The start of the new financial year marks a fresh milestone in a 25 year partnership between Southern New England Landcare and Armidale Regional Council.

From left to right: Kàren Zirkler (Executive Officer), Peter Metcalfe, Bryan Johnston, Bev Stubberfield, Jill Moore-Kashima, David Henderson (President), Susan Law (ARC CEO), Richard Daugherty, Steve Harvey and Bill Perrottet. Image courtesy of Struan Ferguson.

A new Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the partners, ensuring collaboration on at least three significant projects for a further three years.

Southern New England Landcare Ltd President, David Henderson, said, "We are proud to continue our great partnership and delighted to be able to continue working together with Council on these important initiatives."

The MOU will see $20,000 provided per year to support employment of the Malpas Catchment Coordinator. This role is currently filled by Dr Rachel Lawrence, who can now continue working with groups in the Malpas catchment and beyond, to facilitate joint initiatives that promote a healthier catchment.

The MOU will also support further maintenance of landcare and community group plantings in the Armidale urban space and provide support for the Landcare Community Resource Centre in Hanna's Arcade.

A meeting of the board of Southern New England Landcare provided a great opportunity to celebrate the milestone, with a signing ceremony and light lunch for board members, staff and Armidale Regional Council CEO Susan Law, who was present to sign on behalf of Armidale Regional Council.

Find out more about our Malpas Catchment Project here.

Find out more about our Armidale Urban Planting Maintenance Project here.