Landcare Australia Leads New National First Nations Initiative

Monday 27 March 2023: Today in Canberra, Landcare Australia brought Members of Parliament, corporate Australia and landcare volunteers together with First Nations organisations to launch the inaugural National Custodians of Country Gathering as well as the new national First Nations Landcare Working Group.

Speaking at the event were The Hon. Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians; Senator the Hon. Murray Watt MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister for Emergency Management; Suzanne Thompson, Managing Director at Yambangku Aboriginal Culture Heritage & Tourism Development Aboriginal Corporation; Victor Steffensen, Co-founder of Firesticks Alliance and Costa Georgiadis, ABC presenter and Junior Landcare Ambassador.

Firesticks Alliance, supported by Landcare Australia and the First Nations Landcare Working Group, will host the National Custodians of Country Gathering (the Gathering) between Monday 21 and Friday 25 August 2023 at Tjapukai (Djabugay) Cultural Park Cairns, Far North Queensland. Indigenous led and co-designed, the Gathering will bring together Traditional Owners, First Nations organisations including First Nations Ranger groups, and landcare from across Australia.

The Gathering will provide a unique opportunity for farmers, landholders, landcare volunteers, researchers, academics, and environmental NGOs to learn practical ways they can integrate Traditional knowledge for land and sea management, improvements for biodiversity, threatened species management and sustainable agriculture into their conservation work.

Victor Steffensen, co-founder of Firesticks Alliance, said the Gathering will be hosted by First Nations people from across Australia to celebrate the diversity and richness of Aboriginal culture and knowledge, and how this benefits community through environmental wellbeing and revitalisation.

“We intend to bring greater awareness and opportunity to broader Australia about the contribution of Indigenous knowledge. An important outcome of the Gathering is for people to learn firsthand how Traditional ecological knowledge and governance can contribute solutions to today’s social and environmental concerns.”

For 34 years, Landcare Australia has been at the forefront of working directly with farmers, landholders, landcare volunteers and groups – as well as in partnership with environmental conservation groups, governments, business and industry, researchers and academics – to support landcare activities that restore, enhance and protect Australia’s natural environment.

Landcare Australia Chair Doug Humann AM acknowledged that while many landcare groups have long worked hand-in-hand with Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations, Landcare Australia is looking forward to strengthening connections between First Nations people and landcare through its new First Nations Landcare Working Group.

“Australia’s First Nations people hold the key to healing our landscape and unlocking agricultural and environmental benefits for future generations across Australia,” he said.

“What makes the First Nations Landcare Working Group significant for all Australians will be its guidance and input for Landcare Australia to support farmers, young people, women, landcare groups and conservation community groups across Australia to make connections with Cultural land and sea management practices. Together, we will build partnerships that will enable landcare to set the benchmark on how we can all come together, work together and stay together to build respectful, effective relationships with First Nations peoples – and strengthen our commitment to integrate cultural land and sea management into landcare practices.”

The program and ticket sales for the Gathering will be announced in April 2023. For more information, please go to landcareaustralia.org.au.

First Nations Landcare Working Group Members

Doug Humann AM – Chair, Landcare Australia
Ricky Archer – Board Director, Landcare Australia and CEO, North Australian Indigenous Land & Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA)
Victor Steffensen – Co-Founder of Firesticks Alliance
Suzanne Thompson – Managing Director at Yambangku Aboriginal Culture Heritage & Tourism Development Aboriginal Corporation and Chair, Australian Native Foods and Botanicals
Barry Hunter – Chair, Aboriginal Carbon Foundation
Dhani Gilbert – Young Landcare Leadership Award recipient
Rene Woods – Board Member, Murray Darling Basin Authority, Board Member Landcare NSW and Project Officer, The Nature Conservancy
Natalie Sommerville – President, Australian Women in Agriculture and Board Director, National Farmers Federation, member of Yacka Moorundie Landcare group
Gail Reynolds-Adamson – Chair, Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation.

Calling All Landcare Champions for the 2023/2024 State and Territory Landcare Awards

In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, the 2023/2024 State and Territory Landcare Awards serve as a beacon of hope and recognition for those dedicated to safeguarding our precious landscapes. The Landcare Awards are now open for nominations and aim to recognise the outstanding contributions made by individuals, groups and organisations involved in landcare.

Landcare continues to bring thousands of people together in communities across Australia, to unite for a common purpose – preserving, protecting, collaborating and innovating to restore and protect our natural assets. In the wake of global climate challenges and natural disasters like drought, bushfires and floods, Landcare has never been so important.

