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New england & North West 2340 Landcare Adventure Conference

Guest Speakers

Andrew Watson

Andrew Watson is a 6th generation mixed cropping and cattle producer from Boggabri NSW.  Along with his wife Heike, he farms 3,600ha in the Namoi Valley west of Tamworth growing crops and stock with a focus of long term ecological and economic sustainability.  

Andrew has an Honours degree in Agricultural Economics, Graduate Diplomas in Applied Finance & Investment and Technical Analysis and has graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ course. Andrew also holds an Advanced Diploma in Agriculture.

Kilmarnock Farming has been honoured with various National Production and Sustainability Awards.

Andrew is currently on the Boards of NSW Irrigator Council and Namoi Water Ltd, and is a past Chairman and board member of Cotton Australia Ltd. Andrew has sat on numerous National and State Policy Boards and representative bodies.

Kristy Peters  

Kristy Peters is a wildlife ecologist with over 15 years’ experience living and working in the Hunter Valley, New England and Northern Tablelands regions. She grew up in Tamworth and later undertook her Honours research at the UNE focusing on occupancy and detectability of woodland bird species. Kristy is particularly passionate about our bird and microbat fauna, with her research focusing on woodland birds, microbats, and the use of acoustic recorders, remote cameras and nest boxes as monitoring tools. She currently works as a Woodland Bird Project Coordinator with BirdLife Australia, our country’s largest bird conservation charity. 

Kristy is currently leading a partnership project between BirdLife Australia and Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council aiming to bring the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater back to traditional lands ravaged by wildfires in the Tomalpin Woodlands. Bushfires have severely diminished the mistletoe – a key food and nesting resource – from the woodland canopy, and are unable to regenerate from intense wildfires. Kristy will share how in badly burnt areas on Wonnarua Country, our team of ecologists, First Nations conservationists and arborists are seeding the forests with Long-flowered Mistletoe to boost woodland bird diversity – a world-first in habitat restoration of this type and scale. Learn about how these amazing native plants can boost wildlife populations in woodland, agricultural and urban landscapes, and help our wonderful woodland birds adapt to a changing climate.


Kerrie Saunders & Angela Pattison

Yaama, and hello! Our names are Kerrie Saunders and Angela Pattison. Kerrie is a Kamilarori/Gomeroi woman from Moree, NSW where she was born, raised and still resides. She’s passionate about foods, native grains and the sustainability of country. She is co-founder and owner of ‘Yinarr-ma’ which conducts bush tucker tours along the Mehi River. She is also a member of Moree Urban Landcare where which does restoration and planting native vegetation along the river bank, and a technician with Sydney University at the Narrabri Campus on the Indigenous Grassland for Grain project.

Angela Pattison is an agricultural researcher based in Narrabri, where she resides with her husband and kids. Starting her career breeding wheat and legumes with The University of Sydney, more recently she has been investigating how to bring back some of the grains which were historically eaten by Aboriginal people in this region on the Indigenous Grasslands for Grain project. She is passionate about supporting systems which sustainably produce food for future generations, local communities and the world.

Do you know what foods grow naturally on Gomeroi Country? Could you produce a loaf of bread from a native grassland? This presentation will encourage the everyday person, from urban to rural landholders, to understand native foods in their natural surroundings and how this can feed your family, the community and, maybe one day, the world. (Sneak peak – we will cook native grain bread in this presentation!)


Grant Hilliard

Grant Hilliard is the founder and co-owner of Feather and Bone, a Sydney-based retailer and wholesaler of meat and poultry. Starting in 2006, Feather and Bone has a long history of championing regeneratively-minded agricultural producers, foregrounding their particular practice and engaging with their customers in a direct and powerful way.

Feather and Bone’s insistence on full transparency at every stage of the production and distribution chain accurately anticipated consumer concerns around animal welfare and the environmental footprint of food production. In 2020 Grant, with co-owner Laura Dalrymple, published 'The Ethical Omnivore’, a detailed guide to their butchery practice.

Grant will talk from his experience of working with hundreds of different producers over nearly two decades to illustrate ways farmers can think about their own enterprise and why being able to clearly articulate their story is both important and necessary.

