In addition to providing funding to host organisations to employ Local and Regional Landcare Coordinators, the NSW Landcare Enabling Program (2023 – 2027) also provides support to assist the Landcare and NRM community to build the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the Program’s objectives. 

• Capacity – Improve the capacity of Landcarers with the knowledge, skills and experience to produce effective outcomes.
• Efficiency – Produce an increased volume of Landcare activity relative to the resource inputs.
• Increased self-sustenance – Leverage investment to activate a diverse range of funding sources.

Approximately $10,000 in financial support will be provided each financial year during the life of the program for the delivery of regional community of practice activities which will be identified through:   

• internal regional consultation,   
• consultation with the State Community of Practice Manager,  
• the online Expression of Interest that will help to ensure regional organisations' proposed activities meet the objectives of the Program.  

What can this funding be spent on? 

• Accommodation 
• Catering 
• Presenter Fees 
• Facilitation 
• Venue Hire 
• Travel 

 The State Community of Practice Manager will work with the Regional Landcare Coordinators, the host organisations, local coordinators, and partners, to identify needs and prioritise activities as part of developing their regional community of practice calendar of events. Regional Landcare Coordinators must work to identify and prioritise activities that help build the skills and capacity of the Landcare community to better meet the program’s objectives which are as follows.   

 Short Term Outcomes:  

1. Increased coordinator host capability and capacity.
2. Increased and strengthened partnerships.  

End of Program Outcomes: 

1. More engaged, satisfied and active coordinators and volunteers.  
2. Coordinators feel valued, supported and satisfied in their roles.  
3. Increased knowledge-based and best-practice activity (formal and informal through the program and on-ground). 
4. Increased volume of leveraged partnerships.   

In many regions, Local Land Services staff will have the knowledge and experience in facilitating opportunities for skills and capacity building through their roles in working with the NSW Landcare Enabling Program and the NSW Landcare Program.  Where possible, the involvement of LLS regional staff will be beneficial in the planning and delivery of activities.  

What is the process? 

 Via email, the State Community of Practice Manager will invite regions to submit an Expression of Interest for initial and subsequent RCoP events. Conditions of this funding are that an evaluation report is to be submitted within one month after the event and that the allocation is managed by the Regional Landcare Coordinator on behalf of the region. A survey of participants is also required after each event and a template for both activities will be provided as part of this package, 

Landcare NSW manages the administration and reporting for the RCoP funding to host organisations to deliver activities, systems and events to support a Landcare Community of Practice in line with successful proposals and funding requirements. 

Applying for the funding  

 Submit an Expression of Interest via the online form here:  Regional Community of Practice Application Form. Once the form is received, the request will be assessed and approved by the State Community of Practice Manager. 

 Once the event is complete, please ensure participants are sent an evaluation form at this link RCoP Event Follow up Survey . When invoices are received, the host organisation will need to send an email to lep@landcarensw.org.au with a tax invoice made out to Landcare NSW, Unit 7/56 Church Avenue, Mascot NSW 2000 identifying the region and that funding is for a Regional Community of Practice activity. The invoice needs to be itemised.  

 Within one month of the event being held, all reporting will be submitted via the online form with an overview of expenditure using the form at this link. Regional Community of Practice Reporting Form. 

 Please ensure that when promoting any activities funded from this program that you reference the branding guidelines available on the Gateway. 

 If you have any questions relating to the Regional Community of Practice component of the Landcare Enabling Program, please contact Program Manager, Jodie Lovell @ jlovell@landcarensw.org.au