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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



Latest News

Annual General Meeting

Join us for our Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 6 September 2025. The evening will begin at 5:00 pm for a 5:30 pm start, with a brief AGM , dinner followed by a presentation from special guest speaker Henrietta Mooney.
Henrietta, a Natural History Illustrator, will share how she documents Australia's unique biodiversity and how her creative practice intersects with Landcare values.
To learn more about Henrietta and to get inspired before the event please check out her website here. https://www.henriettamooney.com/
Book your free dinner now!

Campfire Gathering

The North West Region was recently lucky enough to be chosen to take part in a series of  Campfire Gatherings which are being initiated as a trial before a broader

Expressions of Interest Open – Cover Cropping

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are sought from growers to participate in a new project being delivered across the North West Local Land Services region through to June 2026. 

 

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.

You're Invited! Join Us for National Tree Day at Moore Creek Caves Reserve

The Friends of Moore Creek Caves Reserve warmly invite you to a family-friendly community tree planting morning to celebrate National Tree Day!

Sunday 27th July 2025
Drop in anytime between 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
At the end of Maysteers Lane, off Moore Creek Road

Thinking Ahead? Let’s Grow Together – Pre-Order Now for Spring and Autumn Plantings

Are you planning a revegetation, habitat or garden project for Spring 2025 or Autumn 2026? Now is the perfect time to get in touch and place your order.

At the Landcare Nursery, we grow to order, meaning early planning gives us time to propagate the species you need, grown from local provenance seed where possible. This ensures your plants will be healthy, robust, and ready when it’s time to go in the ground.

Why plan ahead?
Good communication helps us grow the right plants, in the right quantities, and align with the best planting windows for your site.

While most people target spring and autumn, winter planting is also a good option this year—with mild weather and consistent rainfall, conditions have been good for establishing new plantings.

Let’s chat about your project:
Paul Moxon – 0425 337 475

Beyond Soil Sustainability – Regenerative Agriculture Podcast

Dive into a powerful series of conversations recorded live in Quirindi, NSW, at the Beyond Soil Sustainability event on 3 March 2025, hosted by Upper Mooki Landcare Group. This podcast brings together some of the world's most influential voices in regenerative agriculture — Gabe Brown, Colin Seis, and Walter Jehne — in conversation with host Stuart Austin.
From rebuilding soil biology to reshaping how we think about food, farming, and climate, these insightful discussions explore how working with nature, not against it, can transform our agricultural systems for the better.
Produced by Nviro Media, this is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of farming, soil health, and landscape resilience.

Calling for a Small Plot of Land – Support Gomeroi Yinaarr Landcare Women

Do you know of a small piece of land that could support a meaningful project?

Gomeroi Yinaarr Landcare are looking for a small plot where they can grow native grains and deepen their connection to Country. This space will support cultural knowledge sharing, traditional practices, and environmental healing through community-led care.
If you or someone you know may be able to help, please get in touch with  Kaliela on 0431 426 829 or Ninna on 0431 242 589. Every connection counts.

Connecting Community Through Nature Journaling

In response to rising stress, anxiety, and disconnection from nature—particularly in rural areas—West Hume Landcare and the Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre launched the Grassy Woodlands Nature Journaling Group. Meeting every two months in Burrumbuttock or on field excursions, this inclusive group invites participants of all skill levels to slow down, observe, and creatively engage with nature through drawing, writing, photography, and data collection. Nature journaling not only fosters mindfulness, creativity, and improved observation, but also builds a shared sense of purpose and community connection. By offering a low-barrier, nature-based activity, the initiative has become a powerful tool for supporting mental wellbeing and strengthening environmental awareness.

Landcare Learning - Eyes in the Sky: Drones for Koala Conservation"with James Filby

Join us for an evening with James Filby – farmer, agronomist, and chief pilot of the Wildseek Koala Project. TRLA is proud to support this groundbreaking project using drone technology to locate and protect koala populations across the region. James will take us behind the scenes , sharing where the team has flown, what they’ve discovered, and how TRLA’s own drone is helping monitor and conserve koala habitat

Flash Sale

Flash Sale

We’re clearing some older stock, mainly eucalyptus – and that means bargain prices!
25c each for TRLA members
$1 each for non-members
Pick-up only from the nursery (Wallamore Road)
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | 9am–2pm only
No holds – first in, best dressed!Get in quick before they’re all gone!

PHOTO COMP EXTENDED!

PHOTO COMP EXTENDED!
We’ve had a few technical hiccups with our submission form – sorry about that! If you tried to enter the 2025 Photo Competition and it didn’t go through, please give it another go. Everything is working now. 

To give everyone a fair chance, entries are now open until JULY 11!

Theme: Biodiversity in Focus
Whether it's birds, bugs, blossoms or bushlands, show us the beauty in your backyard, local park or favourite wild place.

Open to all skill levels!
https://www.trla.org.au/news/2025-photo-competition/

Thanks for your patience — and keep those amazing shots coming!

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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.

LEARN MORE LEARN MORE

together we can make a difference

funding support

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

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

APPLY NOW APPLY NOW