Dr Vicki Stokes

Dr Vicki Stokes is a Senior Wildlife Ecologist with Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) based in Narrabri. Vicki works on the Pilliga project in the Pilliga State Conservation Area, which is a partnership between the NSW Government and AWC to reintroduce regionally extinct native mammals back to the Pilliga, such as the Bilby and the Bridled Nailtail Wallaby. Vicki has nearly 20 years’ experience working in ecology and has worked across the country in a variety of roles and on a diverse range of projects. Vicki is passionate about conserving our native wildlife and the natural areas they depend on and enjoys inspiring others to learn more about our many unique plants and animals. In her spare time, Vicki loves bushwalking, bird watching and wildlife photography. 

In the Pilliga forest, the NSW government and Australian Wildlife Conservancy work together to restore threatened animals to the area that have been regionally extinct for over 100 years. Feral predators, foxes and cats, were and continue to be a major cause of declines of many species of native mammal in the region.  Consequently, an important part of the project has been constructing a conservation fence around a 5, 800 ha area of the Pilliga forest, that keeps feral predators out. It was then a major task to remove all the feral predators from inside the fence. Only once feral predator-free status was achieved, did reintroduction commence of regionally extinct mammals, including the Greater Bilby and Bridled Nailtail Wallaby. Their populations have been steadily growing and over time are expected to contribute to important ecosystem processes, with signs of this already visible. Continued monitoring highlights the benefits of such conservation efforts.

Guy Roth

Guy Roth is the Director Northern Region Agriculture at The University of Sydney’s Narrabri Campus. He has worked for 25 years as a scientist, research manager and educator in agriculture in north west NSW. He is Chair of the National Primary Industries Water Use in Agriculture, Research and Development & Extension strategy and has recently completed a Landcare project on Digital agriculture.


Cameron Leckie

Cameron Leckie is the Regional Soil Coordinator for the Southern Queensland and Northern NSW Innovation Hub. Looking for a career change, he completed an agricultural engineering degree, for which he received a University Medal, and during which he developed a fascination for soil. He is currently studying a PhD investigating the spatial variability of infiltration at the sub-paddock scale.

 

Outline:
.           Overview of the National Soil Strategy
.           Soil Capacity Gap Analysis 
            - Method
            - Preliminary Findings: The Good and The Bad
            - Get Involved
            - Future steps

Bronwyn Brennan

Bronwyn Brennan is a Senior Environmental Scientist at Tamworth Regional Council. She works across TRC assisting with environmental compliance, sustainability outcomes and ecosystem management. Prior to this, Bronwyn has a background in agricultural research and soil science. 

Landfill capping is mandated by the EPA post closure, and traditionally achieved through compacted clay. Phytocaps present an opportunity achieve improved environmental outcomes with cheaper, or more readily available inputs. The Forest Road phytocap is the first landfill cap of its kind in NSW outside of the original trial sites at Lismore. This presentation will compare the benefits of phytocaps with traditional landfill capping, look at how and why these benefits occur, and discuss the lessons learnt at the Forest Road site. 

Aurelie Quade

Aurelie has been working in the horticultural and agricultural research industry in the UK and Australia for nearly 20 years. Her research has attracted funding from government organisations, GRDC, the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, and private organisations Pioneer Hi-Bred and Snowy River Seeds. She specialised in plant-pathogen interactions and identified resistance genes in canola and maize. Her latest work, on the genetic diversity of pathogen population, assisted maize breeding programs in developing durable resistance. In recent years, she decided to concentrate her knowledge and research skills to support and develop a sustainable, yet financially viable, agriculture for Australia. Aurelie is now involved with Australian Soil Management (ASM) in supporting R&D projects over Eastern Australia. The R&D projects aim to increase soil organic carbon and productivity in various agro-ecological regions and farming systems. ASM has a tradition of developing innovative and novel approaches to increasing soil organic carbon, supporting land managers and farmers achieve their full soil health, productivity, and ACCUs potential.

 

Richard & Janet Doyle

Richard and Janet Doyle run a beef cattle breeding and trading operation on their property “Malgarai” on the Macintyre River Floodplain 8 kms east of Boggabilla in Northern NSW.  They have committed to regenerate the soils on Malgarai to create a diverse ecosystem above and below the ground, and to support a profitable and resilient grazing enterprise.  Richard and Janet have embarked on a lifetime of learning and share their experiences, good and bad, on their regenerative journey in a hope to encourage and support others in their own endeavours.


