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Habitat augmentation

 Discover the Future of Wildlife Conservation with Habitat Innovation

TRLA is excited to be hosting a habitat augmentation workshop, on July 25 at Bendemeer. The workshop will be undertaken by Mick Callen from Habitat Innovation, a leading expert in biodiversity management. Join us for an engaging and informative session where you will learn about innovative habitat augmentation techniques that can transform your farm, backyard, or community into a thriving ecosystem for wildlife.

Why Attend? If you love wildlife, birds, reptiles, and mammals, this workshop is a must-attend! Habitat Innovation specializes in creating, enhancing, and managing habitats to ensure the long-term viability of Australia's unique biodiversity. By attending, you'll gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in habitat augmentation, learning how to support local wildlife effectively.

About Habitat Innovation Habitat Innovation is dedicated to the long-term management of Australia's unique biodiversity. Their team of ecologists uses cutting-edge techniques to develop nature-based solutions, including:

  • Supply and installation of Habitat Modular Nest Box Systems
  • Carved hollow installation using the Hollow Hog tool and chainsaw
  • Nest box and augmented habitat monitoring and reporting
  • Biodiversity planning for threatened species recovery
  • Habitat Needs Assessment (HNA)
  • Landscape scale biodiversity monitoring and management
  • Biodiversity enhancement of agricultural landscapes
  • Revegetation strategies

Their modular nest boxes, designed by ecologists, mimic the stable microclimate of natural tree hollows, providing vital homes for hollow-dependent fauna such as gliders, possums, and parrots. These innovative solutions are especially crucial in the wake of events like the Black Summer bushfires, which left many animals homeless.

Benefits of Attending By participating in this workshop, you will:

  • Learn how to create and maintain habitats that support local wildlife.
  • Gain insights into the latest ecological research and techniques.
  • Enhance the biodiversity of your property, whether it's a farm, backyard, or community space.
  • Contribute to the conservation of threatened species and the restoration of natural habitats.

Join Us! Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the experts at Habitat Innovation and make a positive impact on our local environment. Whether you're a farmer, a backyard enthusiast, or a community member, this workshop will provide valuable knowledge and tools to help you support wildlife in your area.

We look forward to seeing you there and working together to build a better future for our native species!

Book your spot here:   https://tinyurl.com/yv482bw8


Latest News

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

Is measuring carbon good for business?

27 NOVEMBER | TAMWORTH

HOSTED BY LLS
Join us to learn how measuring carbon on farm can make good business sense. Discover some of the opportunities that exist in carbon farming, including how understanding and managing agricultural emissions and carbon sequestration strategies can benefit your farm business.
Event highlights:
• Carbon in the cropping industry - GrainGrowers
• Sustainability along the supply chain - Tim Dellit, Rabobank
• Driving on-farm carbon neutral outcomes - Robert Mackenzie, Macka’s Beef
• Science of soil carbon - Susan Orgill, Select Carbon
• International perspectives on carbon farming - Pippa Jones, Local Land Services, SQNNSW Innovation Hub, 2024 Nuffield Scholar
• Understanding the farm business benefits of carbon farming - Clare Edwards, NSW DPIRD
• What is natural capital? - Andrew Jack, Local Land Services

Tree planting on my farm

9 NOVEMBER | DUNGOWAN

HOSTED BY LLS

Tree planting on my farm Small farms and lifestyle network would like to invite you to a FREE vegetation management workshop.
Topics covered:
• How to choose trees that are right for your farm
• Best practice planting techniques
• Simple things you can do to support beneficial insects on farm
• You will need to bring a hat, sunscreen, chair and sturdy shoes
• Morning tea provided

Small farms - Farm Water Basics

2 NOVEMBER | DARUKA

HOSTED BY LLS
As part of our small farms and lifestyle block program, we invite you to come along to our farm water basics workshop.
*Water testing – bring along a water sample for testing
*Designing trough and water systems
*Different trough types
*Water storage
*Trouble shooting and repairs
*Please bring a hat, sunscreen, chair and sturdy shoes
*Morning tea provided

🌿 Extra Nursery Opening Hours – Tamworth Open Garden Trail 🌿

We're excited to announce that as part of the Tamworth Open Garden Trail, our nursery will have special extra opening hours:

📅 Saturday, October 26 & Sunday, October 27
⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Explore our diverse range of plants and learn how your garden can support local biodiversity. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit us!

🌱 See you there! 🌱

Spring Special

Our nursery currently has  Allocasuarina littoralis ( Black She Oak) and Casuarina criststa (Belah) are still on special at $1.00 each while stocks last.

Getting muddy with Gunnible Landcare Inc

On a cold and wet morning of 26th September 2024, Harry Davey and Jay Barnett from OzFish Unlimited, Nicky Chirlian Liverpool Plains & Gunnedah Landcare Coordinator, and Tony Bernays, Chair of Gunnible Landcare Inc gathered to implement stage one of a Namoi River restoration project, on “Eldorado”, Gunnedah.

Why measure your farm's carbon footprint?

