Revitalised native grain industry gaining momentum in the Northwest. Northwest NSW is known for producing high-quality grain. This summer,
a new partnership is revitalising grain harvesting and producing flour from the traditional grains from the region. Supported by North
West Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government, AgriFutures Australia, Regional Development Australia and
University of Sydney, new Indigenous-owned business Garaah Gundal will be leading a harvest collaboration with local farmers of native
grains on farms around Narrabri. A recent workshop in Narrabri promoted good discussion and the development of a number of partnerships,
follow this link to find out more here
Latest News
Flash Sale
We’re clearing some older stock, mainly eucalyptus – and that means bargain prices!
25c each for TRLA members
$1 each for non-members
Pick-up only from the nursery (Wallamore Road)
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | 9am–2pm only
No holds – first in, best dressed!Get in quick before they’re all gone!
PHOTO COMP EXTENDED!
PHOTO COMP EXTENDED!
We’ve had a few technical hiccups with our submission form – sorry about that! If you tried to enter the 2025 Photo Competition
and it didn’t go through, please give it another go. Everything is working now.
To give everyone a fair chance, entries are now open until JULY 11!
Theme: Biodiversity in Focus
Whether it's birds, bugs, blossoms or bushlands, show us the beauty in your backyard, local park or favourite wild place.
Have Your Say on Native Vegetation Management in NSW
The NSW Government is proposing changes to the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code 2018, and now’s your chance to
have input.
The Code plays a key role in supporting landholders to manage their land productively, while also balancing biodiversity conservation across
private rural land in NSW. The proposed amendments aim to strengthen environmental protections and deliver on commitments
made under the NSW Plan for Nature.
🗣 Community input is vital. A Discussion Paper has been released to guide your feedback, and all members of the public are
invited to make a submission.
📅 Submissions close: Friday 4 July 2025
📍 Learn more and have your say: click read more
Help shape the future of land and biodiversity management in NSW — share this with your networks and let your voice be heard!
Students Engage with Country, Culture and Community through Bush to Bowl
A memorable day unfolded at Duri Hall last Thursday during the ‘Bush to Bowl’ event, proudly hosted by Tamworth Regional Landcare
Association and supported by the Tamworth Aboriginal Lands Council and the Warrumbungle Environmental Education Centre.
The Campfire Gathering at Boonalla Aboriginal Area on Gamilaroi Country was a truly meaningful day of connection, learning,
and reflection. Coordinators from across the northwest came together in a culturally safe and welcoming space to build relationships, share
stories, and strengthen partnerships with the Aboriginal community.
The day began with a moving Acknowledgement of Country, followed by powerful storytelling that invited everyone to reflect on their own
connection to place. Through open and respectful conversations, we explored our experiences in Landcare and the importance of Aboriginal
partnerships in our shared work caring for Country.
Lunch provided the perfect opportunity to relax, share a yarn, and deepen our connections. In the afternoon, Landcare staff engaged in a
robust and honest discussion about what Aboriginal partnerships mean in practice, before ending the day with a quiet reflection and personal
commitment to Country.
Erosion control with rock bags
North West Local Land Services Extension officer Craig Pullman invited Landcare Coordinators to view the application of erosion control
Rockbags at a property west of Barraba on 29th May 2025.
These flexible geotextile bags filled with rocks, are increasingly used for creek erosion control. They are environmentally friendly,
being made from non-toxic, recycled plastic, and are permeable to water and suitable for fish and wildlife habitats.
The site was a narrow creek bed with a high eroded bank requiring stabilisation.
Down to Earth: Conversation, Collaboration & Technology
Hosted by Landcare Australia and FarmLab
Down to Earth is a 2-day immersive experience for anyone connected
to the agrifood supply chain, from producers, founders, supply chain leads and sustainability managers to government reps, researchers, and
investors. If carbon is on your radar (or in your ESG report), this is your cue to head to Armidale.
Plan Ahead for the Best Planting Outcomes – Place Your Spring and Autumn Orders Now!
Are you planning a planting project for spring 2025 or autumn 2026? Now is the time to get in touch and secure your plant orders!
At the Landcare Nursery, we grow to order—so the sooner we know about your upcoming revegetation, habitat restoration, or landscaping needs,
the better we can prepare. Advance notice allows us to grow the right species and ensure plants are healthy, hardy, and ready for planting
when your project begins.
We understand that timing is everything when it comes to successful planting. With good communication and forward planning, we can help you
achieve the best outcomes for your site.
