Our 2026 TRLA Photo Competition is all about capturing the amazing volunteers in our community—the people who help others, care for
places, and make a difference every day.
Grab your camera or phone, start snapping, and show us the helpers and heroes you see around you—then head to the TRLA website to enter!
Link for Entries -
https://pci.jotform.com/form/262387522326863
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
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)
Planting trees is a long-term investment in the health, productivity and resilience of your property. While the act of planting may still be a few months away, now is the ideal time to start planning and preparing for your autumn planting program, a season widely recognised as the most successful time to establish farm trees.
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.
Following my initial report on the TreeTroff installation at Blackville Public School on 4th November, I made a quick trip
out to Blackville Public School on 15th December.
This was an opportunity for staff, students and myself to gain more understanding of the process of the TreeTroff equipment and
program...
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.
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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
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A reminder for Gomeroi Yinarr members and friend to join GYL for a warm Cuppa & Catch-Up on Saturday 21st December.
The catchups provide a gentle space to yarn, breathe out, reconnect, and share some end-of-year joy together.
Bring your stories, your laughter, your sisterhood — and we’ll bring the cuppas.
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Join us for a guided bus trip to the Klori Travelling Stock Route near Somerton with ecologist David Carr from Stringybark Ecological. Explore a rare remnant grassy-box woodland rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, and learn about the conservation value of these unique ecosystems. We’ll then visit the McVeigh family property, “Aytonlea,” Winton, where over 7,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted to create a thriving, biodiverse landscape. The day will conclude with lunch at Aytonlea and an opportunity to reflect on how thoughtful land management can balance conservation and productivity across our rural environments.
Come and join the fun!🤩
An exciting and innovative opportunity for environmentally conscious youth is on the horizon!
The Tamworth TRLA is establishing an INTREPID LANDCARE GROUP targeted at individuals ranging from their mid-teens to their mid-30s. We
encourage schools, school students, and interested individuals to contact us if this initiative piques your interest. What actions can
Intrepid Landcare take to empower you, young individuals, and communities to engage in meaningful activities? Enabling stuff that happens-
Intrepid Landcare Australia (https://intrepidlandcare.org/enabling-stuff-that-happens/)
Contact: Kate Spry
Email: kate@trla.orga.au
Ph: 0428 267 912
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Community Takes Action on Common ‘Indian’ Myna Tamworth
If you’ve spent time around Tamworth’s Peel Street cafés, you’ve probably noticed the cheeky Indian Mynas darting between tables, snatching
crumbs, and leaving more than a little mess behind. While they might look harmless, these introduced birds are a serious pest — and local
community members are banding together to do something about it.
On Tuesday I (Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah Local Landcare Coordinator) had the great pleasure of joining the students and staff of Blackville Public School, and Wes Leedham and Carl Holmsby from the NSW DET Environmental Education Centre at Coonabarabran, to install a Tree Troff in the playground.
Did you miss the landcare conference? If so, You can now watch all the speaker presentation videos from the 2025 National Landcare Conference, and the 2025 National Landcare Awards event online. We have also published over 50 poster presentations that were on display at the conference.
I know we have a few people among us who has an interest in soils, or if you just want to learn a bit more check out this podcast which was
sent to us by Helen. If anyone else has any resources they would like to share let us know!. Thank you Helen 🙏
https://open.spotify.com/show/3GTWyj92WzwyW7iLmc8sY9?si=Kw5BkEn8RdyqeaEhiuqunQ
Wilmot Field Day brings together global experts in the field of nature friendly farming and invites you through the farmgate to see
regenerative grazing and farming practices in action.
Walk through the paddocks with regen ag expert @Allen Wiliams (USA), jump into a soil pit with Dr @Susan Orgill of @Impact Ag Australia, or
join a candid discussion on the future of our food system with farmers who are forging new market pathways.
Whether you’re passionate about soils, pastures, plants or livestock, you can be sure to find something on the program to spark your
interest.
Tickets are discounted for a limited time only. Find them here:https://wilmotfieldday.com.au/tickets/
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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 !!!!
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?
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
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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.
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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 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.
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...
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.
Are you curious about regenerative agriculture or already experimenting on your property?
We’re inviting landholders from Nemingha, Loomberah, Dungowan, Woolomin and surrounding areas to come together for a casual,
landholder-to-landholder chat.
This is purely a networking opportunity to share experiences and ideas within our small area.
If there’s enough interest, we’ll arrange a relaxed dinner meet-up at the Dungowan Pub.
Interested?
Email Ninna at ninna@trla.org.au to put your name down or ask questions.
Let’s build local connections and share practical knowledge about regenerative agriculture.
We still have a few plants let on our $2.00-$3.00 sales rack. Call in to check them out. Would be great to get these cleared as we have lots on new ones coming on.
Building a stronger North West Landcare Community was the order of the day at a recent get together in Barraba...
Upper Mooki Landcare Inc is presenting a free half day workshop for farmers (and gardeners!) with Graeme Sait.
This is a great opportunity to hear a globally respected author, educator, and founder of Nutri-Tech Solutions (NTS)—a pioneering
company in organic and regenerative agriculture, offering cutting-edge inputs and world-class education. Graeme has trained over 47,000
farmers and consultants across four continents.
Graeme’s online content is found at https://nutri-tech.com.au/pages/nutrition-farming-podcast and Nutrition Matters Blog: https://blog.nutri-tech.com.au/
A sought-after keynote speaker, Graeme regularly presents at international conferences and advises at government level. His talks are
frequently described as "life-changing" by attendees. Take advantage of a great local education event!
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Got a pest problem?
Feral pigs, foxes, cats or Indian mynas giving you grief? Join pest control expert Donald Barwick for a no-nonsense,
hands-on Q&A session and discover what really works.
Gomeroi Yinarr Landcare invites you to join us for our monthly community gathering every 3rd Sunday of the month at Tamworth Mountain Bike Park.Come along, share a cuppa, a yarn, and enjoy the beauty of Country together. Everyone is welcome. Our next gathering will be on Sunday 21st September, we’d love to see you there, bring a chair!
Nature Journaling with Henrietta
On Saturday, 6 September, Tamworth Regional Landcare Association had the pleasure of welcoming Henrietta Moone, ecologist, natural history
illustrator, and founder of the Hunter Region Field Naturalists and Nature Journaling Club, for a wonderful nature journaling workshop.
Henrietta’s work combines science, art, and conservation, creating watercolour paintings, felted sculptures, and educational resources for
schools, government, and community programs. Through her passion, she demonstrates how nature journaling can become a tool for conservation,
helping people connect deeply with the natural world.
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Upper Mooki Landcare is supporting a short, informal gathering for locals interested in soil health. This will be an opportunity to meet others and information is applicable to grazing, cropping or the home gardeners.The workshop is free – but please register with Nicky Chirlian (Local Landcare Coordinator) on 0488056199 or at nicky@trla.org.au
This a moving story that goes beyond the dust and fences to reveal the emotional strength, struggles, and resilience of rural life.
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.
Mari ngiyani winangaylanha ganunga-waanda yanaylanha, dhaymaarr ganugu-waanda nhama ngarrangarranmaldanhi. [We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first people and custodians of this land] Gomeroi People are the traditional custodians of the waterways and the land on which we work and live. Tamworth Regional Landcare Association pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal people.
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