A meeting place for global rangeland professionals and pastoralists
NEW FACES AT WESTERN
Meet our new coordinators
LIFE & LIGHT RETURNS
An Update from our Regional Landcare Coordinator ON THE ROAD
Western Landcare NSW is proud to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which we live and work. We value and respect their deep and continued spiritual and cultural connections to the land, waters and seas, and pay our respects to their Ancestors, and Elders past, present and future
The team at Western Landcare recognises that an parts of our region are encountering increasingly dry conditions with no forecast for change in the coming months We would like to remind our readers that all our staff are there to support, advocate your causes and connect you with services that may assist you during these times Please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our Landcare Coordinators
Content: Western Landcare - All Staff
Editorial: Melanie Gates
Design: Danielle Connolly
Cover Photo: Life and Light Entrant 2023; Red Dirt and Blue Sky by Peter Ryan
Left Photo: Life and Light Entrant 2024; A Moment In Time by Erika Smart
Photos Throughout: Various
CONTACT US
Do you have a story you’d like to share with the Western Landcare community, or perhaps you’re keen to contribute suggestions for our 2025 Event Calendar? If so, we warmly welcome your thoughts on how Western Landcare can best serve the Far West community, so please get in touch
rlc@westernlandcarensw.com.au
@westernlandcarensw
www.westernlandcarensw.com.au
REGIONAL LANDCARE COORDINATOR’S REPORT
ON THE ROAD WITH MEL
TRAVELLING THE Western Region has led to many conversations with our member groups and other landcaring stakeholders who care about community as much as they do the country.
Visiting WLNSW members to hear their stories and check out progress on projects has inspired our team of eight Local Landcare Coordinators (LLC) based across the region to learn from the latest on-ground observations and experiences
WLNSW understands that landholders and land managers are sometimes tasked with trialling methods suggested by professionals, so they often become the frontline experts
Photos above and right:
Melanie Gates
STAKEHOLDER GREETINGS & MEETINGS
Since holding our 2024 AGM in April, WLNSW has been finalising projects, writing content for case studies, reports, newsletters, and contributing to the final draft of the organisation’s Strategic Plan in preparation for the 2025 AGM to be held later in the year
This short turn around between AGMs means that while we’re tying up long overdue loose ends before the end of the financial year, we’re also excited to be planning our way forward
Attending a range of on-ground activities and stakeholder meetings over the past six months, I’ve learnt there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to best practise natural resource management (NRM)
Last week I shared WLNSW updates with WLLS, the Aboriginal Community Advisory Group (ACAG) and the Pastoralists’ Association of West Darling (PAWD)
I’m thrilled that our team is collaborating with the right people at the right time to explore how conservation objectives can help to sustain agriculture and communities across the Western Region
Photos: Melanie Gates
COCHINEAL AND CACTUS CONCERNS
With rapid advancements in technology, we’re learning that cameras and drones can now be used to better manage weeds –cameras can help to monitor how weeds are being spread (feeding animals), while weedspraying drones can greatly reduce the spread by minimising the need to drive/walk around affected areas
I was recently invited to a property close to the outskirts of Broken Hill to see firsthand how invasive cacti called Jumping Cholla and Boxing Glove Cactus slowly taking over pastoralist land. Despite the long-term efforts of determined landholders to eradicate this prickly pest using recommended techniques including Cochineal bugs and chemical sprays, it continues to crawl closer towards Broken Hill
As this property neighbours a popular tourist site, the landholder fears that these weeds will spread far and wide unless urgent funding is secured and local hands-on help becomes available to eradicate the cactus during the cold, dry months.
We’ll be in touch with Western Local Land Services (WLLS) to learn how our team can support our members with such weed infestations
Photos: Melanie Gates
WEBSITE
We look forward to hearing your stories and sharing vital information about landcaring initiatives and activities happening all around the Western Region
Thank you for your patience as we continue to update the Western Landcare NSW website
Please visit the Western Landcare Facebook page and send us a message to keep us in the loop with what’s happening in your corner of Far West NSW
BECOME AN INDIVIDUAL MEMBER
WLNSW recognises that no matter how remote we are, for our organisation to be most effective in supporting our diverse members we must initiate change in response to inevitable external influences.
This is why our newly amended Constitution now includes Individual Memberships
For just $25 a year, people can now show their support for Landcare in the Western Region without joining one of our many groups or starting an incorporated group
LINK to Individual Membership Form
MelGates
REGIONAL LANDCARE COORDINATOR
EROSION FILTERS COMPLETED
FAR WEST FILTERS PROJECT TACKLES RANGELANDS EROSION WITH PROMISING RESULTS
REPORT BY Sonia Carey, Local Landcare Coordinator - Projects
IN A BOLD initiative aimed at com land degradation in remote New Wales, the Far West Rang Rehydration Alliance has complete construction of 16 soft erosion filters a variety of sites.
With backing from Western Landcare NSW, and the NSW Environmental Trust, this landscape rehydration project aims to reverse the damaging effects of water runoff and soil loss at gully heads, often caused by vehicle or animal tracks
Despite early setback due to Covid related supply issues and wet weather, all filters have now been installed.
Photos: Tracey Lauritsen and Sonia Carey
Photos: Tracey Lauritsen, LLC
After many hours of travelling, each site has been monitored with signs being promising at sites that have received rainfall. Landholders will continue monitoring over the coming seasons. With the hope of continued rain, the environmental impacts of these filters may soon be seen across the Far West.
Central to the project’s success was the collaboration of: Landholders – Far West Rangelands Rehydration Alliance
Support from Rangelands Rehabilitation OfficersWestern Local Land Services, Support from Ecosystem Management Understanding –EMU
The Environmental Trust and Western Landcare NSW providing vital funds for the project And, Western Landcare’s team of project officers that have been studious in supporting this project through to completion
This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust
Photo: Tracey Lauritsen and Sonia Carey
ADELAIDE 2025 INTERNATIONAL RANGELAND CONGRESS
REPORT BY Danielle Connolly, Local Landcare Coordinator - Southern
I WAS LUCKY enough to be invited to head over to Adelaide for the 12th International Rangeland Congress (IRC) by the International Year for Rangeland Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026 committee
Particularly grateful to Angus Whyte, Far West NSW pastoralist and NSW committee representative on the IYRP 2026 committee, to present on his behalf
It was an incredible opportunity to enhance my knowledge of rangeland management, and meet some fantastic people from all over the world with a dedication and passion for our global rangelands.
On Monday afternoon, I sat alongside four incredible women as part of the IYRP 2026 panel representing Australian pastoralists from WA, QLD, NSW and SA. We discussed our visions for the properties and regions we lived and worked, and took questions from Dana Kelly, IYRP Chair and the audience.
Photos above and right: Danielle Connolly
We each discussed from our own experience, the successes, the barriers and the actions needed to secure the future of pastoralism in Australia.
The session was warmly welcomed by those in attendance and was a great opportunity to be part of a conversation that covered all aspects of pastoralism, in particular the value of those that choose to live and work in our great pastoral regions
A particular highlight for me was attending the Traditional Indigenous Knowledge Forum
This pre-congress workshop involved many traditional and indigenous voices from all over the world It was a fantastic insight to the experiences and challenges faced by traditional knowledge holders and indigenous land managers from across the globe.
I also got to catch up with some familiar faces, including Western Local Land Services, Paris Capell as well as meeting and forging new connections with many industry professionals and pastoralists.
I look forward to next years IYRP and the opportunity to represent this great region, while celebrating pastoralism and our fantastic Australian rangelands.
WENTWORTH MEAT MASTERCLASS
WENTWORTH SHOWGROUNDS 21 JUNE 2025
Western Landcare NSW Inc , Contact Incorporated and Rural Adversity Mental Health Program - RAMHP, are beyond excited to host this fantastic event!
