Latest News

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.

•         To find out more click here
•         To register, please complete the survey https://bit.ly/NSWGrassyWoodland

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

Landcare Learning - A prickly problem

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!

🌿 Biodiversity & Productivity – Tamworth Workshop | 15 May 🌿

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.

📅 When: Wednesday, 15 May

🐾 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.

🔗 Take the survey here:
https://federation.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Mqz9Vzs9m7kdNk

🎓 Research by Bhola Paudel, PhD Candidate
✔️ Approved by Federation University Human Research Ethics Committee (2024/228)

Habitat Talk and Open Day

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! 🌱

Habitat Augmentation at Barraba

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.

🌿 Holistic Management: A Foundation for Regeneration 🌱

We're excited to share an incredible opportunity for landholders, farmers, and anyone passionate about Regenerative Agriculture!

Join the 8-day Holistic Management course in Tamworth, delivered over four 2-day sessions between July and November 2025.

💡 Learn how to improve: ✅ Farm profitability
✅ Paddock resilience
✅ Land health & biodiversity

📅 Course dates:

• Session 1: July 15-16
  
• Session 2: August 12-13
  
• Session 3: September 9-10
  
• Session 4: November 11-12
  

📍 Location: Tamworth
💰 Cost: $2420 per person
📩 Enquiries: kerry@insideoutsidemgt.com.au
🔗 More info: www.insideoutsidemgt.com.au

“Absolutely recommend attending this course – it is truly life-changing.”
– Dierdre Mikkelson, past participant 🌾

#RegenAg #HolisticManagement #TamworthFarming #Landcare #SustainableFarming #InsideOutsideManagement

Community Tree Planting for the Whole Family

The Friends of Moore Creek Caves Reserve

Invite You
 
To a community family friendly tree planting morning
In the reserve at the end of Maysteers Lane
(off Moore Creek Road)

On Saturday 19^th April 2025 between 9:00am and 12:00

Feral Bird Trap

🚨 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. 🙌

📽️ Watch the video here:
👉 The Making of a Feral Bird Trap

🕊️ Let’s protect our native birdlife and give them the space they need to thrive! 💚
More resources here: tamworthbirdwatchers.com

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.

Glossies, Pizza and Gelato at Dusk

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 11^th 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.

The Great Bee Morning Tea

Enjoy a delicious morning tea featuring tasty treats made with locally sourced honey. Kids will love our special workshop where they can get creative and build their very own little bee hotels—perfect for supporting our buzzing friends at home!

While you're here, explore our nursery and shop for bee-friendly plants to enhance your garden and help support local pollinators!

🍂 Autumn Plant Sale – Beautify Your Space and Support the Environment! 🍂

As the days grow cooler and the colours deepen, it’s the perfect time to plant! This autumn, we’re offering a special selection of hardy natives and unique indoor plants at discounted prices to help you green your garden, rejuvenate your space, and support local biodiversity.

Take advantage of our Autumn Special on the following plants: