Calling on Landcare Heroes

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ith less than a month 11 to go until the biennial National Landcare Catriona Rowntree with son Charlie, 3, doing revegetation on Little River with members of the Corio Landcare Group. Catriona’s husband James Petit is the Geelong Conference, organisers Landcare Network president. 12 have been busy fine- tuningW a diverse and comprehensive 13 program. Calling on Landcare heroes Topics span: climate effects on farming; innovative approaches to land o mark 25 years since clocked up more than 40 years with to them, which will be published in a 14 management; volunteer outreach; and Landcare’s national launch, Landcare and is the state’s finalist commemorative book. the economic drivers of doing good. acknowledge pioneers and look for the strongly contested Individual Contributions include Illawarra From big-picture trends analysis at the diversity – and beauty – Landcarer category in next month’s Youth Landcare whale watching after 15 down to case studies of numerous Tof on-ground works and landscapes, National Landcare Awards. working with the Royal National Park successful projects Australia-wide, it Landcare Australia is seeking l Landcare Tasmania vice-president Cabins Community Landcare group; will provide robust discussions on nominations for an honour roll and has Brian Baxter, who with his wife owns Willow Warriors kayaking while 16 government programs, presentations published photos demonstrating a day and manages a 693-hectare property working on a black willow project by peak bodies and a panel that in the life of Landcare taken on that has been in the family since 1905. on the Hawkesbury-Nepean; urban includes several inspiring Landcare Sunday, July 20 – the 25-year birthday Brian was a founding member of the renewal by Tambo Bluff Landcare 17 pioneers. The event should prove to be of the national initiative. East Tamar Landcare Group, and Coastcare, in Metung, East Gippsland, as diverse as the movement itself, while The Landcare Hero Honour Roll through this group he has been invol‑ which doubles as a habitat corridor traversing Landcare’s 25-year history. will run all year and is acknowledging – ved in the protection of the environ‑ and walking track; and members of the through photos and brief biographies 18 The conference will host an impres- Keynote speaker for the conference and former ment throughout the Tamar Valley. Christmas Hills Landcare Group using – a sample of truly inspiring l sive line-up of speakers, which includes farm boy, celebrity chef Matt Moran, will reveal Brian McWilliam from the NT, a pole-mounted camera to inspect Landcarers. All volunteers who have who has focused on the McMinns a nest box installed for brush-tailed renowned chef and former farm boy what customers want – and generate debate about 19 bridging the gap between the city and the bush. dedicated time for 25 years or longer Lagoon Recreation Reserve 30km phascogales. Matt Moran, CSIRO Futures leader Dr can share their story. Veterans already from Darwin, which is a significant The Day in the Life of Landcare Stefan Hajkowicz and environmental on the roll include: habitat for a vast range of wildlife and photo crowd-sourcing and the behaviour change researcher Tanya There has never l Tamworth Junior Landcare an important stopover for a number Landcare Hero Honour Roll are 20 Ha. ABC TV Landline presenter Pip champion John Tucker, who started of migratory birds. As Brian’s health funded by the federal government. Courtney will piece together the been a more up a bursary fund for high schools is failing, he is working on the history Photos from The Day in the various presentations as master of cere- – now known as Tamworth Regional of the lagoon and a website ensuring Life of Landcare and the Landcare 21 monies. Included are presentations by important time for Landcare Association – and has been people can follow in his footsteps. Hero Honour Roll can be viewed via the federal government on the new growing awareness involved in many roles in the group. Looking at Landcare today, groups landcarelife.com/25years. National Landcare, 20 Million Trees l Also from NSW, in the region across Australia recently took inspiring Nominations for the honour roll 22 and Green Army programs, presenta- of where our food of Roslyn, is Eric Hurn, who has photos showing what Landcare means will be taken all year via the website. tions by National Landcare Awards comes from. finalists, Landcare groups and networks for food and local produce. number of Landcare practitioners, 23 and a variety of field trips showcasing “Having grown up as a fourth- including representation from the FINALISTS ANNOUNCED the best of Landcare across the state. land and water degradation, as well as generation farm boy, I have an intimate National Farmers Federation and the Three finalists for the Bob Hawke Themes range from local issues to participation by young Landcarers – understanding of the link between Australian Conservation Foundation – Landcare Award have been announced 24 broader technical questions, and will with a conversation and documentary environmentally conscious land which were successful in their joint in the lead-up to the National Landcare include discussions that look to the screening on growing the movement management and the production of governmental submission for the Awards being held on September 18. future. Lynne Strong, the premier Bob for the next generation. top-quality produce,” Mr Moran said. formation of Landcare at a national The awards also include finalists 25 representing every state and territory, Hawke Landcare Award winner, will Corporate responsibility will be “I look forward to being part of the level more than two decades ago. and the people’s choice award, to be host a discussion on youth ‘ag-vocacy’. highlighted through an analysis of the celebration of 25 years of Landcare in The panel will identify key issues determined by online votes. Other topics will also cover world-first Conservation Landbank in Melbourne this September, telling the and look at how the reach and strength The biennial national awards – 26 Landcare as an international phenom- Victoria, which works to prevent story about my journey from farm to of the grassroots movement can be incorporating the second-ever Bob enon. Landcare started in Australia and, degradation while raising horses and foodie, and hopefully generating some harnessed to make a real and lasting Hawke award with $50,000 prizemoney through the work of Australian looks at how solar-water supplies can debate about bridging the gap between difference in a changing environment. – is fielding 69 winners from last year’s 27 Landcare International, now addresses improve agricultural outcomes. the city and the bush – there has never The National Landcare Confer‑ state and territory Landcare awards in different issues in developing countries Keynote speaker for the confer- been a more important time for ence, being held from Sep[tember nine diverse categories. through the local model of protecting ence, Matt Moran, will reveal what growing awareness of where our food 17-19, is being delivered by Landcare These ranged from the Westpac 28 and reinvigorating the land to nurture customers are telling him they want – comes from.” Australia for the first time, through Agribusiness Innovative Young Landcare future generations. from the farm to the fork. Providing thought for the future, a funding from the federal government. Leader to the Qantas Landcare Innovative Community Group, 29 There will be in-depth analyses of He will also talk about how his early panel will set the scene on the final l Registrations are now open through the website Australian Government Innovation in www.nationallandcareconference.floktu.com and the the grassroots movement over more days, being raised on a dairy farm, led morning of the three-day event. l To p12 of special edition. early bird rate will end on August 25. than 25 years in addressing the crisis in to a commitment to the land and a love The panel will be hosted by a 30

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3 Our agricultural 4 industries are something I hope 25 years of all Australians are 5 proud of. 6