This collaboration has pulled together two of our regions experts Evan Algate from Souvlaki Inn, and local butcher Andrew Gould of AG Home Butchery, to bring you a Meat Masterclass that’s not to be missed
We had an overwhelming response and are now operating a waitlist For those interested in finding out how to get on the waitlist, please reach out to our Southern Landcare Coordinator via danielle@westernlandcarensw.com.au.
Event INFO here
Photo: istock
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
A COLLECTIVE VOICE IS A STRONGER VOICE
REPORT BY Kelly Eglinton-Lewis, Junior Landcare Coordinator
I WAS recently lucky enough to represent WL at the ICPA NSW State Conference at Euston with Danielle
It was eye-opening to meet with representatives from across our state and learn of the challenges they face to ensuring an equitable education for their children
These representatives were people not unlike you and I Mums and Dads, farmers, contractors, teachers and miners, individuals not willing to accept less, working together to make an impact.
As the slogan reads, It Takes An ICPA Village
The ICPA conference demonstrated for me, though we often feel alone when we are facing the challenges of day-to-day life More often, than not, there are many other people in the very same situation It highlighted the need to bring together those voices collectively, to be heard That doing so, creates opportunities of all shapes and sizes.
I genuinely believe the new Western Landcare NSW team is ready and willing to hear from our collective community Ready to genuinely represent, to be heard on the causes that matter and to advocate for the projects our community wants To make this a reality, we need to hear from you!
Reach out for a chat today.
Photo: Kelly Eglinton-Lewis
Photo: Life and Light Entrant 2023; Samantha Smith, Sunset at the Old Resevoir Cobar
Made possible by our partners – Aurelia Metals, Cobar Shire Council & Western Local Land Services
WORDS BY Kelly Eglinton-Lewis, Junior Landcare Coordinator
Western Landcare’s Life & Light Photo Competition will soon make its return, with entries opening on July 1st 2025. Our famed region wide competition for amateur photographers promises to be better than ever, with absolutely amazing prizes up for grabs.
We are enormously grateful to our new partner and this year ’ s major sponsor, Aurelia Metals Along with Cobar Shire Council and NSW Western Local Land Service for their generous support
Our shared value of environmental sustainability and community have brought Western Landcare’s Life & Light together with these partners And this year we are excited to be hosting a range of special events for the Cobar community, culminating with our Life & Light award presentation and exhibition in October
So, get busy snapping!!
Just remember all photographic entries must be taken in Western NSW.
This year ’ s categories will be unveiled soon, so be sure you register HERE for updates
WELCOME DIANA
MAY 2025, A NEW ROLE WITH WESTERN
REPORT BY Diana Anderson, Local Landcare Coordinator - Projects
AFTER JOINING Western Landcare as a Knowledge Broker under the Southern Drought Innovation Hub Project at the beginning of 2025, I am excited to make the move into the role of Local Landcare Coordinator – Projects.
I will be supporting the Regional Landcare Coordinator and Local Landcare Coordinators in the many and varied projects across the Western Region
It has already been exciting to work in partnership with Local Land Services, local landholders, community groups and the ever-welcoming people of the region to identify local priorities for future projects
Recently I was able to drive the Sturt National Park Gorge Loop Road starting at
Mt Wood and finishing the experience with a beautiful Autumn sunset.
There was so much to see it really is worth taking the time to slow down, unplug and enjoy the scenery!
Up early the next morning we were lucky to see water in the Caryapundy swamp Although called a ‘swamp’ this is a temporary wetlands due to the areas extreme climatic variability, facing long dry periods and erratic floods.
Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park is in the far north-west corner of NSW, in Channel Country, east of Sturt National Park and Tibooburra.
Photos: Diana Anderson
Watch out in the Western Landcare Newsletter and What’s On for updates.
