Gippsland Intrepid Landcare is a group of passionate, creative and energetic volunteers (aged 18 to in their 30s) who want to protect the region’s environment while having epic adventures across Gippsland.

Inspired by the national Intrepid Landcare movement, the group was formed in 2017 by then environmental science student Kelsey Tong along with co-founders Kathleen Black and Brita Jobling. 

“From the very beginning we had a lot of interest. Our vision was about doing Landcare but making it attractive to younger people – no boring meetings,” said Kelsey. “It was about providing a pathway into Landcare that better suited people aged between 18 and thirty-something.” 

In only a short time the group has flourished. It has 60 members, has run over 20 successful events attended by 500 young people and planted over 10,000 trees. This is an impressive start, especially considering three years impacted by COVID.

Their innovative activities combine friendship, adventure and outdoors with environmental work such as kayaking trips to map willows, beach-themed events to remove sea spurge and hiking expeditions to monitor deer. 

“We’re a bunch of mates organizing fun events that bring people together,” said Kelsey, “When I’m out there planting trees or on the kayaks, I feel proud watching other people making friends, having fun and contributing to the environment.” 

Current Chair of the group, Elsa Burnell, agrees. “It’s an awesome, welcoming environment with like-minded people who want to make a difference.”

A highlight of the event calendar is the hugely successful Plant & Dance events funded by Victorian Landcare Grants.  

“We were sitting in a lecture theatre chatting about how good it would be to have an old-fashioned bush doof, and the Plant & Dance was born,” said Elsa.  

At these events, the Gippsland Intrepid team partner with local Landare groups and private landholders to plant thousands of plants on site in one day with a festival atmosphere followed by live music, DJs and food.  

“Plant & Dance sums up what the group is about – doing fun stuff and helping the environment.” Kelsey explained.  

Other activities like camp-out retreats featuring guest speakers offer opportunities for young people to build professional networks and gain hands-on industry experience in natural resource management. 

“There are lots of career connections to be made. If you’re keen on working in this industry, it’s a great avenue to expose yourself to the work and employers out there,” said Kelsey. 

Gippsland Intrepid’s success at attracting and engaging members and their strong partnerships with other Landcare networks is contributing to a broader understanding of community groups and volunteerism in the West Gippsland region. 

“It is wonderful to see a new generation of Landcare Champions in the region who are invested in understanding the needs of younger people and Landcare networks,” said Deb Archer, Manager of Manager Strategy, Investment and Partnerships at West Gippsland CMA. 

“These young leaders are the future of our volunteer community.​”

Gippsland Intrepid was awarded a 2024 Lyrebird Award. Presented by West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, the awards were launched in 2005 and were born out of a desire to celebrate the significant achievements made by individuals and groups in protecting and enhancing West Gippsland’s catchment.