Landcare Coordinators Update on the FWRRA Filters Project
AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
Accolades for Wentworth Area Landcare Inc.
KNOWLEDGE BROKER UPDATE
Making Progress with Co-Design
REGION WIDE TOUR
Hear from our Regional Landcare Coordinator after she hit the road on a two-week tour of the West
Western Landcare NSW is proud to acknowledge Aborigin and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Tradition Custodians of the Country on which we live and work W value and respect their deep and continued spiritual a cultural connections to the land, waters and seas, and p our respects to their Ancestors, and Elders past, present a future
Message, Media & Contact
RLC’s Two Week Tour of the West
Regional Update from Project Coordinator, Kelly Lawson
Landcare Broken Hill Hosts Roy Butler MP
Knowledge Broker’s Update x SNSW Drought & Innovation Hub
Southern Report from Landcare Coordinator, Danielle Connolly
Wentworth Area Landcare Inc. Commended in Australia Day Awards & Clean Up Australia Day
The team at Western Landcare NSW hope you’ve all had a fantastic start to 2025. We are looking forward to what this year will bring, as we have some exciting projects in the works, Keep an eye on our socials and website for updates!
Content: Western Landcare - All Staff
Editorial: Danielle Connolly, Melanie Gates
Design: Danielle Connolly
Cover Photo: Life and Light Entrant 2024; Yard Boss by Jane Chandler
Left Photo: Life and Light Entrant 2024; A Boy’s Best Friend by Bella Gale Collective
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
www westernlandcarensw com au @westernlandcarensw rlc@westernlandcarensw.com.au
WESTERN REGION TOUR
WORDS BY Melanie Gates, Regional Landcare Coordinator
Flying high over Western NSW on my way to Sydney for meetings this week helped to put a recent 2000km road trip around the region into perspective
Still new to the role, the Western Landcare (WL) board agreed to me embarking upon a tour of the Far West to get to know our team, and to meet the Western Local Land Services (WLLS) staff that we’ll be co-designing and facilitating projects and events with over the coming years thanks to NSW Government funding of the Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027
Photos above and right: Melanie Gates
Based in Broken Hill, I hit the Barrier Highway to spend time with staff living in Cobar, Bourke, Brewarrina, Hillston, Buronga and Wentworth before heading home two weeks later.
Absorbing myself in the stories shared by staff, locals, and landholders, I was reminded that although technology makes online introductions and gatherings possible, nothing can replace in-person meetings where eye contact, a handshake, or a friendly hug can create the right conditions for trusting professional partnerships to grow
WLLS staff welcomed me at each location, providing hot-desks, hot drinks, information about local projects (such as feral animal baiting, invasive weed control, and native planting), taking me on tours, sharing stories and meals
The long drive between locations not only allowed me time to process each visit and consider ways that Western Landcare can complement WLLS in the vital services they provide landholders, it also inspired a new vision for how our staff can better support our many member groups, project partners, people, families and communities as we dive into 2025.
Regenerative, sustainable agriculture is at the heart of Western Landcare’s vision for this vast region, so we look forward to receiving nominations from people within our member
Photo: Junior Landcare Activity
groups who are interested in having a seat on the board
With our annual general meeting date soon to be announced, we urge all members to consider joining the board to help provide strong leadership for the organisation’s highly motivated team of eleven employees located across the region.
With new coordinators soon to be i d h i di
NATIONAL HERITAGE LISTED BREWARRINA FISH TRAPS (BAIAME’S NGUNNHU)
Standing on the bank of the ancient Brewarrina Fish Traps (Ngunnhu) is an experience you don’t want to miss.
The Ngemba people of Brewarrina are said to have understood river hydrology and fish ecology to trap and catch large numbers of fish from the Darling River No one seems to know exactly how old these rock formations are but one thing is for sure, they’re an ingenious way for catching a good feed of fish
According to Aboriginal tradition, gatherings at Ngunnhu with nearby tribes for various ceremonies and meetings for barter and trade have been occurring for thousands of years as an important way for maintaining connection with the wider community NSW Government suggests that this, “complex network of river stones arranged to form ponds and channels that catch fish is one of the oldest humanmade structures in the world ”
Just 100km from Bourke, this spectacular ancient site is an easy drive to this friendly little town so be sure to visit the Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum and nearby Ngunnha
Photos: Melanie Gates
Photo: Alana Coxhead, Western LLS, at fish trap sites
ARE YOU COMMITTED TO PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT?
ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE INTO THE FUTURE?
DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?
We need dedicated and proactive Landcare members to join our Board and support our Western Landcare team who are committed to delivering on the following outcomes.
