Latest News

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.”

TRLA Small Grants Recipient's

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.

Just A farmer Screening

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.

Nursery Weekly Sale!

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. 

Murray Darling Basin Authority Projects

 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 your say on waterway approvals

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.

Welcoming The New Committee of Gunnible Landcare Inc

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! 






 

Flying Ferals - Networking Event For Feral Bird Control

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.

Introducing the 2026 TRLA Photography Competition

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.

Roaming Pet Cats On Native Wildlife

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.

A Deep Dive into Soil, Water and the Little Critters in Our Environment – SCHOOLS Biodiversity Day

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

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.

TRLA Open Day Sneak Peek

A Little sneak peek into what's going to be on offer at our Nursery Open day on Saturday 18th April!!

TRLA Nursery Open Day!🌱

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!

Native Bees, Big Impact: Community Comes Together for Pollinators and Urban Biodiversity

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-

2026 State & Territory Landcare Awards

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.

Join the Intrepid Landcare Movement!

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.

Buzzing with Learning: Bee Hotel Workshop Inspires Students at Kurrawong Park!

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.

North West Local Land Services - March & April Events

The Latest Calendar for any upcoming events hosted by the North West Local Land Services in March & April. 

Know Your General Biosecurity Duty

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

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!

WildSeek Supports the Conservation and Rescue of Koalas and Other Native Species

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).  

Transforming Farm Dams into Ecological Assets Coca-Cola Australia and Landcare Australia

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.

Weathering the Seasons: Cover Crops for Climate Smart Farming

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

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 Workshop With Dr Ernie Harbott

🌱 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

TRLA Small Grants Program

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!

Meet Clancy Lester (The Bee Man) - Coming To Tamworth

If you’ve heard the buzz about native bees lately, chances are you’ve come across Clancy Lester — affectionately known as “The Bee Man.” Clancy is an environmental educator and researcher, focusing on Australia’s incredible native bees!

Landcare Learning - With Clancy Lester

You may have seen that Clancy Lester, also known as The Bee Man, is heading to Tamworth! Before building bee hotels at Currawong Park, Clancy will be our guest speaker at Landcare Learning on March 17 at UNE centre, where he’ll explore Australia’s native bees, their relationship with flowering plants, and simple, practical actions we can all take to support biodiversity.  This is a free event, with light refreshments but please visit the link and register to secure your seat. If you have any questions, please contact Susan – susan@trla.org.au or 0400590776

A Guided Bird Walk On The Farm

Join North West Local Land Services in Winton/Tamworth on 11 March (9:00am-12:00pm) for a fascinating morning exploring birds led by bird ecologist Steve Debus and local birdwatchers Alex Hunt and Denise Kane!

This engaging morning will explore topics such as recent bird surveys and the results of these surveys, the impact of farming practices on bird diversity and habitat features to support birdlife and much more.

Whether you're a landholder, bird enthusiast or simply curious about nature this is a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect and enjoy the outdoors.

Landcare Leadership Program – Chaffey Dam | 27–28 March

We’re excited to share an upcoming opportunity for young people to grow their leadership skills, connect with like-minded changemakers, and take part in hands-on environmental action.

The Landcare Leadership Program will be held at Chaffey Dam on 27–28 March and is open to young people aged 13–35.

Keeping Your Plants Going in the Extremes of Summer Heat

Our North West Slopes / Namoi Valley has its own very particular mix of heat, wind, clay soils and brutal dry spells. Below is advice that is informed by our hot summers, cracking clays, exposure, and regeneration-scale plantings. It also has application to suburban gardens  

North West Slopes & Namoi Valley (Bush Regeneration Plantings)

 

Exploring Grassy Box Woodlands and Wildlife Corridors

On 15 December, around 35 enthusiastic community members joined TRLA for a fascinating Grassy Box Woodland Field Trip, visiting Klori Travelling Stock Reserve (TSR) at Somerton for a morning session.

Blackville TreeTroff Update

Following my initial report on the TreeTroff installation at Blackville Public School on 4^th November, I made  a quick trip out to Blackville Public School on 15^th December. 

This was  an opportunity for staff, students and myself to gain more understanding of the process of the TreeTroff equipment and program...

Upper Mooki Landcare’s Creekbank Stabilization and Water Management workshop

28 Landowners attended Upper Mooki Landcare’s Creekbank Stabilization and Water Management workshop on 15th November.  Presented by landowner and UMLC member Roger Ottery, and UMLC Chair Andrew Wylie, the day was well planned, enabling participants to visit 3 varying sites.  These included observation of a new paddock swale with spill, use of embedded logs to direct creek water flow,  and a demonstration of making and placing Rock Bags and a Rock Mattress directly into the creek.  The day was beautifully catered for by UMLC members and finished with a BBQ on the creek and much ongoing dialogue.  Feedback was very positive and included requests for return visits to monitor the progress of the sites. 

Save the Date for Landcare Adventure 2026

Mark your calendars for next year's Landcare Adventure and Regional Landcare Awards!  Speakers include Ian and Di Haggerty, Bruce Maynard, Pip Jones and many more