21 July: With Australia’s environment rapidly deteriorating, Landcare is needed more now than ever. Building on the momentum of young leaders who have turned their passion and concern for the planet into meaningful action, Intrepid Landcare and Junior Landcare Ambassador Costa Georgiadis are joining forces for a high impact online forum on 23 August to empower young people eager to take action and connect with like-minded youth.

Designed for senior primary school students, high school students and youth groups aged 18 or under, the NextGen Landcare Youth Online Forum will provide access to practical tools, resources, knowledge and support from Intrepid Landcare. It will feature talks from inspiring young speakers, ranging from high school students to community volunteer leaders, creatives and entrepreneurs.

“Young people are keen and ready to take action in their communities and environments but they sometimes lack the know-how and/or the confidence to do so. We need to meet them where they are at, engage them, become more available to them and be more conscious of their need to act,” said young freelance wildlife photographer and passionate conservationist Jayden Gunn, who will be speaking at the forum.

“As a young person who utilised a Landcare pathway to its utmost potential to prepare myself professionally for employment in the conservation and land management industry, I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to share my journey, and hope to inspire other young people to actively engage in and expand their capacity through the opportunities and experience Landcare provides.”

After researching the needs of young people and Landcare networks to engage the youth demographic and bringing their lived experience in innovating youth engagement initiatives, Intrepid Landcare was co-founded in 2015 to drive a national campaign of youth action. Underpinned by an ethos of ‘think global, act local’ Intrepid Landcare connects young people to their local landcare community and environment where they co-create projects, adventures and experiences that they want to show up to, and address the issues that are pressing and important for that landscape.

“As the Australia State of the Environment 2021 Report drove home this week, our environment is in crisis. Young people play a vital role in caring for the land, their environment and other natural resources, and we couldn’t be more excited to learn from and share with young people the opportunities that exist to move from being overwhelmed to feeling empowered when it comes to landcare,” said Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish.

Young people aged 18 and under are invited to submit an expression of interest to share their story or project at the forum. Each story chosen will receive a $500 cash contribution. Expression of interests to be submitted by 5pm July 29, 2022, here.

The NextGen Landcare Youth Forum will be hosted online on Tuesday 23 August from 10.30am – 2pm AEST, 2022. More info or register.

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19 July 2022: Today’s 2021 State of the Environment Report highlights the deteriorating health of Australia’s environment, as well as the impacts it is having on communities across Australia. Landcare Australia Chair, Doug Humann AM says he is devastated by the report’s findings, but sees hope if the right investment is made.

Please see statement below from Doug Humann AM, Chair of Landcare Australia:

The 2021 State of the Environment Report recognises what Landcarers across Australia see on the ground every day: our environment is in crisis. Climate change is compounding the already significant damage to our land, water, waterways and coasts from threats including introduced species, pollution and land clearing.

It is clear from this report that with a changing climate leading to an increase in natural disasters, landcare has never been more important. Meaningful action must be taken to enhance and conserve our environment, and taking a holistic approach is crucial. As is emphasised in the report, we need to work together to facilitate new partnerships and innovations, and listen and learn from the expertise of First Nations Australians who have been caring for our lands and seas for countless generations.

Forming effective partnerships is what Landcare Australia does best. We have a proven track record of helping to partner our large number of active groups with business, researchers, natural resource management agencies, communities, Traditional Owners and all levels of government, building local ownership of issues and unlocking volunteer knowledge, capability and capacity.

As highlighted in the report, landcare funding has been progressively cut since 2010. Increasing investment in landcare is critical to support innovative landcare-led partnerships that benefit the environment, landscape and biodiversity as well as our communities and personal wellbeing.

Landcarers are on the front lines of critical conservation and land management projects across Australia. We know that with increased support, the more than 5,000 landcare groups and 100,000 landcare volunteers across the country have the capacity to grow and expand their work, and Landcare Australia will be well placed to aid them in their ongoing success.

To say this report is crushing is an understatement- but with a proven track record of over 30 years of significant, successful sustainable land management and environmental projects, I am confident that Landcare Australia and landcarers across the country will stand united and rise to the challenge.

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 19 July 2022:

Three leading experts in soil health have today been announced as finalists for the 2022 General Jeffery Soil Health Award.

The prestigious Award recognises the work of people who care for soil health and who are educating or inspiring others to do likewise. It is open to any individual farmer, land manager, extension specialist or educator who is helping improve soil health in Australia.

The Award was established by the Office of the National Soils Advocate in 2020 to honour and perpetuate the memory of Australia’s first National Soils Advocate, Major General the Honourable Michael Jeffery, AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC (Retd).

The General Jeffery Soil Health Award is presented biennially alongside the National Landcare Awards. The Award includes a trophy and a $20,000 cash prize for recipients to continue their work.

