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Maitland Landcare Incorporated - East Maitland Site

This bushland site between Kimberly Close and Durban Crescent in East Maitland contains 12 hectares of Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest, which is considered an endangered ecological community. Landcare activities here aim to involve the local community in bush regeneration works consisting of weeding and plantings where appropriate. Meetings and working bees are now underway, starting 19 November 2023. You can follow us on our Facebook Page East Maitland Landcare. For more information on the East Maitland site or our other Maitland sites at Rutherford and Bolwarra contact us at maitlandlandcare@gmail.com

Maitland Landcare Incorporated - Rutherford Site

Since 2020, local residents have been caring for a small recreational reserve off Tannant Avenue and St Fagans Parade, Rutherford. For more information about the Rutherford site or our other Maitland sites at East Maitland and Bolwarra, contact maitlandlandcare@gmail.com

2024 New South Wales Agroforestry Conference. Natural Capital: Trees as an Alternative Crop

The 2024 New South Wales Tree Conference, themed "Natural Capital: Trees as an Alternative Crop," is set to take place on March 20-21 at The Rydges Mount Panorama, Bathurst. This event, organized by Greening Bathurst, Central Tablelands Local Land Services, and the Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network, focuses on integrating forestry into agricultural practices for sustainable farming. It features an impressive lineup of speakers from various forestry and environmental fields, including Rowan Reid, Professor Rodney Keenan, Dr. Fabiano Ximenes, and others. The conference offers keynote presentations, panel discussions, and a hands-on farm visit, aiming to provide strategic insights and practical knowledge in agroforestry.

The Impact of Landcare in the Central Tablelands

Over the last four years our Landcare groups have been hard at work, even with the difficulties of COVID lockdowns, flooding and fires. Our volunteers commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture is not just a testament to their dedication but also a beacon of hope for future generations.

Reflections on Positive Planning for Dry Times

This day came about from ideas put forward at a grazing strategies planning meeting hosted by Boorowa Community Landcare Group, NSW Farmers and partners in August 2023. The attendees from across the region identified that connection with people & communication between all groups was essential to support land managers to make positive plans for dry times.

NSW Landcare Awards

Nominations for the 2023/2024 State and Territory Landcare Awards are now open! Now in its 32nd year, the State and Territory Landcare Awards stand as a prestigious biennial national Landcare Awards program. The objective is to honour individuals, groups and organisations that are making outstanding contributions to caring for the environment in their local communities for the benefit of all Australians today, and for generations to come. In each state and territory, the Landcare Awards will be granted to recognise the achievements that encompass climate action, environmental leadership, sustainable agriculture, First Nations, Women in landcare, youth, Coastcare and children. Nominating is free. You can nominate yourself, or you can nominate someone you know who should be recognised for their work to restore, enhance and protect the natural environment in their community. Nominating is easy. If you know an individual, group or organisation in your community making a difference to the environment and sustainable land or water use, nominate them for a Landcare Award. The winners of the nine national Landcare Award categories will advance as finalists to the 2024 National Landcare Awards. To nominate visit the Landcare Australia website at https://landcareaustralia.org.au/landcare-awards-2023/

Little River Landcare’s Journey through the Soils PET Project

The Soils PET (People, Education, Technology) Pilot Project, led by Little River Landcare was a successful initiative in Central West NSW that revolutionised soil health management. Through extensive soil sampling, interactive workshops, the project engaged 150 landholders, fostering sustainable agricultural practices and strengthening rural community networks.

The Great Australian Wildlife Search, 2023

The Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network, in collaboration with the Odonata Foundation, is partaking in the Great Australian Wildlife Search, utilizing Environmental DNA (eDNA) to gather vital data on local species. Through the analysis of water samples from 18 different locations, the initiative will enhance understanding of the region's biodiversity. The project is supported by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, which has funded the necessary sampling kits. This research will contribute to the broader knowledge of Australia's wildlife and help strengthen the community's bond with the natural environment.

UDCLG Newsletters for 2023

The Upper Deua Catchment Landcare Group produce regular newsletters and share then with the local community. A record of the group's newsletters for 2023 can be found below. We'd like to acknowledge and thank community liaison officer Cath Harrison for all her time in preparing and compiling these newsletters.

Watch it Now: Araluen Creek Restoration Project Film has Launched!

On Saturday 9 September 2023, Upper Deua Catchment Landcare group and the Araluen Community celebrated the completion of the Araluen Creek Restoration Project 2021-2023. This special 'red carpet' event at the Araluen Federal Hall featured the 'world premiere' of the short documentary film made by local award-winning documentary filmmaker Clare Young and her team.

Take a Sneak Peak at the Araluen Creek Restoration Project Video

Two YouTube videos have just launch in preparation for Saturday's celebration of the completion of the Araluen Creek Restoration Project 2021-2023. These clips are a snippets of the 8-minute feature film which will be launched at the 'world premiere' event on 9 September 2023, 2pm at the Araluen Federal Hall, Araluen.

Araluen Creek Flood Events 2020-2022

The Araluen Valley experienced approximately 19 flood events over three years after the 20219/20 bushfires. The table below outlines major rain events, where more than 50mm fell over consecutive days. These wet weather periods cause intense spikes in the Araluen Creek and the fast flowing floods exacerbated erosion issues.

New Day for Gib Bushcare Group

Great news. The Mount Gibraltar Bushcare group will now be meeting on 2nd and 3rd Thursdays of the month. Please contact the Belinda Booth at Belinda.Booth@wsc.nsw.gov.au, if you would like to be a part of this dynamic and well informed group.

Newsletter - Winter 2023

Reports from the President, Executive Officer, Project Officer. Updates from various advisory committee meetings and activities on the Yanco Creek System.