Beyond Soil Sustainability

Upper Mooki Landcare conducted a very successful workshop “Beyond Soil Sustainability: Wisdom from Gabe Brown, Col Seis & Walter Jehne” on March 3rd 2025.

Originally planned to be held at the historic Windy Woolshed, a wild storm resulted in the woolshed roof being damaged and the venue moved to the Theatre Royal in Quirindi.  Liverpool Plains Shire Council provided support to bring the Theatre out of mothballs, and it was fabulous to see a full theatre with around 350 people attending.

Jason Allen provided a thought provoking Welcome to Country including the Yurrandaali Dreamtime Animation - Creator of the Liverpool Plains https://youtube.com/watch?v=CWpNHfprIKg&si=qKM42zu9vGRtz0Dn

Gabe, Colin and Walter are recognised across the world as leaders in regenerative agriculture and their presentations were testament to their depth of knowledge and ability to share their wisdom and experience – truly Regen Rock Stars!

Stuart Austin proved to be an excellent MC, particularly in managing lively panel sessions with questions coming live from the audience and through a Whats App group created for the day, which is providing ongoing communication for participants.

Suzannah Cowley from Nviro Media managed radio and TV coverage, and is supplying podcasts.  Nicky Chirlian, Susan Wilson and Kate Spry provided TRLA support to the event and Wayne Chaffey rounded off the day with a vote of thanks to speakers and organisers.

Check out Upper Mooki Landcare’s Facebook page for more information and photos!

Nicky Chirlian
Liverpool Plains & Gunnedah Landcare Coordinator


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Bendemeer Students Join the TreeTroff Biodiversity Project

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

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 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.

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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.

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