Landcare Australia Annual Report 2018 | Annual Report 2018

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Landcare Australia is a not-for-profit organisation which provides support to the grassroots Landcare movement and local Landcare groups.

From humble beginnings in 1985, the Landcare movement has become the biggest grassroots environmental management movement in the country: encouraging a sustainable, integrated approach to agricultural and environmental management through local community groups.

With a vision of all Australians actively caring for the land and water that sustain us, Landcare Australia’s key focus is the promotion, support and funding of Landcare projects across the country.

Our well-recognised Landcare Australia, Junior Landcare and Coastcare brands enable us to service specific areas of the Landcare community, providing opportunities for better exposure, awareness, resources and funding.

MESSAGES

Doug Humann Am

Chairman

DR Shane Norrish

Chief Executive Officer

Hon. Michael Jeffery

Patron

2017-18 HIGHLIGHTS

$100,000 award to help PROTECT AUSSIE HABITATS

July 2017

bob hawke celebrates his birthday with landcare

December 2017

DELWP funding announced

May 2018

2017 State and Territory Landcare Awards

September – November 2017

green army programme completed

December 2017

BAg for Good supports junior landcare

June 2018

Getting hands on with landcare week

September 2017

Toast to the Coast

April 2018

Dakalanta revegetation project delivered

June 2018

Moving towards One Landcare

November 2017

New CEO announced

May 2018

WALLAMORE ANABRANCH AND PEEL RIVER REHABILITATION PROJECT

June 2018

FUNCTIONS

Communications

Corporate Environmental Volunteering

Corporate partnerships

Fundraising

Grants

Landcare Services

STRATEGY

Landcare Australia’s strategic plan in 2017-18 focussed on delivering relevant and quality services to our Landcare, government and business stakeholders in order to support, enable and promote Landcare groups and activities across Australia.

PURPOSE

Provide services to the Landcare community, including knowledge sharing, education, promoting participation, capacity building, expertise and knowledge, major project delivery, recognition programs and protecting the ‘caring hands’ for the benefit of all.

VALUE PROPOSITION

Landcare Australia supports and promotes the Landcare community across Australia and delivers on-ground projects to improve the health of our land and water.

VALUES

Demonstrate our commitment to Landcare through our actions.
Collaborate to achieve outcomes.
Resourceful and nimble to achieve outcomes.
We learn, we grow to maximise value for our stakeholders.

GOALS

One voice for Landcare by 2018.
Revenue of $15 million and surplus of $1 million by 2020.
Involve community groups in 75% of major projects managed by Landcare Australia.
Increase audience reach by 20% per annum by 2020 (currently 31 million per annum).

2017-18 STRATEGIC THEMES

During the year Landcare Australia focused on the following five themes to deliver our programs and services:

THEME 1. MORE UNITY IN LANDCARE COMMUNITIES

Present ‘One Landcare’ to government and the broader community.
Acknowledge and respect each other’s area of expertise.
Explore closer alignment, including restructure.
Collaborate on projects.

THEME 2. DIVERSIFY AND GROW INCOME STREAMS

Develop and implement fundraising strategy.
Engage with each corporate account and new partners to develop and implement new services.
Develop and implement strategies to secure government and revenue from multiple sources.
Grow and increase the expertise of our Landcare services team and focus on securing more profitable projects.

THEME 3. DEVELOP VALUED EXPERTISE TO SUPPORT LANDCARE ACTIVITIES

Build professions/technical services and marketing capability to enhance our ability to deliver major projects and support our strategy to diversify and grow income streams.

THEME 4. INCREASE CONNECTION BETWEEN COMMUNITY AND LANDCARE

Develop and implement new innovative products, services and tools to increase connection between business, government and community with Landcare.

THEME 5. BUILD OUR CAPABILITY TO COLLECT AND ANALYSE DATA, DEVELOP INSIGHTS, AND DEMONSTRATE IMPACT

Investigate feasibility to collect meaningful data, source resources to manage, collect and analyse data and – where feasible – develop ways to demonstrate impact, present in an impactful manner and utilise for process improvement.

IMPACT

projects funded by Landcare Australia

Junior Landcare Projects Funded

seedlings planted

GREEN ARMY PROJECTS COMPLETED

quarterly readership of Landcare in Focus

e-newsletter subscribers

digital media audience

workplace giving contributions (IN AUD)

Corporate Environmental Volunteering (CEV) events hosted

Landcare and Junior Landcare groups registered in the National Landcare Directory

Landcare in Focus

2017 State and Territory Landcare Awards

20 MILLION TREES: DAKALANTA

LION DAIRY PRIDE GRANTS

2018 TAX APPEAL

JARAMAS FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP

CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERING

South32: Appin West BIOBANKING SITE

2017 Powerful Youth Grants

Durness Borland Corridor: Five Years On

partners

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

Working with government at local, state and federal levels, assists Landcare Australia in supporting the Landcare community’s activities and raising awareness of Landcare at a national level.

Australian Government National Landcare Program

Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources

Australian Government Department of Environment and Energy

Victoria Government Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

CORPORATE PARTNERS

For almost three decades, Landcare Australia has worked with businesses of all sizes across multiple sectors. We work in partnership with these businesses to help them achieve their goals in specific areas, as well as delivering on-ground funding to the Landcare community.

Corporate Project Partners

In 2017-18, Landcare Australia partnered with 23 organisations across the country to develop projects or provide grant funds that actively support and aid the Landcare community and provide environmental outcomes.

A2 Milk Company

Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG)

Australian Home Heating Association Inc. (AHHA)

Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)

Clover Technologies Group

Coca-Cola South Pacific

Esso Australia

General Mills

Hawke’s Brewing

Jaramas Foundation

Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia

Landcorp

Link Group

Lion

Momentum Energy

RACV

Rusty

South32

Telstra

Transurban

VicTrack

Woolworths

Yates

In-kind Partners

Landcare Australia’s in-kind partners offer their products and services to support our business operations and projects.

Allens Linklaters

Fairfax Agricultural Media

Herbert Smith Freehills

Holden

A number of organisations provide Landcare Australia with donations that provide much-needed support to local Landcare and Coastcare communities around Australia.

Jaramas Foundation	Little Creatures
Lockheed Martin

In 2017-18, over 1,460 corporate volunteers from 36 organisations donated over 7,300 hours of their time to assist in caring for the land and water that sustains us. Partnering with Landcare groups across Australia, participants were involved in various Landcare activities including; weed eradication, plant propagation, planting native tube stocks, mulching, nest box building and heritage conservation.

Alinta Energy	KPMG
Allan Gray and Orbis Investments	Landcorp
Australian Catholic University	Link Group
Beam Suntory	Lion
Cambridge Associates	Lloyd Group
Deutsche Bank	Optus
Dexus	Origin Foundation
Diageo	PIMCO
Downer	Propertylink
Fleetplus	Royal Automobile Association of South Australia
FlexiGroup Limited	Sandoz Pty Ltd
General Mills Australia Pty Ltd	Sanofi
Hawkes Brewing	Suncorp Group
Husqvarna Australia	Telstra
ING	Transurban
Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd	Zurich
Johnson & Johnson Pacific Pty Ltd

In 2017-18 our workplace givers raised $57,400. These funds are being used towards financing projects that support Landcare groups in drought intense areas of NSW and QLD. Projects include; drought resilience workshops, mental health support and offering holistic solutions for farmers.

Automatic Data Processing (ADP)	Pan Macmillan Australia Limited
CSL Limited	One Steel
CSR Limited	Orica
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources	Pan Macmillan Australia
Diageo	Phillip Morris
Dulux Group	PricewaterhouseCoopers
Elders	Qantas Airways
Good to Give	Ritchies Stores
Insurance Australia Group (IAG)	Shell Australia
Incitec Pivot	State Trustees
Key Industries	Telstra
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia	Toyota
Medibank	University of Wollongong

GOVERNANCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Landcare Australia is governed by a skills-based board comprising five non-executive directors. Our Board of Directors oversee the organisation’s direction, its governance, and work with management to develop and execute the strategic plan. Our board members offer a range of skills including; finance, legal and risk management, government relations, business, agribusiness, and environment and water management.

FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE

This committee reviews our organisation’s financial performance against our budget; ensures our reporting is compliant with external standards, and ensures appropriate risk management controls are in place. It also liaises with our external auditors who review our financial report annually.

PARTNERSHIPS COMMITTEE

This committee provides advice 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.

In April 2018, Scott James stepped down as a member of the Partnerships Committee. We thank Scott for his significant contribution to our organisation.

All
Board of Directors
Finance and Audit Committee
Partnerships Committee

Doug Humann

Jan Davis

Peter Sutherland

Rachel Gatehouse

Robert Nicholson

COMPANY SECRETARY

The Company Secretary is responsible for the legal and statutory compliance on behalf of the board. The company secretary, as at 30 June 2018, is Tania Zordan for Landcare Australia Limited.