Whether you’re working on a small community initiative or a large-scale environmental project, we’re here to help you get the right plants,
in the right place, at the right time.
📞 Contact us now to discuss your project needs and timelines. Ninna Douglas 0431242589 or Paul Moxon 0425337475
Landcare Learnings Recap – Spotlight on Cacti with Debi Bancroft
On Tuesday night, May 20, the Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) hosted another great Landcare Learnings session – this time with
special guest Debi Bancroft, Harrisia Cactus Project Officer.
Debi delivered a fascinating and informative talk on invasive cacti in Australia, shedding light on a growing issue many of us might not
know much about. Did you know there are no native cacti species in Australia? Every cactus you see here has been introduced – and some have
become serious threats to our landscapes.
Deb, who came armed with (safely contained!) cactus samples, walked us through: How to spot and identify invasive cacti Which emerging
cactus species to keep an eye on The origins and spread of these plants across Australia Why reporting and early action is essential Our
responsibilities as landholders and community members to prevent their spread
Her engaging and practical presentation left everyone better equipped to recognise, report, and respond to cactus incursions.
A huge thank you to Debi for sharing her knowledge – and to everyone who joined us for another evening of learning and connection.
Ag360 is a free, online on-farm management tool designed to keep you on track with your targets and make informed decisions for your
livestock.
Ag360 draws on your farm data and customised weather forecasts to predict rainfall, soil moisture, pasture growth, and animal weight and
health risks, up to 6 months in advance.
Local Land Services invites 12 landholders to hear from Ag360 expert and pasture coach Jaimi-lee Edwards. Attendees with be guided to set up
an account and learn the functions so you can use Ag360 at home, on-farm.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Please bring your laptop along for the day.
For more information contact Ella Barney, Drought Adoption Officer on 0447 185 133 or ella.barney@lls.nsw.gov.au
This workshop is brought to you by the Drought Adoption Officer Program. The Drought Adoption Officer program received funding from
the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund through the SNSW Innovation Hub and SQNNSW Innovation Hub.
North West Local Land Services has a range of workshops and events happening across the region this June, designed to support landholders,
farmers, and communities. From practical livestock and biosecurity advice to property planning and natural resource management, there's
something for everyone looking to strengthen their skills and knowledge.
Carbon8 and TRLA take School Students on a ‘Deep Dive into Soil, Water, and the Little Critters in the Environment’…
Carbon8, in partnership with the Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA), hosted an unforgettable Schools Biodiversity Day on Friday
16th May 2025, taking students from across the Peel region on an exciting, hands-on journey into the fascinating world beneath their feet.
This was no ordinary school day—it was an exploration of the magic happening in our soils, the water that sustains them, and the tiny
critters that make everything tick!
Students were treated to a day of interactive workshops, lively discussions, and up-close encounters with the world of biodiversity,
ecosystem health, and the interconnectedness of soil and water. From the tiniest soil organisms to the biggest environmental concepts, the
event provided students with a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of nature and the vital role they can play in protecting it.
Capture the Beauty of Our Region – and See It Projected in Fitzroy Plaza!
Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) is thrilled to launch the 2025 Landcare Photography Competition, a
celebration of our region’s breathtaking biodiversity. From the towering red gums and seasonal wattles to blue wrens, kangaroos, and
blue-banded bees, our landscape is teeming with natural beauty—just waiting to be captured through your lens.
Whether you're a keen amateur, a professional, or simply love taking photos on your phone, we invite you to get creative
and showcase the beauty of the natural world around you. Explore grassy white box woodlands, rivers, billabongs, bush tracks, parks—or even
your own backyard—and show us what biodiversity looks like to you.
Interested in climate and storytelling? This event looks like one to check out!
Scenes from the Climate Era is showing at the Capitol Theatre Tamworth on Thursday 19 June. Blending
drama, humour and insight, it explores life in a rapidly changing world through a series of short, powerful scenes.
The Bupa Foundation is offering grants of up to $10,000 to charities and community groups focused on creating a healthy planet through our
2025 Community Grants program.If you’re part of a group helping people or the environment thrive, we want to hear from you! Tap the link in
bio to apply:https://ms.spr.ly/6181SuAiH
Peel Wetlands Stage 6 Biology River Health Workshop
The Peel Wetlands Stage 6 Biology River Health Workshop was made possible through the outstanding leadership and coordination of Katie Rowe.
Katie's efforts, supported by an exceptional team of educators, ensured the success of this two-day event, which focused on environmental
science and sustainability. TRLA proudly supported this educational initiative, which was held on Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th May 2025.
