Banrock Station, the Australian eco-friendly wine brand from Accolade Wines, has partnered with Landcare Australia to plant 100,000 native trees and shrubs each year, starting from January 2021.  

Supporting biodiversity and animal habitats, clean air and water, while responding to the impacts of a changing climate and deforestation, the new initiative will see thousands of trees and shrubs planted in Australia every year from 2021.

A core pillar of the Banrock Station brand is its commitment to the environment, demonstrated through the Banrock Station Environmental Trust, whereby a portion of profits are reinvested to support conservation projects around the world.

Since the brand launched in 1995, Banrock Station has contributed over AUD $6m to more than 130 environmental projects in 13 countries, including restoring 1,000 hectares of internationally important wetlands at Banrock Station’s home in the Riverland, South Australia, in partnership with Landcare Australia.

Banrock Station and Landcare Australia also recently partnered to plant 80,500 trees on Banrock Station as part of the Australian Government’s 20Million Trees Program.

Nicola Paroissien, Head of Global Marketing Core Brands at Accolade Wines, said: “Sustainability is high on the agenda and we know that 4/5 global consumers feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment. With every bottle of Banrock Station enjoyed with friends and family, we reinvest a part of the profits to projects that support the environment. So, with every glass, consumers can take comfort that they are supporting a brand that supports the planet.

Our ongoing commitment to the environment stems from our dedication to restoring and protecting our wetlands and woodlands on Banrock Station, which led to their listing as a ‘Ramsar Wetland of International Importance’ in 2002. We’re proud to announce this new partnership with Landcare Australia so that we can continue to support the local environment for years to come and make a genuine contribution to global conservation.”

Dr Shane Norrish, CEO at Landcare Australia, said: “We have worked closely with Banrock Station for many years on projects in Australia, and this new partnership will help us to continue restoring our valuable natural assets and native habitat through planting hundreds of thousands of trees and shrubs for native animals and local communities. Investing in healthy landscapes is important for our environment as trees and shrubs cycle the oxygen we breathe, filter the water we drink, provide habitat for iconic and endangered wildlife, and sequester carbon, all while supporting the wellbeing of local communities too.”

The Landcare Australia partnership will be at the centre of Banrock Station’s ‘Every Drop Matters’ campaign which will be featured on-pack and supporting in-store POS as well as online.  

Last month, Accolade Wines Europe announced its core branded portfolio – including Hardys, Mudhouse, Jam Shed, Banrock Station, Echo Falls and Kumala – has been certified carbon neutral by The Carbon Trust.  Accolade’s ambition is to complete 100% portfolio neutrality by the end of 2020.

Landcare Australia is proud to announce a three-year partnership with iconic Australian brand Country Road who have committed $600,000 over three years to support the conservation of Australian farming landscapes.

This unique partnership will come to life through biodiversity restoration projects across Australian farmlands, with support from the Australian cotton industry.

The initial project will be implemented by the Kahl family in the Namoi Valley, NSW—a region significantly affected by biodiversity loss and in need of restoration. Prominent third generation cotton farmers, the Kahl family will participate in the program by revegetating a river system that flows through their property. Benefits of the project will include increased habitat and shelter for native animals, reduced erosion along the river bank, improved water quality and enhanced biodiversity.

Research findings from ‘Management of Biodiversity in the Cotton Landscape: Iconic and Threatened Species’, a report developed by the Cotton Research and Development Corporation with support from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program Smart Farming Partnership Initiative Round 1, have been used to identify regions and projects that best support environmental outcomes.

Landcare Australia will receive funding for the project as a result of Country Road contributing a minimum of $600,000 to the partnership over three years, via a corporate contribution and funds raised through the sale of its famous Verified Australian Cotton Heritage Sweats. The funding will provide Landcare Australia with the means to conduct multiple biodiversity projects in the region and invite more Australian farmers to participate in the program.

By purchasing a Country Road Verified Australian Cotton Heritage Sweat, customers can actively support farmers in regenerating Australian landscapes.

Country Road Managing Director, Elle Roseby, says “As an iconic Australian brand, Country Road has a role to play in protecting what matters and using our platform to benefit Australia’s natural landscapes. By partnering with such a renowned environmental organisation, we hope to support the incredible efforts of Australian farmers, whose life’s work depends on having an intimate understanding of changing environmental needs.

Landcare Australia shares Country Road’s deep appreciation for what makes our backyard so special. Their vision of ‘All Australians caring for the land and water that sustain us’ is one that resonates, more so than ever, with both Country Road the brand and our wider community.” said Elle.

Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, says “Landcare Australia is very proud to launch this partnership with Country Road to develop projects focused on biodiversity conservation with cotton farmers. The projects will help to restore local ecosystems and contribute to the sustainable management and productivity of the landscape.”

“The partnership with Country Road is a powerful example of how Landcare Australia brings together organisations to work on projects that will have a meaningful impact for farmers, the environment and the local community. We are very pleased to be working with Country Road and the Australian cotton industry on biodiversity projects that will protect habitat for a range of native plants and animals, including threatened species.”

