Spotting Koalas from the Sky: How Drone Technology Is Helping to Protect Our Wildlife

In response to the devastating impact of the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires on koala populations and other threatened species, Landcare Australia, WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service), and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) partnered to create the WildSeek Project. Funded by generous public donations, WildSeek is an innovative conservation initiative that uses drone technology equipped with infrared cameras to detect koalas high in the forest canopy. The data collected helps communities and land managers make informed decisions to protect vital native habitat and improve planning for future fire events.

Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) is proud to be one of five Community Hubs across Australia delivering this cutting-edge project, alongside partners in Mid Coast NSW, South East Queensland, East Gippsland, and the Sydney Region. TRLA owns and operates a drone as part of the WildSeek initiative and contracts experienced local agronomist and farmer James Filby as our chief drone pilot. So far, the drone has flown over bushland in Tamworth, Duncans Creek, Bendemeer, and Walla Walla Creek, identifying approximately 39 koalas with support from infrared technology and analysis by QUT.

TRLA invites you to Landcare Learnings with James Filby on Monday, July 22nd, from 6–8 PM at the UNE Building, Fitzroy Street, Tamworth. James will take us behind the scenes of the WildSeek Project, sharing insights into where the team has flown, what they’ve discovered, and how drone-collected data supports local koala conservation. He’ll also explore broader themes including canopy health, habitat protection, and how regenerative agriculture can support both productive grazing and biodiversity.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how innovative technology and community partnerships are shaping the future of wildlife conservation in our region.

Book now
Book now



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Winter Clearance

Winter Clearance

We’re making room for our spring seedlings with a special stock clearance!
For just $2.00 each, you can take home any of the following:

  • Australian Vetiver (Chrysopogon filipes)
  • Lemon Scented Gum (Corymbia citriodora)
  • Blakely’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi)
  • Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta)
  • White Cypress (Callitris glaucophylla)
  • Sandpaper Fig (Ficus coronata)
  • New England Blackbutt (Eucalyptus campanulata)
  • Native Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea)
  • Spiny-headed Mat Rush (Lomandra longifolia)


Don’t miss this chance to stock up on hardy natives at a great price – perfect for your garden or revegetation project.



DCCEEW Stakeholder Survey

As part of ongoing stakeholder consultation, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has developed a short survey to better understand how climate change is impacting restoration projects across the state.
The survey aims to: 

  • Capture local experiences of climate risks and impacts on restoration efforts,
  • Identify whether climate adaptation actions are being considered or implemented, and
  • Understand what information, tools, or resources could better support restoration practitioners in planning for a changing climate.


We are hoping to reach a wide range of practitioners, planners and policy makers working in ecological restoration across NSW and would greatly appreciate your help in circulating this survey through your networks.

The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and does not collect any personal or identifying information. All responses will be reviewed carefully to ensure they remain anonymous.

Please feel free to forward this message and survey link to any colleagues, project partners or relevant contacts who may be interested in contributing. The broader the reach, the better the insights we can gather to support effective, climate-resilient restoration in NSW.


Learn the art of Nature Journaling with Henrietta Mooney

Reconnect with nature, spark your creativity, and enjoy a mindful afternoon outdoors!

Our members often say that when you become part of Landcare, you’re not just joining a group, you’re becoming part of a family. The concept is so compatible with Australian culture it’s hard not to get involved! By becoming a TRLA member, you’ll be supporting our work, learning new skills, becoming part of the solution, and helping to make a difference for the future.

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together we can make a difference

funding support

Did you know (TRLA) run an Annual Small Grants program for Landcare activities connected to the Tamworth region.

Volunteer Landcare and Grassroots Community groups can apply up to $2,500 for activities that meet an objective of TRLA’s strategic plan with eight successful projects being awarded funds from across the region.

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