Each state and territory has multiple Landcare Award categories, recognising Australians who actively engage in climate action and work to create healthier, more resilient and productive landscapes and resilient communities. From volunteers and farmers, to landholders, landcare groups, First Nations people, the next generation of landcarers, and environmental community groups, the Landcare Awards program acknowledges the diverse range of individuals and organisations committed to addressing local environmental issues.

Quote attributed to Co-Chief Author ‘State of the Environment Report 2021’, Dr Ian Cresswell:

“Many parts of the Australian environment are under pressure from the impacts of climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and resource extraction. Landcare plays a key role in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable land management and helping repair and restore our natural environment.

Not only is that good for the environment but it’s good for us too – regenerative land management and Landcare volunteering have been shown to have human health and wellbeing benefits supporting improvements in mental and physical wellbeing, belonging and community resilience. Let’s celebrate all who participate and help to raise their profile in the community.

I urge us all to take this opportunity to celebrate the great work of Landcare and to nominate your local champion for the work they do for all of us.”

Quote attributed to environmentalist and former senator, Bob Brown:

“Landcare exemplifies the resilience of individuals coming together from all walks of life to safeguard and nurture our agricultural lands and natural environment. The Landcare movement is built on collective spirit and environmental stewardship: it is an inspiration on our planet where environmental loss is so prevalent.

It’s great to see the Landcare Awards program honouring the wonderful diversity of people involved in preserving our natural landscapes, strengthening communities and leading innovations in agriculture and conservation right across Australia. So, I encourage everyone to join us in acknowledging the extraordinary achievements of the Landcare community by submitting nominations for the Landcare Awards.”

Quote attributed to Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish:

“Landcare represents the strength of people from all walks of life working together for a common purpose — to protect and manage our vital agricultural lands and natural environment.

The 2023 State and Territory Landcare Awards shine a light on Landcare’s greatest asset – the diverse range of people involved in landcare activities responding to local issues. Whether it’s their dedication to preserving the natural landscape, their commitment to their communities, or their leadership in the agricultural sector, these accomplishments remind us that the spirit of hands-on environmental stewardship that underpins the landcare movement is stronger than ever before.”

For over 30 years, the distinguished Landcare Awards program has honoured the unwavering dedication and efforts made by individuals and groups from rural and urban communities. Landcare is a grassroots movement with over 6000 groups and 140,000 volunteers that deliver a range of positive environmental and community outcomes.

Biodiversity The Big Winner In Three-Year Project in Cotton Country

Country Road, Landcare Australia and cotton farmers are marking Biodiversity month by celebrating a landmark achievement in their New South Wales Namoi Valley project.

It’s been three years since ‘The Biodiversity Project’ kicked off in the Namoi Valley and since the first tree was planted, about 60 hectares of cotton farming land has been revegetated.

Cotton farmers in the Namoi Valley have worked with Landcare Australia to plant 11,800 seedlings along 11.6 kilometres of riverbank with long-term aims to improve waterways on their farms, and benefit nature as well as their agricultural production.

Landcare Australia has supported communities dedicated to restoring and preserving the natural environment for decades. In partnering with Landcare Australia, Country Road committed $600,000 in the first three years of the project and has since raised $790,000 for the project through sales of the iconic Verified Australia Cotton Heritage Sweat and brand contributions.

As part of the project, over 9 kilometres of fencing around water courses has been established to exclude livestock, with alternative drinking points installed – this will increase habitat and shelter for native animals, as well as help improve water quality.

Cotton Australia’s Cotton to Market Lead Brooke Summers has been involved with The Biodiversity Project since its inception. “This project not only provides much needed funding and support for implementing biodiversity projects at farm level it also showcases what can be achieved when we work together on issues of mutual importance,” Brooke said.

“We know biodiversity is critical for sustainable cotton production and the planet as a whole and that we need to act fast to stop rates of extinction globally. We need to work together through projects like this to find the balance between clothing the world in sustainable natural fibres, and protecting the natural resources we rely on.

“It’s been a true collaboration between Landcare Australia, Country Road, Cotton Australia, our biodiversity specialists and our farmers and everyone has brought something different to the table which has created a great opportunity for achieving a lot and learning along the way,” she said.

The partnership with Country Road and our work with the cotton industry is supporting biodiversity and landscape restoration benefits for cotton farms in northern NSW said Dr Shane Norrish, CEO Landcare Australia.

“Over the last three years, the projects have been impacted by various external influences including covid and flooding, however Country Road are committed more than ever to supporting Australian cotton farmers improve the ecological and habitat restoration on the farming properties. Landcare Australia’s relationship with the cotton industry is vital to the work we are doing with the growers, their support and promotion of the famers to be involved in The Biodiversity Project has led to the success of the project. With the support from Country Road’s iconic brand position in the Australian fashion industry, together we can create greater awareness of landcare and the environmental stewardship of famers.

