2025 Photo Competition:
Biodiversity

The 2025 Landcare Photography Competition celebrated the theme of biodiversity, inviting our community to capture the beauty and diversity of local landscapes. From rainforests to backyards, entrants showcased the many ways nature thrives across our region. This year’s winning image, “Off Farm – Bush Walk” by Judy Lisle, was praised for its vibrant detail and powerful reminder of the interconnected life within a single patch of forest.

Winner: 1st is Judy Lisle Off farm - Bush Walk

Judges Comments:
"A Living Tapestry: This vibrant snapshot from Tamworth’s highland rainforest captures the incredible biodiversity thriving in just one small patch of undergrowth — from moss-draped branches and flowering shrubs to ferns and fungi, every layer tells a story of resilience and interconnected life."



2nd is Lisa Thomas - Biodiversity in the Veggie Patch
Judges Comments:
"Backyard Biodiversity: A flourishing home garden in Tamworth showcases the power of community stewardship — where vegetables, flowers, and native plants grow side by side, supporting pollinators, soil health, and local resilience."

3rd is Nell Chaffey - Watching and Waiting
Judges Comments:
"The Small Guardians: This striking close-up of a spider reminds us that even the tiniest creatures play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance — from pest control to pollination support, biodiversity thrives in the unseen corners of our world."



Junior 1st is Cora Gidley-Baird -  JUNIOR
Judges Comments:
"Perched Perspectives: Captured with a keen young eye, this image shows a lizard basking on a weathered tree stump — a perfect snapshot of how native wildlife relies on even the oldest trees for shelter, sun, and survival in a diverse and thriving landscape."


2nd is Christopher Debrenceny - Incognito JUNIOR
Judges Comments:
"Hidden in Plain Sight: This clever close-up reveals a perfectly camouflaged frog nestled among the rocks — a reminder that biodiversity isn’t always bold and bright; sometimes, it’s quietly blending in, waiting to be discovered by a careful eye."


3rd is Oscar Kelly - River escape JUNIOR
Judges Comments:
"This photo beautifully captures the diverse ecosystems thriving at the water’s edge. From the aquatic habitat beneath the surface to the varied plant life on land, it’s a peaceful reminder of how biodiversity connects all elements of our natural environment. A thoughtful and well-composed image celebrating nature in action."



Please enjoy this gallery of all the photo entries. 



Latest News



Blackville Public School has joined the TreeTroff Program!

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. 


2025 Landcare conference videos and ressources

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. 


SOIL: Rewilding the Underground

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


Creek Bank Stabiliozation Workshop

Are you interested in managing water flow in your upper catchment creeks to your best advantage?  Come along to a hands on day with Roger Ottery and Andrew Wylie (UMLC) and Craig Pullman (LLS) to walk, watch and listen!  Finish up with a BBQ on the creek.

Please wear sturdy boots, hats and sun protection.

Contact Nicky Chirlian, Local Landcare Coordinator on 0488056199 or nicky@trla.org.au if you have questions


Don’t miss out on Early Bird tickets, now on sale for @Wilmot Field Day 2026.

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/


Vetiver (Chrysopogon filipes)

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.


Bird habitat plants

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.


Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timoriense)

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.


Smooth Darling Pea (Swainsona galegifolia)

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.

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