Reviving Landcare on the Plains
Reviving Landcare on the Plains
The Hay Plains Landcare Group has come out of dormancy and is functioning again
Local Links - Stronger Communities -
LLCI010-007
The issue
The Hay Trees on Plains Landcare Group has been in existence for many years and has undertaken a number of substantial projects. These projects were largely managed by the Chair of the group, and he took care of most of the finances and paperwork for the group. When he suddenly became ill and passed away, the majority of the records and corporate knowledge of the group and the projects disappeared, as a result of which the group fell dormant.
The solution
Since the membership of the group was unknown, an expression of interest for membership was circulated via email and fliers, and distributed during events, such as the Hay Show, and meetings held by Riverina LLS and NSW Farmers. Membership forms were distributed to those who completed and returned the expression of interest form.
A meeting was held with the previous committee to determine the status of current and past projects, as far as they were known by the group. An AGM was then held to elect committee and executive positions, and a formal membership fee was determined.
The impact
Seventeen people attended the AGM, while 20 apologies were received due to wet weather or time constraints. The group now has a functioning committee and membership base of fourteen families, with more likely in the near future. The current membership covers a number of areas around the Rangelands including Hay, Booroorban, Booligal, Carrathool and Gunbar.
Minutes were taken at the projects meeting to record the status of past and current projects, as far as they were known by the group, and an action plan has been developed to resolve issues with current projects.
Learnings
Committees only function effectively with a committed Executive, and the position of Secretary is essential to enable the group to function independently. Also, information about a Landcare group needs to be available to all members of the Executive to ensure the continuation of the group when a member moves on from the group. Events and workshops are better avenues for increasing membership rather than emails and phonecalls because it is possible to showcase what Landcare has to offer.
Key facts
- Fourteen families are members of the Hay Plains Landcare Group.
- Hay Plains Landcare Group is spread out over more than 1 million acres across the Rangelands area.
- The group is primarily farming families based.
- The group encompasses six towns.