eNews #3

• 12th February - Highland Wetlands Field Day (Guyra)
• 18th February - Understanding Natural Capital (Uralla)
• 19th February - Rehydrating Farm Landscapes Field Day
• 19th February - Understanding Natural Capital (Walcha)
• 25th February - Understanding Natural Capital (Armidale)
• 26th February - Understanding Natural Capital (Guyra)
• 18-19th March - Landscape Rehyrdation 2-day Bootcamp

Southern New England Landcare extends its congratulations to board members David Steller and Bryan Johnstone, who were recognised at the Armidale Australia Day Awards for their outstanding contributions to the local community.

David Steller was named Senior Citizen/Elder of the Year, recognising his longstanding and selfless service to the Armidale community. David’s quiet but far-reaching contributions span environmental stewardship, social welfare, aged care and broader community service. Through decades of consistent involvement, he has helped strengthen local connections, support vulnerable individuals and families, enhance green spaces, and uphold the dignity and wellbeing of older residents. His nomination reflects the humility, reliability and genuine commitment that have defined his contribution to community life.

Common Names: American needle-grass, Uruguayan tussockgrass, Uruguayan needlegrass
Scientific Name: Nassella neesiana
Where in the Succession: Low Fertility Exploiter

Chilean Needle Grass is a perennial tufted grass growing to 1-1.5 m tall. It is native to South America, specifically the southern half of the continent. It prefers temperate and semi-arid climates with at least 500 mm of annual rainfall, but it can also be found in subtropical climates.

It looks like Spear grass, and it belongs to the Tussock family, including Serrated Tussock.

New research featured on ABC Landline suggests water in the Murray–Darling Basin could be managed to support both agriculture and biodiversity, rather than treating environmental and productive water use as separate or competing priorities.

The article highlights north-west NSW grazier Garry Hall, who runs cattle on his Macquarie Marshes property while also supporting the endangered Australian painted snipe. Bird tracking has shown the species travels long distances, reinforcing the importance of well-managed agricultural landscapes for wildlife.

Now is a good time for landholders to start planning their next shelterbelt or biodiversity planting. Well-designed tree plantings can deliver long-term benefits for stock shelter, erosion control, biodiversity and overall farm resilience.

The Armidale Tree Group (ATG) is taking orders now for both autumn and spring plantings this year and can support landholders through the full process. This includes site planning, site preparation and planting services, making it easier to get trees in the ground and set up for success.

ATG also offers a complete weed eradication service, with two spray units and experienced operators available to help prepare sites before planting. Early planning and ordering helps ensure the right species and services are available when you need them.

Southern New England Landcare invites you to support the ‘Living with koalas’ video series, a NSW Koala Strategy initiative sharing real stories from landholders in the Southern Highlands, MidCoast and Northern Tablelands. Each short video highlights practical ways to protect koalas and their habitats while maintaining productive agricultural systems.

You can access the Northern Tablelands video here. 

We encourage you to help share these stories through your networks to inspire more people to take action for koalas. A stakeholder content pack is available with ready-to-use social media posts, copy, links, and a koala-friendly farm poster to make sharing easy.

Thank you for helping protect koalas and their habitats!

 Livestock handling workshop

Join Northern Tablenads Local Land Services for a hands-on low stress livestock handling workshop tailored to sheep and cattle enterprises, designed specifically for women in agriculture. This practical training builds confidence, safety awareness, and leadership skills in real farm settings.

Course Dates

• Tenterfield – 2nd & 3rd March
• Guyra – 5th & 6th March
• Walcha – 9th & 10th March

The nation’s premier on-farm event, Wilmot Field Day explores what’s possible at the intersection of productive agriculture, nature repair and decarbonisation.

Step through the gates to join a growing community of primary producers and supply chain partners for thought-provoking discussion, practical demonstrations and presentations from world leading speakers.

Discover how nature-positive farming is good for the environment, good for business and good for the community.

Delve into practical solutions for farm productivity, resilience and ecological health.

Share opportunities to accelerate Australian agriculture and your business as you connect with others across the sector.

Date: 4-5 March, 2026

Location: Wilmot Farm, 10544 Armidale Rd, Hernani NSW

For more information see the WFD website.

Puchase your ticket here via Humanitix

Agriculture sector
Wednesday 25 March 2026
11.00am-12.00pm

Do you live or work on the land? Suitable for those who are engaged in a range of agricultural-based activities, including operating heavy machinery, equipment and high loads.

Find out what to be aware of when working near the electricity network, how to identify potential hazards, and ways to minimise risks. Learn about required clearances, safety measures and equipment such as aerial markers, and know what to do in the event of an incident with the electricity network.