The event, in partnership with Peel High School and Farrer M.A.H.S., was designed to inspire students and provide them with invaluable
insights into the environmental sciences.
Financial Literacy and Investing in Natural Capital Sessions – Build Financial and Natural Wealth for Your Farm
North West Local Land Services in partnership with Principal Economist Janine Powell from AgEcon invite you to gain a deeper understanding
of the financial advantages of managing natural capital on your farm at workshops located in Tamworth (20 May) and Narrabri (27 May).
The sessions will explore:
• monitoring your farm’s financial and enterprise performance
• understanding the link between natural assets and financial outcomes
• local farm case studies on assessing natural capital
• an update on natural capital markets
• Local Land Services natural capital service
This workshop will equip you with practical tools and insights to strengthen your farm’s financial resilience while enhancing its
environmental sustainability.
Got a prickly problem on your patch? Join us May 20 to learn how to spot, stop, and manage invasive cacti with Harrisia Cactus Project
Officer Debi Bancroft!
Interested in Carbon Projects but have been waiting to see what it looks like on farm? Now's your chance. Atlas Carbon in
partnership with NSW Government and Wilmot Cattle Co will be holding an on farm field day in Nundle on 17th June.
Bookings now open!
Stay up to date with the latest events, make sure you check out the North West Local Land Services website, newsletter and socials. Other
events pop up that are not currently listed so it is a great way to stay up to date with following links listed below.
Bogong Moths usually migrate in spring each year, especially from southern Queensland, central NSW and western Victoria to the Australian
Alps, and then back again in autumn. Recent research suggests they may also be in South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania, but more
data is needed - including via Moth Tracker.
Bogong Moths are facing a number of threats, including extreme weather events, drought and climate change, light pollution on their
migration routes, changed wide-scale agricultural practices and insecticides, predation by introduced species and habitat loss. Following an
estimated 99.5% collapse, Bogong Moths were added to the IUCN Endangered Species list in December 2021. Scientists are currently working
hard to understand more about the decline of Bogong Moths and how to protect the species, so with Moth Tracker, we can all do our bit to
help!
During the Bogong Moth’s spring to summer migration in 2023, we received 594 moth sightings on Moth Tracker, with 291 of those confirmed to
be Endangered Bogong Moths. To all the Moth Trackers out there, thank you for your support!
A map of Victoria, Australia showing the Bogong Moths' annual migration route from NS and SA down to Victoria's alpine region
Bendemeer Students Join the TreeTroff Biodiversity Project
This week, I had the pleasure of visiting Bendemeer Primary School to talk to Years 3 to 6 students and their teacher, Mrs Doak about the
exciting TreeTroff in Schools program. We explored the origins of the project, what it means for their school, and even selected
the best location and tree for the installation — a great step forward in bringing the program to life at Bendemeer.
The TreeTroff project is part of the Koalas and Others 2025: A Schoolyard and Community Biodiversity Project, coordinated by the
Warrumbungle National Park Environmental Education Centre (WNPEEC). It's an innovative citizen science initiative that helps schools monitor
local biodiversity using cameras and data collection tools. Students gain valuable digital, scientific, and communication skills as they
analyse images, record data, and prepare scientific reports each semester to share with other participating schools across the region.
The project provides long-term data that supports conservation efforts and is of interest to universities and government agencies.
We're looking forward to seeing Bendemeer students actively engaging in this hands-on conservation science and sharing their findings with
schools across the state.
Help achieve more sustainable and resilient rural landscapes
Have you undertaken native revegetation on your farm in the past?
Researchers from Western Sydney University, the University of Tasmania and their collaborators want to hear about the outcomes. We invite
you to participate in our study by completing a brief on-line survey, site visit and interview. Eight lucky survey participants will receive
prizes valued at over $1000 and an opportunity to share and learn from other land managers interested in ensuring sustainable and resilient
rural landscapes around Australia.
If you have any queries about this study, please contact e.sumner@westernsydney.edu.au or call 0497 784 310. This study is funded by the
National Environmental Science Program and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Explore the Heart of the Macdonald River – Past, Present & Future
Join us for a special community event celebrating the Macdonald River — its rich history, vital ecology, and the people working to protect
it. This is a chance to connect with your local landscape, learn from passionate experts, and hear how you can be part of the ongoing
efforts to care for this important waterway.
