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Meet Our Committee & Staff

The TRLA Committee meets on the third Tuesday of each month (between February and November) to oversee and coordinate Landcare activities in the region. The TRLA Committee consists of up to 8 non-executive committee members elected annually at the AGM in October.

Contact Wayne Chaffey for further information or to become involved: info@trla.org.au

Committee Members

President – Wayne Chaffey

Vice President – George Macdonald

Secretary – Narelle Chaffey

Treasurer – Stephanie Cameron

Public Officer – Stephanie Cameron

Ordinary members –  

  • Lyn Allen
  • Jean Coady
  • John Simpson
  • Aurelie Quade
  • Kate Masters
  • Wayne Collinson


Our Dedicated Staff

Executive Officer – Jacqui Gidley-Baird

Local Landcare Coordinator (Tamworth) – Ninna Douglas

Local Landcare Coordinator (Tamworth) – Susan Wilson

Local Landcare Coordinator (Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah) - Nicky Chirlian

Local Landcare Coordinator (Youth and Education) - Kate Spry 

Regional and Local Administrative Officer - Kat Pilavidis

Regional Landcare Coordinator  - Shelley McDouall

Nursery Manager – Paul Moxon

Nursery Supervisor – Julie Clancy




Latest News

Namoi Soil Symposium

Namoi Soil Symposium

Namoi Soil Symposium
Save the date for an inspiring and informative event focused on soil health and sustainable production systems! Hear from distinguished speakers, including Dr. Rob Banks, Cameron Leckie, Scott McCalman, Amy Perfrement, and internationally renowned soil health educator Joel Williams, returning by popular demand.

When: 12th March 2025
Where: Emerald Hill Community Hall

Registrations open in January 2025. For further information, contact Nicky at nicky@trla.org.au or 0488 056 199.

Sprouting Joy This Festive Season: Nursery News & Holiday Updates

Sprouting Joy This Festive Season: Nursery News & Holiday Updates

As the weather warms up and Christmas approaches, the nursery has been reasonably quiet this past month. However, behind the scenes, we're in full propagation mode, preparing to meet the demand for what we expect to be a very busy autumn season.

Over the Christmas period, Julie will be taking some well-earned leave, but Paul will still be on deck to keep things running smoothly. The nursery will only be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, so you can still pop in during the festive season.

Looking for a unique last-minute Christmas gift or tree? We’ve been selling small native Christmas trees, perfect for adding a touch of nature to your celebrations. They’re available for just $25.00 each, but stock is limited, so don’t wait too long. Visit us this Friday or Monday to grab yours before they’re gone!

We’d also like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible volunteers. Your dedication and hard work throughout the year make everything we do possible, and we are so grateful for your support.

From all of us at the nursery, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season. See you soon!

North West Activities

North West Activities

Want to know what Landcarers are up to right around the North West Region and surrounds?  Here is the list of upcoming events from right across the North West.   To have your event listed get in touch with Shelley, Regional Landcare Coordinator, on 0474 887 982

🎄 Holiday Closure Notice 🎄

🎄 Holiday Closure Notice 🎄


The TRLA Office will be closed from December 23rd and will reopen on January 2nd.

The TRLA Nursery will be closed on December 25th (Christmas Day) and January 1st (New Year’s Day).

We wish you a happy and safe holiday season! Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

🎉 Happy Holidays from the TRLA Team! 🎉

Water Symposium - SAVE THE DATE

The symposium will involve brief presentations on the issues from the perspective of our local governments, agriculture and industry and others, and discussions of key issues which will provide the opportunity for different stakeholders to be heard, and for proposals for strategies and initiatives to be proposed and examined.

Following these discussions, we will seek consensus on specific initiatives to be pursued.

Date: March 17, 2025

Time: 9am

Location: Mercure Tamworth

Calling for Rainfall Data from the Namoi Region

Rainfall information is critical for all sorts of decisions made about water resources.  Rainfall data are used by many people and industries to inform decisions on activities ranging from water irrigation practises, water supply and drought risk and insurance. 

Wonderful Weeds at Wilgabah!

19 people eager to better their grass and weed identification skills attended an excellent half day workshop run by George Truman, LLS at “Wilgagbah” Wallabadah on 30th November. 

Tania and Rod Hartigan opened The Ark Shack – an excellent learning space surrounded by art, indigenous artifacts and with a welcoming Dachshund who took a front row seat!