Adapt to new ways of working with on-ground practices and new technologies
Improve Landcarer capacity and capability to deliver project outcomes
Recognise and promote the value of Landcarer commitment to environmental outcomes
Ensure member groups are well supported by sufficient staff numbers across the Western region
Increased activity with engaged and diverse member groups ensuring the inclusion of all communities
Calling all Western Landcare members
We invite you to join the board and help to support landholders, land managers, and land-caring communities across the Western region
If you’re keen to learn more about Western Landcare or you have any questions about this great opportunity, please feel free to reach out on to me on 0431452752 or email rlc@westernlandcarensw.com.au
MelGates
LANDCARE COORDINATOR
REGIONAL
FWRRA FILTERS PROJECT
STAGE 2 COMMENCED
The Far West Rangeland Rehydration Alliance (FWRRA) is a group of twenty properties actively involved in protecting, restoring and rehabilitating valuable rangeland ecosystems. Combined, the properties represent almost one million hectares around the White Cliffs and Packsaddle area.
An important component of rangeland rehydration is having infrastructure in place to take advantage of every rainfall event.
The construction and installation of strategically placed erosion filters will provide a structure that will slow the movement of the water down at the gully head, in turn this will reduce erosion and accelerate rehabilitation recovery time
Photos: Tracey Lauritsen and Sonia Carey
The benefits of this should be particularly noticeable in dry seasons when herbage declines This is a very important initiative for drought buffering and rehabilitating the rangeland landscapes
The ongoing filters project has seen the installation of erosion filters made of weldmesh, chicken wire, coir, and posts at gully heads across various properties in the FWRRA group
Our Western Landcare staff have been out recently, meeting with FWRRA landholders on properties, collecting data for monitoring Stage 2 of the Erosion Filters project.
This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust and is due for completion in April 2025
For more information about this project, contact our Local Landcare Coordinators, Tracey and Sonia
https://www westernlandcare nsw com au/contact/
Photos: Tracey Lauritsen, LLC
Photo: Tracey Lauritsen and Sonia Carey
WILD DOG ACTION GROUP MEETING, A CHANCE TO CONNECT
REPORT BY Kelly Lawson, Local Landcare Coordinator, Projects
The recent AGM for the Ledknapper Wild Dog Action Group, held on Friday afternoon, 21 February 2025, was both an informative and social event.
Local landholders attended and shared updates on wild dog sightings in the area. A representative from Local Land Services provided valuable information on the actions taken, including the results of ground baiting and aerial culls They also addressed questions from landholders, offering general advice
The evening was a fun, casual, and informative gathering where attendees discussed the baiting process, debunked myths, and
addressed community concerns about dog baiting.
There was a desire for more comprehensive information on the baiting process, its rationale, and the impact of wild dogs on properties, as the number of sightings continues to grow
This meeting highlighted that the formality of running a group can also serve as a social opportunity, fostering community, confidence, and trust among neighbours and agencies.
The Ledknapper Wild Dog Action Group demonstrates how complex problems can be solved collectively rather than in isolation.
The group welcomes new and existing members to contribute to its activities and encourages participation in meetings and baiting days.
Western Landcare looks forward to supporting this group by sharing information and education about baiting, promoting on-ground support for baiting events, and assisting with general operations
Photos: Melanie Gates
LANDCARE BROKEN HILL
ROY BUTLER MP JOINS GROUP TO THANK TRANSGRID
REPORT BY Melanie Gates, Regional Landcare Coordinator
Landcare Broken Hill (LBH) invited Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, along to the Imperial Lakes Nature Park on Friday 14th March, to help the group thank Transgrid for providing a $5000 grant.
Western Landcare’s largest urban group have used the grant to purchase two new “quiet generators” to support volunteers and contractors working on the 145 acre nature park project
LBH President, Simon Molesworth said, “This grant from Transgrid has helped us to secure two quiet generators that will allow all volunteers to plug-in and keep up the great work they do all year round at this special site. Southstate Industrial Supplies provided such a great deal on these two mobile generators, so we want to send out a huge thank
you to these businesses for supporting the Imperial Lakes Nature Park and Sustainability Hub project ”
Located just 800 metres from the outskirts of Broken Hill, the property is not connected to the city’s grid, so these generators are priceless.
Volunteers and contractors now have the power to undertake essential work more easily at the site But more importantly, they can now take a well-deserved break, enjoying warm food and a hot cuppa without ear of running out of gas
To learn more about Landcare Broken Hill and the Imperial Lakes Nature Park project, go to: https://www.landcarebrokenhill.com/imperiallakes-nature-park html
Over the last few months, we have been busy engaging with a variety of people in the Western region with an aim to fine tune the priorities of local communities in preparation for, during, and post drought.
