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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!🌱💚
“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
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
🌱 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.
đź“… Sunday 21 June
⏰ 10:00am
đź“Ť 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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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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.
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.
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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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 - 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.
A Little sneak peek into what's going to be on offer at our Nursery Open day on Saturday 18th April!!
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!
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!
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-
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.
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.
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
đź“Ť 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.
đź“… Monday 16 March 2026
đź“Ť 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.
đź—“ Saturday, 18 April 2026
⏰ 9:00am – 3:00pm
đź“Ť 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.
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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