AUDITORS

The auditors for Landcare Australia Limited and its subsidiaries are Ernst & Young.

financials

For the year ended 30 June 2018	2018 ($)	2017 ($)
REVENUE
Government grants and corporate sponsorship	5,099,203	7,634,346
Other revenue	570,419	549,414
Total revenue	5,669,622	8,183,760

EXPENSES
Employee benefits expense	(2,343,045)	(2,512,366)
Depreciation expense	(55,572)	(49,215)
Project, support, advertising and promotion	(2,357,944)	(5,115,090)
Office expenses	(358,536)	(339,341)
Consultancy fees	(173,346)	(206,336)
Travel expenses	(302,613)	(297,392)
Other expenses	(92,826)	(65,232)
Total expenses	(5,683,882)	(8,584,972)

Loss before income tax	(14,260)	(401,212)

Income tax benefit/(expense)	39,146	(40,974)

Profit/(loss) for the year	24,886	(442,186)

Other comprehensive income	0	0

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year	24,886	(442,186)

As at 30 June 2018	2018 ($)	2017 ($)
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalent	7,999,553	7,422,140
Trade and other receivables	508,092	972,738
Total current assets	8,507,645	8,394,878

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment	118,659	165,691
Total non-current assets	118,659	165,691

Total assets	8,626,304	8,560,569

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables	501,021	461,273
Employee benefit liabilities	142,211	111,175
Total current liabilities	643,232	572,448

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Employee benefit liabilities	8,820	38,755
Total non-current liabilites	8,820	38,755

Total liabilities	652,052	611,203

Net assets	7,974,252	7,949,366

EQUITY
Retained earnings	7,974,252	7,949,366
Total equity	7,974,252	7,949,366

For the year ended 30 June 2018	2018 ($)	2017 ($)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Receipts from customers	6,477,631	7,504,070
Payments to suppliers and employees	(6,066,780)	(8,760,613)
Interest received	125,623	167,443
Income tax refunded/(paid)	49,479	(447,009)
Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities	585,953	(1,536,109)

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(8,540)	(75,712)
Net cash flow used in investing activities	(8,540)	(75,712)

Net increase/decrease in cash and cash equivalents	577,413	(1,611,821)

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 July	7,422,140	9,033,961

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June	7,999,553	7,422,140

DOWNLOAD ANNUAL REPORT

FUNCTIONS

CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERING

Landcare Australia’s Corporate Environmental Volunteering (CEV) program has been running for over 20 years and contributes to uniquely Australian partnerships between the community, government and business to better manage Australia’s crucial land and water assets. The program benefits corporate partners by offering engaging opportunities for their employees and benefits Landcare and community groups by providing funding to support their regular activities.

In 2017-18, the CEV program linked 1,460 employees from 35 different organisations with 22 Landcare groups. Corporate volunteers donated over 7,000 hours to help restore our natural environment through bush regeneration activities, achieving outstanding results. Volunteers planted over 15,000 native plants, propagated over 9,000 seedlings, eradicated 70 hectares of weeds and collected over 500 kilograms of litter from fragile ecosystems, including areas in national parks.

Last year, Landcare Australia celebrated National Landcare Week by running four events in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. From 4-10 September 2017, 150 corporate volunteers from 12 companies contributed to restoring areas in Sydney Harbour National Park, NSW; Westgate Park, VIC; Lake Claremont, WA; and Adelaide Hills, SA.

IMPACT

LANDCARE IN FOCUS

Landcare Australia’s publication Landcare in Focus continues to be an important communication tool in the Landcare movement and the broader agriculture sector. Produced and managed by Landcare Australia’s communications team, Landcare in Focus is published in partnership with Fairfax Agricultural Media and funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

PARTNERS: Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Fairfax Agricultural Media

HIGHLIGHTS

Each edition of Landcare in Focus has a readership of over 300,000+.*
95% of readers not only find Landcare in Focus valuable, they also find the information reliable with 74% of readers following up on articles for more information.^
Landcare in Focus’ digital version continues to increase in readership, providing accessibility to a broader and more mobile audience.

*Statistics from Fairfax Agricultural Media’s 2018 Readership Survey and Landcare Australia’s digital databases.
^Statistics from the 2018 Annual Landcare in Focus Readership Survey.

IMPACT

In 2017-18 two editions of Landcare in Focus were produced, with both a print and digital version. Fairfax Agricultural Media distributed the print editions via their weekly newspapers: The Land, NSW; Stock and Land, VIC; Stock Journal, SA; Queensland Country Life, QLD; North Queensland Register, QLD; and Farm Weekly, WA. In addition, Landcare Australia distributed 2,927 run-ons of the publication to the Landcare community and sent the digital version to a mailing list of 16,527.

Whilst the publication’s digital readership increases, the print version still remains as relevant as ever. According to Fairfax Agricultural Media’s 2018 Readership Survey, over 80% of farmers still receive most of their information via print – a statistic that has also increased since last year.

The November 2017 edition of Landcare in Focus featured stories built around the heart of Landcare, showcasing the people who work together and are dedicated to caring for our precious land and water. Australia’s leading research organisations, universities, government departments and members of the community contributed stories about the future of the National Landcare Program, how technology is being used to transform agriculture and achievements reached through new partnerships.

The May 2018 edition explored the achievements of organisations who have received a little financial help from outside sources. Stories were submitted from Landcare groups, leading research organisations and members of the community about how funding has enabled them to tackle farm biosecurity, conduct research, protect Australian native species, recover from bushfire and control pests and weeds.

IMPACT

2017 STATE AND TERRITORY AWARDS

2017 Australian Capital Territory Landcare Awards.

2017 New South Wales Landcare Awards.

2017 Northern Territory Landcare Awards.

2017 Queensland Landcare Awards.

2017 South Australia Landcare Awards.

2017 Tasmania Landcare Awards.

2017 Victoria Landcare Awards.

2017 Western Australia Landcare Awards.

The biennial State and Territory Landcare Awards recognise the commitment and accomplishments of Australians working to protect or improve their local environment, farms, coastlines, bushlands, wetlands and schools. Recognising Landcare’s champions is vital for sustaining Landcare and its future. The opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of individuals and groups enables Landcare Australia to share knowledge, and serve as inspiration for the next generation of Landcarers.

PARTNERS: Australian Government National Landcare Program
SPONSORE: Fairfax Agricultural Media, Austcover, RioTinto

HIGHLIGHTS

272 entries were submitted across nine categories.
65 winners went through as finalists for the 2018 National Landcare Awards.
A total of 1,652 guests attended eight award ceremonies.
The awards were critical in promoting and celebrating the achievements of the Landcare movement, giving each state and territory the opportunity to showcase their local talent.

IMPACT

Landcare Australia has been organising the State and Territory Landcare Awards since its inception, almost 30 years ago. Each state and territory is responsible for the organisation and promotion of events in their region, with Landcare Australia assisting with financial and promotional support.

Promoting the awards involved a multi-channel national campaign across print and social media. This included a call for entries, promotion of the eight award events and winners’ announcements. Landcare Australia also developed the awards’ brand assets and marketing materials, creating a new visual identity which celebrates the diversity of the Landcare community and pays respect to Australia’s Indigenous culture.

Entries for the 2017 State and Territory Landcare Awards opened in March/April 2017. In total, 272 entries were submitted across nine categories with 65 winners going through as finalists for the 2018 National Landcare Awards. A total of 1,652 guests attended eight award ceremonies which took place between September and November. Guests included: state ministers and governors; government and senior corporate representatives; Landcare ambassadors and patrons; natural resource management professionals and community members; and state and regional Landcare community members.

Nomination sources included: agricultural organisations; Landcare, Coastcare, Junior Landcare and Bushcare groups; local businesses; schools and youth groups; catchment groups; government departments; farmers; and indigenous groups.

2017 State and Territory Award Categories

Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award
Australian Government Partnerships for Landcare Award
Australian Government Excellence in Sustainable Farm Practices Award
Australian Government Innovation in Agriculture Land Management Award
Coastcare Award
Fairfax Landcare Community Group Award
Austcover Young Landcare Leader Award
Junior Landcare Team Award
Rio Tinto Indigenous Land Management Award

IMPACT

20 MILLION TREES PROJECT DELIVERED ON DAKALANTA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Rocky terrain and emerging drooping sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) seedlings on Dakalanta Wildlife Sanctuary.

Remnant drooping sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) grassy woodland on Dakalanta Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Dakalanta Revegetation Project is part of the Australian Government 20 Million Trees Program and has been delivered in partnership between Landcare Australia, Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) and WildEyre – a consortium of regional natural resource management organisations. In June 2018, the project was completed, with Landcare Australia successfully delivering the ambitious project targets on a very tough, calcareous site. The three-year project has been exceptionally successful, with the target number of plants being exceeded by 1.5 million.

PARTNERS: Australian Government 20 Million Trees Program, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources, WildEyre, Local farming enterprises

HIGHLIGHTS

There are approximately 2.1 million plants currently established on the 1,190-hectare project site.
The project target of 595,000 trees, shrubs and ground covers has been exceeded by 1.5 million plants.
The project was a finalist in the Society for Ecological Restoration’s Large Scale Restoration Awards in 2018.
Landscape connectivity within the region will improve significantly as a result of this project.
Significant increase in habitat and food availability for threatened species, including the southern hairy-nosed wombat.

IMPACT

The 20 Million Trees Project on Dakalanta Wildlife Sanctuary in South Australia was completed this year with Landcare Australia staff undertaking the final monitoring counts in June 2018. The project commenced in June 2015 and has recorded exceptional results, exceeding its delivery target of 595,000 trees, shrubs and groundcovers. A total of 2.1 million plants are currently established across the 1,190-hectare site.

Previously farming land, the southern area of the sanctuary was severely degraded by fire and stock grazing, and incapable of regenerating naturally. Though small now, the sown seedlings will re-establish green corridors, providing habitat, dispersal and food availability for regional and national threatened species. They will also mitigate Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and reinstate ecological connectivity in the Eyre Peninsula region.

Landcare Australia has delivered this large scale restoration project in accordance with best practice management and ecological standards. These standards include;

Utilising locally sourced seed from a high diversity of parent plants.
Integrating climate adjusted provenances into seed collection targets.
Deploying a science-based and landscape-scale approach to pest management.
Successfully negotiating the shutting down of water points within five kilometres of the project site.
Strong community engagement and broad organisational collaboration across government, not for profit organisations and the private sector.
Optimal seed placement within the soil profile and comprehensive weed management across seeding zone.
A robust and ongoing monitoring and maintenance strategy.

Landcare Australia’s approach to delivering this project and its exceptional results reflect the ecological restoration expertise of Landcare Australia. Through strong collaboration and effective project management, Landcare Australia has not only delivered an extremely tough and challenging project, it has also managed to significantly exceed projected targets and milestones.

IMPACT

LION DAIRY PRIDE GRANTS IMPROVING ON-FARM SUSTAINABILITY

Lion Diary Pride Grant recipient, Sam Graham.

