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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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*

***EIS Exhibition hase been extended until the 26th of November***

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Network Infrastructure Project is on public exhibition now until the 26th of November 2026.

The project includes new high-voltage 550kva transmission lines, energy hubs to connect renewable energy generated in the New England REZ to the existing electricity grid near Muswellbrook and a series of temporary worker camps.

The EIS assesses potential environmental, social and economic impacts and outlines proposed measures to avoid, minimise and manage them.

Southern New England Landcare encourages community members, landholders and other interested stakeholders to learn about the proposal and take part in the consultation process.

Reviewing the EIS is an opportunity to understand the potential impacts on local communities, land and the environment, and share feedback with the NSW planning authorities.

Community information sessions and webinars

EnergyCo is holding information sessions across the region, where community members can view the EIS, speak with project specialists and ask questions. Online webinars will also cover topics including landholder questions and biodiversity and environmental impacts.

To view upcoming sessions and webinar times, check venues and register for webinars, visit the New England REZ engagement portal. Scroll down for the online and in person webinar topics and times.

How to have your say

You can access the EIS, technical reports, fact sheets and an interactive project map through the links below.

• Read the EIS and make a formal submission via the NSW Planning Portal
• Visit EnergyCo’s engagement portal for project information, maps, resources and consultation events

Submissions close on 26 November 2026. Formal submissions must be made through the NSW Planning Portal and late submissions will not be counted or considered.

Community feedback is an important part of the planning assessment process, helping ensure that local concerns and perspectives are considered as the project is assessed.

Get Online Week is Good Things’ national campaign to close the digital divide. It supports people to feel safer and more confident online so no one is left behind.

Between 19-25 October, hundreds of fun, local digital skills events will be held in communities across Australia to help everyone get online. 

Southern New England Landcare is presenting a cyber security workshop 'Cheques are Going, Online Banking is Growing - Staying Safe and Savvy Online'.

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.

On 1 September, Bill Perrottet stepped down after 25 years as Group Representative for the Guyra Landcare Network (GLN), a sub-group of Southern New England Landcare Ltd, formerly known as the Malpas Catchment Group.

 The GLN and SNEL would like to sincerely thank Bill for his outstanding contribution and dedicated volunteer service to Landcare over the past quarter of a century.

His commitment has helped shape both the local Landcare movement and the broader landscape of natural resource management across the region.

In addition to his role with GLN, Bill served for 12 years on the SNEL Board, culminating in his appointment as Chairperson in 2023.

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Southern New England Landcare (SNEL) recognises the important history and contribution of the many Landcare groups that have supported their communities over the years.

A recent review identified several groups that have been inactive for more than three years.

Some no longer have members able to act as group representatives, and some hold funds that have remained unused.

These circumstances can affect SNEL’s ability to meet governance requirements, maintain accurate membership records and run effective meetings.

 “Our Landcare groups have a proud history, and this decision is intended to help SNEL keep its records current while respecting the contribution these groups have made,” said Emeritus Professor Nick Reid, chair of SNEL.

“We will continue working gently and constructively with groups to reconnect them with their membership and ensure that representative details are up to date,” he said.

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Guyra Landcare Network is pleased to announce that Graeme Sait, an internationally recognised educator in soil health, plant nutrition and regenerative farming, will deliver a 4-day workshop in Guyra from the 15th to 18th of September 2026.

“We are delighted to welcome Graeme back to the New England,” said Campbell Wolfenden, member of the Guyra Landcare Network.

Graeme is the co-founder of Nutri-Tech Solutions (NTS), a world leader in sustainable agriculture education and products.

Over the past three decades he has presented more than 500 seminars in 20 countries, authored hundreds of articles and published Nutrition Rules!, a popular text on the link between soil, plant, animal, and human health.

His focus is on the practical application of regenerative principles that build profitability, resilience, and long-term productivity on farm.

The workshop, Spring into Nutrition Farming, is a 4-day version of Sait’s acclaimed Certificate in Nutrition Farming course, which draws farmers, consultants and educators from around the globe.

