Landcare Australia announces the appointment of Brendan Foran and Robert Purves AM to its skills-based board, effective March 2024. These appointments signify enhancement to Landcare Australia’s existing governance and strategic capabilities. Both new directors share a strong affinity for the land, agricultural experience, and demonstrated skills in building networks and pursuing business opportunities in rural and agricultural environments.

Previously CEO of Greening Australia, Brendan Foran brings a wealth of expertise in natural resource management and the environment sector together with strong commercial and governance experience. Brendan was the inaugural Chair of the Australian Land Conversation Alliance (ALCA), the national peak body representing organisations dedicated to conserving, managing and restoring nature on privately managed land. Brendan currently sits on the Boards of GreenCollar, Australia’s largest environmental markets investor along with project developer, AustraHort and the North-East Catchment Management Authority.

“Landcare Australia’s vision for ‘All Australians actively caring for the land and water that sustains us’ is as relevant today as it was during its founding 35 years ago. It’s a privilege and an honour to join the Board of Directors and be part of this movement.”  Brendan Foran.

Robert Purves AM is esteemed for his accomplishments in environmental conservation and his long career in business and the not-for profit sector.  Apart from his own grazing interests Robert has initiated and supported a range of activities and organisations concerned with climate change and biodiversity conservation over several decades, notably the Purves Environmental Fund, with core objectives to empower others working towards environmental sustainability and preservation of biodiversity, primarily through education of individuals and organisations. Robert amongst many other roles is the immediate past President of WWF-Australia and a former board member of WWF International.

To read the new board members’ full bio click Here.

“I have been passionate all my life about Australia’s unique landscapes and preserving them. The Landcare movement has made a material difference, and today it has even greater relevance in a rapidly changing climate. I have been planting trees for near 25 years on my farms in the Southern Tablelands and keen to help build the impact of Landcare Australia.” Robert Purves AM.

Doug Humann AM, Chair of Landcare Australia, said “The addition of Brendan Foran and Robert Purves AM to our board exemplifies our commitment to fostering a diverse and accomplished team. Their shared dedication to sustainable land management and proven leadership in their respective fields and strong commercial backgrounds augments our strategic capabilities. Their collective experience and commitment to environmental stewardship make them invaluable assets to Landcare Australia’s board of directors. ”

Doug further emphasised the strategic importance of their appointment amidst evolving market dynamics. “The national biodiversity market and the expanding carbon market present both challenges and opportunities. Brendan and Robert’s expertise in navigating these landscapes will be instrumental as we strive to address the complexities of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security.”

Expressing gratitude for the contributions of outgoing directors, Doug acknowledged the exemplary service of long-term board director Peter Sutherland and also Ricky Archer, who has taken up the key role Director, Parks Australia with the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

“Peter’s distinguished tenure on the board exemplifies a selfless commitment to Landcare Australia’s mission, tirelessly advocating for its advancement and growth. Ricky’s invaluable contributions have greatly enriched our board and organisation, and especially enhanced our engagement with First Nations organisations. I extend my thanks for their service to the landcare community and best wishes for their next pursuits.”

The appointment of Brendan Foran and Robert Purves AM supports Landcare Australia’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in advancing environmental conservation and sustainable land management practices to support the landcare community. The new directors will support Landcare Australia’s influence and ability to build new income streams and support, both for farmers and for the work of landcare volunteers and their communities.

29 January 2024: In the year that Landcare celebrates a 35-year anniversary as a national movement, nominations for the 2024 State and Territory Landcare Awards are set to close on March 1, 2024.

The State & Territory Landcare Awards take on special significance, serving as a tribute to the commitment and contributions made by individuals and groups over the years. The Landcare Awards program recognises and celebrates the landcare volunteers and their sustainable land management and conservation efforts for over three decades.

The State & Territory Landcare Awards honours the outstanding individuals and groups for their contributions across the nation who are tirelessly preserving, collaborating, and innovating to restore and protect the natural environment.

Each state and territory is inviting nominations across various Landcare Award categories, to acknowledge individuals who actively participate in climate action and contribute to the development of healthier, more resilient, and productive landscapes, as well as robust communities. The call extends to volunteers, farmers, landholders, Landcare groups, First Nations Peoples, the emerging generation of landcarers, and environmental community groups.

Award nominee Kurt Jones, the founder of Co-Exist Australia, a non-profit volunteer youth led movement to inspire the next generation in conservation, represents the kind of individual and groups eligible for nominations.

Co-Exist engages young people in conservation through community initiative teams across the country. These teams are committed to organising clean ups, tree planting, recycling projections, leadership training and education programs in schools.

Celebrating Australians who actively contribute to the wellbeing of the environment, Kurt said “The Co-Exist mission is incredibly important to me because I believe that if thousands more young people participate in community conservation to protect the environment, the world will be dramatically changed, benefitting both people and the planet.

If you are someone creating change in your community, stand-up and share your work with the country! It isn’t about self-promotion, instead, you are inspiring a nation to do better.”

Joel Orchard, a previous recipient of the NSW Landcare Award, was recognised for founding Young Farmers Connect, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and connecting young farmers across Australia. The network seeks to understand and address the many barriers and challenges faced by new, young and first-generation farmers.

Orchard addressed there is a genuine need to connect young farmers. “Young Farmers Connect is important to me because it plays a crucial role in fostering the next generation of farmers.   Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and local food economies are becoming increasingly recognised as necessary elements of our national food security and for the range of holistic benefits they provide to community health and wellbeing.