The Lion Dairy Pride Landcare Grants program forms part of Lion Dairy Pride’s dairy farmer sustainability program. This program offers dairy farmers throughout Australia, who supply Lion, a unique way to measure, evaluate and improve key areas of sustainability on their farm.

PARTNERS: Lion

HIGHLIGHTS

In early 2018, the 10 dairy farmers who received 2017 Lion Dairy Pride Grants of up to $10,000 each completed their projects.
The grants helped farmers reduce the cost of production by enabling them to implement energy reduction strategies and increase on-farm biodiversity.
Key environmental, community and social highlights of the program include:
8% average energy savings since the implementation of the projects
energy-efficient devices installed
Three hectares revegetated
500 seedlings planted with a 90% survival
Four hectares of weed eradication
Five kilometres of fencing to protect environmentally sensitive areas
Five hectares of habitat protected
Information of the project benefits shared with other dairy farmers

IMPACT

Capturing heat to reduce energy usage and increase profitability.

For 12 years, Sam Graham and his father have managed their dairy farm on the New South Wales south coast where they have 800 Aussie Red cows, 400 of those are milked.

While the cows are climatically well-suited, efficient breeders and produce quality milk, the increasing costs of wages, electricity and grain prices has significantly affected the farm’s profit margin.

With their Lion Dairy Pride Grant, the Grahams installed a Thermal Heat Recovery (THR) unit to capture heated water from the farm’s milk cooling refrigeration system. Before the THR was installed, the farm used to heat large volumes of water to clean down and sterilise the milking plant, requiring an enormous amount of gas and electricity to run. Now, warm water is stored in a 1,000-litre vat and reused to clean the equipment.

According to Sam, the new unit has made the farm’s operation more efficient by saving time and electricity.

“Reducing our need to heat water means we’ve cancelled out a 25 percent increase in electricity use. While installing the THR has required financial investment, I am confident it will pay for itself over the medium to long term,” Sam said.

Sam is now looking for new ways to cut costs.

“The grant was a good opportunity to make an investment in the farm to reduce cost of production,” he said.

One year since installing the unit, the farm has decreased its electricity costs by 12%, reducing their carbon footprint and offering more financial savings in the future.

IMPACT

#REVERSETHEDAMAGE APPEAL

Port Macquarie Landcare Group.

Brettacorp Inc.

The #reversethedamage appeal was Landcare Australia’s tax appeal for 2018. Using a multi-channel strategy including direct mail, email, social media and phone call follow-up, the focus of the appeal was on encouraging Australian’s to dig deep and make a donation to support Landcare’s volunteers who are working to reverse the damage done to our natural environment.

HIGHLIGHTS

Funds raised have enabled two local Landcare groups – Port Macquarie Landcare Group and Brettacorp Inc. – to continue their projects.
Port Macquarie Landcare Group used funds to grow and establish 6,600 native plants.
Brettacorp Inc. used funds to revegetate four hectares of land previously farmed for sugar cane.

IMPACT

Landcare volunteers give their time, heart and soul to help reverse the damage done to our natural environment. However, funding for Landcare community groups is limited, making it difficult for them to complete their projects.

Emphasising the importance of restoring and preserving Australia’s natural environment for future generations, the #reversethedamage appeal acknowledged the significant work being done by Landcare volunteers in this area, and raised awareness of their need for financial support.

The campaign was a great success attracting 560 new financial supporters and enabled Landcare Australia to provide financial assistance to two Landcare groups: Port Macquarie Landcare Group and Brettacorp Inc. Both of these groups run projects that are re-establishing the native habitats of threatened and endangered Aussie species, such as the koala, southern cassowary and mahogany glider.

Port Macquarie Landcare Group, NSW have been able to grow and establish 6,600 native plants, thanks to the funds raised through the #reversethedamage appeal. Once established, these plants will provide habitat for koalas and increase the area’s biodiversity.

For Brettacorp Inc. in Tully, North Queensland, the funds raised have enabled them to enhance remnant forest and revegetate over four hectares of land formerly farmed for sugar cane. The trees planted will one day be habitat for the southern cassowary and mahogany glider.

IMPACT

LONG-TERM PARTNERING WITH JARAMAS FOUNDATION

Yaven Creek Valley landholders discussing the revegetation plans.

The Jaramas Foundation has partnered with Landcare Australia since 2012, providing funding to undertake sustainable agriculture projects in rural New South Wales. The partnership has funded 25 Landcare projects, supporting 19 Landcare groups. The projects delivered multi-faceted outcomes including; the creation of biolinks, weed management and control, soil management, improving water quality, conservation of endangered species, youth engagement, as well as community engagement and education. In particular, two Landcare groups – Riverina Highlands Landcare Network (RHLN) and Harden Murrumburrah Landcare Group (HMLG) – have benefited from this long-term partnership, with ongoing funding enabling them to maintain their efforts to tackle important environmental issues in their areas and significantly improve the environmental outcomes of their projects.

PARTNERS: Jaramas Foundation

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights for the Yaven Valley Creeklines to Ridgelines project:

Five hectares of native habitat revegetated.
Ten landholders engaged to undertake natural resource activities that address local environmental issues, increasing community capacity to protect remnant vegetation.
2,500 native trees and shrubs planted to link areas of remnant vegetation.
One kilometre of stock exclusion fencing erected.
More than 100 hours of work invested by volunteers.

IMPACT

Small-scale project brings large-scale benefits in the Riverina.

Riverina Highlands Landcare Network (RHLN) is a Landcare group based in southern New South Wales. Working with local landholders, RHLN aims to connect areas of native vegetation across the local properties in Yaven Valley Creek.

From 2012-2017, the Jaramas Foundation and Landcare Australia supported RHLN to implement a project in the Tarrabandra area, connecting remnant vegetation through the creation of a series of biolinks. Focusing on proactively working with landholders and the community to care for the environment and support sustainable agriculture, the project was a great success, with eight adjoining properties being revegetated with 7.5 hectares of native habitat and bringing positive opportunities for the area.

In 2017-18, a $15,000 grant enabled the group to begin working with a new community in the Yaven Valley to connect areas of degraded box gum woodlands in New South Wales. Covering five hectares, the Yaven Valley Creeklines to Ridgelines project involved 10 local landholders who have been assisted with the cost of site preparation, fencing and revegetation activities.

Years of clearing and degradation in the area created environmental issues such as gully erosion, declining ground cover, nutrient run-off and loss of shade and shelter for stock. With the help of 27 volunteers, the landholders planted 2,500 native trees and shrubs, establishing a patchwork of native vegetation corridors linking areas of remnant vegetation and creating stepping stones for wildlife movement. These corridors have also subdivided large paddocks so that better grazing management can be used as a tool to manage weeds, promote native pastures and prevent overgrazing.

Whilst significantly improving the biodiversity and sustainable land use of the properties, the project has also been a great opportunity for the local community to collaborate and support each other. To meet the demands of revegetating the area, the native trees and shrubs used in the project were all grown by volunteers at the Riverina Highlands Landcare Nursery in Tumut. In addition, the project was promoted within schools and school propagation workshops were hosted to teach students about caring for the environment.

For the landholders, the opportunity to work together has enabled them to complete work that is often done in isolation, as a team. Each landholder involved in the project has acknowledged the positive impacts of the project, improving groundcover, providing shade and shelter from livestock, reducing sediment runoff and bringing the local community together.

IMPACT

TELSTRA EMPLOYEES GET THEIR HANDS DIRTY WITH CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERING

Telstra volunteers helping North Belconnen Landcare Group to restore Ginninderra Creek, ACT.

Telstra volunteers removed weeds at Lane Cove National Park, NSW.

Telstra volunteers propagating plants at St Kilda Indigenous Nursery, VIC.

Telstra has partnered with Landcare Australia for many years to provide opportunities for Telstra staff to volunteer with Landcare groups including Coastcare and ‘Friends of’ groups. The volunteers have a positive impact on the environment, assisting with a range of conservation activities including planting, weeding, mulching, seed propagation and rubbish collection.

PARTNERS: Telstra

HIGHLIGHTS

Over 4,500 Telstra employees have participated in the program since the partnership commenced in 2012.
During 2017-18, Telstra volunteers contributed more than 4,000 hours of volunteer work, planting over 8,500 native species and propagating more than 6,500 seedlings.
This year, Telstra volunteers worked with 12 different Landcare groups across QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, and WA.

IMPACT

Landcare Australia’s Corporate Environmental Volunteering (CEV) program has been running for over 20 years, and contributes to outstanding partnerships between the community, government and business to better manage our crucial land and water assets.

Many organisations and corporate partners participate in the program with over 1,000 employees involved. Telstra is one of the largest employee engagement contributors with participants working alongside Landcare groups across a range of sites including: native bushland, urban sites, coastal areas and/or regional locations.

In 2017-18, Telstra provided pathways to allow their employees to easily access Landcare volunteering opportunities, which enabled 660 Telstra employees to volunteer with a local Landcare group. Telstra volunteers contributed over 4,000 hours to help restore our natural environment through bush regeneration activities, achieving outstanding results. Volunteers planted over 8,500 native plants, propagated over 6,500 seedlings, eradicated five hectares of weeds and collected over 480 kilograms of litter from fragile ecosystems, including areas in national parks.

Participants find the CEV events enjoyable and rewarding, and the Landcare groups who host Telstra volunteers are consistently impressed and delighted with the work carried out. The time and funding provided by Telstra and its staff are invaluable to Landcare groups, allowing them to continue their work in protecting, maintaining and restoring Australia’s landscapes.

Lindsay Wickson from the Oxley Creek Catchment Association in Brisbane said, “Telstra’s ongoing dedication to habitat and land restoration has greatly improved the quality of Granard wetlands.”

Volunteering also offers benefits for employees, including gaining new skills and knowledge, enjoying a sense of achievement and fulfilment, developing personally and boosting self-esteem, as well as connecting to, and better understanding, their community.

The benefits for employers are also significant. “We found that staff who participated in corporate volunteering had higher levels of engagement, were less likely to take sick days and had higher retention rates than those who didn’t,” Telstra’s Nicky Scheltus said.

The involvement of corporate partners like Telstra enable Landcare Australia’s CEV program to keep growing, providing support to Landcare groups across the country to continue their work in the conservation of our natural ecosystems.

IMPACT

CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT OF BIOBANKING SITES WITH SOUTH 32

Newly-planted seedlings protected with tree guards at the Appin West biobanking site.

A student from Douglas Park Primary School.

South32 and Landcare Australia commenced a new partnership in 2017, undertaking bush regeneration and restoration activities at the Appin West biobanking site in NSW. The partnership also embraces community engagement, through the Enhancing Habitat Junior Landcare Grants program. The grants program provides schools in close proximity to South32 operations with the opportunity to undertake a project focused on habitat restoration.

PARTNERS: South32 (Illawarra Coal)

HIGHLIGHTS

In collaboration with South32 staff, the Landcare services team arranged a highly successful planting day with Douglas Park Primary School. The aim was to plant native trees to help regenerate the critically endangered vegetation community and teach children the importance of conservation and biodiversity.
A reduction in grazing across the site since 2017.
An increase in density of the vulnerable heath species.
In 2017, 12 schools in NSW and WA received grants from South32 of up to $5,000 each.

IMPACT

Land that South32 protects for biodiversity conservation in the Illawarra region is managed by Landcare Australia for its expertise and experience in conservation management. These works include monitoring, pest plant and animal control and planting native vegetation. Landcare Australia is enhancing the conservation value of this protected area by:

reducing impacts of weeds and other pests,
protecting biodiversity
preserving ecosystem services, and
leaving behind a positive legacy for the future generations.

As a way of engaging the local community with the project, Landcare Australia and South32 invited Douglas Park Public School’s Year 6 students to participate in a school planting day on the Appin West biobanking site in May 2018. 42 students and three teachers spent the day planting 250 canopy trees including grey gums, stringybarks and ironbarks, to help restore the critically endangered ecological communities found onsite.

The students also learnt about the importance of conserving Australia’s biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Restoring the Appin West biobanking site is of critical importance due to the site being home to threated species of flora, such as the small-flower grevillea and Port Jackson heath, and fauna, such as koalas and turquoise parrots.

In addition, South32’s partnership with Landcare Australia has enabled schools in close proximity to South32 operations with the opportunity to undertake projects focused on habitat restoration, through the Enhancing Habitat Junior Landcare Grants program.

In 2017, 12 schools in NSW and WA received grants of up to $5,000 each. Projects included restoring natural habitats for vulnerable species, bush tucker gardens and the installation of nest boxes.

South32 and Landcare Australia are working in partnership to protect critically endangered ecological communities in the Cumberland Plain Woodland for future generations through our work at the Appin West biobanking site.

Rob Porter

Environmental Projects Manager

Landcare Australia

IMPACT

MOMENTUM ENERGY EMPOWERING JUNIOR LANDCARERS IN VICTORIA

Getting a close look at some bugs at Lady Brooks Kindergarten's outdoor observation station. Photo: Sandy Sheltema.

Students at Sunshine Primary School planting seeds for their vegetable garden.

Planting natives at North Melbourne Primary School.

The Powerful Youth Projects (PYP) program is a fun and educational intitiative, which encourages the engagement of youth in Junior Landcare activities across Victoria. The initiative began in 2017 out of Landcare Australia and Momentum Energy’s existing partnership, to engage children to actively care for the land and learn about their natural environment through Junior Landcare. Schools, kindergartens and youth groups from across Victoria were encouraged to apply for a grant with a value up to $1,000 to undertake a Junior Landcare project. Successful applicants completed their projects in early 2018.

PARTNERS: Momentum Energy

HIGHLIGHTS

244 schools and groups received grants of up to $1,000.
The program engaged over 15,000 students in Junior Landcare activities and close to 3,000 volunteers.
100% of grant recipients reported positive educational outcomes as a result of the PYP and 70% reported increased awareness of sustainability issues among students involved.
More than 60,000 people read about the PYP campaign on Facebook and 259,000 through local media outlets.

IMPACT

The 2017 PYP program had a wide geographical spread, engaging with children from all over Victoria. The program also had a wide impact on all those involved in the projects, including students and adult volunteers. Over 15,000 students and close to 3,000 volunteers were engaged in environmental, educational and social activities.

The 244 successful schools and groups undertook a number of different projects including; vegetable gardens, native gardens, compost and recycling projects, sensory gardens, frog ponds, outdoor classrooms, water play spaces and fruit orchards. Many who received funding also incorporated more than one project type in their work.

Lady Brooks Kindergarten in Kyneton, VIC was one of the recipients of a PYP grant. Their project created a quiet space for children in their outdoor area as well as an observation area to help them learn about the natural environment. Climatic measuring tools, including a rain gauge, thermometer, wind spinners and an optical prism, were set up, with an observation table containing giant magnifying glasses!

With a philosophy that promotes the value of play, the new outdoor classroom provides an ideal space for cooperative play. It will also enable the children to learn about the world through their senses and create a safe, developmentally appropriate place to grow, learn and discover.

The garden was set up so the children could take ownership by watering the plants during term time, with an irrigation system to take over during school holidays. 130 students and five volunteers got stuck into the project, with Parks Victoria staff lending a hand during the planting day working bee.

IMPACT

DURNESS-BORLAND CORRIDOR PROJECT: FIVE YEARS ON

An aerial image of the creek lines on Durness Station in 2010.

An aerial image of the creek lines on Durness Station in 2018, five years after the wildlife corridors were revegetated.

An aerial close up of one of the wildlife corridors on Durness Station in 2018.

The Durness-Borland Landcare Corridor was completed in 2013 with Landcare Australia delivering a significant biodiversity restoration project in the coastal hinterland of the lower Myall River and Port Stephens, NSW. The project reconnected bushland areas of high conservation value and significantly improved native fauna and flora habitat across the landscape. Five years on, the site is thriving with an established corridor network, improving the surrounding farmland, habitats and waterways.

PARTNERS: Nepean Group, Mid Coast Council, Hunter Local Land Services

HIGHLIGHTS

Protected and reinstated wildlife corridor connectivity between Port Stephens and hinterland national parks to support improved regional biodiversity.
Ongoing community awareness through access to the adjoining Kore Kore Conservation area.
Improved water quality draining into Port Stephens.
Improved agricultural productivity and sustainability on Durness Cattle Station.
Protected and managed Durness Swamp to enhance its conservation value.

IMPACT

The Durness-Borland Landcare Corridor is located within a conservation area and on private land, with the majority of habitat regeneration undertaken on Durness Station – a 4,000-hectare beef grazing property owned by the Nepean Group, which lies just north west of Tea Gardens, NSW.

Previously cleared grazing areas have been revegetated to reconnect high conservation value remnant bushland within and adjoining Durness Station and provide refuge for threatened wildlife species including koalas, little bent-wing bats, powerful owls and wallum froglets, and a range of endangered ecological communities.

More than 65,000 seedlings of different local native species were planted in the corridors. The corridor network has grown significantly since 2013 as shown in the aerial images, allowing for enhanced movement of threatened native species. Landcare Australia’s ongoing collaboration with Mid Coast Council and Hunter Local Land Services working with Durness Station to maintain cattle exclusion from creeks across the site has significantly improved water quality downstream in Port Stephens. In addition, ongoing site maintenance including weed management and pest control is ensuring the area continues to thrive and the project’s environmental and agricultural outcomes are achieved.

DECEMBER 2017

BOB HAWKE’S CELEBRATES

HIS BIRTHDAY WITH LANDCARE

As part of his 88^th birthday celebrations, former Prime Minister Bob Hawke called on the Australian public to put their hands in their pockets to help Landcare groups working to save our endangered Aussie species.

In an Australian first, Landcare Australia partner Hawke’s Brewing collaborated with Madame Tussaud’s Sydney to remodel the hand of the former prime minister’s wax figure so that he could hold a can of his own beer, Hawke’s Lager. The birthday gift was revealed at an event celebrating Mr Hawke’s 88th birthday in Sydney, where wax Bob and real Bob shared a cheers!

While Mr Hawke was “given a hand” for his birthday, he encouraged all Australians to give him a hand by donating to Landcare Australia’s Protect our Aussie Species appeal.

The Protect our Aussie Species appeal was a great success with over $70,000 raised to help Landcare Australia fund projects. Port Macquarie Landcare Group, NSW and Brettacorp Inc., in Murrigal, QLD each received grants from the appeal, enabling them to continue their important work preserving the habitats of vulnerable koalas and the southern cassowary.

Real Bob and wax Bob sharing a cheers!

June 2018

PHASE 1 OF WALLAMORE ANABRANCH AND PEEL RIVER REHABILITATION PROJECT COMPLETED

The Wallamore Anabranch and Peel River Rehabilitation Project consists of riverbank stabilisation and on-farm native revegetation to improve water quality, farming outcomes and habitat connectivity along the Peel River and the Wallamore Anabranch near Tamworth, NSW. Spanning over nine kilometres of mainly cleared riparian land, the project commenced in December 2016, in partnership with New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, North West Local Land Services, the Australian Government 20 Million Trees Program, Lion and Tamworth Regional Council.

In June 2018, phase one of the project was completed, involving bank stabilisation works, revegetation, installing stock exclusion fencing and weed control of the site. More than 20,000 native seedlings were propagated and planted as part of the project.

The next phase of the project has now commenced, focusing on maintenance activities including weeding, watering and back fill planting. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2021.

Rock groynes, revegetation and regeneration of native species stabilising the Wallamore anabranch channel.