The 2022 Award will be presented at the Awards Gala Dinner during the National Landcare Conference in Sydney on Wednesday 24 August 2022.

Finalists for the 2022 General Jeffery Soil Health Award are:

Roger Groocock from South Australia: Roger is an innovative farmer who has dedicated more than 40 years to pioneering soil amelioration techniques that have improved the health and productivity of many tens of thousands of hectares of sandy soils across southern and western Australia. Considered to be an early adopter of technology and a leader in soil modification processes, Roger has worked tirelessly to design, test and measure the long-term effects of a range of soil amelioration techniques, including clay spreading, deep ripping, delving, inversion and spading. Committed to sharing knowledge, Roger has hosted numerous on-farm research trials and crop walks, and has built a community of practice that shares the latest knowledge and new ideas to ensure on-ground change.

Dr Oliver Knox from NSW: Oliver is a researcher in cotton farming and soil health who has developed and delivered numerous field workshops to the cotton production areas of Australia. In 2014 he reintroduced soil biology into the University of New England undergraduate syllabus, and since 2018, he has driven the Soil Your Undies soil health program in Australia – initially using it as an educational tool with farmers, but with COVID restrictions, the program was adapted to a postal and online citizen science challenge. Coverage of the program is thought to have brought the concept of soil health to an audience of over half a million Australians, and educated an estimated 12,000 school children in soil health.

Prof John McLean Bennett from Queensland: John is a dedicated soil health advocate and educator who, in becoming a soil scientist himself, recognised the lack of soil science capability development to serve Australian industry. John served in leadership roles at Soil Science Australia for nine years, and established the Training Board and conceived the Recognised Soil Practitioner as a means to provide professional development in soil management. Through leading the soil science teaching capability and capacity review for the Australian Soil Network, he also identified the need for specialist soil services to be developed. In 2021, John co-founded The Soil Company to work directly with farmers on the development of soil health management plans.

The General Jeffery Soil Health Award is initiated and sponsored by the Office of the National Soils Advocate and is administered by Landcare Australia.

For more information and to register for the National Landcare Conference or attend the National Landcare Awards gala dinner, visit https://nationallandcareconference.org.au/

To read more about the finalists and for more information on the General Jeffery Soil Health Award, visit http://generaljefferyaward.com.au/

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State and Territory finalists in the running for the ACM Landcare Community Group Award

 12 July 2022:

Community groups across the country are looking forward to coming together to recognise champions in their field, with finalists announced today for the 2022 Australian Community Media (ACM) Landcare Community Group Award.

The Award will be presented to one of eight finalists at the prestigious National Landcare Awards to be held in Sydney this August.
Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish said the Award is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding work of community groups and their members to protect, enhance or restore their local environment, stewarding a more resilient landscape for the future.

“The finalists show the breadth of activity and initiative taking place in communities across Australia,” said Dr Norrish. “Landcare’s greatest asset has always been its people – and the finalists nominated in this category are testimony to the real and substantial impact that community groups are having on the ground.”

Despite unparalleled challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns, community groups have continued to dedicate hundreds if not thousands of hours to their focus areas, with the finalists carrying out diverse activities ranging from tree planting and arranging environmental awareness days, to pest control and raising funds to allow for even more volunteers to contribute to caring for the land.

“We are thrilled to once again be supporting the ACM Landcare Community Group Award,” said ACM chief marketing officer Paul Tyrrell.
“At ACM, we are always looking for ways to acknowledge the people and groups that are actively making our communities better places to live. This award helps us to do just that, and at a time when sustainability and restoring our local environments has never been more important.”

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The full list of finalists includes:

ACT: Friends of Mount Majura

Friends of Mount Majura has contributed significantly to rehabilitating and protecting critically endangered ecological communities for the last 18 years. The group has done this through persistent, inclusive and innovative on-the-ground activities, political lobbying and education. Volunteers have improved several degraded areas in the Mount Majura Nature Reserve, including two sheep camps, a former horse paddock and dams. The group’s main activities involve large-scale tree and shrub plantings, woody and herbaceous weed control, erosion control measures, and direct seeding and soil improvement using woodchip mulch and coarse woody debris. The activities involved many volunteers, in consultation with ACT Parks & Conservation Service and local Landcare network Molonglo Conservation Group.

NSW: Upper Mooki Landcare Inc.

Upper Mooki Landcare Inc. (UMLC) seeks to be a proactive and innovative organisation, challenging boundaries and mainstream thinking by providing educational and networking opportunities for its communities. As part of its effort to ensure and promote the protection and conservation of the environment (soil, water, biodiversity on farms and state lands), Upper Mooki Landcare Inc. has implemented a targeted solution for overall catchment benefit that has shown great thought and innovation to a precise problem: to create a more drought resilient landscape. Through the ‘Rehydrating Upper Mooki Catchment’ project, UMLC have used a systemic approach, particularly focused around nine creeks (and ephemeral streams, aquifers and ponds or dams), to retain water in the landscape, combining on-ground works, changes to farming practices, capacity building, and mutual support. UMLC expect that by reducing the loss of water from their local landscape they will support biodiversity and create natural resilience to unreliable rainfall.

