Celebrating Our Own –
Nell Chaffey Wins National Landcare Award

We’re absolutely thrilled to share that our very own Nell Chaffey has been recognised on the national stage, taking out the Women in Landcare Award at the 2025 National Landcare Awards on the Gold Coast.

Anyone who’s met Nell knows this recognition is well deserved. She has spent decades quietly but passionately caring for her patch of land and inspiring others to do the same. From restoring riparian zones and building habitat for woodland birds, to planting native understory for pollinators and improving soil health through regenerative practices, Nell’s work demonstrates how practical, on-ground action can heal landscapes over time. 

Nell is also a passionate advocate for education and community engagement. She has worked alongside schools, Landcare groups, and community members to share her knowledge, from identifying local flora and fauna to managing weeds and maintaining biodiversity on working farms. Her generosity with time and experience has inspired countless others to get involved and see that caring for Country is something everyone can do, in their own backyard or paddock. Nell’s approach has always been hands-on and heart-first.

At the awards ceremony, Nell spoke with her usual humility, saying she hopes the recognition shines a light on the incredible work of Landcare groups everywhere:

“It’s really about all of us working together to care for Country. Every small action adds up.”

We couldn’t be prouder to see a local champion representing our region and reminding the rest of Australia what community-driven land stewardship looks like.

Congratulations, Nell - and thank you for all you do to keep the Landcare spirit alive across the North West.


Latest News



Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides)

Meet Vetiver, a remarkable grass with deep roots and big benefits. Known for its ability to stabilise soil, reduce erosion, and filter runoff, Vetiver is a powerhouse for land restoration and water management. Its dense root system binds the soil, making it ideal for creek banks, dam edges, and steep slopes, while also providing habitat and shelter for insects and small wildlife. Tough, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance, Vetiver is nature’s own erosion control expert.


Bird habitat plants

Discover four standout native plants that bring life to your garden and provide vital food and shelter for local birds. In this short video, we showcase Ruby Saltbush, a hardy shrub with vibrant berries loved by small birds; Midgen Berry, a sweet-fruited groundcover that attracts fruit-eaters; Prickly Blackthorn, a protective haven for nesting species; and Wonga Wonga Vine, a lush climber offering both nectar and cover. Together, these species create a thriving, bird-friendly habitat right in your backyard.


Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timoriense)

The Burdekin Plum is a striking native tree that’s as beautiful as it is beneficial. Its glossy leaves and dark, plum-like fruits make it a standout feature in any landscape, while also providing an important food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife. Traditionally valued as a bush tucker plant, its fruit can be eaten raw or ripened off the tree for a rich, tangy flavour. Hardy and adaptable, the Burdekin Plum is perfect for creating shade, supporting biodiversity, and bringing a touch of the tropics to your garden.


Smooth Darling Pea (Swainsona galegifolia)

Native treasure!  The Smooth Darling Pea (Swainsona galegifolia) in full bloom! With pinnate grey-green leaves and a rainbow of pea-shaped flowers, it’s more than just a pretty face, it’s a nitrogen-fixer, a wildlife helper and a hardy garden star. Just a heads up: beautiful as it is, it’s not ideal for grazing zones.


Tamworth Peri Urban Pest Information Session

🐗 Take charge against pests in your patch!
Join North West Local Land Services, Tamworth Regional Council, and Tamworth Regional Landcare for a community info session on managing feral pigs, goats, and deer in your area.

📍 Nemingha Hall, 42–44 Back Kootingal Road, Nemingha
🗓 Thursday 14 November 2025
9:30 am – 11:30 am

 Learn about control options, trapping techniques, disease safety, and meet your local Biosecurity Officer.
Don’t miss this chance to get practical, on-ground advice to protect your property and the environment!


Get in Touch - Soil Workshop

A group of local farmers gathered at the Currabubula Hotel early on 27th September to hear farmers Ian Pine, Amy Perfrement, Neville Watts and James Filby present a range of information on the beneficial effects of soil organisms and their use as a measure of soil health, and their interaction with agriculture.


Graeme Sait Workshop

Upper Mooki Landcare Inc was fortunate to be offered 4 hours of Graeme Sait’s (Nutritech) time on 8th October 2025.  This intensive short workshop was attended by 28 farmers from Delungra, Gunnedah, Tamworth and the local area who gave extremely positive feedback on the event. 


Landcare Learning - Trivia Night

TRLA invites you to join us for a fun-filled Trivia Night to wrap up 2025! Come along on Friday, November 21, at 6:00 PM for a 6:30 start, at the Ibis Styles Motel Ebsworth St, West Tamworth ,for an evening of laughs, prizes, and community connection. Grab your friends and test your knowledge over drinks, canapes, and good company! You may even win a prize !!!!


Lessons from the Land - The Sheep Producer Session

Webinar hosted by LLS

When times get tough, there’s no shortage of technical advice – but what’s often missing are the real, practical insights from producers who’ve lived it. This session is designed especially for sheep producers, offering candid reflections and advice from NSW sheep producers who have faced dry times firsthand.  

Tune in to hear stories, gain insights, ask questions, and take away practical strategies. This session will cover managing flock health and nutrition during dry periods, making critical farm management decisions, adapting farm practices for resilience, and navigating the personal and family challenges that come with tough seasons. 

Why join? 

  • A session tailored specifically for sheep producers 
  • Real stories and strategies from producers on the ground 
  • Engage in discussion, ask questions, and sharpen your strategy for tough seasons 


Register now to secure your spot and be part of this valuable conversation. 


Nemingha Community Garden Open Day & Workshop

Come along to the Nemingha Community Garden and enjoy a fun, hands-on day outdoors while learning new gardening skills. This month’s theme is Organic Pest Control, with special guest speaker Sean Tobin from Heemskerks Nursery.

What’s happening on the day:
✨ Free BBQ lunch
🎟 Raffle prizes (cash only)
🌱 Hands-on activity – take home your creation
🌻 Guided tours of the garden and a neighbouring garden
🍅 Market swap table – bring produce to swap or purchase (cash only)
👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly fun – children welcome!

Please bring your own chair.

NO RSVP NEEDED


Regen Farmers Pub Meetup

Join us for an informal evening of conversation and connection with other regenerative farmers and like-minded landholders.
Share stories, ideas, and inspiration over dinner and drinks in a relaxed setting.


TRLA Native Plant Nursery Open Day

Here’s what’s happening on the day:
- Build a No-dig Garden with the Tamworth Community Organic Gardeners, learn sustainable garden-building techniques.
- Meet the Critters with Phil Spark, discover some of our fascinating local wildlife up close.
- Explore the Nursery, browse our range of local native plants and chat with the friendly TRLA team.

 Free community event • Family-friendly • Everyone welcome!


Celebrating Our Own – Nell Chaffey Wins National Landcare Award

Celebrating a Landcare Champion: Nell Chaffey
National Women in Landcare Award recipient – 2025

We are thrilled to share the excellent news that Nell Chaffey, from the Tamworth region of New South Wales, has been awarded the Women in Landcare Award at the 2025 National Landcare Awards.


AgQuip 2025

The weather posed several challenges at this year's AgQuip, however our stand helpers rose to the challenge, sharing information about Landcare across the region with a diverse range of attendees...


Ngiyaani and Big Little Lowlines are looking for a part time Steward

Escape the routine and join our regenerative farming family! We’re looking for a practical, reliable individual to help care for our Australian Lowline cattle stud and beautiful property.

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.

LEARN MORE LEARN MORE

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.

APPLY NOW APPLY NOW