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.

Participants delved into innovative techniques for creating and maintaining habitats that support local wildlife. From modular nest box systems to carved hollow installations, the hands-on sessions provided invaluable insights into enhancing biodiversity on farms, backyards, and community spaces. The event also highlighted the critical role of these habitats, especially in the wake of environmental challenges like the Black Summer bushfires.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire for more events like this. The workshop not only equipped attendees with practical skills but also inspired a commitment to biodiversity enhancement and conservation.

A big thank you to our organisers and sponsors: Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Landcare NSW, and TRLA. We look forward to seeing the impact of these efforts and continuing our journey towards a thriving ecosystem!

There was even a lucky door prize with Col Easton taking home a modular nesting box to install on his own property. Congratulation Col and we look forward to an update on the varied species visiting the artificial habitat in the future.

 

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๐ŸŒฟ Biodiversity & Productivity โ€“ Tamworth Workshop | 15 May ๐ŸŒฟ

Weโ€™re excited to be partnering with Carbon8 for a powerful one-day workshop all about boosting biodiversity to strengthen your farming system โ€” from the soil up!

Whether youโ€™re managing pasture or cropping, increasing biodiversity can improve productivity, build resilience, and reduce the need for chemical inputs. This is your chance to hear directly from landholders, educators, and experts who are walking the talk.

๐Ÿ“… When: Wednesday, 15 May

๐Ÿพ NSW Companion Animals Act Review โ€“ Have Your Say! ๐Ÿพ

๐Ÿพ NSW Companion Animals Act Review โ€“ Have Your Say! ๐Ÿพ

๐Ÿšจ Submissions close Sunday, May 4, 2025 ๐Ÿšจ

After years of advocacy, the NSW Government is finally reviewing the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 โ€” and your voice is urgently needed to help protect our native wildlife from the impacts of free-roaming pet cats.

๐Ÿฆ˜ Why it matters:
This outdated law currently prevents local Councils from setting and enforcing cat containment policies, leaving cats to roam, kill native wildlife, and spread diseases like toxoplasmosis. Itโ€™s time for a law that reflects modern expectations of responsible pet ownership.

๐Ÿ’ฅ Make a difference โ€“ three easy options:
โœ… Option A (quick & easy):
Use the Invasive Species Councilโ€™s free writing kit โ€“ theyโ€™ll send you a ready-to-go email template.
๐Ÿ”— Register here

โœ๏ธ Option B (most impactful):
Write a short email in your own words explaining why you believe cat containment is essential.
๐Ÿ“ง Email: ca.review@olg.nsw.gov.au
๐Ÿ“ Subject: Companion Animals Act Review

๐Ÿ’ก Ask for:

  • Statewide 24/7 cat containment laws
  • Mandatory desexing by 4 months
  • $9 million+ in support for Councils and education campaigns


๐Ÿ“„ Option C (official form):
Review the discussion paper and submit feedback via the online submission form on the Office of Local Government site.
๐Ÿ”— Submit here

๐ŸŒฟ Every submission helps push for change! Letโ€™s keep native wildlife safe, support responsible pet ownership, and empower Councils to act. Please share this widely. ๐Ÿจ๐Ÿฆ‰๐Ÿพ

๐Ÿšœ Calling All Farmers, Farm Managers & Owners! ๐ŸŒฑ

๐Ÿšœ Calling All Farmers, Farm Managers & Owners! ๐ŸŒฑ

We're helping support important PhD research from Federation University Australia exploring how farmers think about sustainability, technology, and data in agriculture โ€“ and how we can build better tools to support real-world needs.

If you're a farmer, farm manager, or farm owner, please take 10-15 minutes to complete this anonymous survey. โœ…
Or, if youโ€™re not a farmer, help us by sharing this post with your networks!

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŒพ Your insights will help shape a new framework for assessing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impacts in agriculture.

๐Ÿ”— Take the survey here:
https://federation.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Mqz9Vzs9m7kdNk

๐ŸŽ“ Research by Bhola Paudel, PhD Candidate
โœ”๏ธ Approved by Federation University Human Research Ethics Committee (2024/228)

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

LEARN MORE LEARN MORE

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 TRLAโ€™s strategic plan with eight successful projects being awarded funds from across the region.

APPLY NOW APPLY NOW