Doug Humann AM (GAICD, BA (Hons), Dip ED) was appointed chairman of Landcare Australia in 2016. With almost 40 years involvement in regional Australia, including 25 years leadership experience in the environmental sector, Doug has led Bush Heritage Australia (1997–2011) to national prominence and established his own consultancy, working for environmental non-government organisations, Indigenous groups, Traditional Owners, and natural resource management/catchment management authorities. As chairman, Doug provides advice and support on a range of strategic, investment, project and governance matters, and is particularly involved in building partnerships and collaborations.

Board attendance: 6/6
Finance and Audit Committee attendance: 5/6
Partnerships Committee attendance: 6/6

Jan Davis (MAgribus, MEnv Plan, BEc, MAICD, FAIM, FAusAE) works as a consultant in the Australian agribusiness sector and in member-based organisations, with a focus on agri-policy and corporate governance. She is a director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Tasmania) and Fermentation Tasmania Ltd. Jan is also a member of the Tasmanian Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal.

Board attendance: 6/6
Finance and Audit Committee attendance: 6/6 (Committee chair)

Peter Sutherland (BA, BSc (Hons)) has had an extensive senior executive career in the public and private sectors in water and natural resource management. He retired from GHD as business leader water resources. Peter’s positions include; deputy commissioner on the Murray Darling Basin Commission, member of the National Land and Water Resources Audit, member of the National Taskforce on Sustainable Agriculture, and member of the Prime Minister’s Land Management Task Force. Peter is president of the University of Melbourne Alumni Association, Sydney branch.

Board attendance: 6/6
Partnerships Committee attendance: 6/6 (Committee chair)

Rachel has an accomplished career in banking and financial services that includes chief financial officer of HBOS Australia and head of finance for retail at ANZ. She has extensive experience in complex regulatory environments across both large established organisations as well as smaller entrepreneurial enterprises. In her executive career, Rachel has run large technology programs and driven cultural change programs. Rachel has significant governance experience, including a director of Capital Finance Australia Limited, and in 2017 was acting chief executive officer at the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Board attendance: 5/6
Finance and Audit Committee attendance: 6/6

Robert Nicholson (BSc, LLM, MBA) is a solicitor and partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, a leading global commercial law firm. Robert is a former member of the Victorian Government’s National Parks Advisory Council, and Melbourne Parks and Waterways Advisory Council.

Board attendance: 6/6
Finance and Audit Committee attendance: 6/6
Partnerships Committee attendance: 4/6

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

A2 Milk Company

Landcare Australia partnered with the a2 Milk™ Company in 2017 as a way to assist a2 Milk™ farms improve their operations. In 2017, four a2 Milk™ dairy farms in New South Wales and Victoria were awarded inaugural a2 Milk™ Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Grants. Upgrading stock access routes, reuse of dairy effluent and improved irrigation systems are just some of the projects these dairy farmers are implementing to enhance the sustainability of their operations. Each cow on the 28 certified a2 Milk™ dairy farms across Australia has been selected to produce only the A2 protein and none of the A1 protein found in regular cows’ milk.

a2 Milk farmers Leo, Luke and Meghan Cleary were successful in securing a Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Grant.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG)

Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) began partnering with Landcare Australia in 2017, with a focus on eradicating feral pests in regional Western Australia. Four projects in the Pilbara, Mid-West, Wheatbelt and Peel Regions – spanning the entire length of the Dampier Bunbury Pipeline – have been undertaken by Landcare and community groups, with the support of AGIG. During 2017-18, the projects removed over 135 feral animals along the pipeline, helped farmers improve productivity, protected threatened and endangered species and trained local and Indigenous landowners in animal trapping techniques. The projects have also increased the capacity of each community to undertake ongoing feral animal control.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Australian Home Heating Association Inc. (AHHA)

Australian Home Heating Association Inc. (AHHA) has been supporting Landcare Australia for over 20 years. As the peak industry body of the wood heating industry, AHHA represents manufacturers who are committed to manufacturing wood heaters that are environmentally responsible. AHHA’s partnership in 2017-18 enabled the Farm Forestry Landcare Network in South Australia to deliver the Agroforestry Development Series Demonstration Sites project, which aims to develop and share knowledge of silviculture within the farming industry and increase sustainability. With the support of AHHA, the network released a report on the results of the project in an effort to further enhance the prospects of farm forestry in South Australia.

Members of the Farm Forestry Landcare Network.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)

Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) partnered with Landcare Australia in 2017, along with the South Australian Department of Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI), to rehabilitate degraded railway land at Mile End in Adelaide, SA. During the year, ARTC and DPTI worked collaboratively with the community to introduce native plant species that beautify the area and allow habitat connectivity to nearby parklands. In 2018, ARTC expanded its partnership with Landcare Australia by awarding Junior Landcare grants to 29 Hunter Valley schools that neighbour its freight rail network. Nearly $30,000 of funding has been provided to deliver the exciting school projects and promote safe rail behaviours.

AnnualReport18_StandardImage_400x250_01_ARTC1

AnnualReport18_StandardImage_400x250_01_ARTC2

Students from Temple Christian College helped plant 600 trees in Adelaide’s Mile End.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Clover Technologies Group

Clover Technologies Group has been a supporter of Landcare Australia since July 2000. This support is given through the CartCollect program which sees $2 for every collection box returned full of empty toner cartridges.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Coca-Cola South Pacific

In 2017-18, Coca-Cola and Landcare Australia continued to build on their 12-year partnership. Seven coastal protection projects commenced with the aim of reducing marine litter, protecting and enhancing coastal zones and increasing community awareness of the adverse effects of pollution and litter on the marine environment. Since 2006, Coca-Cola’s funding of Landcare projects has seen more than 10,000 volunteers involved in more than 40,000 hours of volunteer work. Close to 600 hectares of degraded land has been rehabilitated, with more than 40,000 native plants propagated and over 100,000 planted. In addition, more than 700 Coca-Cola employees have engaged in on-ground environmental activities.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Esso Australia

Esso Australia became a supporter of Landcare Australia in late 2016 to help the Landcare movement and other community groups and members to restore and protect the natural environment in Victoria’s Warragul area. Completed in late 2017, this project resulted in revegetation of threatened species habitat, weed control and pest animal control on 18 hectares of land. The long-term outcome of these works will be improved water quality and habitat through shading and increased biodiversity. In late 2017, the Esso Australia and BHP Billiton Gippsland Basin joint venture supported Landcare Australia’s work in the Koo Wee Rup region through the Longford Liquids Pipeline replacement project.

Students were given the opportunity to participate in revegetation activities and learn about the threatened species in their local area.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

General Mills

In 2018, the General Mills Foundation Hometown Grantmaking Program provided Landcare Australia with a generous grant to support sustainable agriculture activities in Australia. A number of General Mills Australia staff also rolled up their sleeves to get involved in Landcare activities in the heart of Melbourne alongside Westgate Biodiversity: Bili Nursery and Landcare. Moving forward, Landcare Australia will be working with General Mills on feasibility studies regarding potential sustainable agriculture projects in key local growing regions related to General Mills products.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Hawke’s Brewing

Hawke’s Brewing Co. is an independent, Australian-owned company that believes in supporting the land that grows its ingredients. In 2017, Landcare Australia partnered with Hawke’s Brewing Co., the beer company named after former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke. Landcare Australia has a long history with Mr Hawke, whose government was instrumental in helping to launch Landcare Australia in 1989. Mr Hawke kindly donates his royalties from the company to help support on-ground Landcare projects.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia

In 2017-18, our seven-year partnership with Konica Minolta expanded to include three components:

Konica Minolta’s Workplace Giving Grant supported the restoration of a koala habitat in Port Macquarie.
Their corporate volunteering program engaged employees in bush regeneration activities.
For the first time, Konica Minolta and Landcare Australia partnered to support a cultural site restoration project, through the Konica Minolta Grants.

Based in the Australian Capital Territory, the project is managed by the Ginninderra Catchment Group in collaboration with Mullanggang Traditional Aboriginal Landcare Group, Umbagong Landcare Group and the Buru Ngunawal Aboriginal Corporation. It has provided opportunities for the local Aboriginal community (the Ngunawal people), residents, Landcare volunteers and Konica Minolta to engage in Aboriginal land management activities, such as revegetation, weed control and connecting with significant cultural sites.

Konica Minolta employees volunteered during 2017 National Landcare Week to support local Landcare groups.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Landcorp

LandCorp and Landcare Australia entered into a new partnership in 2018 to support environmental enhancement and community engagement activities associated with a number of LandCorp’s project sites in Western Australia.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Link Group

Landcare Australia and Link Group, a global business specialising in fund administration and securities registration, partnered in 2017 to offer a grants program supporting the Landcare community. The program successfully supported on-ground outcomes and the capacity of the Landcare community by contributing to the management of Pages Creek Wetland in Sydney’s Lane Cove National Park, a waterway of conservation significance. Through bushland regeneration, the program contributed to restoring the health and water filtration properties of Pages Creek, improving the local biodiversity and native habitat values. Over 125 hours of volunteer work were also provided by Link Group employees to various Landcare community groups.

Link Group corporate volunteers helped out at Pages Creek Wetland.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Lion

Landcare Australia and Lion have partnered since 2015 providing grants to dairy suppliers to help improve on-farm sustainability and support them in making their businesses even more efficient. In 2017, 10 dairy farmers, based in five states, were awarded Lion Dairy Pride Landcare Grants of up to $10,000 each in funding to support the implementation of sustainability initiatives for their businesses. Projects included increasing use of solar power, implementing technology to reduce energy consumption, revegetation to reduce soil erosion and improving water quality and the recycling of wastewater. Read more about the outcomes of these projects.

Lion Dairy Pride Landcare Grant recipient Steve Hore, Elmar Farms.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Momentum Energy

Landcare Australia's partnership with Momentum Energy commenced in 2015 with a major expansion in 2017 when Momentum funded the first ever Powerful Youth Projects (PYP), a Junior Landcare grants program for Victorian students, now in its second year. The 244 Victorian schools, kindergartens and youth groups that received a PYP grant in 2017, completed their projects in early 2018. The program engaged over 15,000 children in environmental, educational and social activities. Projects ranged from vegetable gardens, to composting projects, recycling activities, frog ponds and more. A second round of grants launched in 2018 resulted in 219 Victorian schools and youth organisations receiving grants of up to $1,000 each.