“Having the cotton industry as a part in this project is important as it helps us build trusting relationships with the growers. In addition, the research and biodiversity mapping from Cotton Research and Development Corporation has been important to ensure we are choosing sites that are in need of biodiversity enhancement as identified by the cotton industry.”

Country Road Brand Sustainability Manager Erika Martin said Country Road was proud to partner with Landcare Australia and the Australian cotton industry on The Biodiversity project to restore native habitats on cotton farms in the Namoi Valley.

“This partnership has shown how brands and industry can work together towards a shared vision,” Erika said.

“As we celebrate three years and reflect on what we have achieved, one of the highlights has been building relationships with the farming families. We are inspired by their commitment to ‘the long game’, by investment in building biodiversity now for the benefit of future generations.”

Cotton Farmer Daniel Kahl has been part of the project since it began but he sees the work as a continuation of work they’ve done in the past on his farm and others. “We’ve fenced and protected riparian zones on other farms to conserve natural landscapes; we utilise nature corridors and the benefits of natural predators to reduce pesticide use; we conduct carbon audits of our farm to ensure we’re doing our part to not just counteract our own emissions but do more than that. This project ties in with all of those endeavours.”

The partnership draws on a Cotton Research and Development (CRDC) report that mapped biodiversity in Australian cotton landscapes, identified threatened and endangered species and recommended ways to protect them.

Unlocking the Heart of the Land: National Gathering Unites First Nations Wisdom for a Resilient Future

Tuesday 22 August, 2023: The Biri Bulmba Budang National Custodians of Country Gathering (the Gathering) starts today in Cairns with over 600 delegates from across Australia. The inaugural event, hosted by First Nations people and led by the Firesticks Alliance, aims to foster collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to work together to address the pressing need for ecological restoration, enhanced biodiversity and community resilience. With the intensifying impacts of a changing climate and the threats presented by the return of El Nino, understanding and adopting Cultural land management practices from Australia’s First Nations peoples is a proactive strategy to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and extreme weather, including bushfires, droughts and floods.

Gathered under the iridescent sky, an amalgamation of souls have come together for the week – custodians of the soil, protectors of biodiversity and stewards of resources. This crossroads of minds, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, propels us towards solutions that forge a path where harmony and sustainability intertwine.

Fostering a sense of unity, First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians are coming together to share knowledge in areas of agriculture, conservation and natural resource management. The collaborative platform is exploring best practice and innovation, sharing practical information and stories, and creating partnerships to support First Nations engagement while transferring knowledge and practice. The event offers a space for communities to forge and strengthen connections invigorating cultural stewardship of the land.

Over 40 speakers will address topics such as innovation for contemporary land and sea management, biodiversity, threatened species management and best practice agriculture. Special guests include ABC TV presenter and Landcare champion Costa Georgiadis; former politician and Olympian gold medallist Nova Peris; together with Firesticks co-founder Victor Steffensen, Chair of the Aboriginal Carbon Fund, Barry Hunter, and over 41 Traditional Owners and Indigenous Ranger groups.

Firesticks Alliance co-founder and expert Cultural fire practitioner Victor Steffensen emphasises the holistic nature of Indigenous knowledge as its significance in a contemporary context, saying: “The National Custodians of Country Gathering will showcase the entire Indigenous knowledge system and its relevance to modern society. We want to show how rich our culture and practices are across science, conservation, agriculture, language and connecting with Country, and how these various knowledge systems can be holistically applied to ensure better outcomes for our communities, future generations and the world they are set to inherit.

“Indigenous knowledge-based solutions are nature-based solutions. Through this event, we want to show how we are all stronger together – Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Send that love out there!”

Recognising the collaborative spirit that defines landcare efforts, Landcare Australia chair Doug Humann AM acknowledges that while many landcare groups have long worked hand-in-hand with Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations, this event makes a pivotal step in our journey of shared responsibility with First Nations people.

“This important event will lead the way on how we can come together, walk together and work together with First Nations people to integrate Cultural land and sea management into landcare practices, conservation and sustainable agriculture,” commented Humann. “Beyond this, by integrating First Nations’ knowledge and management perspectives, our land and sea-scapes across Australia will benefit and our communities and future generations will be enriched,” he adds.

