to tohelping helping Landcare Landcare communities communities come come together 2.4 and 2.A to togetherincrease totheir increase vocational their andvocational technical and skills, technical and to skills, encouragingand to encouraging knowledge-sharing knowledge-sharing and inclusivity and inclusivity with a with nationala national audience. audience. Outcomes from activities contributed to UN SDG targets: 4.4, 4.7, and 4.A.

32 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 6 CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION 8 DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

• 54,186 plants planted in riparian areas, to reduce • Landcare Australia is one of 70 leading environmental sediment and chemical run off, improving freshwater organisations supporting the proposal for driving ecosystems and surrounding habitat. economic recovery from COVID-19 through investment in • Karuah-Borland Landcare Program launched to protect, a national conservation and land management stimulus maintain and enhance riparian habitat, wetlands and program. connectivity of remnant native vegetation in the NSW • Landcare Australia’s sustainable agriculture program has Mid-North Coast. administered over $262,600 through community grants Outcomes from activities contributed to UN SDG targets: and activities with a focus on supporting agricultural 6.3, 6.4, 6.5 and 6.6. businesses to transition to sustainable practices with the goal to improve natural capital. Total contribution aligned to targets: 8.4 and 8.6.

11 SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES 12 RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION

• 127 projects funded which incorporated and supported • Landcare Australia’s communications and social media Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement and campaign activities reached 19 million people across the knowledge transfer. 12 month period. • Landcare Australia’s Corporate Environmental • 190 schools were involved in our Landcare Australia’s Volunteering program and major projects recognised Junior Landcare program specifically undertaking projects public green spaces enhanced with the objective of related to waste management, composting, worm farms, improving positive links between social, economic and recycling and upcycling projects and other activities that environmental dimensions. supported hands on engagement and strengthening Outcomes from activities contributed to UN SDG targets: awareness of sustainability issues. 11.4. 11.7 and 11.A. Outcomes from activities contributed to UN SDG targets: 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6 and 12.8.

13 CLIMATE ACTION 14 LIFE BELOW WATER

• 941 Landcare, Junior Landcare and community groups • 30 Coastcare projects were funded by Landcare Australia, were funded to undertake activities such as tree planting, and 28 Corporate Environmental Volunteering events which aligned to climate change mitigation and impact were held in coastal areas helping to remove over 7,500 reduction, including the participation of 79,627 people. kg of marine debris. • 6,636 volunteer hours were contributed to environmental Outcomes from activities contributed to UN SDG targets: restoration works through our Corporate Environmental 14.1, 14.2 and 14.5. Volunteering program. Outcomes from activities contributed to UN SDG target: 13.3

15 LIFE ON LAND 17 PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

• Landcare Australia administered over $1.26 million to • Landcare Australia partnered with the Australian 96 projects focused on bushfire and drought recovery Government, the Victorian Government and 32 corporate through our community grants programs, including wildlife partners, with a further 51 businesses participating in our protection and restoration of habitats impacted by natural Corporate Environmental Volunteering, Work Place Giving disasters. and Landcare Awards programs. • 1,164 nest boxes installed to support biodiversity, many • A framework was developed to analyse and report on the of which are built and installed specifically to prevent the outcomes of all partnership activities aligned to the UN extinction of Threatened Species. SDG goal targets to support Landcare Australia and our • 771 hectares of weeding was undertaken in terrestrial and partners to demonstrate their impact to goals. inland freshwater ecosystems. Outcomes from activities contributed to UN SDG target: 17.16 • 554,711 plants were planted across all Landcare Australia programs. Outcomes from activities contributed to UN SDG targets: 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.5, 15.8 and 15.A.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 33 IMPACT STORY

REVEGETATION FOR THREATENED SPECIES Protecting a threatened ecological community from feral pigs and other pest animals

BACKGROUND A key objective for this project The Ellen Brockman Integrated was to fence a 1.0-hectare section Catchment Group Inc. has an of the threatened ecological extensive record of implementing community where feral pig activity projects to restore natural had been observed. The goal was healthy ecosystems and protect to use exclusion fencing to aid This project contributes to the United waterways along the Ellen Brook vegetation recovery and compare Nations Sustainable Development it to a similar area that is not Goals by protecting critically and Brockman River in Western endangered species from habitat Australia. fenced. degradation and predation from In 2019, the Ellen Brockman feral species in collaboration with The group maintains a strong Integrated Catchment Group multiple stakeholders and project relationship with the Department partners. of Biodiversity, Conservation and was successful in obtaining a Attractions (DBCA), enabling them Gallagher Landcare Fencing Grant to work on government reserves to implement this fencing project. and estates to help protect and Together with the DBCA, they used revegetate habitat. They have the grant to fence off part of the worked together on a Threatened habitat of the Western Swamp Species project to revegetate a Tortoise, to protect them from 22-hectare paddock to protect the feral pig predation. Western Swamp Tortoise and the water that is available to them. IMPLEMENTATION The Western Swamp Tortoise • A project site was selected is one of the most Threatened that contained a water hole Species in Australia. Most of the frequented by the Western tortoises that are left are bred Swamp Tortoise during the in zoos and released into highly winter months making them restricted protected areas. vulnerable to predation.

34 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT The environmental outcomes of this trial project are very encouraging showing reduced or no grazing damage to the fenced off vegetation.

• Gallagher representatives and With the fencing installed, no feral The funding and support from DBCA Officers undertook fencing pigs entered the area resulting Gallagher and Landcare Australia, activities at the site. in no fouling of the waterhole as well as the collaboration • A pig trap and surveillance and no predation on the Western between our community groups cameras were set up prior to the Swamp Tortoise. and the Officers of the DBCA, has fencing to record feral animal made a significant impact on The group is continuing to movement. the protection of this Threatened monitor the fence lines and Species.” • Seedling survival numbers were potential entry points of the counted prior to the fencing feral pigs by camera. They With the trial proving successful, activities commencing. are also monitoring the plant it is hoped that the Ellen Brockman • A Gallagher Westonfence growth, enabling them to make a Integrated Catchment Group powered by a MBS1000i Solar comparison between revegetation and the DBCA will be able to Energizer was installed on the success inside and outside implement an expanded project to site to protect the Western the fence. protect the 180-hectare reserve. Swamp Tortoise from feral pig predation. According to Rosanna Hindmarsh, Executive Director of the Ellen PREVIOUS PAGE: The Western • Surveillance cameras were Brockman Integrated Catchment Swamp Tortoise is one of the most installed at strategic points. Threatened Species in Australia. Group, “The Gallagher Landcare IMPACT Fencing Grant was timely in ABOVE LEFT: Local Gallagher that the waterhole needed to representative demonstrates fence The environmental outcomes be protected from feral pigs installation. of this trial project are very before the Western Swamp encouraging, showing reduced or ABOVE RIGHT: Department of Tortoises came out of aestivation no grazing damage to the fenced- Biodiversity, Conservation and (hibernation) in winter. The pigs Attractions hard at work installing off revegetation that provides foul the water, destroying the the fence. cover and protection for the vegetation and prey on Western Swamp Tortoises that the tortoises. utilise the waterhole.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 35 IMPACT STORY

LANDCARE FARMING PROGRAM Building awareness, sharing knowledge and demonstrating best land management practices

The Landcare Farming Program is implement activities to increase a project supported by Landcare awareness and support for Australia and the National Landcare carbon neutral and natural capital Network through funding from the accounting. These activities will Australian Government’s National build an understanding for primary Landcare Program. producers and land managers on how they can participate in The Landcare Farming Program is these evolving market niches. The working to increase the awareness, activities will also demonstrate and knowledge and participation in record the impact of practices best the adoption of best practice and suited to improve soil and water leading Research, Development, health, and maintain or increase Working with Australian farmers Extension and Adoption (RDE&A) biodiversity. to strengthen the resilience of activities. The objectives are to farm production and profitability in a changing climate, through strengthen connections between The Landcare Farming Program the adaptive management of landcare and the agricultural will support primary producers and soil, waterways and increased sector, and to increase landcare’s land managers with tools, training biodiversity. contribution to agricultural and opportunities, online resources community resilience across and case studies. The resources Australia. will focus on how to maintain or improve soil, water health, and/ Over the last 12 months, the or improve biodiversity outcomes Landcare Farming Program has amongst Australian land managers been working with key stakeholders and their industry advisors. to develop a national Landcare Farming strategy that uses local Working with our stakeholders, networks and knowledge, and we will develop a joint reporting the latest industry research. process ensuring robust monitoring Over the next year the team will and evaluation measures, to

