South East Landcare Muster 2023
Project Showcase Stories from the Heart
Capacity to Deliver - LP036-R007
The issue
The annual Muster of Landcare Networks in the South East is an opportunity for Landcare volunteers and staff to meet with their partners, connect and capture conversations, usually with a variety of ‘Art of Hosting’ methods such as World Café & Open Space.
As we approached the end of significant State & Federal funding programs, it was a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements in our region & showcase the projects that were possible due to support from NSW Landcare Program 2019-2023 & Australian Government National Landcare Program 2.
The solution
Across the south-east of New South Wales, the people tasked with looking after the land were asked to share how their projects are helping the environment and reconnecting their communities. Their stories were captured as 20 case-study presentations from Landcare, Local Land Services, and other partners from across the region.
There were four main themes underpinning the day’s presentations, run as concurrent sessions.
- Biodiversity
- Engaging Community
- Symbiotic Land Management
- Connectivity
The program for the day also included a keynote presentation from Professor David Lindenmayer AO, an update from the Landcare NSW and Local Land Services program representatives.
The impact
In addition to the SE Muster for the broader community, a Regional Community of Practice Day was held after the Showcase for local Landcare coordinators & key host organisation members. This was a great opportunity to deepen connections between Landcare staff & committee volunteers, to take a breath & reflect on the bigger picture. Kim Boswell, from the Forever Agenda led us on a journey about organisational resilience in the current climate of funding uncertainty.
Learnings
- value of celebrating achievements
- significance of "stories from the heart"
- keeping it real/authenticity
- importance of nurturing relationships and partnerships by bringing people together.
Key facts
- The short sharp sessions & topics were informative and relevant
- Brilliantly organised, reminiscent of a National Conference. Very professional.
- Enjoyed catching up with people.
- So great to learn from such a variety of projects.