eNews #17

• 4-10th August - Landcare Week
• 12th August - Uralla Rivercare Group Action Planning (New Date)
• 13th August - Wongwibinda Landcare Group Action Planning
• 4th September - Click with Confidence, Armidale
• 17th Septemer - Retreat Landcare Network Walk and Talk Day
• 21-24th September - Landcare National Conference (Gold Coast)

A new national survey, “Tell Us What Matters”, conducted by Landcare Australia, the National Landcare Network and the State and Territory Landcare Organisations tells a compelling story of the increased connection to community through active engagement with landcare activities.

Overwhelmingly, the data shows a significant number of Australians reporting new friendships and feeling a sense of belonging within their community.

The most common benefit reported by landcare volunteers was feeling more connected to nature in their local area (87%). Close behind, 79% said they have built stronger social connections within their community through volunteering.

Southern New England Landcare is delighted to welcome Thaw Ni Ni Zaw to the team as the new Northern Tablelands Koala Conservation Officer.

Originally from the dry zone region near Mandalay in Myanmar, Thaw Ni brings a rich and diverse background in agriculture, environmental science, and community-based conservation to the role.

“I’ve always been passionate about biodiversity and community-based conservation,” says Thaw Ni.

“This role aligns perfectly with my background in agricultural and environmental science and my experience working with farmers and communities,” she said.

Thaw Ni’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Master of Horticulture from Yezin Agricultural University.

Her master’s research explored the harvesting and use of traditional wild vegetables by isolated ethnic groups in Myanmar’s mountainous regions.

Since 2016, Thaw Ni has worked on international agricultural research and extension projects led by the University of New England (UNE) and funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

The New England Landcare Network is seeking a motivated and organised individual to take on the role of Regional Administrative Support Officer (RASO).

This part-time position plays a key role in supporting the operations of the Network and its member groups across the New England Tablelands.

The RASO will assist with administration, financial management, communications, project support, and stakeholder engagement, helping to deliver outcomes under the 2023–2027 Landcare Enabling Program.

Applicants should have strong administrative and communication skills, with experience in project and financial management.

A passion for community and landcare is a must!

For more details and to apply, please click here. 

The Department has received a request to prepare the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for the Boorolong Wind Farm.

The Department will consult with government agencies in preparing these requirements.

If you have any enquiries, please contact Rachel OHara. 

Kind regards

The Department of Planning and Environment

Grow Local:

Free publication from Southern New England Landcare, the brochure outlines 52 plants native to the Southern New England that can be easily grown in gardens or as native tree plantings across the New England. 

To get your copy, visit the SNEL office or call 02 6772 9123.

Join UNE for a special edition of TamTalks, featuring two local experts in the field of Farm Succession.

Date: Tuesday 12 August 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm AEST. Doors open at 11:45am
Location: UNE Tamworth, 24 Fitzroy Street Tamworth, NSW 2340

 The National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordination Program are running two, day-long free online forums dedicated to sharing knowledge on effective fox and feral cat management on the 20th and 21st of August.

One day will be focused on the management of fox impacts and the other on feral cat management.

Sessions will include a number of case studies from around Australia, best practice tool use, new tools and tech and how to engage your local community.

Click here to register for Day 1 – Foxes.
Click here to register for Day 2 – Feral Cats.

Join Local Land Services for a practical morning session designed to help you make informed decisions about the season ahead.

When: Thursday 4 September from 8:30am

Where: UNE SMART Farm, Armidale

Get the information you need to make informed decisions about the season ahead for your farm enterprise including livestock health, pasture planning, and market outlook.

Start the day with a hot breakfast and coffee before heading out into the paddock to gain expert insights.