Santos Amadeo

With over a decade of work experience on farm, Santos has witnessed first-hand the complexities of managing landscapes while producing food and fibre. Be it cropping, grazing livestock or even forestry, in all of these different industries, Santos has found a common issue and what is perhaps modern agriculture's greatest dilemma: the deterioration of the natural resources it depends upon.

With the drive and passion for finding the answers to this dilemma, Santos moved to Australia to further his studies through a master's degree in agroecology. After completion, he found South Pole Australia, the perfect fit to pursue a career, filling the gap between research and farming in his nature-based solutions sourcing specialist role. He firmly believes that finding harmony in integrating agriculture to its surrounding ecology is key to solving today's pressing issues.

This presentation highlights land management as a comprehensive and integrated approach, taking into account the entire landscape rather than just individual components. This perspective combines the goals of carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation in order to achieve optimal outcomes for farming enterprises. By farming in harmony with the local ecosystem, this approach seeks to balance the needs of human society with those of the natural environment.


Roger Ottery

Roger Ottery started out in technology and finance, and had family exposure to the dairy industry in the Hunter Valley. In 2003 Roger and partner Jill started beef cattle production, and moved to ‘The Oaks’ at Big Jacks Creek in 2008 where they run a commercial Angus breeding and fattening business.

The business focus is on high quality food production, and profitability, and increasingly on the environmental sustainability and restoring the natural functions of soils, waterways and diversity that underpin those goals.

Several projects have been undertaken with LLS and Landcare related to riparian zone restoration, as well as rehydrating landscapes, and more managed grazing practices.

In 2019 Upper Mooki Landcare planned a group project focussed on ‘Rehydrating the landscape’ open to landholders in the Upper Mooki catchment and we joined in. Rehydration is a broad topic, and on our property Jill and I undertook 3 activities –

  • converting contours to Swales
  • conversion annual fodder area to permanent pasture
  • additional creek fencing

My presentation will cover the 3 points in that project, and also my journey in how I see land care.

Business/Property description

‘The Oaks’ is located in the foothills on the north of the Liverpool ranges. It provides the ability to graze native pastures as well as grow fodder crops to breed and finish Angus cattle. On the property are Big Jacks Creek and Oaks Creek allowing only managed stock access.


Lu Hogan 

Lu is based at UNE where she is the Manager of the Armidale Node of the Southern Qld and N NSW Innovation Hub funded by the Future Drought Fund. She has a degree in Agricultural Science and post graduate qualifications in Agricultural Consulting and worked extensively in research, development and extension for the livestock sector with MLA, AWI, Sheep CRC and UNE. Lu has also been a livestock producer throughout her career in a range of locations from the western rangelands to the high rainfall New England.

Emmanuela (Manu) Prigioni

Emmanuela (Manu) Prigioni is a social entrepreneur, artist, Permaculture designer and regenerative urban food grower based in the Blue Mountains. Her passion for restoring land and regenerative systems was born in 2014 when she overcame postnatal depression through growing and restoring her home garden, and reconnecting to place and community. This experience convinced her to change her path from media arts to land restoration and social outreach. After completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Media Arts and working as a part time lecturer at UNSW Art and Design, she completed a Full-Time Diploma of Permaculture at The National Environment Centre, TAFE Riverina Institute and a Milkwood Permaculture Design Course. She then obtained Permaculture teacher training with Rosemary Morrow, and learnt about regenerative land management by volunteering in several First Nations-led initiatives, including David King’s Garguree Swampcare and Darug man Uncle Lex’s ‘The Ganya,’ where she learnt and developed a passion and interest in cultural burning practices. She recently obtained Cultural Awareness training at Merana Aboriginal Community Association in the Hawkesbury. She also studied soil microbiology by completing full time correspondence study with Doctor Elaine Ingham. Her work has involved regular public speaking, coordinating the Farm It Forward social enterprise and taking part in local community work. Since the beginning of her practise as a Permaculturalist in 2015, her passion lies in advocating and public speaking, helping others connect to land, place and community. Her work with Farm It Forward has been focused on creating a space to create and foster community interconnection. The Farm It Forward social enterprise she co-founded has fostered community resilience through bushfires, floods and pandemic since the beginning of 2019.