Do you know your farm's carbon footprint?  Do you need to ?  Both global and  domestic markets  are starting to demand more information from producers in regards to their environmental impact. 

The Platy Project: Spotting Platypus and Supporting Waterways

22 OCTOBER | MANILLA AND BENDEMEER
This spring, people across eastern Australia are invited to participate in the Platy Project, an exciting citizen science initiative that encourages locals to head down to their nearest waterway and search for one of Australia's most iconic creatures—the platypus. Running throughout September and October, the project aims to collect valuable data on platypus sightings to help bridge gaps in our understanding of where these elusive animals are (and aren’t) living.

Platy-project community event - Manilla

22 OCTOBER | MANILLA
Join special guest Dr Gilad Bino, platypus expert, in Manilla on Tuesday 22 Oct from 12-2 pm for our upcoming platy-project community event. We will meet at “The Junction Riverwalk”, Corner of River and Market St.  We invite community members to help us look for platypus in the Manilla and Namoi Rivers and help researchers better understand this elusive animal.

Film Tour Highlights Importance of Healthy Soils for Sustainable Agriculture

In late 2023, Upper Mooki Landcare Inc members initiated a mini film tour after engaging with Suzannah Cowley of Nviro Media, who had created the short documentary Thankful for Soil in collaboration with the organisation "Thankful for Farmers." The documentary highlights the essential role of farmers, both as food producers and environmental custodians, echoing one of Tamworth Regional Landcare Association’s (TRLA) goals of providing landholders with the latest tools and education for sustainable agricultural practices.

"Ngiyaani" Mini Field Day

3 November | GUNNEDAH
Peter and Sarah bought "The most degraded land in the Namoi Valley" in 2007, and you are invited to attend this field day to learn some of the strategies that have helped to bring it back to the beautiful property that it is today.

Open Garden Trail across Tamworth

26 & 27 OCTOBER | TAMWORTH
Follow our Open Garden Trail across Tamworth for the whole weekend. Each garden will be open for a set time, and the owners will be there to talk about their processes and plantings. Gather inspo for your own garden with the excellent water wise, native, and food producing gardens on display.

Platy-project community event - BENDEMEER

Join special guest Dr Gilad Bino, platypus expert, in Bendemeer on Tuesday 22 Oct for our upcoming platy-project community event. We invite community members to help us look for platypus in the Macdonald River and help researchers better understand this elusive animal.

2024 Photography Competition - Now Closed

Thank you to all our talented photographers who entered into our Water in the Landscape, 2024 Photography Competition. Entries are now closed, and we will be excited to contact finalists as soon as judging has been completed.

Empowering the Peel Valley: WaterInsights Presentation Recap

On Tuesday, September 17, we hosted a special presentation at the UNE Centre in Tamworth, introducing the WaterInsights platform managed by WaterNSW. Our guest speaker, Kate Masters, provided an in-depth walkthrough of how water is managed and shared across New South Wales, with a focus on the Peel Valley.

Nemingha Community Garden and Open Day and Workshop

If you're passionate about bees and want to learn more about creating bee hotels, come along to a hands-on workshop at the Nemingha Community Garden on September 28. Dean Heemskerk will be leading the session, sharing his expertise on how to support local bee populations. It’s a great opportunity to get practical tips and make a difference in your own backyard!

Biodiversity in our community

This workshop is hosted by Gunnible Landcare Inc and has been funded by the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust. It is presented by Liz Blair, Ecologist from Ecosystem Thinking. You will learn about the power and richness of the Liverpool Plains ecosystems; what fauna is out there, where they live and why they matter; the importance of landscape management options for remnant, recovering and recreated ecosystems, and how to bring fauna back through landscape connections.

Special Screening of The Blind Sea

Join Us for a Special Screening of The Blind Sea

We are excited to invite you to a screening of The Blind Sea, an inspiring and breathtaking documentary featuring Jacqui’s brother, Matt Formston—an Australian Paralympian and 4x World Champion blind surfer. Diagnosed with Macular Dystrophy at the age of five, Matt has defied the odds, overcoming judgment and prejudice to succeed at the highest level, both in and out of the water.

This thought-provoking documentary not only explores Matt’s remarkable career but also his attempt to break the world record for a blind surfer by tackling the monster waves of Nazaré. Alongside insights from surfing legends like Layne Beachley AO, Sam Bloom, and Joel Parkinson, Matt’s story is sure to inspire, especially as he aims to motivate the next generation.

This screening is also a fantastic opportunity for our network to come together, connect, and enjoy an uplifting evening. Bring a friend and join us for a night of adventure and community!

We hope to see you there!

Watch the trailer here



Bendemeer Primary Students Plant the Seeds of the Future for Koalas


On Friday, 13th September, Bendemeer Primary School students took a step towards a brighter future for our local wildlife by planting 28 ribbon gums along the banks of the Macdonald River. These trees, chosen for their potential to form future koala corridors, will provide vital habitats and contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect our beloved koalas.

