More than 150 Landcare environmental champions gathered in Traralgon on Tuesday night to celebrate 40 years of Landcare in West Gippsland, and look ahead to the next chapter of one of Australia’s most influential grassroots movements.

Held during Landcare Week, the event brought together community, partners and representatives from West Gippsland’s five Landcare networks for an evening of reflection, connection and inspiration. 

The night began with a Welcome to Country by local Gunaikurnai Elder Aunty Michelle Dow before a panel discussion with members from West Gippsland CMA and CEO of Landcare Victoria.

Guests then enjoyed screenings of an early 2002 Landcare film before the main feature – a newly produced film directed by Murray Van der Veer. Murray spoke passionately to special guest MC, Gerard Callinan about his new-found love of Landcare. The film starred West Gippsland Landcare heroes with Landcare Australia Chair, Peter Garret making an appearance.

After the films, Chairs and committee members from the region’s five Landcare networks spoke about the place-based model of Landcare and all agreed that along with the significant environmental outcomes, it’s the friendships, partnerships and community connections built along the way that also matter. 

The celebration was very future focussed with participants contributing ideas and inspiration for the future and how the movement can continue to shape resilient landscapes, thriving communities and sustainable farming practices across the region. 

“West Gippsland is a really great example of what a working Landcare system looks like with really strong networks over the entirety of the footprint of the CMA doing really different and varied things,” said CEO of Landcare Victoria, Claire Hetzel. 

“The Board sees Landcare as a very trusted partner and an extremely valued relationship. Landcare really helps the CMA to achieve our strategic objectives and we are looking forward to supporting and nurturing our partnership with Landcare into the future,” said West Gippsland CMA Board Chair, Belinda Nave. 

“Landcare has been the constant heartbeat of my life,” said CEO of West Gippsland CMA, Martin Fuller. 

“I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to work in natural resource management, catchment management, but most particularly, Landcare and what it represents. It’s humbling just how the community keeps turning up.” 

The celebration marks one of several events recognising Landcare Week and Landcare’s 40^th anniversary. The upcoming Victorian Landcare Forum will provide a strategic think tank for how Landcare can continue to grow, adapt and inspire into the next 40 years. 

Landcare Week is an annual campaign celebrated during the first week of August that acknowledges the Australians who are actively restoring, enhancing and protecting the natural environment in their community. This year’s theme is Experience Landcare calling on everyone to get involved in an event or group in their local area. 

There are five Landcare Networks across West Gippsland.

West Gippsland CMA is responsible for over 40,000 kilometres of designated waterways across the region and delivers programs for healthy and resilient catchments. All these waterways flow to the Victorian coast, discharging through the Gippsland Lakes, or directly into Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.

Find out more about the work we do and sign up to our e-news for updates.