Members of Denman Community Garden, Muscle Creek Landcare and Penguin Garden Club met recently to form a new umbrella group called Hunter Sustainability Landcare TEAM (The Environment Always Matters). The members of each sub group will continue to do the work they already do but will be able to combine resources and knowledge to make their activities more efficient.
This “umbrella group” allows its member groups to work together, to support their local communities, to share incorporation and insurance costs, seek funding and support and to coordinate projects and activities, as a district group. Community members and groups interested in practical sustainability, Landcare and gardening are invited to join the new TEAM at the Sustainability Hub, Wilkinson Ave, Muswellbrook. The TEAM will also consider proposals from other similar minded groups.
John Hughson, Hunter Region Landcare Network, Network Advisor said “The Hunter Region Landcare Network is very pleased to support the Community and their Council working together to raise awareness of sustainability and the natural environment in their local area.” “Denman Community Garden is very excited to be involved with Landcare, Muscle Creek and Penguin Garden Group. We are looking forward to learning about sustainable gardening and sharing our gardening skills with a wider group in our community” said Denman Community Garden member Snezana Bellotti. Tara Famularo, Muscle Creek Landcare Group said. “Muscle Creek Landcare Group is excited by the prospects of combining resources with other organisations in the Hunter Valley. This partnership will encourage future growth of sustainability in our community.” “I think it’s a very positive step for the Penguin Group, the Denman garden group, Landcare and the local environment. It is an exciting move forward for all of us concerned.” Said Ross Pahuru, Penguin Garden Club. Mick Brady Muswellbrook Shire Council said “It is great to see community members interested in practical sustainability initiatives. Council is pleased to offer the new group support.
The new Muswellbrook Sustainability Landcare TEAM (The Environment Always Matters), was successfully launched at an HRLN networking event held on Saturday, 25th May. The event, hosted by Hunter Region Landcare Network, allowed individuals from each group to share their knowledge and ideas and enjoy morning tea together while the children crafted a wombat and platypus puppet show.
An election of Office-bearers was conducted at the event, with a full complement of office bearers, assistant office bearers and committee members elected. The group will now seek incorporation, insurance and membership of Landcare NSW, utilising some of the funding they received for hosting the district networking event. This initiative was supported by Muswellbrook Shire Council, with Council staff providing great leadership and support for the formation of the group, and the Hunter Region Landcare Network, who facilitated the process using resources provided by the Local Landcare Coordinator Initiative and utilising funding provided by the Hunter LLS partnership.
A great result for all concerned.