On Sunday, 6 July, the Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) Nursery was brought to life with a fantastic day of community, creativity and hands-on learning, as volunteers came together with the Tamworth Community Organic Gardeners to build a traditional pizza cob oven.
Two years after captivating our Landcare Learning audience, native urban gardener Eliza Weekes returns this Landcare Week to share the real
story behind her garden’s evolution—what’s thrived, what hasn’t, and the lessons learned along the way. From bare block to a flourishing,
wildlife-friendly space, Eliza’s journey is packed with practical ideas and inspiration for creating your own sustainable garden.
Please note the venue is the Astronomy and Science Centre, Piper Street, North Tamworth.
“Biological inputs are not failing us. We misunderstand their role, benchmark them against the wrong standard, and too often apply them without a diagnosis.”
Global trade disruptions have driven price spikes in fuel and fertiliser, accelerating interest in agricultural biological inputs. Although
the broader trend is relatively recent roughly two decades old some products, such as microbial inoculants, have been in use for over a
century. As our understanding of soil systems has grown, so too has an entirely new segment of the agricultural market: biological inputs
and their many derivatives
On Sunday morning, the volunteers of Currawong Park teamed up with Co-exist Tamworth to celebrate National Tree Day with a fantastic morning
of planting, community connection and a delicious BBQ.
Together, volunteers planted 40 new trees and plants, helping to expand and enhance the existing garden bed at
Currawong Park a Landcare initiative. The morning was a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, get their hands dirty and
contribute to creating a greener, healthier space for everyone to enjoy.
Tamworth Regional Landcare Association was delighted to join students and teachers from Peel High School on Friday to celebrate Schools National Tree Day with a wonderful day of hands-on environmental learning and action.
Werris Creek Lions Club successfully applied for funding through Tamworth Regional Landcare Associations 2026 Small Grants Funding for their
project to repair and replant a section of Werris Creek on Silo Road, purchasing 600 plants from TRLA Nursery.
This would have been a big project for Werris Creek Lions. But there was a secret weapon – the University of Technology Sydney volunteer
student organisation – “The Big Lift”. This brought 40 students to Werris Creek as part of their annual weeklong winter program to support
regional communities.
We are thrilled to announce that the Expression of Interest for the North West Regional Land Care Aboriginal Artwork Commission is now open!
We are looking for a Gomeroi artist living on Gomeroi Country to create a digital artwork for the Weaving Country, Culture and Collaboration
project. The commission is valued at $15,000 and the artwork will be used across Landcare materials throughout our region.
The TRLA Photography Competition is back for 2026, opening September 1 and running through to mid-October—and this year, it comes with a meaningful new focus.
The 2026 State and Territory Landcare Awards stand as a prestigious biennial national Landcare Awards program. The Landcare Awards honour individuals, groups and organisations that are making outstanding contributions to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation in their local communities for the benefit of all Australians today, and for generations to come.
Join us this Saturday, 4th July from 9:00am at the Tamworth Regional Landcare Nursery for a fantastic morning celebrating native plants and
sustainable living!
Browse our native nursery, grab a bargain at our $2 clearance sale on a wide range of native species, and take part in the Earth Oven &
Earthbag Building Workshop hosted by the Tamworth Community Organic Gardeners.
We can’t wait to see you there!🌱💚
Community spirit was on full display as Intrepid Landcare and Co-Exist came together with Friends of Moore Creek Caves for a successful tree planting day at Moore Creek Caves Reserve.
“If your inputs are no longer giving you the return you hoped for, it may not be a product problem — it could be a soil problem. Understanding where your nutrients actually sit is the first step to getting more from every dollar you spend.”
Growing Together: Soil, Sustainability and Native Gardens This Landcare Season
This July and August, TRLA’s Landcare Learning program brings together two inspiring events that highlight the powerful connection between
healthy soil, sustainable gardening, and thriving native habitats. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your knowledge,
these sessions offer practical insights for anyone passionate about caring for their patch—and the wider landscape.
TRLA was delighted to be part of an incredible Agricultural Careers Expo, joining 37 trade and industry stands to connect with students and
showcase the diverse opportunities available within Landcare, environmental management, agriculture, and natural resource management.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🌱 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.
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.
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.
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.”
2026 TRLA Small Grants Recipients Announced!!
We are excited to announce the recipients of our 2026 Small Grants Program, with over $21,000 awarded to support local environmental and
community initiatives across the region.
