Community Engagement & Learning
Community Engagement & Learning
Over 200 landholders, local residents and speakers gathered together to learn and connect at the recent Landcare Adventure
Collaborations -
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The issue
Tenterfield has felt isolated these last few years; suffering through drought, fire and flooding. That, combined with the long term closure of a border less than 20 kilometres from the main centre of town has divided families, friends and workers. In addition to the pressure these have placed on our health services including mental health, there has been a sudden, sharp rise in newcomers to town. This has resulted in a lack of community connectedness and clear shortfalls in landholder management with a number of new owners arriving from the coast and larger cities.
The solution
Hosting the New England and Northwest Landcare Adventure provided the opportunity to bring expertise to the community and have residents and visitors re engage, through numerous workshops and a variety of social events. Speakers were sourced from Universities, Birdlife Australia and a range of private consulting firms. These included leading biological consultants, ecologists and members of our own local Aboriginal Land Council. The event also included representatives from Landcare NSW, the CEO, the Commissioner for Resilience and our local Mayor. It presented a unified approach and showcased projects and approaches, targeting land management improvement and both protecting and enhancing our native fauna and flora.
The impact
Establishing and restoring that social connectedness is vital to a small community like Tenterfield and the surrounding villages. New landowners, many who have moved from coastal areas and cities needed educating and information on proper and appropriate land management techniques. Almost 200 people attended the sessions over the 2-day event and the information provided was timely, appropriate and inclusive. Social interaction was evident at each of the break sessions and at the social events and the ongoing feedback has been extremely positive.
Learnings
Promoting the event across the entire regional network added to the success of the event. Identifying relevant topics from previous feedback surveys and workshops was useful in determining the overall programme. Flexibility on the projects delivery was vital when COVID-19 restrictions created delays.
Key facts
- Almost 200 people attended the workshops and social events over two days
- The participation of Local Land Services, Landcare NSW and Resilience NSW presented a unified approach
- Restorative Flora, Fauna and regenerative agriculture topics were included and well received
- Feedback has been extremely positive