Captain Phillip was woefully under- 7 resourced for the challenge of feeding Landcare the new colony, and the waves of 8 convicts and immigrants who would follow. Comment by Barnaby Joyce more accurately apply fertilisers, He had the wrong tools, seeds and 9 Landcare’s success begins with ener- seedlings, and little knowledge of the HE Landcare movement brings getic people working together to find harsh Australian environment. together thousands of farmers real solutions to local problems. It amazes me how far Australian 10 and volunteers from across The results are shared widely. They agriculture has come since then. Australia – people who are help small community groups become Last financial year, it is estimated Tpassionate about making positive and sophisticated farming enterprises. our agricultural sector was worth $53.5 11 practical changes that support They help producers to adopt new billion and we exported $41b in agri- profitable farms and long-term food land-management practices in response cultural products. In many fields, we security. to changing markets and consumer are considered world leaders. Our agri- 12 Over 25 years, what began as a demands. And they allow farmers ever- cultural industries are something I hope shared concern for soil by farmers, increasing access to domestic and all Australians are proud of. industry, conservationists and the international markets. There are still many challenges 13 government has now become a move- The federal government remains ahead. We are committed to working ment embraced by more than 100,000 committed to supporting Landcare. As with the Landcare movement to ensure volunteers operating across every part of the budget, we announced more Australia continues to enjoy a vibrant, 14 Australian landscape, from outback to than $4 million for Landcare Australia innovative and competitive agricultural coastline. Limited over the next four years to Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce. sector. In just a quarter of a century, continue with its important work. I look forward to seeing Landcare 15 Landcare has had a major impact in We’re also providing funds to growing our future’ – resonates with me back to the challenges of Captain groups continue to build and maintain local communities. support this year’s National Landcare personally. It’s only by looking back Arthur Phillip, who arrived in Australia a resilient on-farm natural resource Whether managing feral pests and Conference and the National Landcare that we can see the way forward. in 1788 with seven horses, six cattle, 29 base, and minimise the off-site impact 16 weeds, applying minimal tillage to Awards. The theme of this year’s We have a remarkable tradition of sheep, 12 pigs, and a few goats, fowls of agricultural activities for many improve groundcover or working to conference – ‘Celebrating our history, agricultural production that stretches and ducks. years to come. 17 SUBMISSION 18 Building pathways in our anniversary year By Tessa Jakszewicz and natural resource management service providers to ensure the logis- GUIDELINES representatives, as well as the confer- tical and administrative requirements Landcare in 19 LAL chief executive ence committees, reviewing abstracts are met, while local project sponsors Focus is proudly and drawing up a program that is uring this 25th anniversary will have some level of obligation supported by diverse, informative and representative regarding input and agreement on 20 year of Landcare’s national the federal government Department of launch, we have been reflecting across a range of views about managing work plans, and workplace health and Agriculture and published by Landcare D our land and water for environmental safety plans – and Landcare Australia on the all-important responsibilities of Australia Limited. For more information the grassroots movement, current and agricultural purposes. will be there to help guide groups or to submit an article, email enquiries@ 21 challenges and how best to move More recently, Landcare Australia through the process. landcareaustralia.com.au. forward to ensure the Landcare learned it was successful in its bid in We understand the Department Please note that due to space restrictions, movement is supported in its critical partnership with ManpowerGroup to of the Environment may hold up we cannot guarantee all submissions will 22 work protecting, restoring and be a service provider for the Green to two assessment periods for new be included. All submissions must adhere sustainably managing the productivity Army program, which will see the project sponsors each year, and we to the guidelines and deadlines below, and unique value of Australia’s natural deployment of up to 15,000 young will communicate with the broader and must include: 23 environment. Australians working on projects Landcare community as opportunities l One article of no more than 300- To provide the ‘glue’ helping bring nationwide over the next three years. arise. Once applications are open, we 600 words saved as a Microsoft Word together the hundreds of thousands Given the government’s substantial will be encouraging Landcare groups document or a PDF. 24 of volunteers and thousands of groups commitment of resources to this to submit suitable proposals within the l No more than two or three high- nationwide – and to help raise essential program, we felt it was important for Green Army program. For the latest resolution (must be at least 1MB in non-government funding to continue the Landcare community to have a Landcare information as it comes to size) images that clearly illustrate the 25 providing resources for on-ground mechanism through Landcare Australia hand, please check out the Landcare accompanying article. works into the future – Landcare to participate in and benefit from Australia website or subscribe to our l Full captions for each attached image Australia Limited was formed by the the program, and to ensure the best monthly e-newsletter, Landlink, via that explain who is in the photos and/or government of the day in 1989, shortly Tessa Jakszewicz in the field. environmental outcomes. landcareaustralia.com.au what they illustrate. Also, please ensure 26 after the Decade of Landcare was Based on inquiries we have been We look forward to using this 25th that we have permission from any people announced as a bipartisan initiative. help foster the next generation of receiving, there is a lot of interest anniversary year as a stepping stone to featured in the photos to use these photos Landcare Australia will be Landcarers, drawing on funds raised among Landcare and community build on and strengthen engagement in Landcare in Focus. 27 celebrating its own quarter-century through our Workplace Giving groups in finding out how they can fit across the Landcare community and l Contact information for more details. birthday in October – three months Program. We are also pleased to be into the Green Army. beyond. We will redouble our efforts The final issue for 2014 is: after Landcare was officially launched managing, for the first time, next ManpowerGroup will recruit and to attract new participants and to Landcare in Focus November 2014. 28 at a national level. In the lead-up to month’s biennial National Landcare manage the Green Army participants, provide ongoing practical support for Publication date: November 20. this, we have distributed grants to Conference, funded by the federal while Landcare Australia will work the movement, and work together as Submission deadline: October 17. groups to help reach out to more government. with ManpowerGroup and selected Australia’s largest volunteer movement Dates for 2015 will be published online 29 Australians through events in Landcare We received almost 200 submis- project sponsors, providing support as custodians of our environment and and included in Landcare Australia’s Week next month, as well as funding sions to present at the conference, and and helping ensure effective on-ground its productivity – which nurtures and Landlink e-newsletter, which can be to schools and youth groups to we have been working with Landcare delivery. It will be the responsibility of provides sustenance for us all. subscribed to via landcareaustralia.com.au 30

38 Robert Myers’ classroom is visited by hundreds of students each year. Russell Fry says sustainable farms support sustainable communities. Peter Forster, VIC membership, including among the encouraged Bob to form the Upper younger generation. She has played a River Torrens Landcare Group With experience gained from leadership role in incorporating indige- (URTLG) 25 years ago. He has played working his own land, Peter Forster has nous cultural heritage into on-ground a vigorous role in Landcare ever since. been a passionate advocate for the work, which has been taken up by Landcare cause for more than 20 years. other Landcare groups in the area. Russell Fry, QLD He has been a catalyst for the forma- With Caroline at the helm, the tion of new groups and secretary of the Umbagong group has managed grass- The founding president of Malanda Upper Hopkins Land Management lands of botanical significance, worked Landcare, Russell was the driving force Group for more than a decade. on weed control in riparian areas and behind the revegetation of the upper Peter has spread the Landcare ethos monitored waterway health and incor- North Johnstone River, for 20km from throughout his catchment and has porated cultural heritage into works. its origin at Broomfield Swamp to the overseen many successful on-ground Malanda Falls Environmental Park. projects, including a number of saline Greg Warburton, WA He also succeeded where others had discharge treatment demonstration failed at creating the 15km Crater sites, sustainable farming and biodiver- Greg has worked at the interface Lakes Corridor. Russell’s Landcare hats sity projects. between Landcare and the wider have also included being president of community in the Avon catchment for the North Johnstone and Eacham Eric Hurn, NSW more than 20 years. He was instru- Landcare Group, and a seat on the mental in setting up the Conserving Minister’s Community Reference Panel At 86, retired prime lamb producer the Avon River Environment Inc for the Wet Tropics Water Resource and potato grower Eric Hurn has been (CARE), representing all environ- Plan (2010-13). He has pushed against working with sustainable land manage- mental community groups along the the concept that Landcare is mostly ment in the Roslyn area for more than Avon and Dale rivers. about planting trees – it is, Russell says, 40 years. He co-founded the Roslyn On the ground, he has worked on about the sustainable use of natural Landcare Group, and supported the revegetation and waterway restoration resources to build sustainable farms to formation of 20 others in the Upper using fencing, sediment removal, water support sustainable communities. Lachlan Shire. As local councillor, he quality monitoring, and control of built bridges between the Landcare erosion and environmental weeds. Sue McKinnon, NT movement and those responsible for He drove development of a river natural resource management. He is walk track in Toodyay to connect A dedicated environmentalist and still a hands-on Landcarer. Among the people to the natural environment and Landcarer, Sue McKinnon established dozens of projects Eric has been impart a conservation message. the Friends of Mitchell Creek (FoMC) involved with was the establishment of in Darwin’s satellite city of Palmerston a 64km wildlife corridor linking 16 Chris Johns, TAS Peter Forster with his scarred tree. to protect the unique ecology of the properties to the endangered ecolog- Tasmanian Polytechnic and Royal property into a whole-of-catchment biodiversity corridor from the develop- ical community Mount Rae Forest. A Landcarer, Coastcarer and Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, and is a approach that helps landholders apply ment of 4000 houses over three years. nurturer of people, Chris has had an trainer for Australian Demeter bio - best practice in watercourse rehabilita- The creek is now under challenge Caroline Wenger, ACT outsized impact on Landcare in dynamic growers. Among his tion and sustainable farming systems. from urbanisation, but thanks to FoMC, southern Tasmania. He is president of on-ground projects is the rehabilitation In the 1970s, Bob and Wanda Myers the creek environment continues to A focus on the personal develop- the Southern Coastcare Association of of some ‘unloved’ land near Hobart’s moved to a 40-acre property traversed provide habitat, connectivity and a ment of Landcare volunteers, and a gift Tasmania (SCAT), a network of 40 Tasman bridge, and its linking to other by the River Torrens near Birdwood, place for community recreational for management, has allowed Caroline groups that opens up communication rehabilitated urban areas. and set about integrating sustainable activities. Around her efforts to save Wenger to use her role as Landcare and reduces duplication in recognition farming with nature conservation. The the creek, Sue has organised a range of convenor to oversee many improve- that the ‘people element’ is all impor- Robert Myers, SA result is a living classroom visited by Landcare activities that have high- ments in the Umbagong Landcare tant to Landcare. He has taught land hundreds of students, primary through lighted the value of the movement Group. Caroline has increased management and horticulture at the Bob expanded his passion for his to tertiary, each year. His experiences within its community. 1

