Western Landcare NSW Inc.

What does a Knowledge Broker do? Good Question!

The Southern NSW Innovation Hub Western Knowledge Broker Project commenced in 2024. Western Landcare NSW (WLNSW) as host organisation, employed two Knowledge Brokers and contracted a Project support officer. Across the Southern Hub region there were varied examples of how the project could proceed. The Knowledge Brokers began by defining the Western Regions priorities. The initially appointed Knowledge Brokers moved on to more permanent roles, handing over to two new Knowledge Brokers. Project support also changed from the initial contractor to the WLNSW Regional Landcare Coordinator. The Knowledge Broker Project concluded in the Western Region at the end of April 2025.

Capacity building - LEP23-021-06

The issue

Support from the Southern Hubs Chief Knowledge Broker was key to the capacity building of the Knowledge Brokers as they did not receive the benefit of connecting with the preexisting Knowledge Broker Network, before the earlier cohort completed their projects. As there were limited preexisting Hub partners within the Western Region ongoing support from WLNSW was vital for the Knowledge Brokers to maintain the momentum of the project. Western Local Land Services were also generous with their time.

The solution

Western NSW stakeholders were identified as having similar interests and were often complexly interconnected. The common factor being the dominance of weather conditions on decision making. Taking every opportunity to listen and discuss priorities with stakeholders, ‘workforce shortages’ and ‘water management’ were identified as the key priorities. These priorities informed a co design session held with contractors, graziers and industry, to fine-tune the major issues and propose possible solutions.

The impact

The document Western NSW – Regional Drought Preparedness Priorities – July 2024 was a major achievement for the initial stage of the project, informing the way the project progressed. The Rural Services Networks in the region were a practical way to report on Knowledge Broker activity and connect with other organisations. The recent appointment of a Drought Adoption Officer in the Western Region, enabled the handover of Knowledge Broker insights into ongoing priorities.

Learnings

In the latter stages of the project industry representatives began to reach out to the Knowledge Brokers, asking for information and support. Currently, rainfall and adverse weather events cannot be predicted accurately in the Western Region, there is a need for better on ground monitoring. Water security, water quality, fencing of farm dams, rangeland rehydration, regeneration of perennial plant species, management of invasive animal and plants are also of significant concern. The Knowledge Brokers ensured projects were carefully documented, and all information was handed over to Western Landcare.

Author: Diana Anderson

Key facts

  • Gaining respect takes time!
  • Do not use examples from another region, research specific to the area, generalising is not taken well
  • Geography/distance to travel requires forward planning and management support
  • Consider the effect of cost of travel and accommodation to the project budget
  • Landholder engagement fatigue is complicated there is a need for variety of events, locations and communication. (Also understanding – do not take it personally)
  • Waiting for outcomes once priorities are identified can be difficult

Project Partners