Local historians Anne and Winston Doak will share stories of the river’s past — from early settlement to recent restoration efforts — while
ecologists Dr. Lou Streeting and Martin Dillon will highlight the river’s role in supporting native wildlife, including endangered species
like the Bell’s turtle. Their work in the region spans decades, involving everything from nest protection and hatchling releases to
landholder collaboration and education.
Whether you’ve lived by the river all your life or are new to the area, this event is a great way to better understand the natural systems
that support our community and how we can protect them. You’ll hear about past and ongoing efforts to restore the riverbanks and improve
habitat, as well as future opportunities to get involved with the Macdonald River Restoration Landcare Group — including tree planting days
and working bees.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Come along, bring a friend, and be inspired by the stories of resilience, collaboration
and care that flow through the heart of our river.
🌿 Our friends at Nemingha Community Garden are hosting a fantastic Open Day on Friday, May 10—and you're invited! 🌿
🌿 Our friends at Nemingha Community Garden are hosting a fantastic Open Day on Friday, May 10—and you're invited! 🌿
Starting at 10 AM, this free community event is packed with hands-on gardening fun, guest speakers, and plenty of
inspiration.
🌱 Highlights include:
A talk on permaculture by John Simpson from the Tamworth Community Organic Gardening Group
A demo on building Wicking Beds—and a chance to make your own mini one to take home!
Free food and drinks
Plant and seed sales/swaps (cash only)
A raffle with great prizes
It’s the perfect chance to connect with other gardeners, learn something new, and enjoy a great day out. Spread the word and show your
support for this amazing community initiative!
📍 Nemingha Community Garden, Nemingha
🗓️ Friday, May 10 | From 10 AM
We’re excited to be partnering with Carbon8 for a powerful one-day workshop all about boosting biodiversity
to strengthen your farming system — from the soil up!
Whether you’re managing pasture or cropping, increasing biodiversity can improve productivity, build resilience, and reduce the need for
chemical inputs. This is your chance to hear directly from landholders, educators, and experts who are walking the talk.
🐾 NSW Companion Animals Act Review – Have Your Say! 🐾
🚨 Submissions close Sunday, May 4, 2025 🚨
After years of advocacy, the NSW Government is finally reviewing the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 — and your
voice is urgently needed
to help protect our native wildlife from the impacts of free-roaming pet cats.
🦘 Why it matters:
This outdated law currently prevents local Councils from setting and enforcing cat containment policies, leaving cats to
roam, kill native wildlife, and spread diseases like toxoplasmosis. It’s time for a law that reflects
modern expectations of responsible pet ownership.
💥 Make a difference – three easy options:
✅ Option A (quick & easy):
Use the Invasive Species Council’s free writing kit – they’ll send you a ready-to-go email template. 🔗
Register here
✍️ Option B (most impactful):
Write a short email in your own words explaining why you believe cat containment is essential.
📧 Email: ca.review@olg.nsw.gov.au
📝 Subject: Companion Animals Act Review
💡 Ask for:
Statewide 24/7 cat containment laws
Mandatory desexing by 4 months
$9 million+ in support for Councils and education campaigns
📄 Option C (official form):
Review the discussion paper and submit feedback via the online submission form on the Office of Local Government site. 🔗 Submit here
🌿 Every submission helps push for change! Let’s keep native wildlife safe, support responsible pet ownership, and empower Councils to act.
Please share this widely. 🐨🦉🐾
🚜 Calling All Farmers, Farm Managers & Owners! 🌱
We're helping support important PhD research from Federation University Australia exploring how farmers think about sustainability,
technology, and data in agriculture
– and how we can build better tools to support real-world needs.
If you're a farmer, farm manager, or farm owner, please take 10-15 minutes to complete this anonymous
survey. ✅
Or, if you’re not a farmer, help us by sharing this post with your networks!
🧑🌾 Your insights will help shape a new framework for assessing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impacts in agriculture.
🎓 Research by Bhola Paudel, PhD Candidate
✔️ Approved by Federation University Human Research Ethics Committee (2024/228)
Bee Hotel Holiday Workshop for kids!
Looking for a fun and creative school holiday activity? Join us at the Tamworth Regional Landcare Nursery on Wednesday, April 23 from
10:30am to 12:30pm to paint and create your very own bee hotel to take home for the garden — a buzzing good time for kids and parents alike!
Join us for a special morning exploring how to design your garden for habitat — whether you live in town or on the land!
Our Habitat Talk starts at 10:00 AM, presented by Paul Moxon, our resident horticulturist. Paul will share his expert advice on:
Choosing the right plants for urban and rural spaces
Creating inviting environments for birds, insects, and other native wildlife
Garden design tips to boost biodiversity
How to care for your plants, plus handy planting tips and tricks
After the talk, enjoy a relaxed browse through our nursery, chat with our friendly team, and pick up some beautiful, habitat-friendly native
plants.