13 Hawkesbury Environmental Educators Network founder Zhan Patterson with Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis and students. Kate Sputore started Western Australia’s first Coastcare for Singles event. 14 Zhan Patterson, NSW deliver theoretical and practical units on fire, weed and pasture management. 15 A true local champion, Zhan is an environmental educator who has devel- Ashley Volz, QLD oped great Landcare programs for 16 young people in the Hawkesbury area. As chairman of his local Landcare As co-ordinator of the Alive! group and an innovator on his own program, she worked with 12 schools 1500ha property, beef producer Ashley 17 and youth groups to identify environ- Volz leads by example. He has imple- mental issues and their solutions. mented a range of biological farming Zhan helped create the youth techniques on the family property, and 18 stream of the Hawkesbury Nepean hosts field days to help others review Catchment Management Authority’s the methods. With the South Myall Source to Sea program, a week-long Catchment Landcare Group, Ashley 19 adventure on the Hawkesbury River has spoken widely about land manage- celebrating Landcare during Landcare ment, and has worked to bring outside Week 2012. These experiences enabled help for projects such as weed control, 20 Zhan to set up the Hawkesbury riparian fencing and salinity manage- Environmental Educators Network. ment. The group also engaged a consultant conservation officer to 21 Ammie Jackson, VIC inspect properties that were affected by the 2011 floods and provide plans for Ammie’s leadership and expertise landscape restoration. 22 strike a balance between how environmental and agricultural issues are Georgie Keynes, SA addressed in the Stony Rises. Russell Cornall has been instrumental in forming the Victoria River District Regional Amanda Hosking helps plant at Cooee Creek. – Picture: Anna Wind. 23 She brings 10 years of experience in Wild Dog Management Group. A communicator and innovator, the natural resource management Coastcare and Landcare movement, Amanda Hosking- Russell Cornall, NT Georgie helps landholders to find new industry to the group, and has directed while inviting recognition for the work ways of implementing natural resource 24 it to projects as diverse as a nesting of current volunteers. Young, TAS Russell is a young Landcare leader management. She works with land- boxes project, Clean Up Australia Day, On the ground, she has managed As secretary of the Wynyard working within the Northern holders as a professional, in her current information nights and community restoration across about 10 hectares of Landcare group over the past four years Territory/Western Australian agribusi- role as technical facilitator for the 25 events, weed control and large-scale coastal reserve, facilitated planting of in Tasmania’s beautiful and less popu- ness sector as the rangelands manager Barossa Improved Grazing Group tree-planting events. Ammie is an adept 20,000 coastal natives and engaged lated north-west, Amanda has helped of Heytesbury Cattle Company, and as (BIGG), and previously as a land- community organiser and has facili- more than 600 community volunteers others develop the skills of Landcare. chairman of the Victoria River District management adviser with the Adelaide 26 tated engagement from a range of other in practical action. She encourages and teaches others, Conservation Association. and Mt Lofty Ranges NRM Board. stakeholders in the Corangamites. As well, she works with a long list of while working to bring in the funding He has led the Heytesbury Neem She is also an active member of live- She consistently attracts funding for groups, and co-ordinated the first and external support that makes many Tree Control Program along the stock producer groups, North Rhine 27 the group and is a knowledgeable Coastcare for Singles event in WA – so projects possible. Wickham River, and conducted a Sheep and Mt Pleasant Beef. project manager, most recently successfully there was a waiting list Notable among Amanda’s achieve- number of herbicide and equipment Her engagement is practical – for forming the Stony Rises Blackberry almost as long as the attendee list. ments is her management of a project trials to find the most cost-effective instance, she introduced and trialled an 28 Action Group. Consecutive events have been held to restore Little Penguin Habitat at management methods for this and innovative labour-saving temporary in 2013 and 2014. Doctors Rocks, Wynyard. She also other weeds. electric fencing system, known as a Kate Sputore, WA Kate also runs corporate volun- works with other committee members He has freely shared his experience, ‘Rappa’ – and as a leader. She is a volun- 29 teering days and major national to develop a group website to further among other things collaborating with teer with the Barossa Young People in Kate Sputore is adept at encour- events, runs field trips and organises encourage and inform local residents the NT Weed Management Branch and Agriculture group and organised its aging new generations to join the seminars. on Wynyard Landcare’s activities. Department of Primary Industries to first conference in March 2014. 30

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Clovelly Tasmania, TAS 3 Clovelly Tasmania Pty Ltd, a dairy near Bridport on the north-east coast, is innovating by combining best-practice 4 biodiversity protection with productive, environmentally responsible intensive food production. 5 The 3500ha property has protected 1400ha of remnant vegetation, and on a newly acquired property there is a 6 program to remove exotic pines and replace them with mixed exotic vegetation. 7 Technology plays an important role: cows are individually monitored with pedometers, which provides early 8 warning of illness, and irrigators have been fitted with variable rate systems to save water. Dairy effluent is returned 9 to the pastures as fertiliser. Craig & Tanya Davis, VIC 10 Trips to Holland and New Zealand persuaded Heytesbury District 11 Landcare Network members Craig and Tanya Davis to make significant ACT’s Majura Valley Free Range Eggs with Mount Ainslie in the distance. changes to their dairy farm. They have 12 developed a dairy effluent management ABOVE Wildfire management at Lakefield Station. system that diverts solid wastes to a composting system and liquid waste to LEFT: Craig (Reggie) Davis in his field at the family 13 a carefully managed system of dairy farm at Tesbury. irrigation. This has resulted in a 40 per cent saving in phosphorous and 14 potassium fertiliser inputs, and a 90 per cent saving in nitrogen fertiliser. addressing topical issues for specific Their work has enabled them, with areas. 15 four other families, to launch the Green Pastures sustainable milk brand into Mike Harrison, QLD Coles supermarkets across four Mike Harrison is an advocate for 16 states. the life of the soil. He has used his knowledge of FigTrees Organic composts and compost teas, and their 17 Farms, NSW effects on soil micro-organisms, to help lower farm production costs and for Glenn Morris and Henry Sheehan all-round farm sustainability. 18 from FigTrees Organic Farms in NSW He has demonstrated that spreading have used their understanding of natural compost can cut fertiliser use by at least processes to transform a degraded farm 50 per cent, along with reductions in 19 near Grafton into a working model of fungicide use of up to 80 per cent. eco-agriculture. After realising that soil As the owner of Wide Bay health plays a role in climate change, Compost, Mike provides compost to 20 health (through nutrition), water orchardists, donates compost to security and biodiversity protection, research projects and provides training they set about improving the cycling of 21 to horticulturists. organic matter back into the soil to improve humus build-up. They have North East Farming spoken widely about the changes they 22 have seen, especially to the way water is Futures, WA stored in the landscape and the huge boost to farm productivity. With 803 farmers from four grower 23 groups and a coverage of 1.4 million Lakefield Station, NT hectares, North East Farming Futures Over 15 years, Garry and Michelle has extensive influence across WA’s 24 Riggs have shaped 596 square northern wheat belt. kilometre Lakefield Station into a The group develops business cases for new farming options, and supports productive and resilient beef cattle Majura Valley Free hens at Majura Valley Free Range Eggs Australia, NSW and Victoria. The 25 property able to handle the fluctuations range from eight moveable houses, group works more than 7 million education programs to increase farmers’ of climate and markets. They have Range Eggs, ACT fertilising the land they feed from. In hectares. capacity for diversification and erected 400km of fencing to ensure rotation with sheep, the system MSF manages 36 sustainable value-adding. 26 cattle are never more than 3km from When it began in 1999, Majura has given a tenfold increase in agriculture projects throughout the It also supports the development water, and use rotational grazing to Valley Free Range Eggs – a founding productivity compared to previous uses tri-state Mallee region, 22 of them in of co-operative ventures that need ensure a good buffer of pasture is member of Majura Landcare Group – of the land. South Australia. the critical mass of many participants. 27 always ahead of the mob. They have set aside about 10 per cent of the farm All projects combine sustainability Projects run by the group have fenced off 1200ha for conservation, to native tree plantings to create Mallee Sustainable and productivity elements. included a $6 million, five-year Rural including 340ha Lake Duggan, the corridors and ‘bring back the birds’. Farming, SA They include improved stubble Financial Counselling Service, 28 largest lake on the Sturt Plateau. Free-range egg production was management to reduce wind erosion described as “best practice” by PwC; Wetlands and caves have also chosen as an enterprise because the Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF) and increase soil organic matter; Masters of Climate workshops; and been protected, and they manage farm isn’t big enough to sustain a delivers research and extension services engaging women in sustainable the development of energy and 29 their 250km of roads for minimal traditional grazing operation. Inspired for low rainfall dryland farmers in the agriculture and Landcare; and water-use efficiency programs, and by US farmer Joel Salatin, the 2000 mallee cropping regions of South farmer-initiated on-farm trials women’s leadership networks. erosion. 30

greener pastures 34 Proudly supported by Westpac 35

Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714. WPBW801 (07/13) 353794 38 1

