What's new in Landcare?
FORUM ON THE BIODIVERSITY OF WESTERN SYDNEY - SAT Dec 5TH - 9:30am to 4pm
All westies invited - or those with an interest in western Sydney's environment...
Green Drinks Xmas party after 4pm!
Twin Creeks Country Club, Luddenham.
Flyer to the event can be seen below or found here.
Forum's proposed agenda can be seen here.
Greater Sydney Landcare Network's Cumberland Plain Restoration Program is holding an end of year Forum this year to showcase the amazing biodiversity of western Sydney. There will be six fantastic speakers on topics of interest, and a chance to hear from anyone connected with the west on stories and lessons learnt from restorative interactions with our western Sydney environment... Biodiversity is everywhere on the Cumberland Plain - so let's talk about it and celebrate it and let people know we are not going to forget about it - even in the midst of the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan - and much disastrous development.
The forum on Dec 5th is aimed to bring people together from the north and south of western Sydney - with a central-ish meeting place in Luddenham. It will also highlight projects and initiatives that are going on in each area for all of us to get a better understanding of the extent of issues and energy that is being put into our part of the world.
This is part of Greater Sydney Landcare Network's challenge - connecting vast parts of the greater Sydney region together and building collaborations so that we can work more effectively together.
I hope to see you on Saturday the 5th December - we would love to give you back a day with some inspiration, yummy food and like-minded company.
Register for the event HERE.
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Our AGM was a huge success!
Greater Sydney Landcare Network's Annual General Meeting was a great event , held on Sunday 8th November at Sydney Olympic Park. We had a full room of guests and, a full agenda.
Science for Wildlife's Dr Kellie Leigh zoomed in to introduce her new video on the Blue Mountains Koala Project and the rescue efforts associated to last season's horrendous fire season. What an amazing effort on behalf of the small organisation, rescuing 12 Koalas out of the path of the Gospers Mountain fire, relocating them and feeding them daily with wild food at Taronga Zoo, until such time as they could be safely released into an area with atleast some regenerating food for the species. All of this was done with the immense help of 140 volunteers! Well done to everybody involved.
The Cattai Hills Environment Network spoke second in the morning, highlighting their eDNA results finding Platypus in almost all eight research sites, through the investigation for the species DNA in the water. Surprisingly, the Platypus was found in nearly all sites that had more impact on them and lesser so in the pristine areas. CHEN, with the help of Dr Michelle Ryan (Western Sydney University) will be investigating these results more, initially thinking it may be related to the higher level of macro-invertebrates found in the higher impacted areas.
Of great significance to this presentation, was the call out for more testing to be done across Sydney, with audience members suggesting their local creeks to be tested.
Our third special presenter was John Asquith OAM from the Community Environment Network in the Central Coast. John heads up the Land for Wildlife and Habitat for Wildlife programs, which offer amazing support for landholders on big and small blocks who want to know what species are on their land, and how better to look after them. CHEN and GSLN will certainly be dealing more with CEN around these programs in the future. More information on the work of CEN can be found here.
GSLN's staff members all did presentations on their work for the last year and the formalities of the AGM were then held on Nov 8th, before a lovely walk in the SOP grounds - thanks to Michelle Playford from SOPA for guiding the walk!
A video of the AGM - and the special presentations can be seen below:
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qJGAvhKzmA&t=58s
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdBK91AeOG8
 
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Last minute places available for a walk and talk in Fairfield this sunday...
Sunday 22nd Nov @ 9:30am
Greater Sydney Landcare Network and Fairfield Indigenous Flora Park are teaming up to offer a walk and information session on the ecology of your local area!
Fairfield Indigenous Flora Park has one of the last remaining patches of Cumberland Plain Woodland in Western Sydney. It's home to red-rumped parrots, brush-tailed possums, spotted gums and beautiful wildflowers!
The Park is adjacent to Orphan School Creek, which is an important wildlife corridor for small birds, microbats, and other native animals to travel through the landscape. The Creek connects to a patch on the Fairfield Hospital grounds where Landcare volunteers recently planted 2400 trees and shrubs to extend habitat cover.
About the event...
