Planet earth is struggling to maintain the balance of LIFE for all of the species that call it home. In Australia the fragile landscape is under constant pressure from an ever-growing and consuming, modern way of life. Landcarers everywhere are working together to maintain the health of their local environments, but the time has come for everyone to help maintain the balance of LIFE by becoming involved and thinking about their actions each and every day and what impact they have. Landcare L.I.F.E is designed to give people ideas on what they can do or how they can join others in caring for the land and the environment.
Last year Scotch/English broom (Cytisus scoparius), Cape/Montpellier broom (Genista monspessulana), flax leaf broom (G. linifolia) and African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) were added to the list of Weeds of National Significance (WoNS). Best-practice manuals for these WoNS are currently being developed. Workshops in Victoria in mid-May will seek feedback on the information gathered so far and provide land managers, landholders, agency staff, contractors, Landcare and Bushcare volunteers, and community members with current knowledge on how to manage these weeds. RSVPs are essential.
At over 100 city and country locations across Australia, everyone is invited to gather and do their bit for our remaining bushland. Bushcare’s Major Day Out is a day in Landcare Week specifically designed to give us the opportunity to find out what is being done and what can be done in our own neighbourhood. It’s a fun day where anyone, young or old, can participate in a range of activities.
The 2013 NSW Landcare and Catchment Management Forum will showcase sustainability, Landcare and volunteering. Coordinated by the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority in partnership with other organisations and agencies, the forum will be held in Newcastle with a number of field trips conducted around the region to showcase the environmental values and the amazing work being done by community groups, individuals and agencies to protect and enhance it.
The 2013 Queensland State Landcare Conference has the theme ‘Healthy Habitats … Profitable Production’ and will focus on balancing sustainable natural resource management with vibrant landscapes for profitable and productive farming. Hosted by Condamine Headwaters Landcare, the conference program will include a mix of interactive workshops, keynote addresses and field trips as well as the Queensland State Landcare Awards and a relaxing networking evening on the banks of the Condamine River.
The Community Landcare Grants are small grant available through the Sustainable Agriculture stream of the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative. Grants between $5000 to $50 000 (GST exclusive) are available to help local community-based organisations and groups take on-ground action as well as build their capacity and skills to manage their natural environment and productive lands, while contributing towards program outcomes. The 2013-14 Community Landcare Grants round is now open, with applications closing at 5pm (AEDT) on 20 March 2013.
Landcare projects from across Australia were celebrated as the winners of the 2012 National Landcare Awards were announced at a gala awards dinner in the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, on Tuesday night, 3 September 2012.
The National Landcare Conference is being held during Landcare Week, and the theme for 2012 is ‘Landcare – the future in our hands’. With a growing interest in and concern for sustainable living and food security, the Landcare community is at the forefront of helping to ensure that Australia can move confidently towards a smart and resilient agricultural and environmental future. Early bird registrations are now open – to take advantage of the early bird discount for full registration you must register and pay before 31 July 2012.
On Sunday September 9th in Landcare Week, at over 100 city and country locations across Australia, everyone is invited to gather and do their bit for our remaining bushland. Bushcare’s Major Day Out is a day specifically designed to give of us the opportunity to find out what is being done and what can be done in our own neighbourhood. It’s a fun day where anyone, young and old can work alongside and learn from experts and experienced volunteers. There are a range of activities depending on the location; walks, planting, weed removal, photography workshops as well as native plant identification and well celebrated morning teas.
The National Landcare Conference is being held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre from 3-5 September 2012. This year’s conference will take place in Landcare Week and will be an exciting opportunity to bring together people that are interested in creating sustainable landscapes for the 21st century. The 2012 conference theme “Landcare- the future in our hands”. Submissions of presentation abstracts or poster displays are invited by Tuesday 12 June 2012.