36 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT Landcare producers: putting ‘green’ THE SIX THEMES IN THE in the ‘clean and green’ for Australian LANDCARE FARMING PROGRAM 1. Vegetation management and agriculture production. ecosystem enhancement (soil health, weed management, private conservation agreements or landscape restoration projects collectively demonstrate the soil health, water quality and or similar). impact Landcare Farming is biodiversity outcomes. 2. Managing pasture condition/ having across the landscape. The Individual producers will be able to pressure and cover (grassfed, Landcare Farming Program will align their own on-farm practices natural systems, erosion control, help to provide increased support with the Landcare Farming integrated pest management, and recognition for good land biosecurity) to promote improved Principles – which will provide managers. The information will soil and water outcomes. evidence for the Landcare Farming demonstrate the profitability and 3. Increased biodiversity and Program to demonstrate its reach sustainability of Australia’s primary landscape stewardship (offsets, and impact. industries to people involved in the corridors, microclimate planting, agriculture industry. The principles will be developed restoration or regeneration of from Australian agriculture degraded sites etc.) Six themes underpin the Landcare industry sustainability strategies 4. Managing carbon/natural Farming Program. They are aligned (carbon and leading research. Each capital footprint to key agriculture investment plantings, soil carbon increase, principle will demonstrate streams and their reporting energy and input reductions etc.) agriculture best management requirements. These themes also to meet a carbon neutral and practices that support the natural capital market niches. align with the United Nations resilience of Australian grass- Sustainable Development Goals 5. Drought resilience (which would roots farming communities. These collate and build on the above (UN SDGs) which guide Australian principles will be designed in areas) to help producers build government policy, the agriculture conjunction with key stakeholders. a management plan for their industry and commercial They will be used to guide project business. sustainability reporting strategies. investments aligned to landcare 6. People, Planning and Personal The Landcare Farming Program practices, producers and their Performance – develop people will use these themes to develop and business skills for increased networks, with natural capital a key set of principles or confidence in making timely accounting and carbon neutral performance indicators, that align business decisions. farming. on–farm practices to improved

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 37 IMPACT STORY

BIODIVERSITY Pedalling the Great Victorian Rail Trail with Landcare

BACKGROUND IMPACT Since 2017, VicTrack Landcare Weed removal Grants have provided funding to With the assistance of community the Upper Goulburn Landcare groups including Conservation Network for its project Pedalling Volunteers Australia, Landmate the Great Victorian Rail Trail with Environmental Works Team, Landcare. Yea High School students and The Great Victorian Rail Trail contractors from Habitat Land in Central Victoria provides an Management and Landscape important ecological function, Change, the Upper Goulburn allowing animal species to move Landcare Network has controlled This project contributes to the United between patches of remnant weeds along approximately 32km Nations Sustainable Development bushland, waterways and state of the rail trail, targeting Blackberry Goals by schools, youth groups, (Rubus fruticosus), English Broom Traditional Owners and community forest. The trail requires ongoing (Cytisus scoparius), Cape Broom members working together to maintenance and supplementary generate safe and healthy public planting to help secure and (Genista monspessullana) and Gorse green spaces and access to maintain its biodiversity values. (Ulex europaeus). sustainable transport options to link rural communities, improve habitat In 2019-20, using its $20,000 Ecological burns for wildlife and build resilience to VicTrack Landcare Grant, the Limestone and Merton CFA climate change. Upper Goulburn Landcare Brigades assisted in three ecological Network’s project goals were to burns to help control weeds and reduce overall weed cover and promote new growth. The project improve habitat condition across also increased native species the length of the rail trail, by diversity in high-conservation value targeting high-threat noxious and native grassland areas of the rail environmental weeds. trail near Limestone and Cheviot. This ecological burning is especially

38 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT important for Kangaroo Grass students and other community of biodiversity significance along (Themeda triandra) tussocks, as they members helped to control the rail trail, as well as planting can die-off when the plants are woody weeds and maintain the locally Indigenous plants. Weed smothered by increasing levels of revegetation areas at the site. removal and revegetation to in-fill dead plant material. gaps and understory diversity A nature walk and bird count in the natural vegetation has The ecological burns also helped allowed community members to ensuredPAGE the 28: improved735 native seedlings condition and regenerate the native herbs, explore the local Grassy Woodland. the 90x30cm SureGro Tree Max Beast and connectivity of the native groundcovers and wildflowers. A field day with local landcare Guards were provided by the EGLN vegetation, and suppressed weeds Through undertaking these groups highlighted the significance to nine planting sites of volunteer frommembers returning. (like the Raymond Island ecological burns, the Upper of the remnant vegetation in Landcare Group) identified through Goulburn Landcare Network has a stretch of high conservation This Landcaretheir revegetation Network program. is receiving built its relationship with the local significant Grassy Woodland. It vital support to continue the Taungurung Aboriginal Community also provided a demonstration on PedallingABOVE: the SureGro Great BeastVictorian Guards Rail and developed a new partnership the techniques landcare uses to Trail areLandcare made of project durable securingmaterials and designed to reduce browsing pressure with the Merton CFA Brigade. maintain and improve the health another VicTrack Landcare Grant in as animals cannot reach inside the of this special site. 2020. This will help maintain strong, Nest boxes guard to eat the plants. community-led involvement in the With the assistance of the Yea An Upper Goulburn Landcare Rail Trail, and see that its important High School woodwork teacher Network spokesperson said, biodiversity values are protected and students, 40 nest boxes were “These community activities are and enhanced into the future. constructed and installed along very rewarding and educational the rail trail in areas lacking in and a great way for the local natural hollows. The nest box community and others to fully PREVIOUS PAGE: Controlled ecological burn undertaken with the assistance appreciate the significance of this installation had an instant benefit of the Limestone CFA. to local wildlife including Sugar area as a native habitat and an Gliders observed using them. The important wildlife corridor.” ABOVE: With the assistance of the high school students will return Yea High School woodwork teacher Working together with a cross- and students, 40 nest boxes were regularly for ongoing monitoring section of the local community, the constructed and installed along the and observation. Upper Goulburn Landcare Network rail trail in areas lacking in natural has successfully focused on hollows. Their installation had an Community and Social Outcomes instant benefit to local wildlife with Working bees at Homewood with controlling woody environmental, Sugar Gliders observed using them. members of the Yellow Creek/Dairy state and nationally listed noxious Creek Landcare Group, school and environmental weeds in areas

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 39 IMPACT STORY

COASTCARE Restoring and rehabilitating a fire damaged Queensland coastal reserve

In 2019, the Coca-Cola Foundation a coastal corridor between the and Landcare Australia awarded a Gold Coast mainland and South second year of Coastal Protection Stradbroke Island. The reserve Grants to community groups. supports coastal forest, woodland, grassland and wetland vegetation Groups across six states were communities and provides vital awarded a grant of up to $15,000 habitat for a variety of terrestrial each to support projects on and and marine species. along various waterways, including coastal and river systems. The Friends of Federation Walk have grants also help support been rehabilitating and planting community action and education dune flora and maintaining weed Supporting the Coca-Cola activities that promote water as a control and debris removal for Foundation’s commitment key natural asset. 20 years. In 2019, they were towards the United Nations successful with their application Sustainable Development Goals, by Substantial environmental, for a Coca-Cola Foundation providing funding to community cultural, social and educational and Landcare Australia Coastal projects to protect and enhance outcomes were achieved through coastal and marine ecosystems, Protection Grant to help restore the hard work of dedicated while supporting mitigation and and rehabilitate a 2,200m² site volunteers, community members, adaptation to climate change and within the Federation Walk bushfire events. local businesses, schools and Coastal Reserve that was severely government bodies. The project damaged by fire in 2015. undertaken by the Friends of Federation Walk in Queensland is Approximately 4,480 plants were one example. planted with a survival rate of over 80 percent, which given the dry The Federation Walk Coastal weather conditions, is an excellent Reserve is an intact dune system outcome. The plants were selected on the Southport Spit that forms

40 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT Federation Walk have been rehabilitating and planting dune flora and maintaining weed control and debris removal for 20 years. based on the endangered Regional Ecosystem to improve species diversity and promote the establishment of a littoral rainforest at the site. The group held a beach clean-up activity resulting in the removal of over 1,500 pieces of rubbish from the coastal environment. This, along with two other community working bees hosted by the Friends of Federation Walk resulted in 180 volunteers contributing almost 500 hours of their time. These activities helped to raise community awareness of litter and the importance of PREVIOUS PAGE: Volunteers celebrate helping our coastal environment. their participation in a community planting event with the Friends of The planting area will be Federation Walk. maintained as part of the Federation Walk community TOP: Sign acknowledging the project. project with ongoing community ABOVE: Friends of Federation Walk activities that include planting, volunteers planting thousands of litter removal, weeding and plants along the burnt areas of the watering activities. Federation Walk Coastal Reserve.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 41 IMPACT STORY

JUNIOR LANDCARE Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants Program achieves positive environmental, educational and social outcomes