The Australian cotton industry has played a supporting role in this partnership by providing the findings of its research to inform priority areas for biodiversity restoration in cotton farming landscapes, identifying farmers to participate in the program and working with them to develop on-ground projects that deliver benefits to the natural environment.

“Protecting and improving biodiversity in cotton landscapes is a key focus for the industry. This partnership will accelerate these efforts, showcase the benefits of improving biodiversity to other cotton farmers and provide a lasting legacy for our farms, communities and the natural environment,” Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said.

The Landcare Australia partnership follows a number of recent milestones for Country Road, including scientifically verified Australian fibres, achieving 5 Star Green Star rated stores through the Green Building Council and the launch of Our World—an online platform dedicated to sharing the brand’s sustainability journey with the wider community.

For more information, visit The Biodiversity Project.

A Bushfire Recovery program led by Landcare Australia, delivered in partnership with OzFish Unlimited and Native Fish Australia (Victoria), will support initiatives to restore habitat for ten national priority threatened aquatic species in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales.  

The Landcare Australia Aquatic Wildlife Habitat Bushfire Program is funded by the Australian Government and will deliver support for on-ground activities with local community groups, OzFish chapters, the endangered native fish hatchery run by Native Fish Australia (Victoria) and landowners across 17 bushfire affected areas.

The funding will provide on-ground bushfire recovery actions for ten threatened aquatic animals, including six fish species, three species of Spiny Crayfish and the Manning River Helmeted Turtle.

Landcare Australia CEO Dr. Shane Norrish recognised the Australian Government’s support for aquatic wildlife bushfire recovery, and how the program will bring together local community groups, OzFish Chapters and landowners with important on-ground bushfire restoration activities.

Dr Norrish said: “Since the Black Summer Bushfires, Landcare Australia has provided funding to 86 community Landcare and environment group projects, made possible by our corporate partners and donors, to help with the restoration of wildlife habitats in bushfire impacted areas.

“Now, with the support of the Australia Government, we can focus on aquatic wildlife and their habitats with projects that will support a fish recovery program, erosion control, weed management, revegetation and citizen science monitoring.”

OzFish Unlimited and Native Fish Australia (Victoria), have commenced working with local OzFish Chapters, landowners and managers after recreational anglers felt the impact of the early 2020 fires, not only on their local communities, but on the waterways they love.

OzFish Unlimited CEO, Craig Copeland said: ‘Recreational anglers in fire impacted areas were reporting the devastation to OzFish. We were receiving daily reports of water quality resembling sludge, complete losses of riverbank vegetation, dying fish, some in areas with threatened species.

‘In response to the fires, OzFishers around Australia have taken up the mammoth task of focusing on their local waterway recovery. This initiative will see our army of recreational fishing volunteers roll up their sleeves to reverse the severe impact the fires have had on their local waterways,’ said Mr Copeland.

Native Fish Australia (Victoria) is eager to support fish recovery with their restocking efforts of endangered fish to benefit restoration of local aquatic biodiversity. In collaboration with Landcare Australia, NFA will collect mature Macquarie Perch to be used in a breeding program for the species.  These broodfish will be taken to the NFA (Vic) Endangered native fish hatchery located at La Trobe University, to produce Macquarie Perch fry. The fry produced will be grown in the hatchery until they reach a suitable size, and then released into the Buffalo River in north east Victoria once the habitat has sufficiently recovered. Macquarie Perch from the Yarra River population will be used in the breeding program due to their genetic robustness and suitability to be stocked across their previous natural range.

President of Native Fish Australia, Tim Curmi said: “Habitat restoration and targeted native fish reintroductions are key to the survival of native species in these bushfire impacted regions and it’s really encouraging for people to know they have access to support to get their projects off the ground which benefit, not only the natural environment, but the whole community.”

The Landcare Australia Aquatic Wildlife Habitat Bushfire Program is funded by the Australian Government’s Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery program.

This Landcare Week, New South Wales Senator Perin Davey and Victorian Senator Raff Ciccone are calling on their parliamentary colleagues to join with them in championing the work of Landcare and the beneficial impact it has on the environment. 

As prospective co-conveners, Senator Davey and Senator Ciccone are encouraging their colleagues to become members of the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare.

Landcare Week acknowledges the thousands of Landcare networks and groups around the country who work tirelessly on conservation and sustainable land management projects in their local area. 

New South Wales Nationals Senator Perin Davey says the work done by Landcare is an essential part of restoring and protecting our local environment. 

“Landcare not only supports our native flora and fauna, but also helps farmers and fishers across Australia adopt sustainable practices to deliver productive and environmental outcomes,” Senator Davey said. 

“Around 58% of Australia’s land is privately owned or leased for agricultural production, therefore sustainable management and farm practices are key to the long-term viability of our primary industries and the continued health of our natural resources.” 

Victorian Labor Senator Raff Ciccone said that Landcare makes a significant contribution to advancing the cause of conservation in Australia in both urban and regional settings.