St Michaels Collegiate built a vegetable garden thanks to a Powerful Youth Projects grant.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Telstra

Telstra has been a valuable partner of Landcare Australia since 2012. With close to 1,000 employees volunteering one day a year, Telstra is one of our largest employee engagement contributors. They work alongside Landcare and Coastcare groups across a range of sites – coastal areas, native bushland, urban sites and regional locations in all six Australian states. Telstra is also a Workplace Giving partner of Landcare Australia, matching employee donations dollar for dollar. These Workplace Giving donations provide a regular source of funding that allows Landcare Australia to deliver vital environmental programs and support to Landcare groups, including schools and communities.

Telstra employees spent a day volunteering at Melbourne’s Westgate Park.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Rusty

In 2017, Landcare Australia partnered with Rusty, a global surfwear and surfboard retailer to support the Coastcare community. Through an event held in conjunction with Little Creatures, a brewing company based in Western Australia, funds were raised to launch the inaugural Toast to the Coast Grants program. In June 2018, grants of up to $2,000 each were awarded to five Coastcare groups to support projects that protect and improve the health of Western Australian marine and coastal environments. In 2018-19, $5 from the sale of Rusty’s newly created limited edition t-shirt will go towards future Rusty Coastcare Grants programs.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

RACV

The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) and Landcare Australia partnered in 2016 to deliver the RACV Goldfields Landcare in Action program, which has seen close to $180,000 in funding provided to seven projects in close proximity to the RACV Goldfields Resort. The local environmental projects, all completed during the year, directly benefit local communities in the region and include revegetation, weed removal, riparian protection, soil testing, educational workshops, community events and upgrades of infrastructure and equipment. Over the projects’ two years, five community events, training and field days were held with 473 volunteers donating over 2,227 hours, including RACV and RACV Goldfields Resort staff and local Landcare groups.

RACV and Landcare Australia representatives at Slaty Creek Picnic ground with members of Wattle Flat-Pootilla Landcare Group and Blampied-Kooroocheang Landcare Group.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

South32

Landcare Australia has partnered with South32 since 2017 to create and deliver a range of innovative Junior Landcare programs. In August 2017, in the inaugural round of South32 Junior Landcare Enhancing Habitats Grants, 12 schools in New South Wales' Illawarra region and the Collie and Boddington regions of Western Australia received grants. These grants of up to $5,000 each were used to support projects that help students learn about protecting and restoring our natural environment through hands-on outdoor learning. The grants program continues in 2018-19 targeting schools in Western Australia and Tasmania. During the year, Landcare Australia and South32 also organised a school planting day at South32’s biobanking site in Appin, NSW. Students from Douglas Park Public School planted 250 locally indigenous trees while learning about their local natural environment and native wildlife.

Boddington District High School was a recipient of a South32 Junior Landcare Enhancing Habitat Grants.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Transurban

In 2018, the Monash Freeway Upgrade (MFU) project was delivered, with the City of Greater Dandenong being awarded a Landcare grant from MFU to regenerate a section of Dandenong Creek adjacent to the freeway upgrade site. Landcare Australia is also involved in the maintenance phase of the CityLink Tulla Widening Urban Landcare Project, and responsible for maintaining the M2 Macquarie Park Motorscapes project in Sydney. Landcare Australia has also been involved in successfully completing the regeneration of Melbourne’s Power Street Loop Project.

Monash Freeway Upgrade staff helped build nest boxes to support creating habitat for local birds and animals along the Dandenong Creek in Melbourne.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

VicTrack

As the owner of rail transport land in Victoria, VicTrack has worked in partnership with Landcare Australia since 2005 to support community groups to become actively involved in the enhancement of the environmental assets on the state’s rail land. In 2017-18, funding from VicTrack supported five projects across Victoria. This support enabled Landcare groups to achieve significant outcomes including revegetation, weed control, habitat restoration, control of pest species, ecological burns, engagement with Traditional Owners, protection of native flora and fauna species, awareness raising and knowledge sharing with the broader community. The Landcare groups involved contributed almost 2,000 volunteer hours across the five projects.

A working bee with local Landcare groups to remove weeds along the rail trail.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Woolworths

In the first half of 2018, Landcare commenced a partnership with Woolworths Supermarkets as part of the retailer’s removal of single-use plastic bags. With their introduction of a reusable shopping bag called the Bag for good™, money made has been committed to fund hundreds of gardening and recycling projects in Australian primary schools and early learning centres. The first Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants will be awarded in 2019. This grants program, and Woolworths’ sponsorship of the Junior Landcare Team Award at the bi-annual National Landcare Awards, exemplify their commitment to helping to inspire the next generation of environmental champions.

Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish and Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci at the Bag for good™ NSW launch.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Yates

Landcare Australia and Yates have partnered since 2005 to create and deliver a range of innovative Junior Landcare programs. In 2017, the partnership focussed on the Yates Junior Landcare Grants for Gardens program with 25 schools receiving grants of up to $2,000 each. The program once again provided opportunities for schools and youth groups to engage in outdoor, hands-on learning activities that promoted the development of environmental, educational, health and social benefits. Over 2,770 students engaged as part of the 2017 program were inspired, educated and engaged in sustainable living practices. In addition, these benefits reached the wider community through the participation of over 400 local volunteers.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Allens Linklaters

Allens Linklaters is a leading international law firm. The Australian-based practice provides general legal advice to Landcare Australia on a pro bono basis. Allens Linklaters provides legal support on a wide range of issues including governance, contract law and trademarks.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Fairfax Agricultural Media

Fairfax Agricultural Media is a specialist agricultural and regional publisher that serves rural and regional communities in Australia. It supports Landcare Australia by publishing and distributing the official Landcare movement publication, Landcare in Focus, at reduced rates. In 2017-18, Fairfax Agricultural Media helped Landcare Australia deliver two editions of Landcare in Focus covering the themes; ‘Collective outcomes around the heart of Landcare: the people’ and ‘Achieving a lot with a little financial help’.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Herbert Smith Freehills

Herbert Smith Freehills is one of the world’s leading law firms. The Australian-based practice provides general legal advice to Landcare Australia on a pro bono basis. Herbert Smith Freehills provides legal support on a wide range of issues including governance, contract law and trademarks.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Jaramas Foundation

Since 2012, the Jaramas Foundation and Landcare Australia have partnered to help Landcare and community groups undertake sustainable agriculture projects. In 2017-18, the Jaramas Foundation Grants Program provided funding for two projects in rural NSW to help reduce and repair environmental degradation of agricultural land.

Landholders in the Yaven Creek valley were assisted in a small-scale revegetation project to establish native vegetation and connect areas of remnant vegetation in the region. Harden Murrumburrah Landcare Group undertook research into the effects of soil moisture on driving wheat yield.

Both these groups have previously received funding through the Jaramas Foundation and Landcare Australia. The long-term nature of the funding has enabled the groups to maintain their efforts, significantly improving the environmental outcomes of their projects.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Holden

In 2017-18, Holden provided vehicles to Landcare Australia and a number of care groups to assist in ongoing operations and major projects across four states. Wildhaven Wildlife Shelter in St Andrews, VIC, used the car to transport injured animals including kangaroos and koalas to the shelter. Friends of Westgate Park in Melbourne also benefited from the use of a car to help with the volunteer group’s transport requirements.

GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIPS

Australian Government Department of Environment and Energy

The Australian Government Department of Environment and Energy has engaged Landcare Australia as a service provider for the 20 Million Trees Program since 2015 and the Green Army Programme – in collaboration with Manpower Group – since 2014. In 2017-18, Landcare Australia continued to support young Australians gaining skills and experience on environmental and natural heritage projects in the Green Army program throughout Australia. We also continued to deliver large-scale 20 Million Trees revegetation projects in South Australia and Victoria. In mid-2018 Landcare Australia completed revegetation work across multiple sites, including 1,190 hectares of revegetation on the Dakalanta Wildlife Sanctuary in South Australia.

GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIPS

Victoria Government Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

The Victorian Government Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) provides support to Landcare Australia’s Victorian operations to assist Landcare Australia in developing partnerships with the corporate sector. This support has contributed to Landcare Australia’s success in providing corporate funding to a diverse range of Landcare projects across the state. In May 2018, the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants were announced and opened for applications. These grants are providing over $400,000 to schools, pre-schools and youth groups to deliver biodiversity projects in 2018-19.

GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIPS

Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources

In 2017, the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources contracted Landcare Australia to run the 2017 State and Territory Landcare Awards. This is a significant campaign in the Landcare calendar which celebrates the achievements of Landcarers, Coastcarers and Junior Landcarers across the country. The Department also funded the publishing of two editions of our quarterly newspaper Landcare in Focus.

GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIPS

Australian Government National Landcare Program

Landcare Australia continues to play a key role in delivering services on behalf of the Australian Government funded through the National Landcare Program.

IMPACT

Landcare in Focus

2017 Australian Capital Territory Landcare Awards.

2017 New South Wales Landcare Awards.

2017 Northern Territory Landcare Awards.

2017 Queensland Landcare Awards.

2017 South Australia Landcare Awards.

2017 Tasmania Landcare Awards.

2017 Victoria Landcare Awards.

2017 Western Australia Landcare Awards.

PARTNERS: Australian Government National Landcare Program, Fairfax Agricultural Media, Austcover, RioTinto

HIGHLIGHTS

272 entries were submitted across nine categories.
65 winners went through as finalists for the 2018 National Landcare Awards.
A total of 1,652 guests attended eight award ceremonies.
The awards were critical in promoting and celebrating the achievements of the Landcare movement, giving each state and territory the opportunity to showcase their local talent.