QLD: Springfield Lakes Nature Care Inc.

Since 2017, Springfield Lakes Nature Care in the Ipswich local government area has held activities that proactively remove litter from waterways, planted 4000 trees to reduce erosion and sediment run-off into the catchment, monitors macro-invertebrates to assess water health and generally contributes to a cleaner and greener suburb. The catchment consists of three lakes and three major creeks. Key projects included Clean Up Australia Day and Keep Qld Beautiful Week events to raise awareness of the marine debris issues; the importance of revegetation; conservation and protection of native flora and fauna. The group also partners with Wildlife Preservation Society Qld (WPSQ) as part of the Glider Corridor Network program and Platypus Watch; participates in National Tree Day events; and established a Bushcare group with local residents with the support of Ipswich City Council.

VIC: Newham & District Landcare Group

Passionate about the environment and working with their community, Newham and District Landcare Group (NDLG) has achieved significant environmental outcomes, with a focus on waterway health and protection and enhancement of remnant vegetation. Since forming in 2004, NDLG’s membership has grown to more than 100 households – over 35% of Newham’s population. The group’s main project has been the Cobaw Biolink, which encompasses pest plant and animal control, revegetation, and roadside activities to provide habitat connectivity for native species on both public and private land between Mount Macedon and Cobaw State Forest. The highly organised group has also effectively engaged new property owners, provided advice, collected, shared and published information, secured grants, run many educational and social events and supported environmental education. In particular, over $60,000 was raised for Newham Primary School to purchase materials, undertake school excursions, science classes and run a kitchen garden program.

TAS: Seymour Community Action Group Inc. 

Seymour Community Action Group Inc. (SCAGI) is a local community group that brings together community members of all ages from the Seymour area. The group’s projects involve restoration of endemic native vegetation, enhancement of habitat, improvements to recreational and aesthetic values, and the restoration of land values resulting in significant achievements. For example, after extensive efforts by SCAGI to tackle a gorse infestation and restore native flora, an extra 54 hectares of land has been incorporated into the Seymour Conservation Area. The work of SCAGI epitomises the aims of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030.

SA: Kanmantoo Callington Landcare Inc.

Kanmantoo Callington Landcare Inc (KCLG) was founded in 1994. Although membership has changed since then, the group has continued to work on restoring the biodiversity and habitat of the Kanmantoo and Callington district. For a small group with about 30 active volunteers, their achievements are substantial. This nomination is not about one project. Rather it is about a tireless and dedicated group who have initiated and maintained restoration projects across the area for nearly 30 years.

WA: Katanning Landcare

Katanning Landcare is an innovative and passionate Landcare leader who has found local solutions to everything from wind-erosion, salinity and wetland degradation to funding uncertainty. Over three decades, Katanning Landcare has provided landcare leadership including wetland restoration, threatened species recovery, weeds and pests, revegetation, waste reduction and carbon farming that equates to 4.2 million natives planted, 1955 km of environmental fencing erected, over 1000 ha of perennial pastures and also delivered numerous engagement activities to the district of Katanning. The Group has delivered over 220 publicly funded projects valued at $12.5 million and won multiple State and National awards for their work. They also run the Katanning Landcare Centre and recently purchased a revegetation nursery that continues to supply 800,000 native seedlings a year to the Katanning region.

NT: Roper River Landcare Group

The Roper River Landcare Group (RRLG) consists primarily of landowners, land managers, and residents committed to monitoring, maintaining and improving the Roper River catchment and its natural values in the Mataranka Region. Throughout the group’s history, it has identified many natural resource management threats to the region surrounding Mataranka. Most recently, the threat of Neem. Neem infestations directly threaten the natural biodiversity of the region, the valuable cattle industry and the tourism industry that supports Mataranka in the dry season. RRLGs’ neem management has wide reaching benefits, which include the protection of the main conservation assets for Mataranka including its springs and waterholes, the Roper River, and associated riverine environment.

About the Award: The ACM Landcare Community Group Award acknowledges an outstanding community group that is improving sustainable land use and/or is undertaking on-ground action to protect, enhance or restore the natural values of an area on behalf of the wider community. The winner will be announced at the 2022 National Landcare Awards to be held in Sydney on Wednesday 24 August. Now in its 30th year, the National Landcare Awards is an opportunity to celebrate and honour Landcare champions from urban and rural communities excelling in sustainable agricultural practices, environmental protection, conservation of land and waterways, coastlines and biodiversity.