12 Norman Wettenhall Foundation executive director Beth Mellick with Jean McClymont from Salisbury West Landcare on a bird-monitoring workshop. Planting as part of GWLAP’s Community Revegetation Program in South Australia. 13 Arid Lands Environment been contracted to deliver the Community Revegetation Project for Centre, NT 14 the Murray Futures program. From The vision behind the Arid Lands 2010-13, GWLAP involved volunteers Environment Centre (ALEC) – ‘Healthy from more than 54 community groups 15 futures for arid lands and people’ – (more than 3000 volunteers a year) to encourages the group to act as a catalyst plant 951,770 seedlings on 97 sites. and organiser of on-ground Source Water 16 environmental action. ALEC built the Biodiversity Matters program to link Protection Program, volunteers with land managers and ACTEW, ACT 17 researchers working on conservation issues. For instance, the program The Source Water Protection supported 12 volunteers in assisting Program, part of ACTEW Water, has 18 government researchers document the from the beginning engaged with rare Acacia peuce population at Old Landcare groups in recognition that Andado Station on the edge of the reaching diverse parts of the community 19 Simpson Desert. ALEC hopes the is key to maintaining water quality. model can be rolled out nationwide. The program is charged with protecting water quality in the Cotter 20 Norman Wettenhall and upper Murrumbidgee river catchments, and Googong Dam. Foundation, VIC It approaches this task through 21 The Norman Wettenhall Foundation Kabi Kabi man Kerry Jones and son Bowdean of the Bunya Bunya Country Aboriginal Corporation at the Maroochy canelands FarmFLOW mangrove project. community-based capacity-building is a philanthropic trust supporting roles, peer-to-peer education, projects that enhance the vitality and areas – Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra, to a diverse range of groups, programs trainee. The Friends groups have workshops and training, field days, 22 diversity of the Australian natural living Uralla and Walcha. HiCUB has forged and co-investors through formal and volunteered more than 60,000 hours knowledge-sharing forums and environment. The foundation directs stronger relationships between councils, informal partnerships. The list of and planted more than 152,000 plants in seminars, site visits, media coverage, funds in a way that brings people Landcare and other community groups achievements from this approach is the past 10 years. The shire’s support and the distribution of information 23 together in creating community-owned that have enabled the four councils to long: at least 84ha of environmental has seen development of community through networks and industry biodiversity blueprints that lead to work with Landcare and community weed control for regeneration; 75km of and school-education programs, groups. landscape-level change. It values groups on other projects, such as riparian restoration via stock exclusion; revegetated public reserves, improved 24 networking between the groups it roadside vegetation management, 162ha of sediment control measures for wildlife habitat, facilitated weed-control Tasman Council, TAS supports: one of the major programs protection, and urban bush land and landslip rehabilitation; 10.5ha of programs, and resulted in 60,000 hours Tasman Council’s ongoing strategy invests in seven significant landscape- biodiversity planning. Other wetland restoration; and 216 producers of environmental volunteering. of working with Landcare achieves the 25 scale projects across Victoria and initiatives include Black Gully Music engaged through workshops, farm visits maximum result from a minimum of annually brings them together for Festival, which showcases the area’s and incentives. Goolwa to Wellington resources. The council is focused on networking and mutual support. rehabilitation to the wider community. Local Action Planning developing Tasman municipality’s role 26 as a niche agricultural producer. Seed funding from the foundation Shire of Mundaring, Association, SA also allows Landcare groups to approach SunCoast FarmFLOW Through a permanent part-time staff WA other major funding sources. Project, QLD The Goolwa to Wellington Local position, it works with stakeholders 27 The Shire of Mundaring’s 2012 Action Planning Association (GWLAP) such as NRM South and the Tasman High Country The goal of the SunCoast Environmental Management Plan set has developed partnerships with more Landcare Group to help grow the Biodiversity Project, FarmFLOW Project, administered by out a community-based approach to than 50 local groups and supports them number and diversity of agriculture and 28 non-profit community group Maroochy protecting natural assets for future wherever possible. GWLAP also works aquaculture enterprises in a sustainable NSW Landcare, is to reduce the impact of generations. It has developed a Friends to involve the wider community, manner. The council also offers support The High Country Biodiversity grazing and cane farming on the Group Strategy that recognises local including groups which are not for Landcare groups seeking funding 29 Project (HiCUB) is a partnership northern Moreton Bay coastal hotspot. environmental groups as essential traditionally environmentally focused, opportunities, and is also developing between Southern New England Through the project, Maroochy partners by supporting them with a bush in Landcare and environmental partnerships across municipal Landcare has linked Landcare initiatives care co-ordinator, Landcare officer and boundaries. 30 Landcare and four local government activities. For instance, GWLAP has 31 LANDCARE AUSTRALIA CELEBRATES 32 3,000 TELSTRA CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS! From Sydney Harbour’s iconic Goat Island to the beautiful coastline of Waterman’s Bay in 33 Perth, Telstra employees have contributed more than 3,000 volunteer days to Landcare groups across Australia, assisting the Landcare community to fulﬁl its pledge to help 34 protect and repair Australia’s precious environment. Telstra employees understand that together with partners such as Landcare Australia, 35 we can make a difference. In addition to participating in initiatives such as Landcare Australia’s Corporate Environmental Volunteering Program, many are actively engaged in a Workplace Giving Program under which their donations to Landcare Australia are 36 matched dollar for dollar by Telstra. Volunteering - Sustainability in action at Telstra. 37

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Friends of Fogg Dam, NT 3 Fogg Dam, a relic of early attempts to produce rice on the Adelaide River floodplain, is internationally recog- 4 nised for its birdlife, but the dam and its surrounds are inundated with weeds. Friends of Fogg Dam plays a signifi- 5 cant role helping repair and prevent degraded land environments at Fogg Dam – the only Top End wetland 6 accessible to vehicles year-round – which is only an hour’s drive from Darwin on the way to Kakadu. 7 The group has successfully tackled incursions of weeds such as olive hymenachne, snakeweed and sida, by 8 working with government and other agencies, holding regular working bees, and being involved in outreach 9 and education about the dam, which attracts 80,000 visitors annually. 10 Great Tracks Clean-up Crew, SA 11