IMPACT

Promoting the awards involved a multi-channel national campaign across print and social media. This included a call for entries, promotion of the eight awards events and winners’ announcements. Landcare Australia also developed the awards’ brand assets and marketing materials, creating a new visual identity which celebrates the diversity of the Landcare community and pays respect to Australia’s Indigenous culture.

Entries for the 2017 State and Territory Landcare Awards opened in March/April 2017. In total, 272 entries were submitted across nine categories, with 65 winners going through as finalists for the 2018 National Landcare Awards. A total of 1,652 guests attended eight award ceremonies which took place between September and November. Guests included: state ministers and governors; government and senior corporate representatives; Landcare ambassadors and patrons; natural resource management professionals and community members; and state and regional Landcare community members.

2017 State and Territory Award Categories

Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award
Australian Government Partnerships for Landcare Award
Australian Government Excellence in Sustainable Farm Practices Award
Australian Government Innovation in Agriculture Land Management Award
Coastcare Award
Fairfax Landcare Community Group Award
Austcover Young Landcare Leader Award
Junior Landcare Team Award
Rio Tinto Indigenous Land Management Award

FUNCTIONS

Landcare Services

The Landcare services team of environmental professionals work with multiple stakeholders, including Landcare groups, commercial partners, natural resource management agencies, contractors, researchers, agribusiness and educational organisations to plan and deliver environmental outcomes with community support and stakeholder recognition.

In 2017-18, the team managed a number of sites in NSW including Landcare’s partnership with Bundanon Trust near Nowra, Transurban’s M2 Motorscapes in Sydney and South32’s biobanking sites near Campbelltown. In addition, the team has assisted in the restoration of the Durness Borland Corridor in the Mid-North Coast of NSW and the Wallamore Anabranch and Peel River Rehabilitation Project near Tamworth.

Landcare’s involvement with the Australian Government 20 Million Trees Program continues, with 420 kilometres of direct-seeding completed, over four sites, using 210 kilograms of local-provenance seed. All project sites have resulted in successful establishment. In 2017-18 Landcare Australia completed two projects; the Bank Australia site at Booroopki, VIC and Dakalanta Wildlife Sanctuary, SA – which exceeded its target by 1.5 million plants. Green Army Programme projects have now been successfully completed, in partnership with Manpower Group.

FUNCTIONS

Grants

Landcare Australia’s grants team actively engages with Landcare, Coastcare, Junior Landcare, farming, Indigenous and other community groups to achieve local environmental outcomes across Australia. The team provides administration, governance and project planning support to grant applicants, while demonstrating project impacts through corporate partner reporting and assisting Landcare Australia’s communications team.

In 2017-18, the grants team delivered funding to groups, provided by corporate and government partners, workplace giving and donations. Grants were awarded to 312 projects, supporting activities on a huge variety of projects, from revegetation, soil improvement, fire management and litter collection, through to community workshops and cultural heritage protection.

Landcare’s highly-successful Junior Landcare grants delivered a broad range of environmental, social and educational outcomes. This year, our grants funded 269 Junior Landcare projects, engaging over 18,000 students with the environment, linking them with local Landcare groups and involving over 3,000 community volunteers.

FUNCTIONS

Fundraising

The fundraising team helps to build and diversify income sources for Landcare Australia. It focuses on six main fundraising areas; individual giving, community events, bequests, digital fundraising, donor care and new fundraising activities.

Landcare Australia now has over 3,200 financial supporters who have helped us raise funds through Landcare’s Workplace Giving Program, direct marketing appeals, community fundraising, Play for Purpose lottery, trusts and foundations, major donors and general donations. In addition, a new regular giving program called Aussie Habitat Defenders was launched in May 2018.

The funds raised have enabled Landcare Australia to provide financial assistance to several Landcare groups in 2017-18 who are working to restore the habitats of endangered Australian species, including the white-throated snapping turtle, koala and cassowary.

FUNCTIONS

Corporate Partnerships

Landcare Australia offers Australian businesses the opportunity to align their organisation’s corporate social responsibility goals with Landcare projects that deliver measurable outcomes. We build partnerships to help businesses achieve objectives in the areas of community engagement, sustainability, brand differentiation, corporate social responsibility and employee engagement. We also focus on helping companies have a positive impact on the communities and the environment in which they operate.

The financial support received from these partnerships contributes directly to a wide range of initiatives including; supporting and promoting sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, revegetation, wetland conservation and endangered species habitat protection, urban greening, as well as educating Australia’s youth through the Junior Landcare program.

Over the past year, 316 projects have been funded as a result of our corporate partnerships. This funding, along with additional support from our corporate partners allows Landcare Australia to continue to respond to, and support the Landcare community.

FUNCTIONS

Communications

The communications team raises awareness of the Landcare movement, promoting our partnerships with government, corporates and Landcare groups. By engaging the community and corporate organisations through Landcare’s digital platforms and traditional media, the team is an important link between the general public and the Landcare movement.

In 2017, the communications team helped deliver the 2017 State and Territory Landcare Awards through the development of brand assets and marketing materials. A new visual identity was created, which celebrates the diversity of the Landcare community and pays respect to Australia’s Indigenous culture.

Landcare in Focus continues to be a key platform for Landcare Australia to share information on issues that matter most to the Landcare community, along with Landcare’s eNewsletters; Landlink, Junior Landcarer, Coastcarer and Caring Trends. The readership of these publications continues to grow, extending the Landcare community’s voice and creating more opportunities to promote the work of Landcare Australia.

SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2017

2017 STATE AND TERRITORY

LANDCARE AWARDS

From September to November, Landcare groups across Australia celebrated the achievements of their peers with each state and territory hosting their own Landcare Awards ceremony. The biennial awards are held to acknowledge the accomplishments of Landcarers who have been working to protect or improve their local environment, farms, coastlines, bushlands, wetlands and schools. In total, 272 entries were submitted across nine categories, with 65 winners going through as finalists of the 2018 National Landcare Awards.

NSW Austcover Young Landcare Leader Award recipients, Joshua Gilbert – Intrepid Landcare, Sophie Robertson – Hunter Intrepid Landcare and Jade Paton – Wetland Warriors.

JULY 2017

$100,000 AWARDED TO HELP

PROTECT AUSSIE HABITATS

Ten Habitat Restoration Grants were awarded to groups and organisations around Australia dedicated to protecting the habitats of our native animals, including threatened or endangered species. Projects included reducing the fox population across the King Parrot Creek catchment in Victoria, constructing habitat for the southern cassowary, mahogany glider and white-throated snapping turtle in Far North Queensland and enhancing the habitat of the endangered coast emu population in New South Wales. The funding was made possible through Landcare Australia’s Workplace Giving Program.

SEPTEMBER 2017

GETTING HANDS ON WITH LANDCARE WEEK

During the first week of September, corporate Australia got hands on with Landcare across the country to celebrate Landcare Week. A series of Landcare Week corporate team events were held with environmentally-conscious businesses who wanted to do their bit to care for our land and get their teams out of the office. More than 150 volunteers from 12 companies weeded, planted and collected rubbish at events in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

Volunteers from LandCorp worked with Friends of Lake Claremont in Perth, weeding and planting to help improve an important biodiversity hotspot classified as a Conservation Category Wetland and Bush Forever site.

In the Adelaide Hills, workers from Konica Minolta and Elders joined the Sturt Upper Reaches Landcare Group for the day. The volunteers collected local seeds, removed weeds and planted, to improve the habitat of the endangered southern brown bandicoot.

Friends of Westgate Park in Melbourne hosted 40 volunteers from Lloyd Group, Transurban and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. The volunteers were put to work planting over 700 native plants and provided some much-needed muscle power spreading mulch.

Sixty-five volunteers from Diageo, Dexus, Downer Group, Konica Minolta Australia and Hawke’s Brewing Co. got their hands dirty at Sydney’s Bradley’s Head National Park. They removed many bags of weeds from the harbour foreshore and nearby beach, including spider plants, asparagus fern and African olives. They also planted native species and collected rubbish.

LandCorp volunteers worked with Friends of Lake Claremont, Perth during Landcare Week 2017.

NOVEMBER 2017

MOVING TOWARDS ONE LANDCARE

The boards of Landcare Australia and the National Landcare Network (NLN) announced their commitment to move forward with the formation of a new national Landcare organisation. The new structure will give the Landcare movement a single national organisation working on its behalf, combining the strengths of the two entities.

The decision to join together as one was in recognition of the greater impact the NLN and Landcare Australia will have together and the opportunity to combine and build on the representative capacity and voice of the NLN and the marketing, education, fundraising and program delivery skills of Landcare Australia.

DECEMBER 2017

GREEN ARMY PROGRAMME COMPLETED

Since 2014, Landcare Australia, in partnership with ManpowerGroup, has been a service provider for the Green Army Programme – an environmental conservation program managed by the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy. During this time, Landcare delivered over 229 Green Army projects with our last project completed in mid-2018.

The Green Army Programme provided opportunities for young Australians aged 17-24 years to gain training and experience in environmental and heritage conservation fields, while participating in projects that generate real benefits for the environment. Projects included quokka habitat restoration in Rockingham, WA, creek and lagoon rehabilitation in Moreton Bay, QLD and landscape preservation in Loddon, VIC.

Green Army participants at the Upper Loddon Catchment project.

APRIL 2018

TOAST TO THE COAST

In 2017, Landcare Australia partnered with Rusty, a global surfwear and surfboard retailer, to support the Coastcare community. Through an event held in conjunction with Little Creatures, a brewing company based in Western Australia, $10,000 was raised to launch the inaugural Toast to the Coast Grants program. In June 2018, grants of up to $2,000 each were awarded to five Coastcare groups to support projects that protect and improve the health of Western Australian marine and coastal environments.

MAY 2018

LANDCARE AUSTRALIA APPOINTS NEW CEO

Following the departure of Tessa Matykiewicz in April 2018, the board of Landcare Australia announced the appointment of Dr Shane Norrish as its chief executive officer.