Short outline of your presentation Social entrepreneur Manu Prigioni will be telling the story of how a social enterprise in the Blue Mountains pioneered a unique way of growing local resilience in and around our towns and cities, whilst simultaneously increasing food security, restoring soil, caring for community and addressing issues of social isolation.

Mr Weedy aka David Trood

David Trood is an Australian-born, prize-winning travel and commercial photographer who pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling with his passionate narrative of people and nature. For over thirty years he successfully completed thousands of photographic assignments in over 40 countries. David has been called a Hasselblad Master and is a valued contributor at Getty Images. He was born in Queensland and was based in Denmark (until 2020). Since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 he has made his home in Northern NSW where he has turned his passion into growing organic food through the land management design of Permaculture. He documented his learning process and garden growing through his regular, online videos, The Weedy Garden, which turned into a YouTube sensation

Wally Hammond

Wally is a proud Gomeroi mari, born in Moree who has lived and worked in Tamworth for many years. Currently, Wally works with North West Local Land Services as an Aboriginal Community Support Officer on the Kamalaroi Guda Koalas and Warratah Projects liaising closely with the community to increase awareness and engagement in projects. Both NW LLS projects have a significant cultural heritage component with long-term goals for the protection and improvement of biodiversity values, enhancing habitat for koalas and other endangered species, including protecting significant Indigenous cultural sites

Martin Thoms

Martin Thoms is the Professor of River Science at the University of New England.  He and his post graduate students have been researching the rivers and floodplains of the Murray Darling Basin for over 25 years.  He is a member of the newly established Water in the Landscape Initiative (WiLi) that is working with and for the regional community of the Upper Namoi Valley.  As a collective, WiLi seeks to tackle those ‘wicked’ water problems that we all seeks to solve.

Dr Oliver Knox

Dr Knox is originally from Scotland with degrees from the University of Aberdeen in Genetics and Plant and Soil Sciences. He first worked in Australia in the cotton industry from 2003 to 2008 before returning to Scotland and working mainly on bulky organic fertilisers including composts, manures, digestate and biochar in various agricultural systems. He returned to Australia and UNE in 2014 to take up a Cotton RDC co-funded post as the co-ordinator of the Cotton Hub at UNE, which seeks to deliver cross disciplinary work on the issues affecting production of sustainable cotton. His interests are holistic, working with cropping systems and how the plant, abiotic and biotic soil components interact. He works on projects that range from broad acre farm management to the microscopic life of our soils. To connect these scales, he has been instrumental in developing and delivering #soilyourundies to Australia as a means to assess your soil health.

Dr Gundula Rhoades

Dr Gundi Rhoades was born in Germany and studied veterinary medicine in Hannover.  After qualifying as a veterinary surgeon, she moved to England where she worked in small animal and mixed practices for 7 years. She moved to Australia in 1998, married a beef cattle farmer, passed her Australian Veterinary Examination and had three children. During the last 20 years in Australia, she ran the farm first with and then without her husband breeding Angus bulls, and then converting the property to organic. She started her own mixed animal practice in 2002 and has grown this to a 3.5 vet successful clinic in Inverell, NSW. She has always worked full-time as a veterinarian, treating pets as well as horses, cattle, sheep and goats. She is as comfortable in the operating theatre as in the cattle yards pregnancy testing cows all day long. While doing all of what ‘normal vets’ do, her special focus is on nutritional medicine. During her years as a veterinarian and farmer, she has developed a keen interest in the soil, the health of animals and people, and has ‘connected the dots’ between disease and chemical farming, she wrote a book ‘The Food Solution . Dr Gundula Rhoades


Craig Little

Craig’s role with Landcare NSW is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships, processes, and protocols that lead to increasing engagement between Aboriginal people, Landcare groups, networks and coordinators. The role will provide support and advice to Landcare NSW in developing mutually beneficial engagement and strengthened relations between Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations and Landcare at local, regional and state levels across NSW whilst recognising the extensive relationships that already exist in local and regional contexts.