In eight years, the Great Tracks 12 Clean-up Crew has travelled more than A weekend clean-up of the Gawler Ranges region nets more than 6 tonnes including TVs, caravan gear and a lounge. cation plans for declared agricultural 81,000km (just over twice around the weeds, Tamar NRM has also embraced world) and removed 370 tonnes of mobile technology to conduct feral 13 rubbish from South Australia’s outback species management programs, while tracks. minimising native species by-catch, Moving dozens of people and vehi- particularly Tasmanian devils. The 14 cles over unserviced regions of the group also engages in broader knowl- outback requires careful planning a edge sharing through sister Landcare year in advance. partnerships with Woady Yaloak 15 By taking rubbish from outback Catchment Group, as well as with tracks, the group is helping maintain Grayson Landcare Group in Virginia. and preserve iconic landscapes. 16 The removal of dumped chemicals North Burnett and other rotting matter also protects Landcare Group, QLD the region’s soils from contamination. 17 Last year nine new members from In the aftermath of the flood caused Victoria and Queensland joined the by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald, North group. Those new interstate members Burnett Landcare Group formed a 18 have continued their association, partnership with Landcare’s Burnett expanding the work of the Great Mary Regional Group to engage Tracks Clean-up Crew from South Conservation Volunteers Australia and 19 Australia to branch groups in other job seekers in on-farm flood-recovery states in coming years. works to help farmers get back on their feet. 20 Roleybushcare, WA The group has also directed the Sunset over recently cleared water – Fogg Dam, May 2014. management of two significant Phytophthora dieback (PD), which is wetlands near Monto and engaged 21 recognised by governments as a major that acts as a model of community- Pip Job, the Little River Landcare recognised by the MLA team when the local schools in Landcare activities. threat to the biodiversity of the based land-management planning by Group steps outside the normal popular Target 100 project was country, is widespread in Roleystone in representing the varying interests of Landcare role by delivering social awarded the Gold Banksia Award in Pentland Hills 22 West Australia’s south-west – where it the broader community. programs. Projects have included the 2013. Landcare Group, VIC kills trees and wildflowers in bushland The plan embraces recreational Farmers Teaching Farmers program – reserves and residents’ properties. activities along with conservation which saw 70 farming families Tamar NRM, TAS 23 Concerned about the devastating objectives to reinvigorate the wood- participate over four years – and a Pentland Hills Landcare Group effects of PD in the jarrah forest around lands, as well as the birdlife reliant on Succession Planning and Tamar NRM uses a combination of (PHLG) is leading a big project to Roleystone, Roleybushcare developed it. Intergenerational Transfer program. direct on-ground action and commu- link Lerderderg and Werribee Gorge 24 a hydraulic tree injector and applied a The group also leads important It has begun to look at how it can nity capacity building to rehabilitate State Parks in the Great Dividing protective inoculation to 18,000 trees on-ground activities, including support local farmers undergoing degraded environments, prevent long- Range. in key bushland reserves. managing weeds, building birdnesting financial hardship. term degradation and facilitate The group is working with land- 25 Roleybushcare also educates resi- boxes, photographic monitoring of The group teaches personal aware- long-term management. holders, the local catchment dents to conserve and restore bushland. key ecological points throughout the ness and development in all its The organisation identifies management authority, the As a result of the group’s work with woodland and maintaining walking capacity-building programs. community concerns and activates Department of Environment and 26 locals and the City of Armadale, every tracks. The group is working not only It has undertaken a wide variety of community-based solutions through a Primary Industries, and Melbourne bushland reserve in the area now has a to enhance woodland habitats for local projects in its 15-year history and ground-up community-focused Water to progress the project. custodian. birds, but also hopes its efforts will received some $5.2 million – value- method. More than 300 community In early 2014, 22km of the biolink 27 contribute to a broader plan to restore adding to execute projects that would members were actively engaged in its had been completed, with the last Hughes Garran yellow box-red gum woodlands. otherwise have cost $9.8m. strategic review. 11km due to be completed by 2015. Among notable programs, Little Among other things, Tamar NRM PHLG also designed the 28 Woodland Group, ACT Little River Landcare River Landcare has worked with the has successfully tackled serrated Myrniong Landholder Expo, a Group, NSW Meat & Livestock Australia environ- tussock and major revegetation one-stop forum that provided land- The Hughes Garran Woodland mental team to provide relevant case projects. In addition to its focus on management advice to more than 400 29 Group has created a woodland plan Headed by celebrated rural leader studies and information – which was establishing community-based eradi- landholders. 30

X29413774 38 Louise Hufton, NSW. Angela Calliess, ACT, inspecting tubestock. – Picture: Andrew Campbell.

Mandy Coulson, VIC Conservation Volunteers Australia and seven urban Landcare groups. To raise Mandy’s ability to knit together the awareness of exotic rat’s tail grass, Peter many threads of agriculture, commu- brought together pastoralists, govern- nity and Landcare into a highly ment officers and researchers. effective organisation has earned her The group built a web page, and respect for her work at the Surf Coast developed a brochure, identification and Inland Plains Network (SCIPN). guide and control recommendations, She has a made a substantial contribu- all of which greatly enhanced commu- tion to SCIPN’s ability to support and nity awareness of the weed. deliver natural resource management programs across the network area. Beryl Belford, SA Under Mandy’s guidance, the network has reinvigorated and transformed into Beryl’s passion for the environment an active and respected organisation and Landcare has been expressed at with high levels of engagement. She state, regional and paddock levels. She has introduced a range of programs supported Landcare groups and their that link farm productivity with natural activities as member and secretary of resource management, ensuring the the Southern Hills Soil Conservation effort expended to deliver a program Board for more than 10 years. has a substantial multiplier effect. The board, with its central and northern counterparts, was instru- Louise Hufton, NSW mental in developing the Land Management Program for small land- Louise Hufton aims to inspire, holders across the ranges. supporting members of the Harden Beryl played a large role in Murrumburrah Landcare Group researching income alternatives for (HMLG) in tackling the region’s Linda and Joe Armstrong, Urala. small landholders in the peri-urban natural resource issues while improving areas around Mt Barker, and ensures agricultural productivity. leveraging resources from management. Her strength lies in rehabilitation, she acted as site the community is aware of any funding As HMLG’s co-ordinator, Louise Commonwealth, state and regional bringing land managers and partners manager, contractor co-ordinator and or other opportunities to improve encourages landholders to make a sources, and harnessing volunteer together to form a united force, to supervisor of project staff, tracked natural resource management. difference in their lifetime. She effort with support from other stake- share information and resources, and expenditure, and ran the project in mentors Riverina Local Land Services holder groups. Her efforts have been undertake weed-management programs close partnership with West Tamar Angela Calliess, ACT staff and Landcare support officers, directed across the natural resource on landscape scales. She has achieved a Council and state government. As helping them understand and support spectrum, exemplified by her work 90 per cent level of active participation convenor and co-ordinator of Ragwort Since 1995, Angela Calliess has their rural communities. Louise is a with crews from the Darling Downs by pastoralists, thanks to her ability to Raids, she has co-ordinated 100 volun- earned respect for her roles in the ACT strong advocate for building relation- Correctional Centre that from 1999- obtain external investment. A GIS teer ‘weed pullers’ each year for 11 Parks system, and on rural land repair ships between landholders and relevant 2012 treated 2800 hectares for lantana, [geographic information system] she years, and gets permits from state agen- for the past eight years with Greening organisations to boost uptake and 4000ha for tree pear and 2400ha for developed for monitoring weed control cies and council for roadside work in Australia. Her measurable outcomes awareness of natural resource manage- African boxthorn. has had 100 per cent adoption by the 180,000ha project footprint. cover 1000ha of land (including peri- ment and its role in productivity. pastoralists managing weeds. urban) and 100km of riparian zones, Linda Anderson, WA Peter Clifton, NT and she has worked with more than Glenys Bowtell, QLD Jayne Shapter, TAS 200 landholders. She is innovative in Linda Anderson has dedicated nine A former Northern Territory her approach to land repair, taking on Glenys is a consummate project years to transforming and extending Part of a small group that founded Landcare facilitator, Peter has a deep whole-of-paddock rehabilitation, manager. She balances roles as secre- the reach of best practice weed the West Tamar Landcare Group Inc in knowledge of the Landcare landscape – holistic management and alternative tary of North East Downs Landcare management in the Pilbara. 1992, Jayne has since become the from weeds to key Territory farming. Her work spans community Group, treasurer of Condamine As project manager for the Pilbara cement that holds the group together – stakeholders. He has excelled at engagement and volunteer manage- Catchment Management Association, Mesquite Management Committee, she is the secretary, treasurer and solving challenges by bringing ment, to delivery of riparian restoration and for 14 years the project co-ordi- Linda has shaped the community project co-ordinator. Jayne does what- together multiple parties, such as the incentives and development of offset nator of South Myall Catchment group, its projects and reputation into a ever is required to do the job. Corridors of Green project, which was areas for partner business operations, Landcare Group. She is adept at highly regarded authority on weed During an important stream bank funded after it brought together to ecological monitoring programs. 1

