Sharing knowledge and experiences
On the North Coast a major “community of practice” event is the annual regional gathering of the eleven networks that comprise the North Coast Regional Landcare Network (NCRLN).
Collaborations - LP022-R003
The issue
A key component of the NSW Landcare Program is the facilitation of “communities of practice” which bring together people, groups and a range of key stakeholders working towards common goals. On the North Coast a major “community of practice” event is the annual regional gathering of the eleven networks that comprise the North Coast Regional Landcare Network (NCRLN). In March 2021, NCRLN came together over three days to catch-up, share news and information and identify priorities for supporting, building and improving Landcare across the region. A key objective of the event was to address some of the primary outcomes and deliverables of the NSW Landcare Program, particularly around the themes of support, planning, collaboration and partnerships.
The solution
The 2021 Regional Gathering event attracted an excellent level of participation with all eleven local Landcare networks represented during the three days. Attendees from the NCRLN membership were a mixture of Local Coordinators, Project Officers, Executive Officers, Regional Landcare Coordinator, Landcare NSW Council representatives, NCRLN Executive, and local Landcare Committee representatives.
While there was great depth of knowledge and experience present, some participants were new employees, new committee members or new to Landcare altogether and had come to learn and meet the network. The event attracted involvement of various North Coast Local Land Services representatives from across the senior staff and Board. This contributed towards better understanding and collaboration between the two organisations which operate regionally within the same geographic boundaries.
The impact
The Regional Gathering covered a range of topics and issues and the workshops, presentations and discussions identified various outcomes and actions to be implemented or followed up. The key outcomes identified for further action include:
- Developing an ongoing partnership with North Coast Local Land Services
- Personal wellbeing across Landcare
- Policies and procedures for network management
- Aboriginal Engagement Program
- Weed and pest reporting
- “Community of Practice” design
- Working better with NCLLS
- Regenerative agriculture short course development.
Key facts
- 35 attendees over 3 days
- 11 networks represented from across the North Coast
- Representatives from across coordinators and other staff, committee representatives, Landcare NSW, Local Land Services