The Victorian Government A second round of grants was Department of Environment, offered in 2019 and the 128 Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) organisations who received extended its partnership with funding will be completing their Landcare Australia in 2018 projects late 2020. Overall, DELWP to launch the Victorian Junior has funded 237 projects for a Landcare and Biodiversity total of over $860,000. Insights Grants Program. The grants of from the reports provided by the up to $5,000 each are delivered grant recipients demonstrates in partnership with Landcare the program successfully engages Australia. They support primary young people across Victoria in and secondary schools, fun, environmental educational kindergartens, preschools, activities. To date, over 12,000 childcare centres, Scouts, Girl young Victorians have been Guides and other youth groups. assisted by 2,500 adult volunteers. The 109 recipients of the 2018 Applications for a third grants Victorian Junior Landcare and round opened at the end of June The project contributes to the United Biodiversity Grants completed 2020. The grant recipients were Nations Sustainable Development Goals by enabling school students to improve their projects in late 2019. announced in September. curriculum-based learning through Grant recipients reported positive environmental education and on- Participation in the Victorian ground projects, while enhancing their Junior Landcare and Biodiversity environmental, educational and local environment and communities. Grant projects involves a range social outcomes with over 80% of Outcomes also contribute to the of activities that allow schools projects undertaking on-ground Victorian Government’s Biodiversity and groups to connect with actions to support their local Plan: Protecting Victoria’s Environment – environment. Ninety-two percent Biodiversity 2037. nature through on-ground and educational activities. of the projects involved activities

42 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT ABOVE: Children at Jack and Jill Kindergarten participated in their project called ‘Bugs Around Us’ that provided educational outcomes including investigating, exploring and understanding how insects live in and share our gardens as well as how insects ‘work’ and co-exist within their habitat.

LEFT: Rowville Primary School students in suburban Melbourne built a Frog Bog within the school grounds providing a learning space to complement their studies on habitat, lifecycles and biodiversity.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Northcote High School’s project entailed developing habitat restoration activities on the banks of the Merri Creek and Merri Park Wetland. Environmental science students experienced hands-on learning about the importance of biodiversity. to improve habitat for native The Victorian Junior Landcare animals or insects. and Biodiversity Grants Program provides students with an Other types of Junior Landcare opportunity to participate in a projects in the reports included diverse range of activities such as the restoration of habitat on citizen science, soil testing, nest school grounds, along waterways box installation and monitoring, and in parks and reserves. Over weeding and planting native 400 excursions and incursions species. Grant recipients are also were conducted, providing an engaging with local environmental opportunity for students and groups, providing pathways educators to be taught by experts beyond the grants program for who could share their knowledge participants to contribute to in a local context. improving Victoria’s environment in their local community.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 43 IMPACT STORY

CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERING Mega employee environmental volunteering day contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainability Development Goals

Landcare Australia works in and several local landcare groups KPMG Partner for Corporate partnership with organisations at eight locations in Adelaide, Citizenship, Catherine Hunter said, to help them achieve their Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and “KPMG is passionate about the sustainability objectives through Sydney. The KPMG team got their power of business to empower targeted actions. Now and in hands dirty helping with weeding, change in our communities. The the future, many businesses planting and a variety of bush collective impact created from are working to incorporate the regeneration activities. this day was both unifying for our United Nations Sustainability people and raises awareness of For Landcare Australia, this was Development Goals (UN SDGs) our ability to support the UN’s the largest number of staff from into their business plans and SDGs and our role in finding a single business participating strategies. sustainable solutions to these local in a corporate environmental and global issues.” An example of how one volunteering activity on one day. organisation can contribute to Landcare Australia was also the ABOVE: A team of Perth KPMG multiple UN SDGs in one day, is largest of the host organisations employees volunteering to work Landcare Australia partner, KPMG. for KPMG’s Day of Action. with the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL) at On 25 September 2019, KPMG Corporate support for biodiversity Bull Creek Reserve, a high priority joined a global Day of Action in and other sustainability initiatives catchment under the Swan Canning support of the UN SDGs. Across has the potential to contribute to Water Quality Improvement Plan. Australia, 3,500 staff volunteered multiple UN SDGs as evidenced in with more than 100 organisations, the graphic on the facing page. The including Landcare Australia, graphic shows how the corporate OzHarvest and Beyond Blue. volunteering events on KPMG’s Over 450 KPMG employees Day of Action contributed to eight worked with Landcare Australia of the UN SDGs.

44 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT KPMG AUSTRALIA’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS THROUGH VOLUNTEERING WITH LANDCARE AUSTRALIA 454 KPMG EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN 7, 577 VOLUNTEERING TOTAL NUMBER OF PLANTS 2,245

PLANTED TOTAL VOLUNTEERING HOURS

Volunteers LOCAL educated on litter GROUPS collection 8 ENGAGED 13 THREATENED SPECIES HABITATS KGs litter IMPROVED 280 collected

Took action to restore marine and coastal ecosystems for future generations

Helped support improvement in wetland 454 water quality and biodiversity People educated on environmental Volunteers educated on Indigenous values sustainability

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 45

PARTNERSHIPS Government Partners

Landcare Australia has AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT worked collaboratively DEPARTMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, WATER AND ENVIRONMENT, LAND, WATER with federal, state and THE ENVIRONMENT & PLANNING local governments and The National Landcare Program The Victorian Government’s their agencies for over is a key part of the Australian Department of Environment, 30 years to support the Government’s commitment to Land, Water & Planning (DELWP), natural resource management, and through the Victorian Landcare landcare community with is administered by the Department Program, provided funding and activities that: of Agriculture, Water and the support to Landcare Australia to Environment. Landcare Australia leverage corporate and other non- • support the sharing of knowledge receives funding from the National government funding for Landcare and promote the development Landcare Program to deliver the projects in Victoria. following projects: the National of community leadership and The support provided by DELWP Landcare Conference, the National resilience helps to increase the funding Landcare Awards, the State & • recognise and celebrate the available to Victoria’s landcare Territory Landcare Awards, the Bob achievements of the landcare groups and schools for a diverse Hawke Landcare Award, Landcare community range of landcare projects across in Focus magazine, Landcarer and • encourage participation in the state. This support includes the Landcare Farming Program. landcare activities and the the Victorian Junior Landcare and recruitment and retention of Landcare Australia was a large Biodiversity Grants. volunteers scale service provider for the 20 • attract government, corporate Million Trees Program from 2015 – and philanthropic funding and 2020. During this period Landcare in-kind support for good quality, Australia delivered seven large hands on projects and programs scale revegetation projects across that will improve environmental South Australia and Victoria. These outcomes projects supported Threatened • support the adoption of Species conservation, engaged sustainable agriculture with the community, helped build a practices that will deliver a resilient landscape and significantly more productive and profitable contributed to achieving the agriculture industry. Australian Government’s goal of 20 Million Trees.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 47 PARTNERS Corporate Partners

Landcare Australia strongly Landcare Australia has worked in PHOTO BELOW: An a2 Milk™ values the crucial financial partnership with a diverse range of Sustainable Agriculture Landcare businesses to help them achieve Grant enabled Leo and Sue Cleary to and in-kind contributions their goals in specific areas, as well improve their farm’s sustainability and environmental outcomes. we receive through our as delivering funding for grants, corporate and philanthropic projects and community capacity building activities. partnerships. Support In 2019-2020, Landcare Australia from our partners enables partnered with 28 organisations Landcare Australia to across the country to support provide funding for quality, the landcare community with sustainable land management and on-ground projects. conservation activities.

