Landcare continues to strengthen partnerships across South East NSW, bringing communities, organisations and government priorities together to care for landscapes and people. This collaborative approach was on full display during a two-day regional gathering held at Bamarang Bush Retreat on the NSW South Coast.
The event brought together Landcare coordinators, network committee members and partner organisations from across the South East Landcare (SEL) region ,a vast area of more than 55,000 hectares spanning 15 district Landcare groups, from Boorowa in the south-west through to the NSW South Coast, the Snowy Mountains and the NSW/Victorianborder.
Day one focused on the Landcare community itself. Local Landcare Coordinators and Network Committee members reflected on the achievements, impacts and challenges of the Landcare NSW Landcare Enabling Program, while identifying shared regional priorities. It was a valuable opportunity to celebrate successes and focus on what matters most to local members.
SEL Chair Greg Thompson said, “It is really positive bringing together committee members and coordinators from across the region. It doesn’t happen very often, and it’s always good when we do.”
On day two, attention turned to building stronger working relationships with partner organisations, including Local Land Services, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, The Mulloon Institute and the Australian River Restoration Centre. Starting with community needs, participants explored opportunities to collaborate on issues such as deer control, and local restoration projects through to larger scale landscape rehydration, mental health and wellbeing through environmental action and climate-ready revegetation.
These discussions align strongly with the NSW Environment Minister’s priorities, particularly climate preparedness and adaptation, natural capital, biosecurity, and Aboriginal partnerships. Participants moved beyond ideas, beginning the co-design of innovative, place-based projects to deliver real outcomes on the ground.
Local Land Services’ Vivian Howard reflected, “It was a wonderful day — a pleasure mixing with such a passionate and inspiring group of people.”
The natural setting helped strengthen connections to Country, prompting an impromptu Indigenous plant use talk by South East LLS Aboriginal Support Officer Rodney Freeman. Shared meals, conversations and time on Country deepened relationships and trust.