Finalists announced for the prestigious 2022 National Coastcare Award

8 July 2022:

Competition for the prestigious 2022 National Coastcare Award is heating up with the full list of finalists being announced today.

With a diverse range of projects ranging from the protection of endangered flora and fauna along Victoria’s Bass Coast by Friends of Bass Strait Islands to the removal of 2,500kg of marine debris from some of the most isolated beaches in Australia by Arnhem Coast Clean Up, leaders in landcare-led protection of Australia’s coastal and marine ecosystems will come together for the winner’s announcement at the 2022 National Landcare Awards on 24 August.

Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish stressed the importance of the 2022 National Coastcare Award in highlighting the innovative work being done to protect critical coastal and marine ecosystems in light of growing environmental pressures.

“Climate change is impacting on our coastlines through issues including sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and storm tide events, making community stewardship of our natural and cultural marine and coastal environments increasingly important,” said Dr Norrish.

“This year’s finalists showcase the fantastic range of ways landcarers and Coastcarers from across Australia are taking action to protect our coastlines. I hope their sensational work will inspire more communities to get involved with Coastcare activities to safeguard the unique flora and fauna that call our coastlines home.

NSW finalist, Budgewoi Beach Dunecare’s Phil Heaton, said that he was thrilled the group’s work was being recognised, and hoped it would inspire communities across Australia to take action to protect their local coastlines.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past 27 years and it is fantastic that our work is being acknowledged on a national level,” said Mr Heaton.

“Through activities including installing stabilising fences, access ways and raised walkways, weed removal, and planting native trees and shrubs, we have been able to overturn decades of degradation and restore ecologically endangered communities here in Budgewoi.

“I want other communities to know they can do it too. There is increasing recognition of the value of our coastal ecosystems here in Australia, and a growing appetite for participation in landcare that we need to take advantage of,” said Mr Heaton.

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The full list of finalists includes:

NSW: Budgewoi Beach Dunecare (Phil Heaton)

Commencing coastal rehabilitation works along Budgewoi Beach in 1995, Budgewoi Beach Dunecare has been instrumental in successfully implementing innovative restoration techniques along 2km of the Budgewoi coastline, improving biodiversity and overturning decades of dune degradation. They have also partnered with primary, secondary and teritary education institutions, fostering a passion for coastcare in the local community and inspiring future generations. See profile

VIC: Cape Patterson Residents and Ratepayers Association (CPRRA) and Harmers Haven Residents and Ratepayers Group: Friends of Harmers Haven (HHRRG— FoHH)

CPRRA and Friends of Harmers Haven have been working together to protect pockets of rare and endangered flora that provide habitat for vulnerable fauna including the Southern Brown Bandicoot, Orange-bellied Parrot, Hooded Plovers and Lewin’s Rail. Their highly successful projects include species monitoring, weed control, feral animal control and targeted revegetation. See profile

TAS: Friends of Bass Strait Islands (FoBSI)

Wildcare group FoBSI, have been managing feral plant species including infestations of boxthorn and mirror bush on the off-shore islands in the Furneaux Islands and strategic coastal areas of Flinders Island. By undertaking meticulous weed control on over 250 hectares, they are contributing to securing penguin safety in the area. See profile

SA: Victor Harbor Coastcare

Formed in 1999, Victor Harbor Coastcare operates along Victor Harbor’s coastline, from the Bluff Reserve to Hayborough dunes. They have worked tirelessly to control target weeds and improve biodiversity, improving boardwalks and fencing, holding annual Clean Up Australia Day working bees, developing directional and interpretive signage, monthly monitoring of sand movement and raising awareness about coastal issues in the community. See profile

WA: Busselton Jetty Inc

Formed in 1978 by a small group of passionate community members determined to save the Busselton Jetty from demolition and secure its heritage, the members of Busselton Jetty Inc are now leaders in conservation, protecting the land and marine environments surrounding the Jetty and Geographe Bay through marine conservation and education. See profile

NT: Arnhem Coast Clean Up

Arnhem Coast Clean Up is a community group formed by non-Indigenous residents living in Nhulunbuy, to assist the Dhimurru Rangers with the removal of marine debris from approximately 80km of coastline. Initiated as a community clean-up, the group now holds six events per year with people travelling from across Australia to attend and support the removal of 2,500kg of marine debris from some of the most isolated beaches in Australia. See profile

QLD: Capricorn Coast Landcare

Based in Yeppoon, Capricorn Coast Landcare was established in 1987 by Alby Woller and a group of friends. Since Alby passed away in 2017, Capricorn Coast Landcare has maintained the Envirotrail in the grounds of Yeppoon State School and extended the Fig Tree Creek regeneration program. Last year the group also embarked on a Coastcare project on the dunes at Farnborough Beach. See profile