48 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT THE a2 MILK COMPANY AUSTRALIAN GAS In early 2020, INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP seven farms in One of the largest gas infrastructure Victoria and New businesses in Australia, AGIG South Wales that (Australian Gas Infrastructure supply milk to The Group) owns and operates the “Our responsibility a2 Milk™ Company Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas to the natural were recipients of the third round Pipeline in Western Australia. Their of a2 Milk™ Sustainable Agriculture partnership with Landcare Australia environment, our Landcare Grants, an investment of currently funds projects near the $200,000. pipeline that focus on eradication of communities and a feral animal species. The grants support further on- resilient supply chain farm achievement in sustainability Following the successful starts at the farm gate. practices with positive completion of the first round of environmental and business AGIG Landcare Grant projects The a2 Milk™ Company outcomes for farmers. in December 2019, a second is proud to support grant round awarded three more Since its inception in 2017, the recipients a grant of $10,000 each. partnership between Landcare the environmental Australia and The a2 Milk™ Scheduled for completion in sustainability of our Company has provided more late 2020, these projects focus than $600,000 of funding for on protecting threatened and farms by awarding sustainability initiatives on a2 endangered species: grants to our a2 Milk™ Milk™ farms. farmers to contribute Each year, Australia’s 25 a2™ certified dairy farmers are invited to investments in to submit their applications for an a2 Milk™ Sustainable Agriculture initiatives such as solar Landcare Grant, to fund further power generation, development in on-farm sustainability practices. soil quality and During the year, dairy farmers waste-water recycling who received grants in 2018-2019 projects, through completed their projects. One farmer who installed solar panels our partnership with in his dairy, reports substantial savings in utility costs of more than Landcare Australia.” 15% and aims to install a storage battery in the future. Another PETER NATHAN recipient who has upgraded her CEO TM farm’s effluent management The a2 Milk Company system to meet environmental Asia Pacific best practice, has observed an improvement in water utilisation An AGIG Landcare Grant project is helping for fertilisation of pastures in more restore bore water supply for the critically areas of the property. endangered Western Ringtail Possum.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 49 AGIG continued ARTC to perform in this changing climate. • The Ellen Brockman Integrated The workshop provided an excellent Catchment Group is helping to opportunity for farmers to get protect the critical habitat of the together with others in the region King Spider-orchid, the priority who are also experiencing drought species Quenda, a sub-species of conditions. One participant said, the Southern Brown Bandicoot “The more knowledge we have as and the Western Brush Wallaby. farmers, the better equipped we are to successfully • The Waterbird Conservation tackle the Group Inc. is also improving drought.” habitat for the Southern Brown Bandicoot as well as the Blue- billed Duck and Rakali (commonly BUSHMANS TANKS known as water rats). • FAWNA (Fostering and Assistance for Wildlife Needing Aid) is helping restore the bore water supply and to collect rainwater Presenter at Drought Resilience Workshop for farmers funded by ARTC. for hand reared orphaned or abandoned critically endangered Australian Rail Track Corporation Western Ringtail Possums found (ARTC) has partnered with Landcare on the Swan Coastal Plain from Australia since 2017 to fund Dawesville to Manjimup. Junior Landcare grant programs. In late 2019, the partnership was Students at Hills Christian Community enhanced with the ARTC Landcare AUSTRALIAN HOME HEATING School in South Australia working on their ASSOCIATION INC. Drought Assistance grants awarded creek restoration and revegetation project to two landcare groups located in funded by a Bushmans Junior Landcare The Australian Home Heating NSW’s Central West. Grant. Association (AHHA) is the peak industry body representing over The grants helped the groups Bushmans Tanks and Landcare 250 manufacturers, retailers, to increase community and Australia began their partnership installers and maintenance environmental drought resilience in 2019 to increase awareness companies of the home heating and share their stories with a about rainwater harvesting and to industry. wider audience. Central West support children to play an active Farming Systems, one of the role in creating a sustainable future. A long-time supporter of Landcare grant recipients, held a workshop The company’s support resulted Australia, AHHA is committed to where participants gained valuable in 16 primary schools in regional promoting home heating solutions information about soil health and areas of Victoria, South Australia, that benefit consumers and the the way pasture management Queensland and New South Wales environment. contributes to this crucial element receiving an inaugural Bushmans An AHHA Junior Landcare Grants of successful land management. Junior Landcare Grant. Program is being planned for 2021. The farmers appreciated the Over 1,300 students engaged in information shared in the workshop, grant projects focused on water providing them with knowledge to conservation. The projects ranged better withstand drought conditions from installing irrigation systems, and build resilience in their farming to creating native and bush tucker enterprises, improving their ability gardens and frog bogs.

50 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT BUSHMANS TANKS continued These funds represent a major With the success of these grants, a contribution to the Landcare second round of Bushmans Junior Australia Bushfire Recovery Landcare Grants will be awarded Grants distributed in May to 23 late 2020. Landcare groups, community groups and land managers who In early 2020, in the wake of the “Landcare Australia’s are undertaking crucial bushfire devastating Australian bushfires, recovery projects. In 2020/21 CHEP mission fit with Bushmans donated close to $50,000 and Landcare Australia will be to the Landcare Australia Bushfire & Bushmans’ core partnering on their first project to Natural Disaster Recovery Program. regenerate the landscape and help purpose of Saving to create greater resilience against Australia’s Water. bushfires and biodiversity loss. Our experience with The partnership also offers meaningful volunteering Landcare Australia opportunities for CHEP’s employees to join their local communities over the past 12 CHEP and help to regenerate the months has exceeded environment. CHEP employees are looking forward to participating in our expectations and future corporate environmental is an organisation volunteering events, when it we are proud to is safe to do so. partner with.”

COCA-COLA AUSTRALIA CHRIS GLENN Coca-Cola Managing Director Australia has Bushmans Tanks partnered CHEP employees participating in corporate with Landcare environmental volunteering. Australia since 2006, providing funding to Landcare Australia partnered with a range of community projects CHEP Australia in 2019 to deliver and engaging employees in strategic projects that will create environmental volunteering value for CHEP’s supply chain activities across Australia. partners, and also benefit the environment and regional farming The partnership also supports communities. In February, CHEP Coca-Cola Australia’s commitment generously donated over $130,000 to the United Nations Sustainable to the Landcare Australia Bushfire Development Goals (UN SDGs). & Natural Disaster Recovery In 2019, for the second year in a Fund, they also encouraged CHEP row, the Coca-Cola Foundation employees to make a donation and Landcare Australia Coastal support landcare communities in Protection Grants program areas affected by the devastating supported eight community 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires. projects.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 51 COCA-COLA AUSTRALIA continued groups in six states who were recipients of the inaugural grants program. The projects included a combination of in-kind electric fencing and monetary support from “Coca-Cola Australia Gallagher. together with The Grazing management projects used electric fencing to improve pasture Coca-Cola Foundation management techniques – utilising has had a long both permanent and portable A 2019 Coca-Cola Foundation Landcare systems to subdivide paddocks for and proud history Australia Coastal Protection Grant enabled more effective grazing. For example, the Friends of North Ocean Reef-Iluka the Cattlelyst project utilised a of partnering with Foreshore in WA to improve the coastline at Iluka through the rehabilitation of the Gallagher Permanent Electric Landcare Australia dunes by removal of weed species and Fencing system to subdivide grazing revegetation with endemic species. paddocks into smaller cells, to and its Coastcare ensure cattle could be managed in a Outcomes from the 2019 projects more efficient way. This ensures the program since 2006. were excellent, including 3.5 grass is kept short and fresh, high in tonnes of rubbish collected, 7,800 Fantastic outcomes energy and more palatable – which native plants planted by 945 will ultimately lead to increased have been achieved, volunteers contributing over 7,480 meat production. hours. Read the Coastcare Impact not only for local Story on page 40. communities and This program continues to support their surrounding Landcare and Coastcare groups who are working on and along various environment, but waterways to improve marine towards our broader water quality and native habitat by preventing the impact of pollution business priorities entering the marine environment. Environmental, social and around water educational benefits are numerous replenishment and with positive effects enduring into In Victoria, the Basalt to Bay Landcare the future. Network’s project involved fencing a marine pollution predator proof multi-use farm and conservation paddock to increase breeding as well.” GALLAGHER success of Southern Brown Bandicoots (a Threatened Species) and to build a secure The Gallagher Landcare Fencing habitat for breeding ewes. ANNA DEAR Grants program was launched Public Affairs and Read the Revegetation for in 2019, with the company Threatened Species Protection Sustainability Manager keen to increase their efforts in Impact Story on page 34 about Coca-Cola Australia supporting local communities outcomes from one of the fencing and the environment. The grants projects in Western Australia. provided support for conservation and grazing management fencing projects across the country. There were 13 graziers and Landcare

52 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT HAWKE’S BREWING CO Hawke’s Brewing Hawke’s Brewing Co. is an conducted campaigns independent, Australian-owned during the year to company that believes in raise further funds for supporting the land that grows Landcare Australia. its ingredients. In 2017, Landcare Most notably, the “89 Kegs for “Gallagher remain Bob” campaign was a tribute to Australia partnered with the beer committed to our company named after former Mr Hawke’s passing at age 89. Australian Prime Minister, the Hawke’s Brewing donated 89 kegs partnership with Hon. Bob Hawke AC. Mr Hawke of their beer to selected pubs with kindly donated his royalties from 100 percent of the sale proceeds Landcare Australia the company to help support on- donated towards projects to and are humbled ground Landcare projects. protect and restore the habitat of Threatened Species. As a result by the impact our of these campaigns, the Hawke’s Brewing Landcare Grants will be support has had awarded in 2020 to help restore on the success of a and protect Australia’s biodiversity. number of projects

