eNews #10

• 20th May to 20 June - Regenerating Rural Landscapes - Online Workshop Series
• 22nd May - Digging Deeper with Echidnas - Armidale
• 24th May - A Will for the Woods - Uralla
• 11th June - Click with Confidence - Armidale

Southern New England Landcare (SNEL) has been busy behind the scenes – supporting the revival of established groups, helping to energise existing ones, and even forming brand new community groups across our region.

With so much happening, now feels like the perfect time to share exactly how your “umbrella” organisation supports your local Landcare efforts.

Turning Great Ideas into Funded Projects

Have a project idea but unsure how to fund it? That’s where SNEL steps in.

If your group operates as a sub-group (rather than being independently incorporated), SNEL can act as the official grant proponent and administrator on your behalf.

In simple terms: we take care of the complex paperwork and compliance requirements – so you can focus on making your project happen.

Southern New England Landcare Ltd is currently reviewing and updating its Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Management System to ensure compliance with new NSW WHS legislation and regulations coming into effect from 1 July 2026.

The draft WHS Policy and Procedures Manual has been circulated to board members and staff and is now being shared more broadly with members and Landcare groups for feedback and consultation.

The updated system reflects Southern New England Landcare’s commitment to providing safe, healthy and respectful environments across all activities, including field days, workshops, working bees, meetings and on-ground projects. It also includes strengthened responsibilities and procedures required under the new legislation.

Southern New England Landcare is shaped by its members — and as a valued member, we need to hear from you.

We’re inviting all members to take a few minutes to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas by 31 May 2026. Complete the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026SNELMemberSurvey

The survey focuses on key areas including:

• Training and skills development
• Local issues and challenges
• Communication and engagement
• Membership benefits and services.

Gordon Williams volunteered this article for SNEL just prior to the height of the 2019 drought regarding his experience over the years around managing ‘Eastlake’ proactively to navigate drought conditions.

Dear Birds of Prey Community,

You are invited to the birds of prey end of season update.

10am-12pm, Tuesday 26th May 2026 at the UNE Natural History Museum, Armidale, .

What you will learn:

 - Ecology and behaviour of birds of prey of the Northern Tablelands

 - Breeding-pair productivity and trends with Dr Steve Debus

 - Latest insights from UNE PhD candidate Mick Wakefield and

Biodiversity assessment using woodland bird acoustic recognisers with Prof. Paul McDonald

 Morning tea provided

 Free parking available in blue signposted parking spaces - park in the western carparkpark in the western carpark

 Online meeting option available, please register and contact me for details

For more information and to register.