On a mild winter’s day in mid-August, Landcarers from several districts came together at the Gunning Bush Block yarning circle for a Landcare Mini Muster. Hosted by Gunning District Landcare, the gathering brought together members from the Yass Area Network, Boorowa, Goulburn Mulwaree, Gunning and neighbouring groups. It was a rare and valuable chance for people from different corners to connect in person.
The relaxed setting created space for open, honest conversations. Attendees included people with expertise in ecology, farming, governance, nurseries, mapping, grant writing, and community engagement — all sharing their experiences and perspectives. What stood out most was the generosity in the circle: each person came not only with needs but also with offers of skills, resources, and support for others.
Needs & Offers – Sharing Across Our Networks
The group used a “Needs & Offers” framework to explore how Landcare groups can help each other. Offers included governance templates, nursery and propagation expertise, revegetation learnings, and support with grant writing, ecology, and mapping. Needs ranged from building stronger regional calendars to strategies for engaging new landholders.
This simple exercise revealed just how much knowledge and goodwill already exists within our community, and the value of connecting across district boundaries.
Topics Around the Circle
Discussions touched on some of the common questions and opportunities Landcare groups face across the South East:
- Webinars vs. face-to-face: In-person meetings build deeper relationships, but webinars provide access for those unable to travel. A balanced mix may reach the most people.
- Changing demographics: With traditional farming land giving way to smaller blocks and lifestyle properties, Landcare has an opportunity to welcome and upskill new landholders in property planning, soil health, water, and native vegetation.
- Breaking down borders: The group reflected on how Landcare often operates in local “bubbles.” Stronger collaboration across districts — and with Aboriginal groups whose cultural connections span boundaries — could amplify impact and open new opportunities.
A Day of Connection
The greatest outcome of the Mini Muster was the sense of reassurance: no group faces these challenges alone. Across our networks, there is experience to draw on and people ready to help.
Participants appreciated the scale of the gathering, which allowed for meaningful conversation without being overwhelming. There was plenty of light heartedness, generous sharing, and gratitude to Gunning District Landcare for hosting such a welcoming and thoughtful day.
As one participant noted, gatherings like this, small enough for real connection but broad enough to bring in many voices, show the true strength of Landcare in the South East.
We look forward to future musters and the chance to keep building connections across districts, strengthening our networks, and working together for the land and our communities.
Reach out to any of these groups involved via their local coordinators