Craig is a Githabul man from the Border Ranges area and has a connection to Yaegl in the Clarence River area. He has worked for Clarence Valley Council, TAFE NSW and Namatjira Haven Drug and Alcohol Healing Centre in Alstonville. He has connections with most communities from Coffs Harbour to the Border Ranges and is active in the Yaegl Elders group that meet with schools for advice and help run social events for his community.

(Located in the North Coast region)




Latest News

“CULTURAL FLOW” WORKSHOP

Walhallow Local Lands Council hosted a workshop on 29th August 2026 in Quirindi, featuring Bradley Moggridge, Professor (Science)and Associate Dean (indigenous Leadership and Engagement from University of Technology, Sydney.

Professor Moggridge is a researcher in Indigenous Water Science (qualified in hydrogeology and environmental science) with 25 years in water and environmental science, cultural science, indigenous engagement, regulation, water planning and management, water policy development, legislative reviews, applied research and project management.

🌱 ForbsFarms Workshop – registrations are open!

Interested in how native forbs can contribute to healthier, more productive and resilient farming systems?

Join Northern Slopes Landcare for the Forbs on Farms Workshop on 8–9 September. This hands-on two-day workshop is a great opportunity to learn more about the role of forbs in our farming landscapes and how they can be incorporated into practical farm management.

TRLA 2026

TRLA warmly invites members to our 2026 AGM on September 19, beginning at 5:00 pm for a 5:30 pm start, featuring a brief AGM, a shared roast dinner, and a special presentation by Kaliela Thornton. Kaliela will share her journey working with Gomeroi women, alongside insights into native grains and cultural knowledge—this is a members-only event, so if you’re not yet part of TRLA, please become a member and join us.

Join or Renew Your TRLA Membership for 2026–27

Join or Renew Your TRLA Membership for 2026–27

Become part of a growing community of people who are passionate about caring for our environment and supporting practical, local action.

Whether you're joining Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) for the first time or renewing your membership, we'd love to have you with us for the 2026–27 financial year.

As part of our commitment to improving the member experience, we've recently moved to a new membership platform hosted by Landcare NSW. The new system provides a secure and streamlined way to manage memberships and stay connected with TRLA.

As a TRLA member you'll receive:
  • Free or reduced fee Landcare event and workshop attendance
  • Support from our dedicated Landcare team for your projects, planning and grant applications
  • Specialist advice and support from our Landcare Community
  • Have the opportunity to learn new skills and receive Landcare training
  • Be covered by insurance for all TRLA approved activities
  • Subscription to our member emails and newsletter
  • Discounted prices on plants at our very own TRLA Nursery


Joining or renewing only takes a few minutes.

👉 Join or renew your membership here

Already a current financial member? Great news, you've already been transferred to our new membership system, so there's nothing you need to do until your next renewal.

Thank you for supporting Landcare and helping us care for our landscapes, waterways and communities.

Webinar: Farm Business Insights - Performance Trends of Livestock Assets and Practical Planning Tools

Join Local Land Services and Agripath in this online webinar for data-driven insights into enterprise profitability in the North West. 
11 August 2026 – 10:30am

Forbs on Farms – Workshop 2: Practical Ideas for Productive, Resilient Farms

Landholders are invited to join us for Forbs on Farms – Workshop 2, a hands-on two-day workshop exploring the important role that flowering herbs, or forbs, can play in creating healthier and more resilient farming systems.

Land for Wildlife Assessments Now Available Through Tamworth Regional Landcare

We are excited to announce that Tamworth Regional Landcare is now offering Land for Wildlife assessments, providing local landholders with the opportunity to learn more about the unique biodiversity on their properties and explore ways to protect and enhance the natural environment.

Community Pizza Cob Oven Building Day at the TRLA Nursery

On Sunday, 6 July, the Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) Nursery was brought to life with a fantastic day of community, creativity and hands-on learning, as volunteers came together with the Tamworth Community Organic Gardeners to build a traditional pizza cob oven.

Landcare Week Special Event!

Two years after captivating our Landcare Learning audience, native urban gardener Eliza Weekes returns this Landcare Week to share the real story behind her garden’s evolution—what’s thrived, what hasn’t, and the lessons learned along the way. From bare block to a flourishing, wildlife-friendly space, Eliza’s journey is packed with practical ideas and inspiration for creating your own sustainable garden.

