TRLA was a founding partner with the Namoi CMA in the first Sustainability Expo in 2009. Since then, the concept has grown into the annual
Sustainable North West Program with events held across North West NSW. In 2015, more than 2,000 people attended 100 mile food nights,
sustainable morning teas, sustainable open house days, mini expo at Tamworth Show, Envirorace and a schools competition.
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
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
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 🎄
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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” 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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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
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 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
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
Our nursery currently has Allocasuarina littoralis ( Black She Oak) and Casuarina criststa (Belah) are still on special at $1.00
each while stocks last.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
Mari ngiyani winangaylanha ganunga-waanda yanaylanha, dhaymaarr ganugu-waanda nhama ngarrangarranmaldanhi.
[We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first people and custodians of this land]
Gomeroi People are the traditional custodians of the waterways and the land on which we work and live.
Tamworth Regional Landcare Association pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging and extend
that respect to all Aboriginal people.
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