Join us for a walk-and-talk at the Fairfield Indigenous Flora Park about the importance of these small bushland areas and wildlife corridors for hosting our urban ecosystems. Each month a dedicated group of volunteers care for this rare patch of bushland. During this event they're sharing it's secrets with you!
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We'll also be joined by a Landcare expert who will be speaking about how to plant habitat for small birds. Later on, we'll share information on how to get involved with local Landcare and Bushcare volunteering opportunities.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, closed sturdy shoes and a hat / sunscreen, and bring at least 2 litres of drinking water.
RSVPS are essential. Due to COVID-19 the number of participants for this event is restricted, so to avoid disappointment register ASAP via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/.../wild-fairfield-walk-and...
We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this event will take place, the Cabrogal people of the Dharug Nation.
This event is part of the Creating Canopies in Greater Sydney tree planting project. Funding has been provided to Greater Sydney Landcare Network and Landcare NSW as part of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) Premier's Project, Greening our City, One Million Trees by 2022. We will be will be planting thousands of trees for habitat and shade over the next two years.
Photo Credit: The Daily Telegraph. Bob Ward at the Indigenous Flora Park.
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Biodiversity study for the Georges River LGA
Thursday 26th Nov @ 6:00pm
Georges River Council has partnered with Total Earth Care to undertake a Biodiversity Study of the entire Georges River Local Government Area (LGA). The Biodiversity Study will provided an encompassing assessment of the current biodiversity values across the entire LGA. This study aims to identify areas of high biodiversity value and importance to the LGA to ensure its protection.
The Biodiversity Study is currently in its early stages of desktop research which includes the consideration of existing data on the biodiversity and ecological values of the LGA. Both Council and Total Earth Care acknowledge that some of the most valuable existing knowledge comes from the residents and groups who interact with our biodiversity every day.
We invite you to share your knowledge regarding biodiversity values, notable species and hotspot areas. To share your information we have developed a questionnaire with focus questions which is provided in Councils Your Say page here:
https://yoursay.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity-study-for-georges-river
We further invite you to join a webinar on the 26th November at 6pm. The webinar would involve Council and Total Earth Care describing the project and provide an opportunity for local groups to discuss their role in engaging with biodiversity in the area and share information that is relevant to the Biodiversity Study. Below is the agenda for the webinar.
The webinar will be recorded and will be made available to the community. The webinar will be available through the following:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85206581985?pwd=dDMwUytBZUZwaFViTXo3dkpzdVpVUT09.
In addition the questionnaire and the webinar, we welcome you to share data and information with us via email (preferably as a Microsoft Excel file) that would support the understanding of biodiversity in your area. This may include:
· Lists of local flora and fauna species from observations or survey (i.e. from a local birdwatching event)
· Observations of notable species such as rare or threatened species
· Changes in the presence of weeds and other pest species
· Observations of changes over time (i.e. fewer observations of a particular species).
Thank you for your time and assistance. We hope to hear from you soon. For any further information, please contact me at consulting@totalearthcare.com.au or (02) 9913 1432.
| Webinar agenda |
| Time |
Speaker |
Topic |
| 1800 |
Total Earth Care |
Introduction from Total Earth Care
Welcome to Country |
| 1805 |
Georges River Council |
Introduction from Council |
| 1810 |
Total Earth Care |
Overview of the project. |
| 1825 |
Representative stakeholder speaker 1 |
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| 1835 |
Representative stakeholder speaker 2 |
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| 1845 |
Representative stakeholder speaker 3 |
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| 1855 |
Representative stakeholder speaker 4 |
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| 1905 |
All participants |
Open discussion |
| 1915 |
Total Earth Care |
Conclusion and next steps. |
Webinar meeting details
TEC Admin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Georges River Biodiversity Study Webinar
Time: Nov 26, 2020 18:00 Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85206581985?pwd=dDMwUytBZUZwaFViTXo3dkpzdVpVUT09
Meeting ID: 852 0658 1985
Passcode: 321154
One tap mobile
+61280156011,,85206581985#,,,,,,0#,,321154# Australia
+61370182005,,85206581985#,,,,,,0#,,321154# Australia
Dial by your location
+61 2 8015 6011 Australia
+61 3 7018 2005 Australia
+61 7 3185 3730 Australia
+61 8 6119 3900 Australia
+61 8 7150 1149 Australia
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Glenorie/ Galston on-farm field day...
