eNews #24

• 17th November - Botany, Biosecurity, Bugs & Birds Uralla
• 26th November - Harnham Landcare Christmas Party
• 16th December - SNEL Christmas Party
• 21st December to 4th January - SNEL Christmas Closure

On 11 November 2026, Southern New England Landcare Ltd (SNEL) celebrated 25 years as a Company Limited by Guarantee.

Previously operating as the Southern New England Landcare Coordinating Committee Inc (SNELCC) from 1992, the organisation marked its 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) as a not-for-profit company.

The AGM was chaired by Bev Stubberfield, representative of the Uralla Rivercare Group.

During the meeting, the organisation farewelled Emeritus Professor Nick Reid from his three-year tenure as Chairperson and welcomed David Steller as the new Chair.

Chief Executive Officer Karen Zirkler said, “David is a long-serving Landcare board member and representative of the Armidale Tree Group Inc, and the organisation looks forward to his leadership in the years ahead.”

Karen also noted that this is the first time in the 25-year history of Southern New England Landcare Ltd, that the organisation has had its full complement of ten board members.

Elizabeth Rosser of the Guyra district has been named the recipient of the 2026 John Winter-Irving Bequest. Southern New England Landcare Ltd is proud to recognise her outstanding commitment to sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and community leadership.

The announcement was made at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting held in Uralla on 11 November.

Southern New England Landcare CEO, Karen Zirkler said, “Elizabeth’s contributions to Landcare and the broader community are extensive and significant.

“She exemplifies the values of Landcare and continues to grow as a leader in the field,” said Karen.

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*

Southern New England Landcare is looking for landholders to help answer a big question: how much greenhouse gas do our farm dams give off, and what can we do about it?

Farm dams release methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Through Pass the Pondi, we’re working with RMIT University’s Centre for Nature Positive Solutions to measure these emissions across the Southern New England region.

What’s a Pondi?
A Pondi is a small floating monitor that sits on the surface of your dam. It measures CO₂, methane and nitrous oxide, and sends its data automatically. There’s nothing for you to operate, although the Pondi needs to be lifted after 3 days to release the accumulated greenhouse gasses.

Image: Courtesy of RMIT University’s Centre for Nature Positive Solutions.

Southern New England Landcare (SNEL) has appointed Dr Carolina Dutra as Community Energy Project Officer for a new three-year project funded by the NSW Government’s Community Energy Activation Program.

The project will provide trusted, independent information and practical support to households, farmers and community groups across the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), helping them understand and participate in the region's renewable energy transition.

“Through community information sessions, workshops, individual consultations and partnerships with local organisations, our new project officer will help urban and rural residents to access trusted information about energy efficiency, government incentives, renewable energy developments and opportunities for community participation,” said Karen Zirkler, CEO at Southern New England Landcare.

Rural Living Handbook: A Guide for Rural Landholders is a practical, easy-to-use reference for people living on small acreage or rural properties. It offers clear, down-to-earth guidance on managing key aspects of rural life — including property planning, soil and pasture care, water management, weeds and pests, fencing, native vegetation, fire preparedness, animal husbandry and sustainable land management practices. Written with the needs of new and experienced rural landholders in mind, the handbook helps readers make informed decisions to improve productivity, protect natural resources and enhance the health of their land and community.

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