Keeping Swallows at Bay: A Guide for Gardeners, Farmers, and Bird Lovers

Swallows, particularly the Welcome Swallow, are a common sight in Australia, admired for their graceful flight and mud cup nests. While their name evokes a sense of charm, they can create challenges when they nest in large numbers under eaves or rafters. From droppings to noise and potential property damage, managing their presence requires a thoughtful and proactive approach. Here are some practical tips to help you prevent swallows from nesting where they’re not welcome.

Regional Landcare Coordinator Update

In March this year, I was excited to be given the opportunity of being the Regional Landcare Coordinator for the North West Region of NSW. I was previously a Local Landcare Coordinator for 8 years, before moving into the Regional role in March this year. I am married to a 5th Generation cattle producer, and lives with husband and daughter in the productive Horton Valley...

Spring Success and Exciting New Projects at the Nursery

We’ve had a fantastic spring here at the nursery, and as the weather warms, our propagation program is in full swing. Paul has been busy collecting seeds from our local natives, which have just finished flowering. It’s an exciting time as these seeds will become the foundation for future plantings in our community...

Welcoming Kate Spry as Our New Youth and Education Coordinator

We are thrilled to announce that Kate Spry has joined our team as the new Youth and Education Coordinator, starting Monday, November 4. Kate has hit the ground running, and in just a short time, she has already made significant strides in establishing our new Intrepid Landcare group. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to engaging young people in environmental stewardship are already shining through...

A new Intrepid Landcare Group for TRLA is emerging

’Empowering the next generation to care for our land.’

An exciting and innovative opportunity for environmentally conscious youth is on the horizon!

The Tamworth TRLA is establishing an INTREPID LANDCARE GROUP targeted at individuals ranging from their mid-teens to their mid-30s. We encourage schools, school students and interested individuals to contact us if this initiative piques your interest...

What is a Stream Order, and How Do You Determine It?

Have you ever wondered what stream order your local creek or river belongs to? It’s a common question we receive, and understanding stream orders is essential for water management, planning, and conservation efforts.

What is Stream Order?



Stream order is a classification system used to define the hierarchy of streams within a catchment. The system starts with the smallest streams, known as first-order streams, which have no tributaries...

2024 TRLA Annual General Meeting Wrap-Up

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Tamworth Regional Landcare Association. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our achievements, share plans for the future, and connect with our dedicated members.

Why Autumn is the Best Season for Planting Farm Trees: Plan Ahead for Success

Planting trees is a significant investment in the future health and productivity of farmland. Choosing the optimal planting season can greatly influence the success and growth of these trees. Insights from "A Practical Guide to Planting Tubestock Paddock Trees" by the Hovells Creek Landcare Group highlight the advantages of autumn planting over spring planting.

Advantages of Autumn Planting

Autumn planting offers several benefits:

  • Enhanced Root Establishment: Planting in autumn, after the first substantial rains...

The Power of Beneficial Insects and Trees on Farms

Invertebrate animals, including insects, spiders, and worms, make up over 95% of Australia’s animal diversity and around 55% of its total biodiversity. These small creatures may be easy to overlook, but they are absolutely essential to the health of our ecosystems. Invertebrates help maintain the balance in nature by breaking down organic matter, recycling nutrients, pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, and controlling pest populations. However, despite their importance, many invertebrate species are not included in conservation plans, even though hundreds are listed as threatened. Supporting these species is crucial for ensuring that our ecological and economic systems remain stable.

Paddock Plants and Weed Identification

NOVEMBER 30 | WALLABADAH

Are you keen to know what native and introduced pastures you have on your farm, and learn about their nutritional value and productivity? Which ones are desirable and which not so and how to increase the overall native base? What are some of the common weeds you have as well, and whether they might be toxic to livestock?

“NGIYAANI” GUNNEDAH FIELD DAY 3rd NOVEMBER 2024

“Ngiyaani” Field Day was initiated by landowners Peter Long and Sarah Ferguson.  This property was described previously as "The most degraded land in the Namoi Valley" in 2007.  Peter and Sara have developed it over time using low input cost regenerative strategies.  They aim to have 100% ground cover across all seasons, and produce Lowline Angus cattle being sold directly to a specialist butcher (“Feather & Bone”, Sydney) at an excellent profit.

Biodiversity in our community.

Gunnible Landcare Inc, with support from LP & G  Landcare Coordinator Nicky Chirlian, hosted a workshop funded by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust on 25th October at the Gunnedah Aero Club, and then later at 347 Blue Vale Rd, Gunnedah...

🌿 Welcome Kate Spry, Our New Youth and Education Landcare Coordinator! 🌿

We’re thrilled to introduce Kate Spry, joining TRLA as our Youth and Education Landcare Coordinator. Starting Monday, November 4th, Kate will be joining us part-time in this role for the next six months as she transitions from other commitments. Kate will be full-time after this date.