Sunday 29nd Nov @ 9:30am
Pasture and Weed Management Workshop & Field Day for Landholders in Hornsby, The Hills & Hawkesbury Areas.
Greater Sydney Landcare Network is coordinating a weed management workshop for landholders, including hobby farmers, with properties that are large or small who are keen to take a holistic approach to weed and pasture management and learn more about why weeds are so successful and, what it may indicate about your soils and management. The workshop will be delivered by DPI agronomist and weed specialist Harry Rose who has a wealth of knowledge in this area.
Workshop details:
• Bring along your problem weeds, in a sealed bag, for identification by a weed specialist.
• Learn about integrated weed management.
• Participate in a field trip in the afternoon to explore ways to monitor soil health - and,
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Find out about the characteristics of weeds, challenges and weed control methods.
Remember to bring: a hat, sunscreen and a folding chair for the field trip. And remember social distancing.
To register please contact Glenda Steain from Greater Sydney Landcare
on 0418 244 418 or glenda.steain@greatersydneylandcare.org or EVENTBRITE: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/.../glenorie-galston-on...
Please RSVP by Sunday 22nd November 2020 & indicate any dietary constraints.
This project is supported by Greater Sydney Local Land Services using funds fromthe Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.
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Get your hands dirty - Castlereagh nature reserve
Sunday 13th Dec @ 8:30am
In the final Get Your Hands Dirty event for the year, we're sharing tools for how you can develop your own ideas for caring for the environment through co-design.
We're catching up for a morning bushwalk in Castlereagh Nature Reserve, followed by a casual outdoor workshop where we'll take you through steps for developing your own projects.
Castlereagh Nature Reserve is an important patch of bushland in Western Sydney home to eastern grey kangaroos, sugar gliders and threatened flora. We'll kick off the morning by exploring the Reserve to catch up, connect with nature, and get our ideas flowing. Then, we'll sit down and run through the Intrepid Landcare Co-Design for Wiser Action Workbook: https://intrepidlandcare.b-cdn.net/.../Intrepid-Landcare...
This is your chance to explore your ideas for making an impact on ground and get support for making it happen in 2021.
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No Landcare experience or participation in previous GYHD events is necessary. New people who want to come check things out are totally welcome 
This event is primarily for young people aged 16 to 35.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, sturdy closed-toed shoes. Additionally bring sun protection (sunnies, sunscreen, hat), 1-2 litres of water, and any snacks you want to bring.
Castlereagh Nature Reserve is a short drive from Penrith. Limited carpooling places are available for pick up from Penrith train station. Contact Elisha if you need a lift or for more information about the event at 4724 2147 or elisha.duxbury@greatersydneylandcare.org.
RSVPs are essential - please register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/.../gyhd-bushwalk-and-co...
We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Dharug people.
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2020 Twitchathon in October counted 69 species!
The 2020 Twitchathon 31 October 2020 We did it! The Woodlanders, ran (strolled?) in the Champagne race all day on Saturday 31 October! Our final count was 69 species listed at Pitt Town Lagoon, Scheyville NP, Windsor Wetlands and Windsor Downs Dip Trail.
Best birds, we thought were: Golden-headed Cisticola, White-bellied Sea- Eagle and Square-tailed Kite and most missed: Yellow Thornbill (and all LBJs) White-winged Chough and Australian White Ibis. Where were they?
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DONATIONS REQUESTED: Please donate by using one of the methods below. You can sponsor at dollars or cents per bird species found (69) or a sum that suits your pocket: NB: plan B is the one to use if you would like a tax-deductable receipt
A: EFT to the BIGnet account BSB: 182 222 account: 121211833 Please include your name and Twitch Woodlanders (Bank: Macquarie Cash Management BIGnet, TE Karplus)
B: Using your credit card: Direct to BirdLife Australia: https://birdlife-australia-community.raisely.com Please note the donation is for Twitchathon The Woodlanders (You can untick the box asking for the extra fee if you wish)
C: For help with any questions: Ian Bailey: 0412 251 337 or ibails@bigpond.net.au Roger Griffiths: 0409 305 068
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Position vacant - Aboriginal Landcare Coordinator - Cooks River Catchment...