Building Biodiversity: Insect Hotels for Every Garden

Whether you have a small urban backyard or sprawling farmland, building an insect hotel can significantly boost biodiversity in your garden. Insect hotels, made from natural or recycled materials, provide much-needed shelter for various beneficial insects, from pollinators like native bees to natural pest controllers such as ladybugs and lacewings. These tiny workers are crucial for healthy ecosystems, ensuring the survival of flowering plants and protecting crops from harmful pests.

Latest news from Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group

Read more here for the latest updates on what's happening with the Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group.

Koala Detection and Conservation Efforts in Tamworth Region

On Sunday night, August 25th, TRLA's drone team, led by Chief Pilot and Project Manager James Filby, along with Peter Grono and Susan Wilson, conducted a heat-seeking mission at Mulla Creek, searching for koalas. This effort is part of the Wildseek Koala project, a partnership between TRLA and Landcare Australia that began in January 2023.

Calling All Young Environmentalists: Join the Adventure with Landcare Youth Intrepid Landcare!

Are you a young person looking to make a difference in your local environment? Do you have a passion for nature and a desire to learn new skills? If so, Intrepid Landcare is calling your name! We invite you to embark on a thrilling journey to care for our land and community. Tamworth Regional Landcare is starting up a Youth in Landcare movement and we want you to be part of the adventure.

Water Symposium

The Water Symposium for the Upper Namoi Valley is a community-centered event aimed at gathering the insights and experiences of our local community and landholders. Recognising the vital role they play in our region's sustainability, the symposium seeks to address the challenges and opportunities related to water management in our region. With changing rainfall, temperature, and agricultural practices, it’s crucial to hear from those most impacted. By fostering dialogue and sharing diverse perspectives, we aim to develop collective strategies for sustainable water management, landscape rehydration, and resilience against environmental pressures. This collaborative approach ensures that the voices of our community are at the forefront of shaping a sustainable future for the Upper Namoi Valley.

Landcare Learning Waterinsights by WaterNSW

Join us for a comprehensive presentation on WaterInsights, the website managed by WaterNSW, providing detailed information on how water is managed and shared in New South Wales. We'll explore the pages most relevant to the Peel Valley, ensuring participants can navigate through the platform with ease. Please bring along a laptop, iPad, or tablet to follow along during the session.

🌱 Join TRLA at AgQuip 2024! 🌱

🌱 Join TRLA at AgQuip 2024! 🌱

🌱 Join TRLA at AgQuip 2024! 🌱

We’re excited to announce that TRLA will be attending AgQuip next week, from Tuesday to Thursday! Our passionate volunteers will be at our stand, ready to share insights on our community empowerment initiatives, environmental stewardship programs, and how we're making a difference through biodiversity conservation, water preservation, and more.

Whether you're curious about our work or just want to chat with like-minded individuals, we'd love for you to stop by and say hello! Your support helps us continue our mission to foster a sustainable future for our region.

📅 When: Tuesday, August 20th - Thursday, August 22nd
📍 Where: AgQuip Field Days, TRLA Site  E16-17

See you there!

The plant BBQ roadshow

The plant BBQ roadshow

Please join us to share knowledge on grassy white box woodlands, fire management, fire ecology and plant flammability. RSVP for catering purposes but not essential. Let us know if you are bringing a group. RSVP to: Wally Hammond 0419 611 715 wally.hammond@lls.nsw.gov.au or molly.wallace@student.uts.edu.au

Photo Competition Extended

Exciting news our photo competition has been extended until September 27th 

Capture the Essence of Water in Our Landscape: Enter Our Photo Competition! 

iNaturalist Workshop

iNaturalist Workshop

Are you facinated by flora, fauna and fungi, but don't know what they are? Do you like being out in nature and photographing plants, animals or fungi? Do you want to help document biodiversity in the places you visit? Then iNaturalist is the app for you!
Come along to Gunnedah Urban Landcare’s hands-on workshop on Bindea (Porcupine Reserve) at 10am Sunday 25 August 2024 to learn about iNaturalist and our native flora and fauna. Bring your smart phone (with the iNaturalist app already installed if you can) and join others in documenting the plants, animals and fungi of Bindea. 
ALL WELCOME AND BBQ TO FINISH
For further information and to book contact gulg2380@gmail.com

Landcare Australia Community Grants

As part of Landcare Australia’s celebration of 35 years of Landcare Australia and landcare as a national movement, the 2024 Landcare Australia Community Grants program will support local landcare and community environmental groups across Australia to deliver projects that address priority issues for the group, community and/or the environment.

Celebrating National Tree Day: Supporting the Glossy Black Cockatoos

On National Tree Day, our community came together with a shared purpose: to support the threatened Glossy Black Cockatoos. This remarkable event saw the planting of over 100 trees, a significant stride in creating and enhancing habitats for this endangered species.

Successful habitat augmentation event in Bendemeer

On July 25, the Bendemeer Town Hall buzzed with excitement as approximately 40 enthusiastic attendees gathered for a workshop on habitat augmentation. Hosted by the Tamworth Regional Landcare Association and featuring expert presentations from Mick Callen of Habitat Innovation, the event was a resounding success.

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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