Please note the venue is the Astronomy and Science Centre, Piper Street, North Tamworth.

Biological Inputs: Are we asking the right questions? Dr Aurelie Quade & Dr John Rochecouste

“Biological inputs are not failing us. We misunderstand their role, benchmark them against the wrong standard, and too often apply them without a diagnosis.”

Global trade disruptions have driven price spikes in fuel and fertiliser, accelerating interest in agricultural biological inputs. Although the broader trend is relatively recent roughly two decades old some products, such as microbial inoculants, have been in use for over a century. As our understanding of soil systems has grown, so too has an entirely new segment of the agricultural market: biological inputs and their many derivatives

National Tree Day Brings the Community Together at Currawong Park

On Sunday morning, the volunteers of Currawong Park teamed up with Co-exist Tamworth to celebrate National Tree Day with a fantastic morning of planting, community connection and a delicious BBQ.

Together, volunteers planted 40 new trees and plants, helping to expand and enhance the existing garden bed at Currawong Park a Landcare initiative. The morning was a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, get their hands dirty and contribute to creating a greener, healthier space for everyone to enjoy.

Growing a Greener Future at Peel High School

Tamworth Regional Landcare Association was delighted to join students and teachers from Peel High School on Friday to celebrate Schools National Tree Day with a wonderful day of hands-on environmental learning and action.

The Big Lift at Werris Creek

Werris Creek Lions Club successfully applied for funding through Tamworth Regional Landcare Associations 2026 Small Grants Funding for their project to repair and replant a section of Werris Creek on Silo Road, purchasing 600 plants from TRLA Nursery.

This would have been a big project for Werris Creek Lions. But there was a secret weapon – the University of Technology Sydney volunteer student organisation – “The Big Lift”. This brought 40 students to Werris Creek as part of their annual weeklong winter program to support regional communities.

North West Regional Land Care Aboriginal Artwork Commission

We are thrilled to announce that the Expression of Interest for the North West Regional Land Care Aboriginal Artwork Commission is now open!

We are looking for a Gomeroi artist living on Gomeroi Country to create a digital artwork for the Weaving Country, Culture and Collaboration project. The commission is valued at $15,000 and the artwork will be used across Landcare materials throughout our region.

TRLA Photography Competition 2026 – Celebrating the Heart of Our Community

The TRLA Photography Competition is back for 2026, opening September 1 and running through to mid-October—and this year, it comes with a meaningful new focus.

State and Territory Landcare Awards 2026

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 sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation in their local communities for the benefit of all Australians today, and for generations to come.

🌱 Nursery Open Day – This Saturday! 🌱

Join us this Saturday, 4th July from 9:00am at the Tamworth Regional Landcare Nursery for a fantastic morning celebrating native plants and sustainable living!
Browse our native nursery, grab a bargain at our $2 clearance sale on a wide range of native species, and take part in the Earth Oven & Earthbag Building Workshop hosted by the Tamworth Community Organic Gardeners.
We can’t wait to see you there!🌱💚

155 Trees Planted at Moore Creek Caves Reserve

Community spirit was on full display as Intrepid Landcare and Co-Exist came together with Friends of Moore Creek Caves for a successful tree planting day at Moore Creek Caves Reserve.

Soil nutrients: Are you a poor rich? - Dr Aurelie Quade

“If your inputs are no longer giving you the return you hoped for, it may not be a product problem — it could be a soil problem. Understanding where your nutrients actually sit is the first step to getting more from every dollar you spend.”

Growing Together: Soil, Sustainability and Native Gardens This Landcare Season

Growing Together: Soil, Sustainability and Native Gardens This Landcare Season

This July and August, TRLA’s Landcare Learning program brings together two inspiring events that highlight the powerful connection between healthy soil, sustainable gardening, and thriving native habitats. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your knowledge, these sessions offer practical insights for anyone passionate about caring for their patch—and the wider landscape.

Exploring Pathways and Possibilities at the Ag Careers Expo

TRLA was delighted to be part of an incredible Agricultural Careers Expo, joining 37 trade and industry stands to connect with students and showcase the diverse opportunities available within Landcare, environmental management, agriculture, and natural resource management.