JARAMAS FOUNDATION across the country. We are pleased to

In December 2019, on what would have be able to play a been Bob Hawke’s 90th birthday, his granddaughter, Sophie Taylor-Price, small part to support second from left, honoured the late former local communities Prime Minister at a special celebration at The Clock Hotel in Sydney’s Surry in facilitating grazing Hills. Sophie poured the first schooner of ‘Hawke’s Legend IPA’, a special limited management and release from Hawke’s Brewing Co. All proceeds from the celebratory keg were conservation projects donated to the Hawke’s Brewing Landcare Australia Threatened Species Grants. to help improve the Also pictured (R-L), Luke Ikeda, Landcare Australia Partnership Manager, Melissa A key component of the Riverina health of Australia’s Higgins, Landcare Australia Marketing & Highlands Landcare Network project was Communications Director, Nathan Lennon propagating 2,000 native climate ready natural environment and David Gibson, owners of Hawke’s tubestock led by a team of volunteers at Brewing Co. the local Landcare nursery. and consequently, the sustainability of the Throughout his life, Mr Hawke The Jaramas Foundation and remained a strong supporter of Landcare Australia have partnered agricultural industry.” Landcare Australia and the landcare since 2012 to support Landcare and movement. With Mr Hawke’s community groups to undertake MALCOLM LINN passing in 2019, his estate is sustainable agriculture projects. The General Manager (Australia) generously continuing to donate his two groups who received funding in royalty share from Hawke’s Brewing Animal Management 2019, received additional funding in Gallagher to Landcare Australia to support 2020 so they could continue with the landcare projects. work on their projects.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 53 JARAMAS FOUNDATION continued With their 2019 funding, the Harden Murrumburrah Landcare Group updated its website to provide members and landholders “Helping to build better access to data collected from the network. The network more sustainable provides data on soil water communities is content, plant available water, stored water, changes in stored a key aim of the water, soil electrical conductivity, soil temperature, soil depths and Jaramas Foundation. The increasing awareness of the decline in rainfall. Their 2020 funding is koala populations is driving a desire in the Our long term enabling the group to install and community to support conservation efforts implement new software that that will increase koala food and habitat partnership with creates figures, graphs and tables by conducting re-vegetation plantings. Landcare Australia with the data collected making the information even more usable for The grant is helping the Network has allowed us to landholders and researchers. implement its Tree Change for Koalas project. The project support grassroots Riverina Highlands Landcare involves growing plants that will rural projects Network’s 2019 project enabled the eventually restore koala habitat and group to work with landholders to compensate its population decline which bring people connect areas of native vegetation due to the recent bush fires. across their properties to mitigate This project is supporting the together to support land degradation and adapt to the capacity of three volunteer-run impacts of climate change. For their each other and community nurseries to grow and 2020 project, the group is helping supply appropriate koala food and improve their local landholders restore paddock trees habitat tree species according to to grazing areas burnt in the Dunn’s environment.” provenance and land type. The food Road fire. Fire affected landholders and trees will then be distributed will be provided with advanced ROBIN CRAIG to landholders and relevant local seedlings and cattle- Chair community groups for revegetation proof tree guards projects in the Macleay Valley. Jaramas Foundation to plant on their properties. KPMG KONICA MINOLTA In 2019-2020 KPMG and Landcare Australia collaborated on two major Konica Minolta has been a Landcare projects. On 25 September 2019, Australia partner since 2011. the company joined a global Day In 2020 the Macleay Landcare of Action in support of the United Network in New South Wales was Nations Sustainable Development the recipient of a Konica Minolta Goals (UN SDGs). Over 450 KPMG Landcare grant that was funded by employees volunteered with employee donations landcare groups across eight and matched by locations in Adelaide, Brisbane, Konica Minolta. Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

54 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT KPMG continued Read the article on page 44 about the day’s impact and how it contributed to multiple UN SDGs. KPMG conducts research for global companies and governments “We deeply value across the world and as part of their commitment to making a our partnership with difference to the environment and Landcare Australia communities in Australia. Landcare Australia partnered not only for the with KPMG Australia through its opportunities it Pro Bono @KPMG program to carry out a research project to provides for our explore the different pathways employees to engage that people take into Landcare; the Latina Fresh have commenced a trial impacts that they experience both that will help improve resilience of more deeply with individually and in communities; regional farming systems. and the potential collective their local landcare economic benefit derived from 50% to 70% of communities and specific non-environmental Australian durum impacts of participation in wheat is grown in environmental landcare. The northwest New groups, but also KPMG Landcare South Wales. Wellbeing Following a needs analysis because of the way it Report will be conducted with wheat farmers helps Konica Minolta launched in 2021. in northwest New South Wales, Landcare Australia and Latina Fresh achieve its broader commenced a trial project that will societal impact develop methods for conserving Spring and Summer rainfall in the objectives.” soils and storing it for when needed by crops. Farmers in this area have MEREDITH ROACH struggled with drought conditions Chief Communications and on their land for many years. Sustainability Officer (CCSO) The methods being employed in Konica Minolta Business this trial project have been shown to Solutions Australia help stabilise soils, increase fallow A group to 450 KPMG volunteers in efficiency, and, in the medium to Adelaide. long term, help improve resilience of regional farming systems. LATINA FRESH When completed, Landcare General Mills is a global Australia and Latina Fresh will organisation and their brand Latina jointly share the learnings from Fresh, has been making fresh pasta these trials to benefit all farmers in using high quality Australian durum the region to advance sustainable wheat for over 20 years. Some agricultural practices in Australia.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 55 LENDLEASE and pumps. Project benefits for Lendlease is an international the farmer include increased soil property and infrastructure group fertility, improved pasture quality with core expertise in shaping and pasture production, reduced cities and creating strong and nutrient overload, maximised connected communities. With a effluent usage and reduced vision to create places with a strong fertilizer and water usage. focus on safety, innovation and sustainability for people today LITTLE CREATURES and for generations to come, in Landcare Australia’s partnership late 2019, Lendlease partnered with Western Australian brewing with Landcare Australia to create a company Little Creatures, started Lendlease Junior Landcare Grants in 2017 with a focus on Coastcare. Program. In late 2019, Little Creatures, The program’s goal is to support the provided a grant to support a next generation of environmental Coastcare project that would help and community leaders by fostering to restore and protect an area in relationships with youth, the local the iconic Margaret River region. community and Traditional Owners. The project site in Yallingup is A pilot round of Lendlease Junior surrounded by the Leeuwin- Landcare grants will be awarded Owners of this South Australian dairy farm Naturaliste National Park and in late 2020 to schools in multiple used their 2019-2020 Lion Dairy Pride is identified as an iconic surf states. Landcare Grant to install solar panels and location. a battery on their dairy shed. It is now The projects undertaken by grant providing 30% of the operation’s energy recipients will help create tangible needs and has cut their carbon emissions. connections between community stakeholders for greater social They implemented a range of and environmental outcomes to sustainability projects, including benefit the local using renewable energy by community installing solar panels, improving LOCKHEED MARTIN and to leave a soil and water quality and AUSTRALIA lasting legacy. reforestation of creek lines. The Lockheed Martin Australia has been project outcomes show that energy a Landcare Australia partner since efficient technologies helped 2017. The company is committed LION the farmers reduce their farms’ to a community relations program Landcare Australia and Lion’s Dairy carbon footprint and energy that invests in the quality of life & Drinks division have partnered costs associated with activities of communities where their since 2015 to offer the annual Lion undertaken during electricity peak- employees work and live. Pride Landcare Grants program. usage hours. In 2020, projects in Victoria, Eight dairy farmers and two orchard Farmers with projects focused on South Australia and New South growers in New South Wales, land management were able to Wales received Lockheed Martin Queensland, Victoria, Western improve their pastures Landcare Grants: Australia and South Australia were and orange crop recipients of 2019-2020 Lion Dairy quality by building Pride and Orchard Pride Landcare new effluent dams, Grants of up to $10,000 each. irrigation systems

