The 'Soilkee' soil renovation technique was demonstrated to a sizeable gathering during the 'site visit' component of SNELandcare's Community Muster at Guyra on 22nd February. Participants were keen to see the 'Soilkee' machine and all reported that the presentations and field observations gave them a better understanding of the importance of stimulating soil biology and how the 'Soilkee' renovator could do this. This site visit reinforced or added to the knowledge of most participants, giving them ideas for changing or further modifying what they do, or the machinery they use, on-farm.
More inspiration was provided in presentations from Michael Taylor and Rebecca Smith. Having received SNELandcare's 2014 John Winter-Irving Bequest Award, Michael described his experiences and learnings from attending the Australian Forest Growers 2016 Biennial National Conference in Launceston. Michael participated in lectures and field visits by private forest growers and their industry, and presented on his family's forestry enterprises on their property. Michael felt the conference gave him a better perspective on his activities, given the scale of his enterprise relative to others, and provided him with new contacts and inspiration to take his 'next steps' in growing his forestry enterprises.
Rebecca Smith gave an inspiring description of how she has mentored Armidale High School's Black Gully Bushcare (BC2) Group. The Group is made up of students from Yrs 7-11 who have begun regenerating the weed-infested upper reaches of Black Gully behind the Gymnastics Hall, participate as mentors at the annual Frog Dreaming Youth Conference, continue to develop the school wetland and other plantings at the school, and are looking at developing bee-friendly gardens and environmental peace activities.
Rebecca has not only had a central role in supporting Armidale High School's students, in environmentally-responsible ways, but has previously supported students at Guyra Central School in similar ways, jointly initiated and continued to actively support the annual Frog Dreaming Youth Conference, assisted the Uralla Rivercare Group with community consultation and their creek walk, run the Discovery Program for NSW National PArks and Wildlife SErvice and supported restorative local womens' activities.
Rebecca's active roles in community-based environmental leadership, the development of sustainable natural resource management practices among those she influences, delivering community-based Landcare education, participating in events supporting or promoting sustainable ag. and natural resource managment, as well as her commitment to excellence and leadership in 'landcare' and personal development have earned her the 2016 John Winter-Irving Bequest Award. Congratulations Bec on a well deserved award. Southen New England Landcare trusts it will support and inspire you.