Kate brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for Regenerative Agriculture, with twelve years dedicated to transitioning her own farming practices to regenerative approaches. 

Tamworth Regional Landcare Association 2024 Photography Competition Results Announced

On Friday night, October 25, a large crowd gathered in Fitzroy Plaza to celebrate the winners of the Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) 2024 Photography Competition. The Tamworth Regional Gallery illuminated the night by projecting all 97 entries onto the "big screen" on Fitzroy Street, offering a beautiful display of our community’s talent and love for nature photography.

AGM with Guest Speaker John Asquith OAM

NOVEMBER 16 | TAMWORTH
Join us for our upcoming Annual General Meeting on November 16! The evening will begin at 5:30 pm for a 6:00 pm start, with an AGM followed by a presentation from special guest speaker John Asquith OAM. John is known for his dedication to environmental conservation and will speak on the "Land for Wildlife" initiative, sharing insights from his extensive experience advocating for sustainable land management across NSW. Light dinner will be served following John’s presentation. We look forward to seeing you there!

Community Unites for Platypus Conservation

On Tuesday, October 22, students and community members from Bendemeer and Manilla had the unique opportunity to learn about platypus conservation from Dr. Gilad Bino, a leading expert in the field. Hosted by the Australian Conservation Foundation and Tamworth Regional Landcare Assocation, the event was part of the Platy Project, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting platypus populations and maintaining healthy waterways. Dr. Bino shared his knowledge with students from Bendemeer Public School, St Michael's Primary, and Manilla Central School, educating them about the vital role platypus play in the ecosystem.

Opening of Werris Creek Community Garden October 19, 2024

Opening of Werris Creek Community Garden October 19, 2024

TRLA was represented by Nicky Chirlian Landcare Coordinator at the Opening of the Werris Creek Community Garden.

This garden has been a community effort, lead by Lorae Johns, and is situated behind the Werris Creek Library.  It is a relaxed community space, with raised garden beds overflowing with healthy vegetables, and plans for school holiday children’s activities.

TRLA donated a range of native plants as a fundraiser for the Garden, which were purchased by community members. 

It was a pleasant couple of hours meeting and catching up with friends and chatting about Landcare current and future activities.

Photography Exhibition at Fitzroy Plaza!

From Wednesday, 23rd October to Saturday, 26th October, Fitzroy Plaza will be transformed into a vibrant gallery, showcasing over 90 stunning photographs. Each evening, these beautiful images will be projected for all to enjoy.

On Friday, 25th October, from 7:15 to 8:30 PM we’ll come together to view the images, announce the competition winners, and hand out some fantastic prizes. Enjoy light refreshments, and a chance to celebrate the beauty of our landscapes through the eyes of our talented local photographers. We look forward to seeing you there!

Powerful Pollinators Webinar

10 November | ONLINE

The Wheen Bee Foundation are hosting a FREE Webinar!

Join Lea Hannah Project Manager Powerful Pollinators, Dr Anna Carrucan, Second-generation beekeeper & botanist, ecologist & conservation agriculturalist and Dr Megan Halcroft from Bees Business, for a webinar to:

  • Find out how pollinators can play a role in healthy gardens and farm enterprises;
  • Discover how to encourage pollinator populations on your property;
  • Be introduced to our new planting guides and how they can be used in gardens and on farm; and
  • Find out how to apply for tree grants that support pollinator habitat restorations.

Small Farms Pasture & Weed ID Workshop

7 DECEMBER | BENDEMEER

HOSTED BY LLS
Small Farms would like to invite you to attend a pasture and weed identification workshop. During a paddock walk, you will learn to identify local grasses, clovers and weeds.
*Bring along any pasture grasses you would like identified and photos of any weeds
*You will need to bring a hat, sunscreen, chair and sturdy shoes
*Morning tea will be provided

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Our members often say that when you become part of Landcare, you’re not just joining a group, you’re becoming part of a family. The concept is so compatible with Australian culture it’s hard not to get involved! By becoming a TRLA member, you’ll be supporting our work, learning new skills, becoming part of the solution, and helping to make a difference for the future.

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together we can make a difference

funding support

Did you know (TRLA) run an Annual Small Grants program for Landcare activities connected to the Tamworth region.

Volunteer Landcare and Grassroots Community groups can apply up to $2,500 for activities that meet an objective of TRLA’s strategic plan with eight successful projects being awarded funds from across the region.

APPLY NOW APPLY NOW