From Australians today, I would like to see more engagement and support for initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and community resilience. We can create a more inclusive and sustainable food system that addresses the pressing challenges of climate change, food waste and inequality.

I encourage anyone who is passionate about their work and sharing their story to nominate for a Landcare Award. Your dedication to caring for our land and communities deserves recognition. Take pride in your work and know that your actions inspire positive change.”

Looking back on Landcare’s 35-year journey as a national movement, CEO of Landcare Australia, Dr Shane Norrish, stated, “The Landcare Awards not only celebrate present achievements but also recognise the collective impact of Landcare over the past 35 years. Founded as a community-based volunteer movement, landcare has evolved from the shared concern of environmental issues impacting farmers, landholders and community, to now encompass thousands of people nationwide actively participating in landcare. The State & Territory Landcare Awards serve as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the tireless efforts of the wonderful people who are caring for our country.”

Innovation, building resilient communities and embracing emerging opportunities are key strategies to tackle the complex challenge of global food demand, population growth and environmental stewardship, a panel of experts hosted by Commonwealth Bank and Landcare Australia has found. 

 30 November 2023: Commonwealth Bank (CBA) and Landcare Australia today hosted a panel at the National Press Club of Australia, where leaders from across the Australian agriculture industry shared their insights about how the sector is helping to solve one of the world’s most complex problems – how to produce more food for a growing global population while protecting our environment and supporting the transition to a lower carbon future. 

The panel was hosted by Natasha Greenwood, CBA General Manager for Agribusiness, and joined by James Walker, Landcare Australia Board Director and Managing Director of Agrihive; Dr Anika Molesworth, author, scientist and farmer from far western NSW; Jess Webb, beef cattle farmer from New England, and Board Member at Beef Australia; and Carmel Onions, CommBank’s Executive Manager, Agribusiness Sustainability.

“Our panellists are leading voices in the ag sector with valuable insights about how ag is leaning into this challenge through innovation, by building resilient communities and through embracing emerging opportunities,” Ms Greenwood said.

“CBA is excited about the many opportunities in the ag sector to grow food efficiently and in a way which prioritises environmental health. Australian farmers are leading the way in implementing practices which have the co-benefits of improving productivity and profitability, while also lowering emissions. This includes activities such as carbon sequestration, using precision agriculture for the application of chemicals and fertiliser, practices which promote soil health renewable energy, rotational grazing for livestock and establishing native revegetation areas.

“There is also tremendous untapped potential right across the industry which important organisations such as Landcare Australia and other industry stakeholders are enthusiastically progressing. We do recognise there are challenges which need to be navigated and that farming businesses will be impacted in different ways. Our goal is to support all ag businesses, no matter where they are on their journey, to transition to a lower carbon future and to remain strong so they can continue to grow the food and fibre we need.”

As a cattle farmer, veterinary practice owner from Longreach, and Board Director at Landcare Australia, James Walker embodies the essence of sustainable agriculture.

A previous recipient of Australian Farmer of The Year for Excellence in Diversification, Mr Walker actively embraces innovation on his farm, setting an inspiring example for the industry. In sharing his insights, Mr Walker emphasised the critical role of Landcare Australia in supporting Australian farmers to become more sustainable, resilient in the face of challenging climatic conditions, and adept in navigating the Carbon Market and emerging nature repair markets.

“The robust core of sustainable agriculture lies in balancing global food demand, population growth, and environmental stewardship,” Mr Walker said. “Agriculture, standing at the forefront of responsibility and care, reflects the broader commitment of Landcare Australia to guide farmers toward a future of agricultural excellence, environmental stewardship, and global leadership.”

Jess Webb, along with her partner Hamish, have just embarked on a soil carbon project on their farm. She says the program was driven first and foremost by a desire to improve production outcomes, but they are always looking at ways profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand.

“We were already thinking about soil improvement before the thought of a carbon project ever crossed our minds,” Ms Webb said. “We have a neutral approach that is first and foremost about our livestock and we are always looking at the co-benefits of what we are doing and this project has been a great complement to the way we operate our business.”

Resilience was also a key theme throughout the discussion, and Dr Anika Molesworth is a passionate advocate for driving the conversation on how we can create a sustainable and vibrant farming landscapes now and for the future.

“Our natural world is remarkable in its beauty and complexity,” Ms Molesworth said. “It is also incredibly vulnerable and fragile when taken advantage of. For those of us working in agriculture, we have a responsibility to look after the environment – the land, water, climate, biodiversity – and we know when we do, there are a flow of positive outcomes.

“To make a real contribution to global food security and addressing climate change, we need to champion agricultural practices that take care of and regenerate land, water, climate and biodiversity systems.”

Carmel Onions, CBA Executive Manager Agribusiness Sustainability, said sustainable farming is essential for delivering food security, because it rebuilds natural capital which is the foundation and enabler for more productive, resilient and lower cost agriculture.

“We are seeing enormous efforts across all areas of agriculture, and services to agriculture, to help farmers undertake and monetise the private benefits from ongoing adoption of further sustainable practices,” Ms Onions said.  “Farmers are already doing so much, and there is so much more opportunity that can be leveraged.

Ms Onions expressed her great optimism at the exponential increase in knowledge and appetite to explore new practices on-farm that simultaneously rebuild nature and biodiversity, while lowering net emissions and addressing the climate risk facing all farmers. 

“Commonwealth Bank is proud to support farmers through our suite of sustainable financing solutions. These include our Australian first agri green loan which provides discounted pricing to implement those activities which enhance natural capital as well as green asset finance and carbon prefinancing.”