The team are busy working some exciting events and projects!
Diana Anderson
GROWING CONNECTIONS IN THE OUTBACK
LANDCARE BROKEN HILL LAUNCHES
PROJECTS, PARTNERSHIPS, AND POLLINATOR WORKSHOPS THIS WINTER
SINCE STEPPING into the Local Landcare Coordinator role in early May, it has been a rewarding and inspiring start to my journey with the Broken Hill community. I've spent the past month building relationships, listening to local stories, and understanding the region's unique environmental needs.
One key project underway is the Imperial Lakes Saltbush Garden Maze, where I’ve been working alongside dedicated volunteers to help revegetate the area, improve the children’s playground, and install new signage. These updates aim to create a welcoming, sustainable community space for both people and native wildlife
Photos: Selen Nazimye Bilal
REPORT BY Selen Nazimye Bilal , Landcare Broken Hill - Landcare Coordinator
We’ve also been working behind the scenes to grow our digital presence, with a new website in development and the launch of our Landcare Broken Hill Instagram account, giving locals and visitors a glimpse into our projects, workshops, and progress.
To support community education, we’re introducing seasonal workshops at Imperial Lakes, starting with our Native Bee Hotel Making Workshop on May 31. Participants will learn about native pollinators, their importance in our ecosystems, and how to support them through native vegetation and habitat creation
We’re also incredibly grateful for our new partnership with the Broken Hill Ministers' Fraternal, who have raised $10,000 for Landcare Broken Hill through an art raffle We’ll be accepting the donation next week a fantastic boost for our community-driven initiatives.
Looking ahead, we’re planning a Winter Solstice Outdoor Cinema Night screening The Kimberley, and will be launching the 2025 Garden Awards Campaign at the end of June stay tuned!
BOURKECOBAR UPDATE
FROM COORDINATORS
TEGAN AND KELLY
REPORT BY Tegan Roberts & Kelly Lawson, Local Landcare Coordinators
WE’VE BEEN BUSY getting out and about meeting some of our groups in Louth, Mt hope and Byrock areas.
The groups were reinvigorated with ideas that they can pursue and being able to create a social aspect to their group meetings.
We have both been busy joining some of our Western Landcare groups with their Local Land Services Biosecurity officer on their ground bait gathering day as part of their biannual on farm feral pest management programs.
In amongst the counting there was lots to discuss with new ideas and activities the groups could focus on in the near future
Another event that was in our region was The Women connect community day This was to bring together and empower women in the far west region The day saw several organisations attend and coincided with the monthly RFDS clinic day It was a great chance to network with different organisations and also to meet other members of our Landcare groups.
The focus for the past few months have been on grants and exploring partnerships to assist with Landcare projects
We held a stall at our local Bourke show which we were able to promote the L&L competition and it also was a great day to meet some of our members who came and introduced themselves as well as have plenty of discussions with everyone who was passing by.
We once again look forward to working with the friendly team at Western District Local Land Services and Cobar Council Please take a look at our website, join ournewsletterand be the first to know about competition categories, dates and how to submit your entries More information to follow soon Watch this space!
Photos left, right and above: Kelly Lawson
WELCOME KATE FINCH
OUR EASTERN LANDCARE COORDINATOR
I currently live on an organic sheep station with my partner, Peta, Peta's mother, Sylvia, and my two teenage children Ethan & Maddie who are enrolled in distance education.
Life on the property is both rewarding and demanding, offering a unique balance between the quiet of rural living and the daily challenges of running a sustainable farming operation
I was born and raised in Broken Hill, a place that has deeply shaped my values and connection to community
With over 20 years of experience in Community Services, I have developed a strong passion for supporting individuals and families, particularly in remote and regional settings
I hold tertiary qualifications in both Mental Health and Community Services, and my professional journey has equipped me with the skills to engage compassionately and effectively across a wide range of social and emotional wellbeing needs
