eNews #1

• 12th February - Highland Wetlands Field Day (Guyra)
• 18th February - Understanding Natural Capital (Uralla)
• 19th February - Understanding Natural Capital (Walcha)
• 25th February - Understanding Natural Capital (Armidale)
• 26th February - Understanding Natural Capital (Guyra)

2026 has been declared the Year of the Woman Farmer, celebrating the vital role women play across every level of agriculture in Australia. From station hands to managing family operations, to agribusiness leaders and CEOs shaping the future of the industry, women are driving innovation, resilience, and sustainability on and off the land.

Women contribute in diverse ways — working in the paddock, managing livestock, running farm-based businesses, leading research and development, and influencing policy and investment decisions. Their expertise and leadership are central to the strength of rural communities and the growth of Australian agriculture.

At Southern New England Landcare, our all-female staff team exemplifies this contribution every day, supporting landholders, fostering sustainable practices, and strengthening local communities.

This year is an opportunity to acknowledge women’s achievements, share their stories, and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in farming, agribusiness, and land management. Women are not just part of agriculture — they are shaping its future.

About this cause:

Koalas are an iconic species for Australia, but they are endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, disease, vehicle strike, bushfires and dog attacks.

With your help, we can educate kids in the Armidale Region of Koala Significance (ARKS), about how to reduce these threats so that as a community, we can protect this beloved species for the enjoyment of all.

Koala Awareness Training Kits for Kids will provide resource materials we can take to events and school classroom sessions across the ARKS, to build understanding, knowledge and a sense of empowerment among our youth.

Adapted from Tarwyn Park Training’s “Learning from Plants” series

Common Names: Bluetop, Blue Billygoat Weed, Goat Weed, Ageratum, Flossflower, Todd’s Curse

Scientific Name: Ageratum conyzoides, Ageratum houstonianum

Where in the Succession: Mid Succession Accumulator

Billygoat Weed is a small, aromatic annual species native to tropical America and now widespread globally.

It is best suited to tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions, Billygoat Weed commonly establishes in disturbed landscapes, particularly areas that have been overgrazed, cultivated, or with low ground cover.

Northern Tablelands LLS is excited to announce plans for a Certificate III in Cultural Ecological Management (CEM) course in Armidale, starting February 2026 and running in blocks through February 2027. This course is designed for people interested in land management and cultural site care.

Open to:

• Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal participants.

What’s included?

• Practical activities on TSRs: cultural burns, fence repairs, tree felling, pruning with chainsaws, and cultural site work.
• Additional Carbon on Country skill set training.

Delivery Format:

• 8 blocks of 3-day sessions (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday).

Venue:

• The course will be held at NTLLS Office Armidale – 126-130 Taylor St. If there are any changes, you’ll be updated well in advance.

NSW Weed Control Handbook 2025 (published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development) is the state’s official, practical guide to managing invasive weeds in non-crop, aquatic and bushland situations. It provides up-to-date information on integrated weed management strategies, herbicide use and resistance, legal responsibilities under NSW biosecurity law, and control techniques for hundreds of priority weeds across the state. The 8th edition is widely used by land managers, councils, farmers, gardeners and environmental officers as a field reference to identify and plan weed control actions and support shared biosecurity outcomes in NSW.

If you would like a hard copy, visit the SNEL office or call 02 6772 912.

A digital copy can be downloaded here.

Register to join Armidale Regional Council’s Clean Up Australia Day 2026. A great opportunity for community members and students to engage and volunteer, connect with others, and make a difference in our local environment!

Details of the event:

• 10am - 12pm, Sunday 1 March 2026
• starting at Civic Park and moving along the creeklands
• wear appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes/boots, sun hat and a smile ????
• bring work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, hand sanitiser, and maybe a rug to sit on for morning tea and lunch - a sense of humour and willingness to meet new people!
• stay for a free sausage sizzle!

The nation’s premier on-farm event, Wilmot Field Day explores what’s possible at the intersection of productive agriculture, nature repair and decarbonisation.

Step through the gates to join a growing community of primary producers and supply chain partners for thought-provoking discussion, practical demonstrations and presentations from world leading speakers.

Discover how nature-positive farming is good for the environment, good for business and good for the community.

Delve into practical solutions for farm productivity, resilience and ecological health.

Share opportunities to accelerate Australian agriculture and your business as you connect with others across the sector.

Date: 4-5 March, 2026

Location: Wilmot Farm, 10544 Armidale Rd, Hernani NSW

For more information see the WFD website.

Puchase your ticket here via Humanitix