11 Crocodile Islands ranger removes a ghost net. – Picture: John Skuja. Mackay and District Turtlewatch Association members protect endangered turtles. WILDCARE Deslacs, TAS 12 Since 2009, WILDCARE Deslacs has worked with the community 13 around the small coastal village of Clifton Beach to develop clear land- management priorities. Two coastal 14 resource management plans have emerged from this activity. The 2011 Clifton Beach Coastal 15 Reserve Activity Plan has included a focus on the sustainable use of this popular surfing beach through revege- 16 tation, fencing and track work to improve beach access. The 2012 Cape Deslacs Spanish 17 Heath Management Plan has helped supplemented by the sale of plants. environmental awareness of the protect habitat for species such as the The trust also works closely with Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary and short-tailed shearwater, and also the recently re-established Grassy surrounding Bluff area. Through a 18 protected threatened native vegetation Head Dune Care to restore Grassy Coastcare Victoria grant, the group communities through the creation of Data collection by Tangaroa Blue Foundation tracks the source of debris and helps prevent it ending up in the Head’s significant coastal recently developed a marine conserva- ocean. buffer zones. This work has also been environments. tion app for smartphones and tablets 19 supported by the Southern Coastcare ensures mitigation work can be meas- posters and a short movie about the on the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary. Association of Tasmania (SCAT – see ured. The program also engages 57 impacts of marine debris. Mackay & District Turtle The app contains a field guide to flora president Chris Johns in Individual indigenous organisations and 154 Another Territory NRM project Watch Association, QLD and fauna, relevant visitor information, 20 Landcarer category) and the schools – the interactive TBF involved the rangers recording and a guided Rockpool Ramble, classroom Tasmanian Department of Primary Interactive Marine Debris Education removing ghost nets and marine debris Since 1992, the Mackay and activities, historical and cultural infor- Industries, Parks, Water and Kit is aligned to the national on Murrungga, Rapuma and Gurriba District Turtle Watch Association mation, and positive conservation 21 Environment. WILDCARE Deslacs curriculum. Islands. The collaboration of the (MDTWA) has worked to protect the messages. It is a free resource to benefit data monitoring has been important in Milingimbi community has been vital globally endangered marine turtles and the community and environment. this project and in the University of Crocodile Islands to the success of the projects. their habitat. Its extensive accomplish- 22 ments include an ongoing program of Friends of Hooded Tasmania Tasmanian Shoreline Rangers, NT Monitoring and Archiving Project, Grassy Head Nursery turtle monitoring, coastal habitat Plovers, SA measuring the effects of sea-level rise management, and community educa- 23 on vulnerable coastlines. The Crocodile Islands Rangers Reserve Trust, NSW tion and awareness activities, Friends of Hooded Plovers Fleurieu manage the land and sea territory of undertaken entirely by a network of 60 Peninsula – also known as Hoodie Tangaroa Blue the Crocodile Islands, off the coast of The Grassy Head Nursery Reserve volunteers. Turtle signage has been Helpers – plays an important role in 24 the Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land. Trust manages a nursery facility on developed and installed at 30 locations maintaining the health of this vulner- Foundation, WA The indigenous rangers pick up Crown land; it is a NSW government- across the Mackay Whitsunday region, able bird population. Since 2009, about discarded fishing nets/’ghost nets’, appointed body. The trust has formed and MDTWA has run an education 40 volunteers have dedicated 2420 25 The Australian Marine Debris which would otherwise become envi- partnerships with other groups to campaign for schools across the region hours to monitoring and managing Initiative was created by Tangaroa Blue ronmental hazards, drifting through restore and enhance the vegetation and since 1998. nesting birds and raising awareness in Foundation (TBF) in 2004. Since then, the ocean continuing to fish or washing biodiversity around Grassy Head The group also makes a significant the community, as part of a program 26 more than 26,000 public volunteer up on land. Beach on the mid-north coast of NSW. contribution to regional coastal run by Natural Resources Adelaide and opportunities have been filled, and Over the past two years, the rangers Volunteers have already planted management by supplying its data to Mt Lofty Ranges, and BirdLife Australia. more than 2.4 million items of marine have initiated projects that have more than 10,000 seedlings over the the Queensland Turtle Research The volunteers monitor breeding 27 debris have been removed from the increased community awareness and past three years. program and the region’s coastal hooded plover pairs, nests and eggs, Australian coastline – including engagement with issues such as marine The group has also developed a managers. and fledgling chicks, and contribute 907,000 items from West Australian debris and ghost nets, and beach and vegetation management plan, and information to a national database 28 sites. The program engages communi- coastline management. actively works at repairing degradation Friends of the Bluff, VIC managed by BirdLife Australia. This ties to adopt a section of beach for A federal government project caused by environmental impacts such ‘citizen science’ is aimed at helping monthly monitoring of marine debris. resulted in regular community beach as bitou invasion on the dunes, acci- Coastal volunteer group Friends of change how the community perceives 29 This provides a valuable data set clean-ups over a year, supplemented by dental fires, vines, woody and grass the Bluff has long innovated with tech- beaches and affects their behaviour detailing marine debris trends and education sessions and the creation of weed invasion and erosion. Funding is nology to increase community and in these sensitive environments. 30

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15 The Mangarrayi traditional owners worked on the traditional ecological knowledge collection (TEK) – part of the Mangarrayi Ranger Project. This main map shows sacred sites and storylines on Mangarrayi Country. 16 between the Barwon and Boomi rivers, traditional knowledge (picture sources of water. By keeping the surface members, has started surveying Gowan Ken Stewart, VIC and protecting cultural heritage sites above). waters clean, controlling and Brae and understanding how past Ken Stewart’s ability to find from pests such as African boxthorn – monitoring weeds and feral animals, and generations managed the land and used 17 practical, negotiated solutions to using traditional land-management Quandamooka monitoring biodiversity, Sue and the the landscape. difficult and sensitive issues has made practices such as mosaic burning. West Mallee Protection Group have him a leading indigenous authority on Yoolooburrabee preserved the waters for native animals Yurung Dhaura 18 cultural heritage issues in north-west and maintained their cultural integrity. Roper River Landcare Aboriginal Aboriginal Land Victoria. He began working with Group and Mangarrayi Corporation, QLD Other volunteers have become cultural heritage in the 1990s, as involved – Israeli soldiers and Polish Management Team, ACT 19 supervisor of a cultural heritage Land Management In 2012, Quandamooka engineers, archaeologists, program involving a group of young Rangers, NT Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporate conservationists and congressmen. The Yurung Dhaura (‘strong earth’ unemployed indigenous trainees. He (QYAC) undertook the restoration of This guardianship has inspired a in the Ngunnawal language) program 20 has since advised on key environmental On Mangarrayi Lands, a project Myora Springs (also known as succession plan to strengthen the was conducted over two years to train and infrastructure projects, including involving three rangers and a Capembah Creek) on North condition of the country and people new generations of indigenous people multimillion-dollar programs such as supervisor is integrating traditional Stradbroke Island. Near one of the who use it. in environmental regeneration and 21 the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, land management into contemporary most urbanised regions in Australia, the traditional land management. Robinvale Bridge and the Living natural resource management to Myora Springs site was badly affected Aboriginal Land Seven local Aboriginal people Murray program. He has been a key protect and conserve biodiversity in by erosion, loss of vegetation and worked in the Yurung Dhaura positions 22 figure in the repatriation of Aboriginal the area. The partnership between mangrove dieback. The issues Council of Tasmania and received formal training in remains from museums and worked on Roper River Landcare and the threatened to cause ecosystem collapse and the Tasmanian Aboriginal NRM, cultural leadership, a field guide about managing pest Mangarrayi Land Management Rangers of the largest remaining patch of interpretation of cultural heritage, and 23 animals in culturally sensitive areas. has had a significant impact on natural endangered coastal rainforest in south- Aboriginal Centre for conservation and land management. resource issues in the Roper River east Queensland. The site is also Gowan Brae, TAS The Yurung Dhaura Aboriginal Land Murries on Barwon, NSW catchment, but also on the lives of the culturally significant for the Management team developed into a 24 Mangarrayi people by providing Quandamooka people. Elders were The 2012 purchase by the highly skilled bush-regeneration team The Murries on Barwon project training and employment, and given the opportunity to engage and Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania that was respected by the Aboriginal involves seven Aboriginal community contributing to the health and well- make decisions on the country. The of 6750ha Gowan Brae has opened up community, peers and colleagues. 25 members from Mungindi in north-west being of the rangers – who have community worked together to protect the possibility of new community The project was highly successful in NSW who, with mentoring and become community role models – their a sacred place, and its people are connections with the land. helping the trainees and local vocational training, are implementing 26 families and the elders. engaged in ongoing work to prevent That connection is a primary goal of Aboriginal community with best-practice natural resource According to a 2006 survey, the the degradation to this and other sites. the management plan being developed environmental and social outcomes. management on land owned by the Jilkminggan community of Mangarrayi by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre Trainees involved in the program Mungindi Local Aboriginal Land Lands is the most disadvantaged in Sue Haseldine, SA (TAC), which is managing the largely have also succeeded in utilising their 27 Council. Participants have learnt about Australia. The effect of the Landcare undisturbed property. Work has begun skills in similar work with Greening eradicating invasive weeds, controlling partnership has been widespread – what A Kokatha woman, Sue Haseldine to clear hard rubbish, map and control Australia Capital Region, the Australian pest animals, revegetating native habitat started as a project with four led to the has spent more than 20 years working weeds, fix fences, and put up gates to Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait 28 and protecting stream banks from whole community getting involved. with family and other volunteers to manage wandering stock and Islander Studies, Legal Aid ACT, with erosion. Their efforts have brought It’s given the Mangarrayi people a recover and maintain important cultural unauthorised access. Aboriginal Elder Medicare Local and with developing a significant improvements to the land, sense of pride to see the maps and book sites in her area – particularly soaks and Phil Beeton, with input from TAC staff family-based Aboriginal Land 29 including better ecological connections that have come from documenting their rock holes – which are important and a group of Aboriginal community Management business.

