Landcarers from across the South East of NSW gathered in Moruya on the NSW south coast this year for the South East Landcare Muster, coming together to celebrate the partnerships and collaborations that strengthen and amplify the work volunteers undertake every day in their communities.
From the moment participants arrived, the care and thought behind the event was clear. Guests were welcomed into the hall with beautiful flower arrangements rescued at the end of their season and saved from waste before eventually being composted, alongside a generous morning tea spread showcasing local hospitality and connection.
The Muster highlighted the many ways Landcare partnerships are supporting healthy landscapes, thriving communities and resilient environments across the region.
Local Land Services’ Vivian Howard spoke to the gathering about key programs for the coming year. These included Natural Resource Management (NRM) projects closely aligned with integrated weed management, erosion control and support for cultural burning activities, as well as larger-scale initiatives such as restoring the upper Murrumbidgee River, linking habitat across the South East coastal ranges and supporting Aboriginal cultural protection projects.
Newly appointed Landcare NSW Chairman Steve Burnell reflected on partnerships in action throughout the South East and thanked the many volunteers and organisations in the room for their shared commitment to caring for land and community. Jodie Lovell also highlighted the support Landcare NSW is providing across the region while acknowledging the incredible work being undertaken by groups and communities throughout NSW.
Storytelling and connection were also front and centre. Susannah Crowley from Ninviromedia reflected on her journey over the past 12 months, which began at last year’s South East Landcare Muster and has since taken her across all Landcare regions in NSW in her role sharing the stories of Landcare. Participants were then treated to the South East Landcare video, capturing the inspiring and diverse work happening across the region.
One of the highlights of the morning was hearing from each South East Landcare district about the partnerships shaping their local projects and communities. Stories ranged from koalas and flying-foxes, to growing plants at home, working alongside farmers, engaging children in environmental education and building strong community and organisational connections. Each story reflected the power of people working together toward healthier landscapes and communities.
Participants were also introduced to emerging technology, including Celium trapping technology, demonstrating how innovation is increasingly supporting environmental monitoring and restoration efforts.
Sustainability was woven throughout the day. Lunch was served in reusable takeaway lunch boxes supplied by Repurposing for Resilience. Lisa Cornthwaite from Repurposing for Resilience shared how the organisation is reducing solar panel waste through repurposing, recycling and recreating materials while also training new electricians and supporting artists and community initiatives along the way.
In the afternoon, the group boarded a bus and travelled south to visit the Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline project, diving, quite literally, into the world beneath the water to learn how local organisations, councils, volunteers and agencies are working together to care for the coastal and marine environment.
Welcomed onto Yuin Country by Brock Tutt, Wogona LALC, participants gathered along the shoreline as seabirds circled overhead, including a majestic sea eagle soaring above the group.
Local volunteer and Coastal and Flood Management Planner with Eurobodalla Shire Council, James Caffery, spoke about efforts to restore the function of the inlet through the creation of living shorelines designed to stabilise and restore deteriorating foreshores. Participants learned about the installation of artificial tidal reefs supporting marine species such as the Angasi Native Oyster.
Once abundant and enjoyed by coastal Aboriginal communities and early European settlers alike, Angasi oysters were dramatically reduced through overharvesting for lime production and are now considered rare along much of the coastline. The group heard how oyster species globally are under immense pressure from changing marine environments, with around 95% of oyster species worldwide considered functionally extinct and Australia estimated at 98%.
The restoration work also includes creating habitat for juvenile Black Rock Cod using terracotta pipes, increasing seagrass habitat and supporting marine life through community initiatives such as paddle-and-plant days.
NSW Fisheries staff also spoke about the Batemans Marine Park, which spans approximately 850 square kilometres and includes important saltwater lake systems. Participants learned about the different marine park zones and the activities permitted within them, along with the importance of marine parks in maintaining biodiversity and supporting healthy fish populations. The impacts of the 2019–2020 fires were also discussed, including the loss of around 40 hectares of mangroves within the region.
One of the most memorable moments of the afternoon came courtesy of an underwater drone demonstration. Without getting wet, participants were able to see firsthand the artificial reefs and marine life below the surface, including cuttlefish, small schooling fish, oysters, Black Rock Cod and other marine species. The drone technology is also being used for education and community engagement, livestreaming underwater environments into schools and helping more people connect with and appreciate local waterways and marine life.
The South East Landcare Muster was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the partnerships, people and projects making a difference across the region. From the mountains to the coast, the day highlighted how collaboration between volunteers, community groups, Traditional Custodians, councils, agencies and organisations continues to strengthen Landcare and create positive outcomes for landscapes and communities alike.