For over 10 years, Dr Norrish has been an integral member of Landcare Australia’s leadership team. He joined the organisation in 2007 as Landcare farming program manager, managing corporate partnerships supporting sustainable agriculture projects. He later moved to the role of head of Landcare services, where he was responsible for managing numerous large environmental and habitat restoration projects, as well as Landcare Australia’s responsibilities as a service provider for the Australian Government’s Green Army and 20 Million Trees programs.

Dr Norrish wants to ensure that the Landcare community continues to be recognised and supported as a key delivery partner for sustainable land management, rehabilitation and conservation solutions.

“Shane brings considerable experience in resource management and environmental issues, as well as strong leadership and senior management expertise to this role.” Doug Humann, Landcare Australia chairman.

MAY 2018

DELWP FUNDING

In May 2018, the Victorian Government Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) announced $400,000 in funding for Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants to help kids across the state protect Victoria’s environment. The grants of up to $5,000 each were open to Victorian schools, kindergartens, childcare centres, scouts, guides and youth groups.

These grants fund projects that boost biodiversity through the development, improvement or restoration of habitat for Victoria’s native plants and animals whilst engaging or educating young people to value and actively care for Victoria’s natural environment.

Successful grant applicants were notified later in 2018. The grants are being administered by Landcare Australia as part of our Junior Landcare program, in partnership with DELWP.

JUNE 2018

BAG FOR GOOD SUPPORTS JUNIOR LANDCARE

On World Environment Day, 20 June 2018, in support of a greener future for Australia, Woolworths banned the use of single-use plastic bags from its stores. They began offering a reusable shopping bag called the Bag for good™ that can be used again and again.

Fortunately for Landcare Australia, the good this bag can do doesn’t stop there. Any money made from the sale of the Bag for good™ funds the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program. This program is funding hundreds of gardening and recycling projects in Australian primary schools and early learning centres, helping to inspire the next generation of environmental champions.

JUNE 2018

DAKALANTA REVEGETATION

PROJECT DELIVERED

Three years of revegetating 1,190 hectares of cleared land was completed at Dakalanta Wildlife Sanctuary on the Eyre Peninsula, SA in mid-2018. The project is part of the Australian Government 20 Million Trees Program and was delivered in partnership between Landcare Australia, Australian Wildlife Conservancy and WildEyre – a consortium of regional natural resource management organisations.

Commencing in June 2015, the project involved 2,380 kilometres of direct seeding with over 50 locally-sourced native plant species, including drooping sheoak and mallee. The project has generated exceptional results, delivering and exceeding the project’s targets with over two million trees, shrubs and groundcovers established on the site. Though small now, these seedlings will re-establish green corridors, providing habitat, dispersal and food availability for regional and national threatened species such as the southern hairy-nosed wombat.

Direct seeding lines on Dakalanta Wildlife Sanctuary are thriving with a diverse mixture of local native flora.

The first half of 2018 has seen drought marching across much of the Australian farming landscape. This is evident in Queensland where they have been suffering a long dry spell for some time, and now drought has spread across much of New South Wales.

Whilst government assistance is both necessary and important, most of it represents crisis management activity and not long-term drought remediation solutions.

There is a lot of talk about drought-proofing farms, but too little is being done to inform farmers on how to go about doing that, including providing the necessary physical, educational and financial support.

None of us wants to see pictures of dustbowls and dying animals in the future, and it is many of the proven regenerative practices undertaken by Landcare in restoring and maintaining a healthy agricultural landscape that have the capacity to do much to deal with this problem.

In a way, this past year has been a watershed for many farmers and regional communities are now looking to regenerative alternatives, such as achieving permanent vegetation cover, retaining and distributing precious water through their soils and reducing or in some cases, even eliminating the use of chemicals, pesticides and inorganic fertilisers. As you know, good landcare management is the key to dealing with most landscape degradation problems.

The historical collaborative approach between farmers and Landcare is a shining example of how farmers, regional communities and knowledgeable and committed Landcare workers can help bring about long term, sustainable change.

We must remember that our farmers are the carers of around 60% of our landscape, and their contribution to regenerating their land on behalf of 22 million urban Australians needs to be far better recognised.

It should start with our children. In my report to the Government, ‘Restore the Soil: Prosper the Nation’, I have proposed educating our children about soil health and healthy food with a garden in every primary and junior high school with an agreed syllabus. Perhaps there is a future role for Landcare Australia in this important education process.

My report, presented as Australia’s National Advocate for Soil Health, also recommends promoting the production of healthy food from healthy soils as an antidote to those illnesses and allergies arising via the food chain; better supporting farmers to adopt regenerative practices; and establishing a long-term soil, water, vegetation and agricultural knowledge program.

I am pleased to say that my recommendations are receiving a whole of government response, and I look forward to keeping you informed of the results.

Time and again, when I talk to farmers who have adopted sustainable practices, they tell me that aspects of traditional farming just don’t work any more. Farmers, who have successfully adjusted to drought conditions, tell me that once they took the time to truly understand the essential interconnection between their soils, water and plants, their economic, social and environmental outcomes quickly improved.

This is an inter-connectivity that our wonderful Landcare people clearly understand and can help teach. I remain extremely proud of the work you do, every day, to develop a better, more sustainable environment.

Well done and keep up the good work.

Major General the Honourable Michael Jeffery
Patron

This report precedes the biennial National Landcare Conference in Brisbane in October 2018 and the opportunity to publicly and widely acknowledge the national Landcare movement and those who have been especially recognised for their achievements through the National Landcare Awards. As arguably the largest national participation entity in Australia it is a wonderful opportunity to get together en masse, share Landcare stories, meet old friends and remind all our partners and stakeholders of our depth and breadth. We are especially pleased to be sharing the hosting of this event with the National Landcare Network and its respective state and territory bodies, with whom we have developed a closer working relationship in the last 12 months.

In the course of the year I have again visited many Landcare projects on the ground across Australia, in rural and urban settings and with Indigenous Traditional Owners of Country. The Landcare movement is working to develop a range of partnerships, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, to strengthen our reach and influence and, as I mentioned in last year’s report, make us increasingly relevant.

In this vein, our partnerships with a range of Australian businesses and government continue to prosper. Together with the National Landcare Network, we maintain excellent dialogue with the Australian Government in seeking to achieve maximum effectiveness for the National Landcare Program. The Victorian Government this year extended its partnership with Landcare Australia to support the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants for Victorian schools and youth groups.

Our business partnerships include the highly successful and ongoing relationship with Transurban in Melbourne and Sydney, which has enabled locally based Landcare projects to improve urban environments, along with our long-term partnership with Coca-Cola focussed on coastal protection around Australia and our Lion partnership supporting improved management practices with dairy farmers.

Landcare Australia’s financial position remains robust as evidenced from this year’s accounts. We are very grateful for the strong financial support from corporate, community and government partnerships which helps to sustain the remarkable work of volunteers and their commitment to caring for our land. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the Australian and Victorian governments and leading corporate partners, including Transurban, Momentum Energy, Woolworths, Coca-Cola, VicTrack, Telstra and Lion.

I would like to thank my fellow Landcare Australia directors for their support and especially acknowledge the contribution of Tessa Matykiewicz over her five years as CEO where she brought increased rigour to many processes and oversaw development of a range of new relationships and opportunities.

My thanks to the committed staff at Landcare Australia – led by CEO Dr Shane Norrish – who continue to work above and beyond their requirements for the betterment of the Landcare movement, and also to all our partners and stakeholders including participants from across Australia.

We look forward to a further strengthening of the Landcare movement in the year ahead.

Doug Humann AM
Chairman

As I’ve stepped into the boots of CEO, what continues to strike me most is the commitment and passion that fuels the Landcare movement. Every day, thousands of people across Australia are rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty, all because they care about our land and its future. It is noble work that often goes unnoticed, but it is these people that Landcare Australia champions and celebrates.

The 2017 State and Territory Landcare Awards were a great opportunity to showcase and recognise the achievements of these local Landcarers. The Awards are an integral part of what Landcare Australia does and provide a unique platform to share the work of Landcarers with the wider community.

Our fundraising and partnerships teams continue to diversify and support Landcare Australia’s income streams, enabling 316 projects to be funded in 2017-18. Likewise, the continued support of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, the Australian Government National Landcare Program and the Victoria State Government Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has allowed us to deliver many of our services.

This year the Landcare services team delivered the Dakalanta Revegetation Project. This project has generated exceptional results, exceeding the project target of 595,000 trees, shrubs and ground cover by 1.5 million plants. In addition, the Green Army Programme concluded with Landcare Australia, in partnership with Manpower Group, completing 229 projects.

In April 2018, we bid farewell to Tessa Matykiewicz, our former CEO. In her five years as leader of the organisation, she was instrumental in the development of many new partnership opportunities and beginning the process of moving towards ‘One Landcare’ with the National Landcare Network. My thanks go to Tessa and the contribution she made during her time here.

There are a lot of other people who deserve thanks for what Landcare Australia has been able to achieve this past year.

Firstly, I would like to thank the Landcare Australia team who amidst many changes continue to work hard and give their best. They are also passionate people who want to make a difference and I’m proud to work with them. Likewise, I would like to thank our board for their ongoing commitment, guidance and support. They are a highly experienced group and their leadership is greatly valued.

I would also like to acknowledge the National Landcare Network for their collaboration and assistance in moving towards ‘One Landcare’. What began as a conversation some time ago has steadily progressed to a commitment to work towards joining together as one entity – creating the opportunity to become a single, unified national voice for the Landcare movement. In the year ahead we are working to finalise this agreement, further strengthening the impact we can have for the Landcare community.

Lastly, I want to thank the Landcare community, whose passion and commitment to caring for our natural assets are the cornerstone of what Landcare Australia represents. Landcare began as a grassroots movement, and 30 years later we are still championing sustainable, integrated approaches to agricultural and environmental management through local community groups.

With so many great things happening at Landcare Australia, I look forward to what the next year brings.

Dr Shane Norrish
Chief Executive Officer