Hunter Region Landcare Network is pleased to announce we have received two significant grants in partnership with Mid Coast to Tops Landcare Connection, under the NSW Landcare Enabling Program. These grants are part of the $10 million funding package announced by Minister for Agriculture, Regional New South Wales, and Western New South Wales, Tara Moriarty.
The NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-27, is a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government. These grants will be administered by Local Land Services and supported by Landcare NSW over the next 12 months, enabling us to deliver new community-led environmental projects across our two regions. The two statewide priority areas for these grants are:
• Innovation and Climate Adaptation
• Culturally Informed Landscape Management
The Hunter Region Landcare Network will deliver two projects aligned with these priorities, in partnership with Mid Coast to Tops Landcare Connection:
1. Climate-Resilient Landcare: Building Adaptation Capacity Across the Hunter and Mid Coast.
$410,900
This project is designed to help Landcare groups, landholders and partners better prepare for a changing climate together. Through building skills, sharing practical tools and strengthening partnerships, land-owners and bush regeneration groups will be supported to make informed decisions that help strengthen the climate resilience of existing and new habitats across a range of landscapes.
2. Listening & Learning Together: Building Strong Aboriginal–Landcare Partnerships Across the Hunter & Mid Coast.
$174,300
This project will support Aboriginal community members and Rangers, Landcare Coordinators and volunteers across the Hunter and Mid Coast to build shared understanding of caring for Country. Working with Local Land Councils and key Aboriginal stakeholders, the project will deliver learning experiences on Country, cultural heritage immersions and shared workshops to encourage listening, learning and knowledge exchange. This will foster cultural capability that will lay the foundations for strong, mutually beneficial partnerships into the future.
Hunter Region Landcare Network President, Balaji Seshadri said, “This crucial funding empowers our network of community volunteers, landholders, and Aboriginal partners in the Hunter Region, to collaboratively tackle climate adaptation and strengthen our shared understanding of caring for Country. In proud partnership with the Mid Coast to Tops Landcare Connection, we are building the practical skills and lasting relationships needed to protect our diverse ecosystems across both regions.”
NSW Landcare Enabling Program Manager, Jodie Lovell said, “Landcare is proof of what can be achieved when local communities come together to care for the environment and create a better future for the next generation. These grants will give Landcare groups across the state the support they need to expand their work, deliver innovative projects, and create stronger partnerships with Aboriginal communities.”