Meet Our Committee & Staff

The TRLA Committee meets on the third Tuesday of each month (between February and November) to oversee and coordinate Landcare activities in the region. The TRLA Committee consists of up to 8 non-executive committee members elected annually at the AGM in October.

Contact Wayne Chaffey for further information or to become involved: info@trla.org.au

Committee Members

President – Wayne Chaffey

Vice President – George Macdonald

Secretary – Narelle Chaffey

Treasurer – Stephanie Cameron

Public Officer – Stephanie Cameron

Ordinary members –  

  • Lyn Allen
  • Jean Coady
  • John Simpson
  • Aurelie Quade
  • Kate Masters
  • Wayne Collinson
  • Shar Donald

Our Dedicated Staff

Executive Officer – Jacqui Gidley-Baird

Local Landcare Coordinator (Tamworth) – Ninna Douglas

Local Landcare Coordinator (Tamworth) – Susan Wilson

Local Landcare Coordinator (Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah)
- Nicky Chirlian

Local Landcare Coordinator (Youth and Education) - Kate Spry 

Regional and Local Administrative Officer - Kat Pilavidis

Regional Landcare Coordinator  - Shelley McDouall

Nursery Manager – Paul Moxon

Nursery Supervisor – Julie Clancy




Latest News



“THE FUEL AND DROUGHT CRISIS” UPPER MOOKI LANDCARE & CARBON8 WORKSHOP

This report summarises feedback from 23 participants who attended a soil health event led by Kevin Elmy (Canadian Soil Health Educator) and Mike McCosker (from Carbon8) on April 9-10 2026 conducted by Upper Mooki Landcare and Carbon8. The event was designed to enhance knowledge and practical skills related to soil health, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable farming practices. The event was funded by a Tamworth Regional Landcare Small Grant, in combination with sponsorship from Carbon8, enabling minimum ticket price.


Nursery Plant Sale!

The TRLA Nursery shadehouse is FULL, and we need to make room for new stock and some renovations, so we’re holding a huge Shadehouse Clearance Sale!

If you’ve been thinking about adding natives to your garden, starting a habitat patch, or planting around your property, now is the perfect time.

With recent rain across the region and warm soil temperatures still hanging around, conditions are ideal for planting and helping new plants establish before winter.

🌿 All ready to go stock just $2 per tubestock
🌿 Trees, shrubs, grasses and pollinator plants
🌿 Locally grown plants suited to our region
🌿 Sale runs through June or until stock runs out.  


Landcare Learnings: Exploring Permaculture Through Film and Conversation

Our latest Landcare Learnings event on May 12, brought together community members for an inspiring and thought-provoking evening focused on permaculture and sustainable living. With a slightly different format to usual, the event attracted a diverse audience of around 25 attendees, including familiar Landcare faces and newcomers keen to learn more about living sustainably.


Just A Farmer Screening

On May 17, Upper Peel Landcare group hosted the movie Just a Farmer. This movie deals with serious issues of mental health in rural communities. The event was made possible through partnerships with TRLA, Upper Peel Landcare, Hunter New England Mental Health services, and Blackdog ride, the funding provider for the event.


Exploring the Hidden World Beneath Our Feet: A Living Classroom Success!

A Deep Dive into Soil, Water and the Little Critters in the Environment’, held on 28th May 2026 in Bingara at the Living Classroom, was a resounding success, bringing together 90 enthusiastic primary-aged students for an immersive exploration of soil, water, and the hidden world beneath our feet.

 


Tree Planting At Moore Creek Caves Reserve

🌱 Join us for Tree Planting at Moore Creek Caves Reserve! 🌱

Come along for a great morning outdoors as Intrepid Landcare teams up with Co-Exist Australia and Friends of Moore Creek Caves Reserve to plant Trees and make a real difference for our local environment.

📅 Sunday 21 June

⏰ 10:00am

📍 Moore Creek Caves Reserve (end of Maysteers Lane, Moore Creek)

A Light lunch and refreshments will be provided, with all equipment supplied. Just bring a hat, water bottle, and enclosed shoes.


Exciting News for the Tamworth Region and North West NSW

MEDIA RELEASE

Funding Success to Deliver Major Boost for Tamworth Landcare Nursery and Local Environmental Projects

Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) is pleased to announce it has secured funding through the NSW Landcare Enabling Program (LEP3) Innovations and Partnerships Grant Program to deliver a series of projects aimed at strengthening local environmental outcomes, community education and long-term Landcare sustainability across the Tamworth region.


Growing Knowledge from the Ground Up at Werris Creek Community Garden

On Tuesday 12th May, Kate Spry from Tamworth Regional Landcare Association spent a fantastic day with students from Werris Creek Public School at the Werris Creek Community Garden, sharing knowledge and hands-on activities focused on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and the living biology beneath our feet.


Why Soil Microbes Run the Underground Economy - By Dr Aurelie Quade

Do you know what the Euro, the Australian dollar, the Yen, the British pound and the Dirham have in common with soil carbon, total carbon, organic carbon, recalcitrant carbon and labile carbon? They are all forms of currency.

“Soil microbes are not some benevolent gifts from nature. They are genius economists, not trading in dollars, but in carbon.”

Our members often say that when you become part of Landcare, you’re not just joining a group, you’re becoming part of a family. The concept is so compatible with Australian culture it’s hard not to get involved! By becoming a TRLA member, you’ll be supporting our work, learning new skills, becoming part of the solution, and helping to make a difference for the future.

LEARN MORE LEARN MORE

together we can make a difference

funding support

Did you know (TRLA) run an Annual Small Grants program for Landcare activities connected to the Tamworth region.

Volunteer Landcare and Grassroots Community groups can apply up to $2,500 for activities that meet an objective of TRLA’s strategic plan with eight successful projects being awarded funds from across the region.

APPLY NOW APPLY NOW