“Since its establishment, Landcare has had an important role in bringing conservationists from all walks of life together for the common cause of caring for our natural environment,” Senator Ciccone said.

“As one of Australia’s largest and most successful volunteer movements, we all have much to celebrate this Landcare Week. I look forward to continuing to support Landcare into the future.”

News Corp Australia has partnered with Landcare Australia to make a significant $300,000 bushfire recovery donation to support two Landcare projects in Victoria and Queensland.

These donations form part of News Corp Australia’s ongoing support for communities, individuals and wildlife affected by the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires.  In the midst of the January bushfires, News Corp’s global headquarters announced a $5 million contribution to Australian bushfire relief, to assist in the immediate response and ongoing investment in rebuilding the lives and livelihoods of those most affected.

Rupert Murdoch said in January: “As a company with roots in Australia and an abiding commitment to its people and communities, we are determined to help, both in this time of great need, and well into the future, as the hard work of restoration continues”.

News Corp Australia’s Community Ambassador, Penny Fowler, said investing in rural and regional recovery will continue to be a priority.

“We are pleased to continue our support of rural and regional Australia, in particular, bushfire-affected areas in Queensland and Tasmania who have been through one of the toughest years on record.

We are also delighted to support Landcare Australia who has been on the ground working with communities for 30 years. These projects will go a long way towards restoring habitats and assisting in the mental wellness of communities still struggling with the events of the year.”

In the aftermath of the November 2019 bushfires in Livingstone Shire in Central Queensland, Capricornia Catchments helped to bring everyone together to discuss what it was going to take to assist the community recover. It was agreed that they needed on-ground action to ensure that landholders were better equipped for the future, and to take care of the wellbeing of the community as well as the land.

Funding from News Corp via Landcare Australia will support landholders with on-ground property recovery and preparedness such as property planning, emergency access to escape routes and water sources, as well as best-practice erosion control measures on fire trails and burnt areas. The project will also involve revegetation and restoration of the environment, including the creation of wildlife corridors to enhance habitat.

The project will engage with GenYadaba, a group made up of local youth including young Indigenous people to conduct revegetation, as well as wildlife monitoring using cameras and traps within the burnt areas. Through this project, young people in the community will have the opportunity to work together to learn about the animals that rely on the habitat they will be restoring, and learn new skills in the process, like native plant identification and weed management.

The community are creating a multimedia project that will capture a wide range of stories, ranging from the courage of fire fighters and local landholders, their tragedies, losses and near misses, through to the impacts fire has had on wildlife carers who were inundated with injured animals. Importantly, this coming together will help create a more resilient community and environment for future generations. This collective storytelling will be a celebration of the community, and how they have managed to come though such an enormous challenge.

Shelly McArdle, Capricornia Catchments Project Officer and Board Member of Queensland Water and Land Carers says what is exciting about this project is that it will have a component of wellbeing.

“This is such an important part of disaster recovery because we cannot expect people who have suffered so many challenges to be strong enough to do what needs to be done to recover in a practical sense. Recovery needs to be twofold, we need to be developing initiatives that take care of both people and place. This is how we will connect, strengthen and heal people and the environment together.”

Support from News Corp via Landcare Australia will also provide Landcare networks operating in East Gippsland to work together with their local Landcare groups and private landowners within fire impacted areas in the region. The project will provide an opportunity for the Landcare networks to set aside areas as habitat, shelter, breeding sites or feeding areas (such as shelterbelts and windbreaks) for endangered species. These areas will be improved to try and restore essential ecological functions which support a variety of threatened wildlife including Glossy Black-Cockatoos, Koalas, gliders and possums. The Black Summer fire season has shown how vulnerable many of our iconic species and their habitat are. For example, the Glossy Black-cockatoo (GBC) Calyptorhynchus lathami, saw around 70% of its Victorian habitat burnt.

The bushfire recovery project in East Gippsland will also have a focus on Citizen Science projects and coordinate volunteer support for fencing, planting, and monitoring, including encouraging local school students to participate in the recovery effort. A recent survey has revealed that many people are concerned about the plight of our wildlife after the Black Summer bushfires, and bringing communities together to support wildlife will lead to improved physical and emotional wellbeing by supporting active recovery. This project will also enable local groups to support each other as well as bring people in from outside the region. Landcare groups not impacted by fire have also shown a lot of interest in supporting the communities who were impacted.

Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish says that the partnership with News Corp will enable quality, on-ground projects with multiple partners who are involved in the bushfire recovery, led by the locals who need it most.

“We are currently working with partners, including News Corp, to empower Landcare groups and other environmental community groups in drought and bushfire affected areas. Their support is helping to rebuild communities with on-ground projects, including habitat restoration, wellbeing and mental health activities, as well as engaging new volunteers who want to contribute. This Landcare Week August 3 to 9, we thank the thousands of people and communities for their ongoing contribution to care for the land in their patch of Australia. Landcare in Australia is now more important than ever to the future of our land, water and people.”