56 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT LOCKHEED MARTIN AUSTRALIA As part MLA is a not-for-profit research continued of their and marketing service provider community for the Australian red meat engagement and livestock industry, that in program, partnership with Australian under the Australian Good Meat government and research bodies initiative, three groups in Victoria and industry stakeholders, works and New South Wales were to foster the long-term prosperity recipients of the MLA Landcare of the Australian cattle, sheep and Excellence in Sustainable Farming goat sector. Grants. These grants recognise MLA’s Australian Good Meat and support landcare, farming initiative highlights how Australia and community groups who sets the standard for world-class have demonstrated continued industry practices, including dedication and excellence in the areas of environmental sustainable agriculture in livestock The Yarra Riverkeeper Association’s project sustainability, land, water, production. will serve as a pilot for other sites on the biodiversity and climate variability. river to increase urban green space and To help demonstrate MLA’s consequently improve urban biodiversity and vegetation cooling. commitment to sustainable agriculture, to inspire kids to NBN CO • The Yarra Riverkeeper learn how their food is produced NBN partnered with Landcare Association’s project, Rewilding and how to manage natural Australia in late 2019 to help enable the Yarra at Burnley has resources for food production, Australian farmers to be more volunteers doing on-ground work the organisation will also be resilient through driving innovative to weed and mulch, followed by supporting a round of Junior farming practices and sharing coordinated planting at the right Landcare Grants in late 2020. knowledge across national farming season; networks with the NBN. • Habitat for Recovery Alliance’s In late 2020, a $40,000 NBN project involves revegetating Sustainable Agriculture Landcare wildlife habitats in multiple areas Grant will be awarded to an on- impacted by the Cudelee Creek farm project that demonstrates bushfires in the Adelaide Hills; leadership in sustainable agriculture. • The Shoalhaven Landcare A key component of the project Association’s project is restoring will be use of the NBN to improve ecological health to Bengalee. environmental and productivity The restoration of these sites outcomes. will enhance ecological health To enhance farmer education, through the removal of invasive the knowledge gained from the weeds and by planting over 300 productivity, environmental and native trees and shrubs. social outcomes of this project will be shared across national farming Colin Seis’ property, Winona in NSW is MLA the location for the Watershed Landcare networks by leveraging the NBN. Group’s MLA Landcare Excellence in Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Sustainable Farming Project to increase partnered with Landcare Australia efficiency and resilience of feed and lamb in 2019. production.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 57 NBN CO continued Another partnership goal is to drive greater engagement and awareness by NBN employees about key sustainability and community “We’ve valued our priorities. NBN has committed 240 volunteers who will participate in partnership with corporate volunteering projects Landcare Australia across Australia by working side by side with landcare community because the work groups to help support local they do taps into projects. the enthusiasm RUSTY Students from Andrews Creek Primary and curiosity that Rusty, a global surfwear and surf School in Queensland working on their young people board retailer, and Landcare school’s vegetation management project Australia partnered in 2017 to that received a 2019-2020 South32 Junior have regarding support the Coastcare community. Landcare Enhancing Habitat Grant. the natural world In addition to an initial Coastcare from designing and building a Grant, since 2018, Rusty has bush tucker garden, to bringing around them, donated a portion of the proceeds back native animals to the school showing them that from the sale of each co-branded habitat and projects that support Rusty/Coastcare T-Shirt and hoodie Indigenous reconciliation. by working together, to Landcare Australia. The funds go towards Coastcare projects The 13 schools that received grants they can make a that protect and in the previous year completed their projects reporting positive difference.” enhance Western Australia’s coastal environmental, educational and and marine social outcomes. The projects MEREDITH GIBBONS environments. provided learning opportunities in Manager Community biological sciences and personal, South32 social and community health for SOUTH32 the majority of the 870 students In 2019/2020, the South32 and who participated. Landcare Australia partnership In 2020, South32 is extending continued to build on the success its support for students and of the South32 Junior Landcare the community by providing Enhancing Habitat Grants with a financial contribution to the a third round of grants. Fifteen Community Impact and Resilience schools in Queensland, Western event scheduled for late 2020 in Australia and Tasmania each Townsville. This event will bring received a $5,000 grant. together community The grant projects focus on helping partners including students learn about protecting schools, to create and restoring our natural solutions for environment through hands-on more resilient outdoor learning. Projects range communities.

58 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT SUREGRO TREEMAX Tree Max donating five percent to TOYOTA ENVIRONMENTAL AUSTRALIA Landcare Australia from all orders ACTIVITIES GRANTS PROGRAM it receives from Landcare, Bushcare Landcare Australia and the and Coastcare groups that are listed Bundanon Trust partnership in the National Landcare Directory. commenced in 2010 to help with a project that would rehabilitate TELSTRA degraded farmland, improve biodiversity and enhance habitat on Since the partnership commenced their property Bundanon, located in 2012, over 5,400 Telstra near Nowra beside the Shoalhaven employees have participated in River in New South Wales. In 2018, Landcare Australia’s Corporate the Toyota Environmental Activities Environmental Volunteering Grants Program of Toyota Motor program. During this past year, 300 Corporation awarded 10 grants Telstra employees got their hands Landcare Broken Hill President, Simon internationally with Landcare dirty at 20 Landcare Australia Molesworth AO, inspects Broken Hill Australia receiving the only grant in Conservation Gardens, at the site of the 2020 volunteering events in Melbourne, Australia, for two years of funding SureGro Tree Max Landcare Grant project. Sydney and Brisbane. to support the rehabilitation project In early 2020, Landcare Broken Hill Telstra volunteers significantly at Bundanon. was the recipient of the second contributed towards habitat SureGro Tree Max Landcare Grant. restoration including planting The funds are enabling the group 1,000 plants, propagating 1,350 to revitalise the Conservation seedlings, collecting Gardens in the town centre. The 10 kilograms of native project will help educate residents seeds and clearing and organisations about the flora weed species from most likely to succeed in this eight hectares of land. arid environment and highlight species that have aesthetic and environmental benefits. New plant signage and information boards will further inform the public. The January 2020 bushfires devastated In 2018, the company partnered areas surrounding the Bundanon Estate. Fortunately, due to the efforts of local fire with Landcare Australia to fighters and cultural burns completed in inaugurate the SureGro Tree Max the previous years, the Eearie Park site was Landcare Grants Program as a way not directly impacted. of formally recognising the loyalty these groups have shown their Due to the bushfire threat earlier business and the importance of in the year and subsequent their work. The grants program is limitations of COVID-19, some of funded through a cause-related the project work was postponed marketing initiative, with SureGro for late 2020. Support from the Toyota Environment Activities Grant Program has enabled Landcare Australia, in partnership with the Victorian Telstra employees volunteering with the Merri Creek Management Bundanon Trust to continue a Committee in December 2019 rehabilitation program including:

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 59 TOYOTA ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES have reported excellent results, GRANTS PROGRAM continued including the Pedalling the Great • Revegetation and regeneration Victorian Rail Trail with Landcare of the Shoalhaven riverside project. Read more about the vegetation corridor Biodiversity Impact Story on • Weed management page 38. • Threatened Species monitoring The projects that received ongoing • Construction of a herbivore- support from VicTrack were: exclusion fencing plots • The Great Victorian Rail Trail • Research work with students (Upper Goulburn Landcare from Macquarie University Network) • The Green Line (Basalt to Bay Landcare Network) • Bellarine Rail Trail Revegetation & Restoration (Bellarine Catchment Two years ago, Landcare Australia planted Network) TRANSURBAN many thousands of hardy, water tolerant Established in 2014, the partnership seedlings in this 5-hectare bushland In addition, five new projects swale area along the M2 Macquarie received funding: between Transurban and Landcare Park. The team continues to manage Australia helps Transurban bush regeneration and maintenance of • Stanhope-Girgarre Rail Trail deliver its community investment this bushland site that now incorporates Revegetation Project (Stanhope- elements of water sensitive urban design strategy to strengthen and benefit Girgarre Landcare Group) communities near their roads. that naturally absorbs a range of nutrients from road runoff that would otherwise Transurban has funded four enter the Lane Cove River Catchment. major regeneration projects in partnership with Landcare Australia. Three projects are Melbourne based: the Habitat Enhancement along the Monash Freeway Upgrade, the CityLink Tulla VICTRACK Widening Urban Landcare Project, As the owner of rail transport and the Melbourne Power Street land in Victoria, VicTrack has Loop – Habitat Filter Project. The worked in partnership with M2 Macquarie Park Motorscapes Landcare Australia since 2005 to Project is in Sydney. support community groups to These projects are providing great be actively involved in managing benefits for local wildlife and and improving the environmental ecosystems. They have helped values on VicTrack sites. engage local communities and In 2020, Johns Hill Landcare Group During the year, VicTrack funding was one of five new groups to receive improve the visual amenity of areas continued to support four projects, VicTrack project funding through Landcare adjacent to vital transport corridors engaging local community groups Australia. Their project will restore a in major cities. together with councils, Traditional healthy population of Emerald Star-bush, an Endangered plant found in remnant Owners, Junior Landcare, schools In 2019-2020, Landcare Australia bushland on vacant VicTrack land. provided ongoing support of the and the Country Fire Authority in maintenance and monitoring of the a wide range of environmental M2 Macquarie Park. projects. These ongoing projects

