Opening of the Narrandera Murrumbidgee Landcare office

A new multifunction hub, offering an inviting space that encourages people to drop in and actively engage with Landcare

Opening of the Narrandera Murrumbidgee Landcare office

A new multifunction hub, offering an inviting space that encourages people to drop in and actively engage with Landcare

Collaborations -

NSWLP-011-054

The issue

Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc, encompassing the vast expanse of the Murrumbidgee catchment, predominantly operates from decentralized home offices or leased desk spaces within other organizational premises. This distributed operational model poses a challenge in establishing a distinct and readily accessible public-facing presence for the organization.

 Furthermore, beyond the dedicated Landcare community, there exists a prevalent ambiguity among the general public regarding the precise role and contributions of Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc within the region. This lack of clarity can hinder broader community engagement and participation in the organization's initiatives.

The solution

The solution involved securing a prominent shop front in Narrandera, strategically positioned at the heart of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. This locale serves as an ideal centralized point for establishing a visible and accessible headquarters for Murrumbidgee Landcare.

The identified space boasts ample space to accommodate up to three staff members in an environment conducive to productivity and collaboration.

Moreover, the space is capable of transitioning to host a spectrum of activities such as meetings, workshops, and potential hot-desking opportunities for allied organisations. This versatility not only enhances internal operations but also fosters an environment conducive to partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collective impact within the wider environmental community.

The impact

The establishment of the office has led to a steady increase in spontaneous walk-in visits from members of the public, signifying heightened community interest in engaging with Landcare. Visitors have been actively discussing various topics, notably revegetation projects and proposed environmental initiatives within the region. 

The office has served as a pivotal venue for hosting several interagency meetings. These gatherings have provided a space for diverse stakeholders and allied organizations to converge, fostering collaborations and synergy among various environmental and natural resource management entities. The resultant partnerships are instrumental in amplifying the collective impact on regional environmental endeavors.

The establishment of the office has positioned Murrumbidgee Landcare as a prominent and trusted entity within the community. Consequently, the organization has received invitations to present at various community events, engage with Local Government stakeholders, and actively participate in educational initiatives within schools.

Author: Nicole Maher

Key facts

  • Increased public engagement
  • Facilitated collaborations
  • Support for specialized projects
  • Expanded outreach opportunities
  • Positioning as a Regional Hub