A new national survey, “Tell Us What Matters”, conducted by Landcare Australia, the National Landcare Network and the State and Territory Landcare Organisations tells a compelling story of the increased connection to community through active engagement with landcare activities.
Overwhelmingly, the data shows a significant number of Australians reporting new friendships and feeling a sense of belonging within their community.
The most common benefit reported by landcare volunteers was feeling more connected to nature in their local area (87%). Close behind, 79% said they have built stronger social connections within their community through volunteering.
In 2025, Landcare Week is hosted from August 4 to 10 and this year the campaign coincides with Loneliness Awareness Week Aus in Australia.
The survey outcome is a positive reminder that landcare is far greater than people caring for land, waterways and coasts with environmental conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. Landcare, through its various activities, is creating social connections in thousands of communities across Australia. Bringing people together to volunteer their time, share their knowledge and expertise to care for Australia’s soil, plants, animals and ecosystems.
Karen Walsh, Landcare Australia’s Acting Chief Executive Officer says, “Landcarers across the nation have shared with us how they feel better physically and mentally because of their engagement with landcare activities. Whether it be from volunteering in a group or having moved to a new community and seeking to build those connections, landcare is breaking down barriers, increasing community connection and showing broader health benefits that cannot be ignored: time spent in nature lowers stress, anxiety, and fear, and promotes positive emotions”.
Article written by Eleanor Slade, Landcare Australia and republished from Uralla Wordsworth Issue 173, 4 August 2025 pg 11.
Image: Participants inspecting 2018 Closing the Gap Project Planting at the Thunderbolt’s Woodlands Field Day on 12th May 2023. Courtesy of Struan Ferguson, Southern New England Landcare Ltd