60 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT VICTRACK continued • Cronomby Cultural Connect (Woomelang Lascelles Landcare Group) • Emerald Starbush Sustainability Project (Johns Hill Landcare “Our partnership with Group) Landcare Australia • Hopetoun Habitat Haven (Hopetoun Landcare Group) and its tireless • Yan Yean VicTrack Reserve Project The WIRES Landcare Australia Wildlife community volunteers (Whittlesea and Surrounds Relief and Recovery Grants, facilitated by delivers improved Blackberry Action Group). WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor and Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish is a environmental values pioneering alliance between two not-for- WIRES profits that have been part of the fabric of on VicTrack sites local communities for over 30 years. With a shared across the state. vision of are aligned with key government restoring and response priorities – improving VicTrack project regenerating outcomes for wildlife across funding allows landcare habitat impacted Australia. by the effects of climate change groups to achieve and extreme natural disasters, Read pages 20-21 for an article in April WIRES partnered with about the WIRES Landcare Wildlife significant outcomes Landcare Australia to launch the Relief and Recovery Grants. including revegetation, 2020 WIRES Landcare Wildlife Relief and Recovery Grants. WOOLWORTHS weed control, habitat The largest wildlife rescue Woolworths has partnered with restoration, control organisation in the country, WIRES Landcare Australia since 2018, of pest species, (NSW Wildlife Information and providing substantial support Rescue and Education Service for three major Junior Landcare engagement with Inc) has been caring for native initiatives. Australian animals for over Traditional Owners, In late 2019, a second round of three decades. In the aftermath Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants native flora and fauna of Australia’s devastating Black of up to $1000 each was distributed Summer bushfires, WIRES received protection, awareness to 617 primary schools and early unprecedented global support learning centres. The 538 recipients raising and knowledge from individuals and organisations. of the first round of grants submitted In June, grants totalling their final reports, detailing inspiring sharing with the $1.185million were awarded to educational, environmental, broader community.” 64 groups across the country community and social outcomes. in post-bushfire wildlife habitat The total number of grant recipients NARELLE SIMMONS regions. The grants will enable is 1,155 with over 100,000 students Group Manager, Environment community groups to lead and participating in the grants program. VicTrack coordinate high-priority short and Read more about the Woolworths medium-term wildlife support and Junior Landcare grants program on habitat restoration projects, which page 26.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 61 WOOLWORTHS continued

“Woolworths is passionate about helping to build the next generation of environmental champions. Further to our Junior Local Woolworths store manager presents Landcare Grants a certificate to principal at St. Martin’s Primary School in Davidson, New South program, which has Wales congratulating the school on receiving a Woolworths Junior Landcare helped more than Grant for their bee hotel project. 100,000 children get In February 2020, Woolworths hands-on in caring expanded its for the environment, support by sponsoring Woolworths is proud the new Junior Landcare online to support Landcare Learning Centre. The Junior Landcare Learning Centre features Australia’s online a variety of dynamic resources and Learning Centre to activities developed by educational professionals for teachers, make it easier for educators, parents and carers. students to learn The 2019 State and Territory Landcare Awards were presented to how they can help 69 finalists from the nine national the environment.” categories. One category is the Woolworths Junior Landcare Award. CLAIRE PETERS The award recognises a school, youth organisation or a young Managing Director community landcare team that Woolworths contributes to raising awareness, Supermarkets sharing knowledge and promoting participation of landcare amongst young people.

62 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT In-Kind Corporate Environmental Supporters Volunteering

Many organisations provide Employees participated in a range in-kind support that enables of activities including weeding, Landcare Australia to support planting, mulching and removing the landcare community. KPMG litter. The program has provided provided significant pro-bono corporate volunteers with support for the research and opportunities to support local development of the KPMG landcare groups and projects, to Landcare Wellbeing Report. deliver positive environmental ACM provided media support outcomes, while also helping to for the Landcare 30 Year build teams and increase staff Anniversary and Landcare engagement within the workplace. Awards campaigns helping Businesses that participated in to reach a wide audience Queensland Origin Foundation staff Landcare Australia’s corporate with both programs. Allens participate in a corporate environmental volunteering day with Oxley Creek environmental volunteering Linklaters, Herbert Smith Catchment Association. program in 2019/2020 include: Freehills and Norton Rose Fullbright each provided valued Landcare Australia has more than CHEP in-kind legal support. Virgin 20 years of experience running Coca-Cola Australia Australia assisted with travel. successful and impactful corporate Deutsche Bank volunteering days. In that time, we HH Group IN-KIND SUPPORTERS have worked with thousands of Honda corporate volunteers, linking them Konica Minolta ACM (Australian Community with local landcare groups and KPMG Media) networks across the country. Lion Allens Linklaters Over the last year, 24 local Optus Herbert Smith Freehills landcare groups and community Origin Foundation KPMG environmental groups hosted PIMCO Telstra Norton Rose Fullbright 65 corporate environmental The a2 Milk™ Company Virgin Australia volunteering events, involving 1,383 employees from 25 different Transurban corporate organisations. Corporate Virgin Australia volunteers provided 6,636 hours of Zurich help to restore local environments through bush regeneration activities. The huge number of employees participating is notable, considering the impacts of the Black Summer bushfires and the postponement of the program between March and June 2020, due to COVID-19.

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 63 GOVERNANCE Board and Committees

BOARD OF DIRECTORS organisations, Indigenous groups Agriculture, and member of the Landcare Australia is governed by and natural resource management/ Prime Minister’s Land Management a skills-based board comprising catchment management authorities. Task Force. Peter is the former five non-executive directors. Doug provides advice and president of the University of Our Board of Directors oversee support on a range of strategic, Melbourne Alumni Association, the organisation’s direction, investment, project and governance Sydney branch. governance, and work with matters, and is particularly Rachel Gatehouse management to develop and involved in building partnerships, execute the strategic plan. Our collaborations and mentoring. Rachel Gatehouse (BEcon, CPA, board members offer a range of MAICD) has an accomplished career Jan Davis skills including; finance, legal, risk in banking and financial services management, government relations, Jan Davis (MAgribus, MEnv Plan, BEc, spanning over 25 years. Presently business, agribusiness, environment MAICD, FAIM, FAusAE) has worked she is Chief Operating Officer and and water management. for many years in the Australian Chief Financial Officer at venture agribusiness sector and in member- capital backed Brighte Capital. Prior based organisations, with a focus to that she was Chief Financial BOARD ATTENDANCE on advocacy, policy and corporate Officer of HBOS Australia and Head Doug Humann AM governance. She is currently the of Finance for the Retail Division Chairman 6/7 CEO of RSPCA Tasmania. As well, ANZ. She has extensive experience Jan Davis 7/7 she a director of the Royal Flying in complex regulatory environments Peter Sutherland 7/7 Doctor Service (Tasmania) and across both large established Rachel Gatehouse 6/7 Australian Seafood Industries Pty organisations as well as fast growing Robert Nicholson 7/7 Ltd. Jan is also a member of the fintechs. In her executive career, Tasmanian Resource Management Rachel has run large technology DIRECTOR PROFILES and Planning Appeal Tribunal. programs and driven cultural change programs. Rachel has Doug Humann AM Peter Sutherland significant governance experience, Doug Humann AM (GAICD, BA Peter Sutherland (BA, BSc (Hons)) including a director of Capital (Hons), Dip ED) was appointed had an extensive senior executive Finance Australia Limited, and in chairman of Landcare Australia career in the public and private 2017 was acting Chief Executive in 2016. With more than 40 years sectors in water and natural Officer at the Australian Institute of involvement in regional Australia, resource management. He retired Company Directors. including 30 years leadership from GHD as business leader water experience in the environmental resources. Peter’s positions include; Robert Nicholson sector, Doug led Bush Heritage deputy commissioner on the Murray Robert Nicholson (BSc, LLM, MBA) Australia (1997–2011) to national Darling Basin Commission, member is a solicitor and Senior Advisor at prominence before establishing his of the National Land and Water Herbert Smith Freehills, a leading own consultancy. Doug is primarily Resources Audit, member of the global commercial law firm. Robert engaged with non-government National Taskforce on Sustainable is a former member of the Victorian

64 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT DOUG HUMANN AM

Government’s National Parks Members of Landcare Australia’s Advisory Council, and Melbourne Partnerships Committee are Peter Parks and Waterways Advisory Sutherland, Doug Humann and Council. Robert Nicholson. Peter Sutherland FINANCE AND AUDIT Committee Chair 6/6 COMMITTEE Doug Humann AM 5/6 This committee reviews our Robert Nicholson 6/6 JAN DAVIS organisation’s financial performance against our budget, ensures our COMPANY SECRETARY reporting is compliant with external The company secretary of Landcare standards, and ensures appropriate Australia Limited is responsible for risk management controls are the legal and statutory compliance in place. It also liaises with our on behalf of the board. The external auditors who review our company secretary as at 30 June financial report annually. Members 2019 is Janet Davison. of Landcare Australia’s Finance and Audit Committee are Jan Davis, PETER SUTHERLAND Doug Humann, Rachel Gatehouse AUDITORS and Robert Nicholson. The auditors for Landcare Australia Limited and its subsidiaries are Jan Davis Ernst & Young. Committee Chair 6/6 Doug Humann AM 5/6 Rachel Gatehouse 6/6 Robert Nicholson 6/6

PARTNERSHIPS COMMITTEE This committee provides advice RACHEL GATEHOUSE to the board on strategies to maximise funds for Landcare, while protecting our reputation and brands. It develops and applies our partnership guidelines, and provides oversight of the management of our trademarks, the application of our bequest funds, and monitors our marketing and public relations activities. ROBERT NICHOLSON