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Revive & Thrive: Future-Ready Farm Dams is a practical new project supporting healthier farm dams, cleaner water, stronger biodiversity, improved livestock outcomes and greater farm water security across the Southern New England region.

Farm dams are vital to productive and resilient farming systems,” said Struan Ferguson, Local Landcare Coordinator with Southern New England Landcare.

“With practical improvements such as better stock access management, revegetation, off-stream watering and improved water planning, dams can support cleaner water, healthier stock, more native habitat and stronger drought preparedness,” she said.

Southern New England Landcare invites landholders, farmers, Landcare members and agricultural advisers to get involved in the project, which will deliver a series of connected activities over the next 12 months, including:

• WaterWise Farms: Stock, Storage & Security workshop at Kentucky on Friday 28 August 2026
• Dam Good Water: Enhancing Farm Dams workshop at Uralla on Thursday 3 September 2026, and
• Farm Dam Enhancement and Pondi Monitoring Train the Trainer workshop for Landcare, natural resource management and industry advisers on Friday 4 September 2026.

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As part of Landcare Week, we have released the Celebrating Landcare in the Northern Tablelands Regional Film, which can be viewed here.

From the people out in the paddock to the passionate leaders on local committees, everyone plays a part in driving positive change. Strong partnerships and collaboration have helped Landcare in the Northern Tablelands grow, support resilient groups, and empower communities.

“We collaborate, we foster partnerships, we foster growth, we build Landcare groups, we build people in the community.” – Lee Thompson, Local Landcare Coordinator, Gwymac Landcare

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Cane toads continue to spread through parts of northern New South Wales, with populations becoming established further inland than previously expected. While cane toads are not currently established around Armidale, landholders and community members across the Northern Tablelands have an important role to play in helping prevent their spread.

For many years, cold winters were considered a natural barrier to cane toad establishment on the Northern Tablelands. However, recent observations in northern NSW, along with international research, suggest cane toads can survive and persist in cooler climates than previously recognised. This has increased the importance of community awareness and surveillance across the region.

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Help Shape the Region's Energy Future

Southern New England Landcare is seeking a Community Energy Project Officer (New England Renewable Energy Zone) to play a pivotal role in supporting communities through the renewable energy transition.

This exciting position will help deliver lasting benefits across the region by providing trusted, independent information and support to household energy consumers as they navigate changing energy opportunities and technologies. The role is focused on ensuring rural and urban communities can participate in the transition with confidence, access accurate information, and achieve equitable outcomes.

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Would you like to improve one of your farm dams and help demonstrate practical enhancement options for other landholders?

Southern New England Landcare Ltd is inviting Expressions of Interest from landholders who would like to enhance a farm dam on their property as part of a demonstration site project. This is an opportunity to improve dam water quality, support biodiversity, manage stock access and showcase practical farm dam enhancement works in a local farming setting.

Funding support may be available to contribute towards eligible project materials, depending on the selected dam and proposed works. This may include fencing materials, native plants, guards and stakes, and either a trough and submersible solar pump for off-stream watering or materials towards the construction of a hardened stock access point.

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The NSW Government is developing a new NSW Biosecurity Strategy, outlining a whole of government approach to uplifting and improving the NSW biosecurity system.

We are currently seeking feedback from our stakeholders and the community to inform the development of this new strategy.

You can view the draft NSW Biosecurity Strategy and share your feedback through 'Have Your Say'.

Have your say by 11:59 pm Wednesday July 2026

A strong biosecurity system protects NSW from the impacts of exotic and established diseases, pests and weeds.

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Landcare Week is fast approaching, and to celebrate, Southern New England Landcare would like to recognise the many local Landcare heroes making a difference across our region.

Do you know an individual, family, volunteer group, school, or community member who is championing Landcare? We would love to share their story.

Whether it's a successful project, a dedicated volunteer, a great photo, or someone whose efforts deserve recognition, we'd like to hear from you.

Please send your stories and photos to Beth, or call 02 6772 9123.

Help us shine a spotlight on the people working to care for our landscapes, communities, and natural environment.

You can also take Landcare Australia's Survey to share your story on a national level here.