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Gordonvale State program held near Uralla, NSW, which uses ancient concepts of tribal duty to 3 School, QLD the land and totems to instil a Gordonvale State School’s conservation ethic. Students explore 4 ‘Excelsior: A Whole Community myriad environmental themes using Approach to Sustainability’ is used as music, song and drama. Tribal groups an example for other schools to follow, are formed and students explore tribal 5 and has been described in the totems with natural resource Queensland Parliament as ‘a hub of management leaders and high school sustainability’. Students at the far north mentors. 6 Queensland primary school have The ‘kids teaching kids’ engaged in a number of important methodology is used to help highlight projects and have won numerous the importance of interconnectedness, 7 awards from organisations including local biodiversity and sustainable land the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park management. Authority. Projects conducted under Lasting connections are built: 8 Excelsior have included the restoration student mentors are drawn from past of O’Leary’s Creek, which required the participants. planting of more than 600 trees. The format creates new perspectives 9 In its Permaculture Partnerships on the importance of understanding Project, students designed and built a natural resources and land management permaculture garden as a tool to issues. 10 learn about gardening and produce food for the school tuckshop. Other Giving to the Environment activities included presenting at .Earth Project, ACT 11 Smart Science Workshops at a state level. More than 100 students from Lanyon High School, Bonython 12 Lansdowne Crescent Primary School and Gordon Primary School embarked on a Giving to the Primary School, TAS Landsdowne Crescent Primary School’s Land to Sea team focused on Hobart’s Knocklofty Reserve . Environment Project with in-class 13 A bilingual interpretive trail of lessons complemented by on-ground Hobart’s Knocklofty Reserve that which monitors the school grounds adjacent to Esperance on the State’s successful initiatives such as the activities. allows visitors to access information by and awards a prize at assemblies for the south coast – is a system of saline lakes Mitchell River Eco Warriors, a year 9 Students from preschool to year 10 14 using their iPhones to scan quick best kept area. Girraween Primary and marsh areas behind beachfront elective subject that studies local developed their understanding and response (QR) codes has been School has received the honour of dunes, which provides habitat ecological issues, and the Rainforest practical skills on environmental issues developed by Lansdowne Crescent being asked to create and contribute including for a significant proportion Project, developed to restore warm, through learning about water treatment 15 Primary School – not just to help resources on food and fibre for the of the rare hooded plover population, temperate and gallery rainforest on the and conservation, horticulture, visitors to the reserve but also to aid Australian curriculum in partnership which breeds regularly at Station Lake neglected 40-hectare site where the sustainable living and gardening. communication with Landsdowne’s with the National Primary Industry and Lake Warden. college adjoins the Mitchell River. The project also enhanced students’ 16 sister school in Indonesia. The school’s Education Foundation. The Bush Rangers cadets program is They also propagate native seedlings in understanding of ‘environmental giving’. Land to Sea leadership team developed targeted at students in years 9 and 10, a student-constructed fernery and 17 the concept, which directs QR code Waikerie Primary offering personal development distribute them to local Landcare The project was developed queries back to the Land to Sea website training, and a hands-on understanding groups and schools. The group has through community and academic School, SA partnerships, and teachers had the that it also developed. of conservation. been promoting the Landcare message 18 Backed by a team of experts, the The Waikerie Primary Youth and raising awareness of environmental opportunity to present their research project has given the local community Environment Team (YET) considers Nagle College, VIC issues within the school and and achievements at the Australian Literacy Educators National a better understanding of Knocklofty’s water, biodiversity, energy and waste community since 2000. 19 biodiversity value and opened up new in its sustainability projects. The group The Nagle College Landcare Conference in July 2012. ways of communicating with Kaliasin provides information to the community Group’s Eco Warrior Program Frog Dreaming, NSW 1SDN, Landsdowne’s sister school. about enhancing habitats and reducing incorporates Landcare principles and 20 the decline of species, in particular the activities into the school curriculum. The two-day Frog Dreaming BELOW: Girraween Primary School’s no-dig Girraween Primary regent parrot. The parrot is a Students have engaged in a number of Conference is a youth learning garden. vulnerable species, but the YETies’ 21 School, NT support has helped improve their Students at Girraween Primary status. YET works with community School learn many of their life lessons partners – in particular RWLandcare – 22 through agriculture – the school’s mini- on a range of other hands-on farm features chickens, a buffalo, goat, sustainability and community projects, cow and a 400m2 vegetable garden. across all age groups, making it a key 23 The school’s sustainability programs presence in the region’s sustainability involve students from pre-school to movement. year 6. The school has chosen other 24 ways of ‘learning through doing’ such Esperance Senior High as building a butterfly farm and School Bush Rangers, WA forming the Rubbish Warriors’ group, 25 Esperance Senior High School’s Bush Rangers are involved in projects Girraween Primary in partnership with the local 26 community, natural resource School has received the management organisations and local businesses. The Rangers’ tree-planting 27 honour of being asked at the Lake Warden Ramsar wetlands to create ... resources on contributes to the integrity of an important site for migrating waterbirds, 28 food and fibre for the while their rehabilitation and clean-up work improves the amenity and Australian Curriculum. sustainability of Esperance’s man-made 29 environment. The wetlands – located 30