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 65 Landcare Australia Limited and its Controlled Entity CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 2020 ($) 2019 ($) Revenue 7,674,325 5,673,522 Other revenue 256,900 769,281 Finance income 136,035 150,695 Total revenue 8,067,260 6,593,498

Partnerships, fundraising and grants management (5,276,045) (3,660,041) Landcare services project delivery (1,046,087) (908,172) Community engagement and awareness (1,185,871) (1,469,150) Organisational support (479,394) (558,042) Finance costs (25,908) – Profit/(loss) before income tax 53,955 (1,907)

Income tax expense – – Profit/(loss) for the year 53,955 (1,907)

Other comprehensive income – – Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year 53,955 (1,907)

66 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT Landcare Australia Limited and its Controlled Entity CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2020

ASSETS 2020 ($) 2019 ($) Currents assets Cash and cash equivalent 10,156,278 8,951,012 Trade and other receivables 777,161 518,404 Total current assets 10,933,439 9,469,416

Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 112,572 171,626 Right-of-use assets 633,944 – Total non-current assets 746,516 171,626 Total assets 11,679,955 9,641,042

LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables 1,091,447 731,524 Employee benefit liabilities 279,156 190,302 Contract liabilities 1,610,986 736,710 Lease liabilities 163,073 – Total current liabilities 3,144,662 1,658,536

Non-current liabilities Employee benefit liabilities 15,037 10,161 Lease liabilities 493,956 – Total non-current liabilities 508,993 10,161 Total liabilities 3,653,655 1,668,697

Net assets 8,026,300 7,972,345

Equity Retained earnings 8,026,300 7,972,345 Total equity 8,026,300 7,972,345

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 67 Landcare Australia Limited and its Controlled Entity CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 2020 ($) 2019 ($) Operating activities Receipts from customers 8,546,744 6,967,272 Payments to suppliers and employees (7,284,420) (6,804,682) Interest received 136,035 150,695 Interest paid (25,908) – Franking credits received from Australian Taxation Office – 769,281 Net cash flows from operating activities 1,372,451 1,082,566

Investing activities Purchase of property, plant and equipment (15,035) (131,107) Net cash flow used in investing activities (15,035) (131,107)

Financing activities Payment of principal portion of lease liabilities (152,150) – Net cash flows from financing activities (152,150) –

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,205,266 951,459 Cash and cash equivalents at July 1 8,951,012 7,999,553 Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 10,156,278 8,951,012

68 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT Landcare Australia Limited and its Controlled Entity FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

REVENUE

Total gross income from corporate sponsorship and license fees 60%

Total gross income from fundraising 21%

Total gross income from government grants and fee for service 14%

Total gross income from other sources 3%

Total gross income from investments 2%

EXPENSES

Partnerships, fundraising and grants management 66%

Community engagement and awareness 15%

Landcare services project delivery 13%

Organisational support and finance costs 6%

Pages 66-69 are a summary extracted from the audited General purpose (RDR) financial report for Landcare Australia Limited and its controlled entity for the year ended 30 June 2020. This summary information should be read in conjunction with the full financial report, a copy of which can be found at www.landcareaustralia.org.au

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 69 2019 STATE & TERRITORY LANDCARE AWARDS Winners

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL • Australian Community Media • Australian Government Landcare TERRITORY Landcare Community Group Farming Award – V.Rossi and • Australian Government Individual Award – Martindale Creek Sons Landcarer Award – Rainer Catchment Landcare Inc • Australian Government Rehwinkel • Woolworths Junior Landcare Partnerships for Landcare Award • Australian Government Team Award – Megalong Valley – City of Gold Coast: Beaches to Partnerships for Landcare Award Public Bushland Program – ACT Parks and Conservation • Indigenous Land Management • Virgin Coastcare Award – Straw Service and ParkCare Volunteers Award – Aunty Francis Bodkin No More • Australian Government Landcare • Austcover Young Landcare • Woolworths Junior Landcare Farming Award – Matthew and Leadership Award – Richie Team Award – McDonnell Creek Sharon Gregory Benson. State School • Australian Government Innovation • Austcover Young Landcare in Agriculture Award – John NORTHERN TERRITORY Leadership Award – Gold Coast Lilleyman • Australian Government Individual Catchment Association: Rosalinde • Australian Community Landcarer Award – Pauline Cass Brinkman Media Landcare Community • Australian Government • Indigenous Land Management Group Award – Red Hill Bush Partnerships for Landcare Award Award – Cape York Weeds and Regenerators – Friends of Fogg Dam Feral Animals Incorporated • Woolworths Junior Landcare Team • Australian Government Landcare • Australian Community Media Award – ACT Young Rangers Club Farming Award – Humpty Doo Landcare Community Group • Indigenous Land Management Barramundi Pty Ltd Award – Hinterland Bush Links Award – Jackson Taylor-Grant • Australian Community Media • Australian Government • Austcover Young Landcare Landcare Community Group Innovation in Agriculture Land Leadership Award – Dhani Gilbert. Award – Lakeside Drive Management Award – Central Community Garden Queensland Soil Health Systems. NEW SOUTH WALES • Woolworths Junior Landcare • Australian Government Individual Team Award – Berry Springs SOUTH AUSTRALIA Landcarer Award – Nerida Croker Primary School • Australian Government Individual • Australian Government • Indigenous Land Management Landcarer Award – Trevor Partnerships for Landcare Award – Award – Thamarrurr Rangers Waldhuter Floating Landcare • Virgin Coastcare Award – • Australian Government • Australian Government Landcare Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation. Partnerships for Landcare Award Farming Award – Amarula Dorpers – McLaren Vale Biodiversity Project • Australian Government Innovation QUEENSLAND in Agriculture Award – Land to • Australian Government Individual • Australian Government Landcare Market Landcarer Award – Tony Farming Award – Barossa Grape & Wine Association • Virgin Coastcare Award – Take 3 Ltd Rossi: Mulgrave Landcare and Catchment Group Inc

70 2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT • Australian Government • Woolworths Junior Landcare • Austcover Young Landcare Innovation in Agriculture Award – Team Award – Risdon Vale Leadership Award – Gippsland SANTFA: Ag Excellence Alliance Primary School – 24 Carrot Intrepid Landcare • Virgin Coastcare Award – Taperoo Garden Project • Virgin Coastcare Award – Dunes Group • Indigenous Land Management Victorian Wader Study Group. • Australian Community Media Award – Pakana Services Landcare Community Group • Austcover Young Landcare WESTERN AUSTRALIA Award – Kersbrook Landcare Leadership Award – Carmel Allen- • Australian Government Individual Group Friends of Fernglade Landcarer Award – Basil Schur • Woolworths Junior Landcare • Virgin Coastcare Award – Circular • Australian Government Team Award – Barmera Primary Head Landcare Group. Partnerships for Landcare Award School Young Environment – Care for Hedland Environmental Leaders VICTORIA Association • Indigenous Land Management • Australian Government Individual • Australian Government Landcare Award – Maralinga Tjarutja Lands, Landcarer Award – John Pye Farming Award – Margaret River Oak Valley Community • Australian Government Organic Farmer • Austcover Young Landcare Partnerships for Landcare • Australian Government Leadership Award – YACCA (Youth Award – Australian Landcare Innovation in Agriculture Award – And Community in Conservation International Marron Brook Farm Action). • Australian Government Landcare • Australian Community Media Farming Award – Fraser Pogue Landcare Community Group TASMANIA • Australian Government Award – Friends of Upper • Australian Government Individual Innovation in Agriculture Award Lesmurdie Falls Landcarer Award – Paul Thomas, – Cundare Duverney Landcare • Woolworths Junior Landcare Friends of Randalls Bay Group Team Award – Year 5 • Australian Government • Australian Community Media Environmental Officers, Partnerships for Landcare Award Landcare Community Group Churchlands Primary School. – Tamar NRM Award – Malmsbury District • Indigenous Land Management • Australian Government Landcare Landcare Group Award – Wunambaal Gaambera Farming Award – Soil First • Woolworths Junior Landcare Aboriginal Corporation Tasmania Team Award – Newham Primary • Austcover Young Landcare • Australian Government School Leadership Award – Dan Friesen Innovation in Agriculture Award – • Indigenous Land Management • Virgin Coastcare Award – Roebuck Redbank Farm Award – Woka Walla Land Bay Working Group. • Australian Community Media Management Crew, Yorta Yorta Landcare Community Group Nation Aboriginal Corporation Award – King Island Natural Resource Management Group

2020 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 71 © Landcare Australia Limited 2020 Landcare Australia ABN 63 008 656 513 PO Box 5666, Chatswood West, NSW 1515 This work is copyright Landcare Australia. It may be T: (02) 9412 1040 reproduced in whole or in part for study and training E: [email protected] purposes, subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgement of the source, but not for commercial sale or use. Reproduction for purposes other than those listed above requires written permission from Landcare Australia.

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