eNews #23

• 11th November - AGM & Member Muster
• 17th November - Botany, Biosecurity, Bugs & Birds Uralla
• 21st December to 4th January - SNEL Christmas Closure

Is your rural local community/group or Landcare group hosting a Christmas gathering?

Southern New England Landcare is offering up to $400 in funding to help support local community Christmas celebrations through:

• Catering costs
• Venue hire

We can also assist with the creation of a flyer or invitation for your event.

Interested?
Complete our Expression of Interest (EOI) form or contact Elizabeth Rosser on 02 6772 9123

This project is supported by the Future Drought Fund Communities Program through the Regional Drought Resilience Plan Social Outcomes initiative.

*Conditions apply*

Now in its 15th year, the much-loved Black Gully Festival returns on Saturday 7 November at the scenic Black Gully Reserve, (behind NERAM). This free, family-friendly event celebrates Armidale’s creativity, community spirit and natural environment as the warmer weather arrives.

From 10.00am to 7.30pm, festival goers can enjoy live music across three stages, along with a makers’ market, sumptuous food vans, arts, craft and science activities, talks and workshops, a clothes swap, creek bug collecting and more.

Southern New England Landcare will hold its 25th Annual General Meeting at 6 pm on 11 November at the Uralla Community Centre and all members are invited to attend. The AGM meeting notice and agenda can be found here. Minutes of the 2025 AGM can be found here.

Immediately following the AGM, a general meeting - the November Member Muster - will commence, with updates from Around Our Groups, Guest Speakers and the announcement of the 2026 John Winter Irving Bequest and Coordinator’s Choice Awards. The Member Muster Agenda can be found here.

This year there will be two guest speakers. 

Emily Sims, Uralla Shire Council Strategic Planner will speak on the Uralla Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan (RESAP). For better or worse, the State-led development of new transmission infrastructure is likely to be the most significant economic and social change-driver Uralla has seen in a century. When it is all done and dusted, we want a thriving rural Shire where the renewable energy transition has strengthened community life, supported local livelihoods, and protected the Shire's unique identity. In a context where Council's influence is limited, change is coming fast, and priorities compete, the RESAP gives a clear basis to act on things like Regional Water Security, Heavy Vehicle Routes, Land Use Planning and Biodiversity.

Keith Walker (RLC) & Julian Prior (TBC) will then speak on a Natural Capital Accounting Feasibility Study for Landcare in New England. New England Landcare Network Inc (NELN) is developing a natural capital accounting feasibility study for Landcare in the New England region. Hear from Keith Walker (Regional Landcare Coordinator) and Dr Julian Prior (to be confirmed) about this project and how it stands to benefit Landcare farms, groups and networks in our region.

Speakers will be followed by a Q&A session.

The board of Southern New England Landcare will also announce the 2026 John Winter Irving Bequest recipient, and staff will announce their 'Coordinator's Choice Award' recipient.

These awards are a way of recognising and appreciating those locals who have made a significant contribution to Landcare in our region.

All members are invited. Supper provided so registrations are essential. Click here to register.

Serrated Tussock National Best Practice Management Manual is a comprehensive, expert‑informed guide for identifying and managing serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma), one of Australia’s most invasive grassy weeds. It draws on published research, technical expert reviews and land‑manager experience to present best practice approaches to control and reduce the spread of serrated tussock across agricultural, conservation and urban landscapes. The manual includes information on the weed’s biology, identification features and habitat preferences, and provides detailed guidance on integrated weed management strategies, prioritising sites, and using a range of control methods alongside weed hygiene and prevention practices. It is designed as a practical reference for landholders, biosecurity officers and weed management professionals to support effective, evidence‑based actions on the ground.

If you would like a hard copy, visit the SNEL office or call 02 6772 9123.

A digital copy can be downloaded here.

REDUCE COSTS IMPROVE RETURNS AND FARM HEALTH

AGENDA
8am- Breakfast
Presentations and Discussion:

• Biochar basics
• Save on inputs and increase yield
• Water savings and soil carbon transformations
• Animal body weight gain
• 10:30am Finish