This year’s program attracted a strong and diverse range of applications from schools, Landcare groups and community organisations. The
quality of submissions was outstanding, reflecting the passion and commitment of our community to improving the environment, building
resilience and strengthening local connections.
Join the Upper Peel Landcare Group for a heartfelt afternoon at Nundle Memorial Hall, featuring a screening of the powerful Australian film Just a Farmer. This moving story explores resilience, grief, and the often-unspoken realities of life on the land, shining a light on the mental health challenges faced by farming families and the importance of reaching out and supporting one another.
This coming week we are selling our Lemon scented Gums for just $3.50!
Remember we are located at 300 Wallamore Road West Tamworth. Mondays, Wednesday & Fridays between 8:00am - 3:00pm.
A team from the Murray Darling Basin Authority (including its CEO Andrew McConville and a number of key technical staff) visited a number of the project sites along Water Gully on 19 April. This visit was part of an information gathering exercise to inform the current revision of the Murray Darling Basin Plan due to be released later this year, with the group wishing to better understand water issues and water management options in the Upper Namoi watershed catchment area.
Have you tried to get planning approval for works to protect or rehabilitate your riverbank from flooding?
As part of the Riverbank Rehabilitation Project, Local Land Services is undertaking work to better understand the challenges landholders
experience when seeking approvals for waterways and riverbank works across NSW.
This project includes an anonymous survey to capture insights on the time, cost, effort and approval processes landholders navigate when
undertaking riverbank rehabilitation works, and to identify where improvements could be made to better support landholders in the future.
Gunnible Landcare Inc has some new faces following a recent AGM and welcome a new Committee:
The Executive Committee for 2026 – 27 is:
President: Geoff Hood.
Vice President: Ian Pine.
Secretary: Lynette Sanson.
Treasurer: Margaret Hood.
Gunnible Landcare Inc has conducted environmentally focused projects in the Gunnedah area since 1997!
A casual get together for anyone concerned about feral birds like the Common (Indian) Myna and Common Starling. The event aims to bring
together likeminded people, together with the key supporters of the Tamworth LGA Feral Bird Control Program.
Tamworth Birdwatchers Inc will be launching the feral bird control trailer, funded by Tamworth Regional Council and made locally by the
Tamworth Community Men’s Shed. The trailer, to be parked on Council land, will offer local residents a free and convenient option for the
humane disposal of feral birds trapped at home.
Joe Maguire's Pub, 146-148 Peel St, Tamworth, NSW
Wednesday, May 13 from 4:30 – 7pm.
In 2026, the world celebrates the International Year of Volunteers 2026, recognising the incredible contribution volunteers make to communities everywhere—and here in our region, we see that impact every day. This year, Tamworth Regional Landcare Association’s Photography Competition invites you to capture those moments of generosity, connection, and quiet dedication through your lens.
Currawong Park Volunteers are making a powerful impact at a local level—bringing the community together to care of a small pocket of urban habitat. Through a recent letterbox drop and a feature on 7NEWS (aired 21 April, with spokespersons Lyn Allen, Phil Spark and Penny Milson), the group is shining a light on an issue that often goes unnoticed: the impact of roaming pet cats on native wildlife.
We invite primary schools within approximately 100 km of Bingara to take part in a full-day, hands-on excursion,
delivered in conjunction with Carbon 8, TRLA and LLS.
Students will engage in practical learning experiences exploring soil health, water cycles, biodiversity, and the important role farming
families play in supporting resilient communities.
Landcare Learning - The New Peasants Documentary: Urban & Peri Urban Food Production.
Discover how a new generation is transforming the way we grow and share food at our screening of The New Peasant this May 12.
Stay for a lively Q&A with local experts and community gardeners,
and follow the link to register or learn more.
A Little sneak peek into what's going to be on offer at our Nursery Open day on Saturday 18th April!!
The Friends of Moore Creek Caves Reserve would like to thank the Environment Club at McCarthy Catholic Collage and the science teacher Shaun
Nichols who runs the group.
Several large bags of shredded paper the students recycled was donated to the Friends of Moore Creek Caves Reserve and used for
mulching around new and old plantings as well as adding organic cover to some bare areas. We hope this partnership continues well
into the future!
Come along on Saturday, 18th April (9am–3pm) at 300 Wallamore Road, West Tamworth and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly day out. Explore the nursery, chat with friendly volunteers & staff and browse a great range of native plants for sale!!
Don’t miss the hands-on composting workshop with Dr Ernie Harbott, a great chance to learn practical tips for your garden and great for anyone wanting to improve soil health & reduce waste.
This is a free community event Bring the whole family and enjoy a day connecting with nature!
TRLA recently hosted two inspiring back-to-back events with native bee educator Clancy Lester, better know as the Bee Man, highlighting the critical role of pollinators and the power of community-driven conservation.
Kicking off at Landcare Learning on Tuesday 17 March, Clancy captivated a crowd of over 50 attendees from across the region. His engaging
presentation explored the fascinating world of native bees and their relationship with local plants, and how simple actions-
The 2026 State and Territory Landcare Awards stand as a prestigious biennial national Landcare Awards program. The Landcare Awards 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 Peoples, women in landcare, youth, Coastcare and children.
Come and be part of the INTREPID LANDCARE fun!
An exciting and innovative opportunity has emerged for environmentally conscious young people in our community. The Tamworth Regional
Landcare Association (TRLA) has launched an Intrepid Landcare Group, designed specifically for individuals from their
mid-teens through to their mid-30s.
This initiative invites schools, students, and passionate individuals to get involved in hands-on environmental activities, connect with
like-minded peers, and make a real difference locally.
On Wednesday, 18 March, students (together with their parents/guardians) at Kurrawong Park in Tamworth enjoyed an engaging and hands-on bee
hotel workshop with Clancy Lester, the “Bee Man.”
Clancy was an incredible presenter, and students were captivated by his knowledge and enthusiasm. They thoroughly enjoyed his presentation
while learning how to build a variety of bee hotels using different materials and designs to support native bee populations.
The Latest Calendar for any upcoming events hosted by the North West Local Land Services in March & April.
Do you know your General Biosecurity Duty?
These are some vital tips and resources to help prevent, eliminate and minimise pests, weeds, diseases and their impacts!!
The Fuel & Drought Crisis - Real Solutions Real Farmers!🌾
Farming is tough right now from rising fuel costs, ongoing drought, and plenty of uncertainty. This two-day workshop at Warrah Creek Hall is all about practical, real-world solutions from people who understand what you’re facing. Join Kevin Elmy and Mike McCosker to learn simple,
proven ways to build healthier soils, cut input costs, and improve resilience.🌾April 9–10, 2026
📍 Warrah Creek Hall
🍽 Morning tea & lunch provided
Bring your questions and come have a chat!
Tamworth Regional Landcare Association became a WildSeek Community Hub in 2022. The project received three years of funding to help identify koala populations within the Namoi Valley Region. In its first year, Landcare Australia with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) assisted the WildSeek Community Hub in obtaining equipment, survey methodology training, guidance in CASA approval for obtaining their RePL (Remote Pilot Licence) and ReOC (Remote Operator Certification).
At Cheyenne Dam in Somerton, NSW, our own Wayne and Nell Chaffey have transformed a drought-degraded farm dam into a thriving ecological asset through a project supported by the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation and Landcare Australia.
This project has already seen some great results from local native waterbirds retuning and improvement of habitat, it is a great model
of combining farm productivity with environmental stewardship.
Join Local Land Services for a practical, hands-on workshop exploring how cover crops can improve soil health and build resilience on your
farm.
📅 Monday 16 March 2026
📍 Emerald Hill Community Hall
Hear from industry experts, see a live roller-crimper demonstration, and learn about soil health, moisture outlooks and climate-smart farming practices.
Intrepid Landcare Property Tour – Kamilaroi Cattle Company
Last Saturday, 1st March, Intrepid Landcare participants gathered at Kamilaroi Cattle Company for a truly outstanding and insightful
property tour hosted by Charlie Thurgate.With a good group of engaged attendees, the day was marked by thoughtful questions, open discussion
and genuine curiosity.
🌱 Composting with Dr Ernie Harbott 🌱
Join North West Local Land Services for a hands-on composting workshop in Tamworth! Learn simple, practical skills to create healthy,
productive soil using sustainable methods.
🗓 Saturday, 18 April 2026
⏰ 9:00am – 3:00pm
📍 Tamworth Landcare Nursery, 300 Wallamore Rd, Westdale
Applications are now open for the Tamworth Regional Landcare Association Small Grants Program — a great opportunity to bring your local environmental or community project to life. Funding is available for practical, on-ground activities that support biodiversity, sustainability, and community engagement across our region. Get your ideas in before March 1 and let us help turn them into action!
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.