Quick Facts:

The Biri Bulmba Budang National Custodians of Country Gathering is taking place this week, ends Friday 25 August 2023 at Tjapukai (Djabugay) Cultural Park Cairns, Far North Queensland. Hosted by Wet Tropics Bama with Firesticks Alliance, the event is supported by Landcare Australia and the First Nations Landcare Working Group
40 speakers from across Australia including local grassroots community groups
600 delegates including Costa Georgiadis, Victor Steffensen, 41 Traditional Owners and Indigenous Ranger groups
Agriculture Workshop with Victor Steffensen will be recorded and available to watch via landcareaustralia.com.au

Main image: Victor Steffensen on Yirrakanji Country at Dungarra – Redden Island,

Photo Credit: Annette Ruzicka Photography

Landcare Australia Honours Local Land Heroes this Landcare Week, August 7-13 2023

Friday, 4 August 2023: Landcare Australia proudly announces the annual return of Landcare Week (7-13 August), a heartfelt initiative celebrating the tireless efforts of everyday Australians. This annual campaign aims to raise awareness and ignite a powerful sense of unity among individuals devoted to restoring, protecting and enhancing both the natural environment and the vital agriculture sector within their local communities.

According to the Biodiversity Council’s recent publication ‘Biodiversity Concerns Report’[1], 97% of Australians want more action to safeguard our precious natural resources, recognising that each and every person bears the responsibility to preserve Australia’s biodiversity. Landcare Australia is working hard to provide meaningful change, offering a unique avenue to positively impact the environment. With the support of government and corporate partners, for the past 34 years, Landcare Australia has proudly led the charge alongside Landcarers in supporting Australians as they tackle critical environmental and agricultural issues. In every community across Australia, there is a landcare group or other community-led environmental group with volunteers getting their hands dirty to care for the natural environment.

Quotes attributable to ABC TV presenter and Landcare advocate, Costa Georgiadis:

“Wherever my travels take me around the country, I’m constantly inspired by the incredible commitment and genuine care demonstrated by volunteers and Landcare groups. There is a real sense of community generated by these passionate individuals as they work to protect our precious environment on every scale from villages, towns and cities to bushland and farmland. Landcare Week will shine the spotlight on their extraordinary contributions,” shared Costa.

Quote attributable to Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP:

“At its heart, Landcare is an example of community at its best – passionate locals working to better protect and care for the environment around them.

“People want to be part of something optimistic and practical. An organisation that solves problems, brings people together, and protects our precious home. That’s what Landcare does.

“Every time I visit a local Landcare group and meet people doing their bit for the environment, I leave full of hope and gratitude.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon. Murray Watt:

“I’ve seen firsthand how Landcare works with farmers to improve their natural resource management, around Australia,” Minister Watt said.

“Farmers understand they are stewards of the land, so they are keen to learn more on how they can play a part in restoring and conserving the natural environment on their properties.

“The benefits for producers aren’t just environmental – it’s beneficial for their businesses. Planting tree lanes provides shelter for stock, while improving soil health increases productivity. It’s a win-win situation and it’s one of the many reasons our agriculture sector has such a great story to tell.

“That’s why the Albanese Government has invested $302 million through the Natural Heritage Trust to help farmers to adopt sustainable practices, build resilience to climate change, harness carbon and biodiversity markets, and protect and invest in natural capital and biodiversity.

“Congratulations to Landcare for inspiring and leading change right across the country.”

Quotes attributable to Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish:

“Landcare Australia, landcare peak bodies, landcare groups and organisations, together with governments, business and industry, Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations, continue to shape the growing landcare movement. Through collaboration and a shared vision, we are building a future where environmental sustainability and agricultural prosperity go hand in hand.

“Together, let us seize this moment. Let us forge a legacy of environmental stewardship and ensure that future generations inherit a land teeming with life, abundance and resilience. Landcare Week is not just a celebration; it is a catalyst for change, an embodiment of the collective power we possess to shape a sustainable and thriving future for Australia. Join us on this journey of hope, empowerment and restoration.

“Landcare truly is for everyone! Whether you seek to make a tangible difference from the comfort of your own home, workplace, youth group, or school. Landcare Week extends an invitation for all to come together to learn, share, be inspired and empowered,” said Dr Norrish.

With over 6,000 groups and more than 140,000 volunteers, Landcare Week provides a powerful reminder that there are opportunities for all Australians to get involved in a local community group like landcare, bushcare, ‘Friends of’ to help improve biodiversity and restore local natural environments.

For more information on Landcare Week activities in your area, find and contact your local Landcare group using the National Landcare Directory HERE.

[1] Borg, K., Smith, L., Hatty, M., Dean, A., Louis, W., Bekessy, S., Williams, K., Morgain, R. & Wintle, B. Biodiversity Concerns Report: 97% of Australians want more action to protect nature. The Biodiversity Council, June, 2023