 

“THE FUEL AND DROUGHT CRISIS” UPPER MOOKI LANDCARE & CARBON8 WORKSHOP

This report summarises feedback from 23 participants who attended a soil health event led by Kevin Elmy (Canadian Soil Health Educator) and Mike McCosker (from Carbon8) on April 9-10 2026 conducted by Upper Mooki Landcare and Carbon8. The event was designed to enhance knowledge and practical skills related to soil health, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable farming practices. The event was funded by a Tamworth Regional Landcare Small Grant, in combination with sponsorship from Carbon8, enabling minimum ticket price.

Nursery Plant Sale!

The TRLA Nursery shadehouse is FULL, and we need to make room for new stock and some renovations, so we’re holding a huge Shadehouse Clearance Sale!

If you’ve been thinking about adding natives to your garden, starting a habitat patch, or planting around your property, now is the perfect time.

With recent rain across the region and warm soil temperatures still hanging around, conditions are ideal for planting and helping new plants establish before winter.

🌿 All ready to go stock just $2 per tubestock
🌿 Trees, shrubs, grasses and pollinator plants
🌿 Locally grown plants suited to our region
🌿 Sale runs through June or until stock runs out.  

Landcare Learnings: Exploring Permaculture Through Film and Conversation

Our latest Landcare Learnings event on May 12, brought together community members for an inspiring and thought-provoking evening focused on permaculture and sustainable living. With a slightly different format to usual, the event attracted a diverse audience of around 25 attendees, including familiar Landcare faces and newcomers keen to learn more about living sustainably.

Just A Farmer Screening

On May 17, Upper Peel Landcare group hosted the movie Just a Farmer. This movie deals with serious issues of mental health in rural communities. The event was made possible through partnerships with TRLA, Upper Peel Landcare, Hunter New England Mental Health services, and Blackdog ride, the funding provider for the event.

Exploring the Hidden World Beneath Our Feet: A Living Classroom Success!

A Deep Dive into Soil, Water and the Little Critters in the Environment’, held on 28th May 2026 in Bingara at the Living Classroom, was a resounding success, bringing together 90 enthusiastic primary-aged students for an immersive exploration of soil, water, and the hidden world beneath our feet.

 

Tree Planting At Moore Creek Caves Reserve

🌱 Join us for Tree Planting at Moore Creek Caves Reserve! 🌱

Come along for a great morning outdoors as Intrepid Landcare teams up with Co-Exist Australia and Friends of Moore Creek Caves Reserve to plant Trees and make a real difference for our local environment.

📅 Sunday 21 June

⏰ 10:00am

📍 Moore Creek Caves Reserve (end of Maysteers Lane, Moore Creek)

A Light lunch and refreshments will be provided, with all equipment supplied. Just bring a hat, water bottle, and enclosed shoes.

Exciting News for the Tamworth Region and North West NSW

MEDIA RELEASE

Funding Success to Deliver Major Boost for Tamworth Landcare Nursery and Local Environmental Projects

Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) is pleased to announce it has secured funding through the NSW Landcare Enabling Program (LEP3) Innovations and Partnerships Grant Program to deliver a series of projects aimed at strengthening local environmental outcomes, community education and long-term Landcare sustainability across the Tamworth region.

Growing Knowledge from the Ground Up at Werris Creek Community Garden

On Tuesday 12th May, Kate Spry from Tamworth Regional Landcare Association spent a fantastic day with students from Werris Creek Public School at the Werris Creek Community Garden, sharing knowledge and hands-on activities focused on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and the living biology beneath our feet.

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!!

A big thank you to McCarthy Catholic Collage Environment Club!

The Friends of Moore Creek Caves Reserve would like to thank the Environment Club at McCarthy Catholic Collage and the science teacher Shaun Nichols who runs the group.

 Several large bags of shredded paper the students recycled was donated to the Friends of Moore Creek Caves Reserve and used for mulching around new and old plantings as well as adding organic cover to some bare areas.  We hope this partnership continues well into the future!

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!

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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.

APPLY NOW APPLY NOW






PO Box 7118, NEMSC
Tamworth NSW 2348
info@trla.org.au
www.trla.org.au



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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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