🌱 Free entry – No bookings required – Everyone welcome! 🌱
Transform your farm, backyard, or community into a thriving ecosystem!
Join us on Thursday, May 15, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Barraba Golf Club for a hands-on workshop with Mick Callan from Habitat Innovation
and Management.
Discover effective and innovative habitat augmentation techniques through practical demonstrations — including the installation of
artificial tree hollows and a raptor platform
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how simple changes can make a big impact on local biodiversity.
🚨 Feral birds like the Common Myna, Starling, and House Sparrow are wreaking havoc on our native birds 🐦 — stealing food, taking over
nests, and damaging crops and infrastructure! 😟
🛠️ But there’s hope! The clever crew at Tamworth Birdwatchers Inc. has developed a simple and effective feral bird
trap
to help restore balance. 💡
🎥 In this video, 94-year-old legend Eric shows how to build the trap, with expert tips from Annabel. It’s practical, DIY-friendly, and a
fantastic way to make a real difference. 👏
🌿 This project was proudly supported by Tamworth Regional Landcare Association and beautifully produced by Matt Foley of
Folmac Video Productions. 🙌
NSW Environmental Trust’s Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants Program - now open for applications
The NSW Environmental Trust is now inviting applications to the 2025 round of its Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants
Program.
$4 million in grant funding is available to community and government organisations for projects focused on protecting, conserving and
restoring the environment in New South Wales. Funding of $150,000 to $350,000 per project is available.
A Deep Dive into Soil, 🌱Water 💦and the Little Critters 🦉 in the Environment
A deep dive into soil, water and the little critters in the environment
A Call out for all Stage 2 and
3 teachers in the North West Region.
Carbon8 is excited to be working with the inspiring Tamworth Regional Landcare Association and LLS NSW to deliver "A deep dive into soil,
water and the little critters in the environment"
If you are a teacher from yrs 3 to 6 and would like to be immersed in a practical hands on learning environment with Rock Star soil
scientists and ecologists, , leading speakers and farmers, you will love this full day teaching event for your students.
Are you keen to learn about Glossy Black Cockatoos and enjoy delicious woodfired pizza and gelato?
Join Jayden Gunn from Birdlife Australia and local birding guide, Julie from Pilliga Pottery, for a delightful and delicious evening on
Friday 11th April 2025.
The Glossies, Pizza and Gelato at Dusk Event is FREE and begins from 3:30pm and will finish around 7:30pm at Pilliga
Pottery, north east of Coonabarabran via the Newell Highway.
The evening will include an informative introduction to the beautiful and fascinating Glossy Black Cockatoos including tips on how to
identify them and ways to improve and protect their habitat.
A dusk birdwatching walk will give all participants the opportunity to perhaps spot a Glossy on the grounds of Pilliga Pottery, while
being accompanied by expert birders.
The evening will round off with dinner at Pilliga Pottery’s Blue Wren Bush Café.
RSVP is essential as numbers are limited.
Keen to attend? For more details and to register click here
This event is supported by Central West Local Land Services and the project partner as part of the Making Inland Glossies Great Again
project funded by the NSW government through it’s Environmental Trust.
Strengthen our Region with a Tax-Deductible Contribution to Tamworth Regional Landcare Association
Strengthen our region with a Tax-Deductible Contribution to Tamworth Regional Landcare Association
Landcare is about more than the environment—it’s about the future of our region.
At Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA), we work across the landscape—supporting sustainable land management, improving soil
health, preserving water resources, and enhancing biodiversity. Whether you're managing a farm, running a business, or part of a local
community, the decisions we make today about how we care for our land directly impact the health, productivity, and resilience of our region
tomorrow.
Now recognised as a Tax-Deductible Gift Recipient by the Australian Tax Office, TRLA can offer even more value for every donation received.
Contributions of $2 or more are tax-deductible—meaning you can invest in the long-term future of our region while also receiving a benefit
at tax time.
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.
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.
Mari ngiyani winangaylanha ganunga-waanda yanaylanha, dhaymaarr ganugu-waanda nhama ngarrangarranmaldanhi.
[We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first people and custodians of this land]
Gomeroi People are the traditional custodians of the waterways and the land on which we work and live.
Tamworth Regional Landcare Association pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging and extend
that respect to all Aboriginal people.
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