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3 NEWS ROUND-UP Pest, weed strategy review 4 The Australian Weeds Strategy and the Australian Pest Animal Strategy provide national frameworks for addressing the Biosecurity partnerships problems and have a role in ensuring 5 profitability and sustainability of Australia’s primary industries. After an independent evaluation of the strategies in 2013, 6 the Australian Weeds Committee and Vertebrate Pests Committee are revising and updating the national strategies, 7 aiming to release new strategies in 2014. Stakeholders will be consulted as an thrive in nation's north integral part of the revision process. 8 andcare is a community-based the very remote areas that can be approach that has played a major difficult for our scientific officers to Wild dog plan endorsed role in raising awareness about access without assistance,” he said. FEDERAL Agriculture Minister Barnaby 9 biosecurity threats that will The rangers carry out a wide range Joyce, in conjunction with agriculture Limpact on Australia’s agricultural of duties such as: ministers from all other jurisdictions, production and unique environment. l Checking insect traps for exotic has formally endorsed the National 10 The Landcare ethos recognises species. Wild Dog Action Plan for coordinated everyone has a role in looking after l Surveying marine debris washed management of wild dogs. Mr Joyce “our patch”. This is particularly ashore or suspect foreign fishing vessel launched the Plan on 4 July on behalf 11 important is in northern Australia. landing sites for items of biosecurity of all jurisdictions. The northern coast is particularly concern. l Visit www.woolproducers.com.au vulnerable to the arrival of exotic l Collecting blood from ‘sentinel’ 12 pests, diseases and weeds. Papua New animals to check for the presence of SA gains $10m drought aid Guinea, for example, is about any exotic animal diseases. Government assistance is on its 150 kilometres from the tip of l Participating in scientific surveys and way to drought-affected farmers in South 13 Queensland and only 3.5km from our community public awareness activities. Australia, with $10 million in concessional outer Torres Strait island, Saibai. l Collecting weed and plant specimens. loans and funding for farmers who are The federal Agriculture l Looking for suspect exotic pests, dealing with feral animals and pests, 14 Department, through its Northern weeds or plants or animals showing and an increase of funding for the SA Australia Quarantine Strategy signs of exotic diseases (particularly the emergency water infrastructure program. (NAQS), delivers risk-based animal health of migratory birds and bats). l Details on assistance available to farmers is available at 15 and plant health surveillance and “Early detection and reporting of daff.gov.au/assistance. monitoring in coastal regions across risk species is critical to the successful northern Australia and regulates the management of biosecurity threats that Senate looks at Landcare 16 movement of vessels, aircraft, can, in turn, impact our agricultural On June 26, the Senate announced an passengers and cargo through Torres production and land health, Mr Korff inquiry into the National Landcare Program Strait. said. “This work, in conjunction with for reporting by October 29. The inquiry 17 The NAQS “zone” includes more response measures performed by state/ will examine the history, effectiveness, than 10,000km of remote and largely territory agencies, contributions from performance and future of the program. Public submissions closed on the unpopulated coast from Broome in Willie Roberts from Tiwi rangers maps plant locations using an iTracker device on Melville Island, Northern Territory. industry and the invaluable assistance 18 of the community, helps to meet August 8. The terms of reference for the Western Australia to Cairns in inquiry and information about its progress, Queensland, including Torres Strait. communities and to encourage communities were vital. Landcare objectives such as improving including links to public submissions are NAQS scientists monitor for the compliance with Torres Strait “We focus on areas of high risk and our farmlands and local coastal online. 19 environments, protecting wildlife presence of exotic pests, weeds or movement regulations. The program this partnership with indigenous l Visit www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/ diseases that can come either by natural also employs indigenous ranger teams communities gives the department habitats and tackling environmental Committees/Senate/Environment_and_Communications/ 20 means (wind or waterborne movement) on a fee-for-service basis to provide confidence that people with unique issues of most concern to communities” landcare/Terms_of_Reference. or unregulated human activity effective biosecurity monitoring. skill sets and strong local Many rangers also participate in (accidental or otherwise). The program Indigenous communities play a environmental knowledge are other Landcare activities with their local 5m in anniversary grants communities and, while biosecurity is 21 monitors for the presence of a wide particularly important role in helping to monitor for exotic pests.” Australian communities will share in range of exotic pests – such as papaya biosecurity programs. They facilitate Mr Korff said NAQS also had a the primary objective of NAQS, the $5 million in Landcare 25th anniversary fruit fly and Asian honey bee, weeds access to scientific survey locations on particularly strong working program values the importance of these grants 2014-15 to help restore local 22 (Siam weed and spiked pepper), plant traditional lands, raise public awareness relationship with indigenous ranger ongoing relationships and partnerships environments in a new initiative as part diseases including black Sigatoka and on biosecurity risks and deliver specific groups throughout northern Australia. with pastoralists and Landcare of the Federal Government’s National citrus canker, and animal diseases (foot animal and plant health monitoring “The work of indigenous rangers in communities as contributors to Landcare Program. The anniversary 23 and mouth disease and rabies being activities. northern Australia integrates very well Australia’s biosecurity. grants for 2014-15 are expected to open two serious threats). Murray Korff, NAQS program with our biosecurity strategies. They As Mr Korff says: “Awareness about mid-September. The NAQS works to raise director, said the program’s effectively support biosecurity work we biosecurity threats helps everyone look l Visit www.nrm.gov.au 24 awareness about biosecurity in collaborations with indigenous undertake in the region, particularly in after their ‘patch’.”

25 NATIONAL LANDCARE AWARD finalists Dairy processor backs sustainability drive l From p1 of special edition Making the top three again is 2012 Sustainable Farm Practices, Indigenous, runner-up Colin Seis, renowned as the 26 n the crowded and competitive dairy to take a partnership through the whole process,” Mr Jeffrey Coastcare and Junior Landcare. The creator of ‘pasture cropping’. Colin processing industry, Lion is staking approach with our said. “We’ve also started doing national winners of the awards, which invented and developed ‘multi species out a position based on sustainability suppliers to ensure they benchmarking programs with a group of Landcare Australia and the federal pasture cropping’ (pasture cropping) to 27 with the help of Landcare Australia. have an opportunity to our farmers, to help us understand both government are delivering in partnership, address the ecological problems that can will be announced in Melbourne at the be associated with monoculture grain I Lion is this year providing $132,000 improve not only the success stories and opportunities to world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition production, such as high pesticide use, in funding across 13 Landcare- environmental help improve efficiencies on farm. We’ll Building on September 18. and to help produce food for the growing 28 administered grants for projects that outcomes, but also cost share those insights with farmers so that The Bob Hawke award includes human population while restoring improve dairying’s sustainability Murray Jeffrey efficiencies on farm. all suppliers right through our dairy prizemoney of $50,000 to develop grassland and soil, and thereby the through reduced energy consumption, “If you look at some network can see what’s possible out knowledge and skills in sustainable land sustainability of farms. 29 improved on-farm nutrient management of the projects we’ve supported around there. We also plan to use the findings management. The award has attracted Leading crop scientists now give pasture or increased biodiversity. reducing energy consumption, they all to inform our other sustainability Landcarers who lead by example, share cropping international recognition. The Lion-supported projects will reduce costs on farm as well. One of the initiatives against priority areas.” ideas and are committed to making a Dr Dwayne Beck, a leading research 30 produce a range of valuable outcomes in largest costs for dairies is rising energy As part of its long-term outlook on difference in their communities. scientist at South Dakota State University, places like Moriarty, Tasmania, where costs. If we can put alternatives in place, sustainability, Lion recently A finalist, Cam Nicholson of the regional has stated pasture cropping “probably effluent nutrient is recycled to reduce like solar or wind, the better those farms acknowledged the impact of fluctuating Woady Yaloak Catchment Group, has the best possibility of producing grain 31 fertiliser use. will be positioned as energy costs rise.” milk prices on dairy stability by featured in Landcare in Focus in February sustainably in Australia”. for his documented reinvigoration of The National Landcare Awards are In Kureelpa, Quensland, effluent is The other aspect of sustainability is introducing a new milk pricing model in landscapes. Cam will present at the expected to attract movement stopped from entering local waterways, that consumers are demanding it. the southern states. New contract 32 national conference on regional natural veterans and will include Landcare with collected nutrients composted and “People more and more want to find options for southern suppliers include a resource management outcomes ambassador and television personality reapplied to pastures. In Kapunda, South out where their products come from, variable pricing model with guaranteed spanning two decades. Catriona Rowntree as master of Australia, a heat recovery system will that the processes involved are safety net, one-year fixed price offer and Also on the shortlist, Sam Archer is active ceremonies. 33 reduce a dairy’s energy use. Lion’s sustainable – not just environmentally, three-year fixed price offer which may in a number of Landcare groups as well as The event is part of the National investment in Landcare, which has but financially,” he said. “We feel very apply to up to 50 per cent of a supplier’s chairing the Riverina Local Land Services. Landcare Conference, which will run topped more than $300,000 over the passionately about that as well, which is total volume. Total contract terms up to Sam has turned around the operations of from September 17-19 with the theme, 34 past two years, has twofold value to the why we’re focused on building genuine five years are on offer. his sheep and cattle farm which, had been Celebrating our history – growing our company, says Lion’s head of agricultural partnerships with our dairy farmers Lion has also lifted farmgate milk heavily degraded with salinity issues and future. procurement, Murray Jeffrey. based on competitive and secure prices across NSW and Queensland, was suffering declining productivity before Voting for the people’s choice award is he took over. 35 One element is the intrinsic value of pricing, but also other benefits, like the including a record price increase for open until 6pm (AEST) on September 17 Originally the farm attracted high revenue and the winner will be announced at the “sustainability”. Lion views sustainability Landcare environmental grants, and a farmers in far north Queensland. but also had very high input costs, which 2014 National Landcare Awards gala from all angles – environmental, social, clear strategy that delivers confidence “Lion has a clear growth strategy resulted in a low financial margin. Sam dinner the next night. 36 financial – and regards it as a core and growth opportunity.” focused on winning in priority reduced inputs and stocking rates, l To view finalist information and photos and vote online, necessity for a company that aims to be The projects funded by the program segments, like milk-based beverages and significantly increasing the profit margin go to www.landcareonline.com.au/2014nationalawards. 37 in business over the long term. also have impacts well beyond the specialty cheese, and this is underpinned through less intensive farming, including For award and conference updates, follow @LandcareAust “Over the years we’ve had this view participating farms. “Education is vital – by secure and mutually rewarding low intensity grazing, better stock and on Twitter, like LandcareAustralia on Facebook and tag towards long-term sustainability,” Mr we want people to understand what has partnerships with our farmers,” Mr better ability to respond after and between #landcareawards, #landcareconf14 and #landcare25. 38 Jeffrey said. “We believe it’s important been learnt from these projects, right Jeffrey said. droughts.