After extensive consultation, it became apparent that attracting and retaining a skilled workforce was a major concern region wide
As a result, we are exploring the opportunities in this space We recently coordinated a meeting for an enthusiastic group of locals in Broken Hill
Using the principles of Co-Design, the group explored the issue to develop some practical, sustainable solutions including a bit of 'Blue Sky Thinking' to dream up some possible solutions and exciting opportunities
We both would like to thank all who took time out of their schedules to attend
It was an extremely rewarding and invigorating few hours, so we have a lot to follow up on.
If you have any feedback or insights to offer in regard to this work, we would love to hear from you
https://www.westernlandcarensw.com.au /contact/
Photos: Mary-Anne Watson, Diana Anderson
IN REVIEW
REPORT BY Danielle Connolly, Local Landcare Coordinator Southern
I HAVE BEEN incredibly fortunate, since stepping into the Landcare Coordinator role in September last year, to have met some fantastic people, doing really great things for our environment and our communities in the Far West region.
I have met with landholders, who are working consciously on their Natural Resource Management methods, to secure environmental outcomes that will provide a better future for generations to come. It’s been great to learn from the landholder groups about the collective measures being taken to minimise pest prominence on their properties while working closely with Western Local Land Services (WLLS) to do so Getting to know WLLS staff and their varying roles across the region has been really beneficial. I’m now more understanding of where Western Landcare fits in with WLLS in terms of service delivery and see great value in future collaboration
Over the past six months I’ve visited places such as Fort Courage Caravan Park and the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, who are managed by dedicated and passionate groups of volunteers Everyone involved works tirelessly to ensure these thriving tourist destinations are sustained while remaining committed to their individual environmental causes
I have met with wetland management groups at Bottle Bend Reserve and Lake Gol Gol, to discuss the measures being taken to secure environmental flows to the wetlands they are so incredibly passionate about It’s been great to hear of the benefits to these local ecosystems and learn about the significant waterbird breeding
Photos above and right: Danielle Connolly
programme established at Gol Gol Lake after the 2223 flood. That for me, has been a particular highlight.
The Landcare groups in this South Far West region are very diverse, which has afforded me some fantastic opportunities I’ve visited places I’ve not been before, learnt about these landscapes and ecosystems and met some great folks doing great things!
All our Landcarers should be very proud of what they’re achieving, no matter how big or small. Your efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.
Since assuming the Coordinator role last year, I have worked at building connections and a network in this Southern Far West region so I can be a greater asset and point of reference to my groups. Assuming the role of Chair in the Darling Murray Murrumbidgee Rural Services Network has been a privilege and offered countless benefit when it comes to connecting with both regional and statewide, stakeholders and service providers. This group is the ideal platform for information and knowledge sharing
Now that I’ve found my feet and understanding of what my groups objectives are and the support I can provide to both them and the wider community, I am excited for what the rest of the year will bring I have some exciting projects I am keen to deliver on and can't wait to continue supporting the great work already being done by our regions Landcarers.
For anyone wanting to learn more about Landcare and understand how you can get involved with an existing group, or perhaps start your own, please reach out: danielle@westernlandcarensw com au
WENTWORTH AREA LANDCARE INC.
AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
REPORT BY Vanessa Anderson, Junior Landcare Coordinator & WALI Secretary
Wentworth Area Landcare Inc. (WALI) were the proud recipients of the Environmental Community Award at the Wentworth Shire Council, Australia Day Award and Citizenship Ceremony in Wentworth.
WALI received this Award for their significant contributions to the community, including organising 'Clean Up Australia Day' events, held annually on the first Sunday in March, around the Wentworth township and rivers
For hosting 'Catch a Carp Community Day' run annually on the first Sunday in April in collaboration with OzFish and National Tree Day, also run annually where trees & shrubs have been planted, in conjunction with the Wentworth Shire Council, to enhance the entrances to Pomona and Wentworth townships
Native trees, shrubs, and grasses have also been given away to the local community.
Photo: Wentworth Shire Council, L-R Vanessa Anderson, Tony Bruce-Mullins, Chris Thomson, Gaye Lamb, Andrew Muir
On 2nd March, Wentworth Area Landcare Inc. held their annual ‘Clean Up Australia Day.
It was another great turnout and the group couldn’t have been happier with the support they received, once again.
Great effort everyone!
Thanks for coming out Sunday morning for Clean Up Australia Day in Wentworth!
Thank you Wentworth Shire Council and Bunnings Mildura for supporting us and Wentworth Preschool & Long Day Care for feeding and hosting us.
Vanessa Anderson
Photo: Wentworth Shire Council, L-R Sam Bramham OAM, Australia Day Ambassador, Vanessa Anderson, Andrew Muir, Chris Thomson & Gaye Lamb