- Aboriginal identified position
- 21 hours per week
- Work for an Employer of Choice
Canterbury Bankstown Council acknowledges the Darug nation as the traditional custodians of the Canterbury Bankstown Council local government area.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Aboriginal Landcare Coordinator to join our dynamic and progressive City Future Department.
Reporting to the Executive Officer for Cooks River Alliance, you will be responsible for facilitating mutually beneficial relationships between Aboriginal people and organisations, Landcare groups and Alliance members to increase actions that improve the health of the Cooks River catchment in Sydney.
This is a part time temporary contract (21 hours per week) up to 20, June 2023. The salary range for this opportunity commences at $80,743 (Grade G, Step1) pro rata. + 9.5% super.
Responsibilities include:
• Develop mutually beneficial partnerships with relevant Aboriginal organisations, communities and people to implement Cooks River projects and activities
• Facilitate the participation of Aboriginal people in existing activities within the Cooks River catchment including Landcare activities
To find out more please visit here.
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Webinars from Landcare Australia...
- 2021 Landcare Australia Webinar Program
We have a busy webinar program in the lead up to the end of the year, it is easy to register to get involved in the webinar on the day, or you can watch the webinar links that have been saved to the Landcare Australia website. In January we will be announcing the webinar program for 2021 so that you can add the events to your diary.
Landcare Farming Program webinar
In case you missed our webinar last week on how you can get involved in the Landcare Farming Program, the recording is now online. Mick Taylor spoke about the key themes of the program, the initiatives that are planned, and how people can get involved. He also answered a lot of questions that came in from the audience during the session. You can watch webinar recording here.
National Landcare Conference webinars:
We have two National Landcare Conference webinars coming up before the end of the year, and you can register for the whole series here, with details to be confirmed early next year of even more fantastic sessions. Here are the webinar sessions:
Landcare as a Business – a strategic approach Thursday, 19 November at 2pm (AEDT)
Talk to two fantastic Landcare organisations. We’ll hear from Kylie Durant from Holbrook Landcare Network and Phillip Moran from Noosa & District Landcare Group.
Chris McCulloch from Local Land Services NSW will facilitate the session during which we’ll hear from Kylie and Phillip about how their organisations operate, achieve results, demonstrate their impact and invest in their people. The session will include tips for groups on how to focus on priorities, source funding, and engage volunteers. If you can’t make the live session we’ll be sure to send a link to the recording to everyone who has registered.
Interventions to improve soil health in Australia - Thursday, 10 December at 12.30pm (AEDT)
Sue Bestow from the Office of the National Soils Advocate will present a session on interventions to improve soil health in Australia. Sue will discuss five interventions that have the potential to improve soil health at a meaningful scale, and will be joined by Mick Taylor, Landcare Farming Program Manager, to facilitate the session.
Landcare Youth Summit webinar - Thursday, 3 December at 4pm (AEDT).
Hot on the heels of the Landcare Youth Summit, taking place in Parliament House in Canberra next month, the Landcare Youth Summit webinar will take place just after the Summit event with Saskia Gerhardy, Skye Dunn and Mitchell Livington from South Australia’s YACCA (Youth & Community in Conservation Action).
Landcare Ambassador, Sophie Taylor-Price, will host the session which will include a discussion on how we can arm the next generation with the knowledge, tools, and ideas to preserve our unique landscape by taking action with Landcare. This session is open to everyone interested in how they can engage young people in landcare. I have attached a social media tile that you may like to use to promote this event on your communications channels. You can register here for this webinar.
For more information on the webinar program please:
- Check out this website link https://landcareaustralia.org.au/national-landcare-conference-webinar/?sourcehome
- Or you can email us at digital@landcareaustralia.com.au
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Membership renewals were due for renewal (June 30)! By being financial you'll get project and event support, grant administration for unincorporated organizations and representation to Landcare NSW, local and state government and key decision-makers. Plus, we offer members-only training events each year.
Help support the environmental volunteering community in Greater Sydney,
and join us here.
If you think you have missed the invoice in your inbox, please check your spam folder.
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