It was a day of conversation, connection and conservation when West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA)’s Community Engagement Network (CEN) joined local Landcarers at the Regional Landcare Forum in Giffard on Tuesday 8 October.

Hosted by the CMA and Yarram Yarram Landcare Network, the event was an opportunity to connect, listen to stories of land regeneration and see first-hand the impact of local, community-driven environmental projects.  

The day began at Giffard West Hall where, over scones and cakes, members of Woodside Landcare Group described the history of the area and how the first Landcare group was established. This was followed by a bus tour around Giffard Plains to see the results of decades of planting and conservation efforts by local landholders, who have worked tirelessly to restore what they described was a ‘moonscape’ of empty paddocks and scattered pockets of remnant vegetation into a connected, biodiverse landscape. 

One of the ways they did this was through the successful Mullungdung to Coast project, which saw over 30,000 seedlings planted, 55 kilograms  of seed directly sown and 34 kilometres  of fencing constructed to create 104 hectares of wildlife corridors and protected remnant vegetation. 

“People in the area have just all worked together and over the years have really made a difference to the landscape,” said Libby Balderstone, a member of the Woodside Landcare Group who has revegetated 18 per cent of her family property in the past two decades with the support of Greening Australia, Landcare and the tight-knit community. 

After the bus tour, attendees returned to Giffard West Hall where the conversations continued as Yarram Yarram Landcare Network showcased some of their recent projects, including the new community nursery that opened last month and sold 1000 plants in the first day.  

“Many Landcarers are quiet achievers, chipping away on projects in their local communities year after year,” said Marnie Ellis, the Regional Landcare Coordinator at the CMA. “To be able to share their achievements with other Landcare groups and CEN members like this is a fantastic opportunity to reflect, share knowledge and inspire others”.  

Over 40 people from across West Gippsland attended, comprising representatives from each of the region’s five Landcare Networks, plus nine CEN members.  

CEN member Fiona Pfiel was inspired by the day. “I really enjoyed learning about the long history of Landcare and pre-Landcare conservation efforts and collaboration.” 

Callum Reynolds, who is serving his first term on the CEN, agreed: “It’s pretty awesome to see groups of people and organisations come together and move the needle every year in the right direction.” 

Landcare has a long and proud history in West Gippsland. Made up of five Landcare networks that support 75 Landcare groups, they are a committed and motivated grassroots community that have delivered best practice natural resource management for more than 30 years.

The CMA supports and advocates for Landcare in West Gippsland by coordinating opportunities for collaborations, administering the Victorian Landcare Grants and other funding opportunities, delivering communications and events and fostering awareness of sustainable agriculture practices. 

West Gippsland’s CEN plays an important role of information exchange with the community. The 16 members share community issues with the CMA, and in return, they gain information on CMA projects and initiatives to take back to their communities.