Dear Member Groups,

You or your members may be interested in the following, apologies for any cross-postings. Please

forward relevant items to your members who may be interested. These emails are only sent to the

group contact, and to Landcare support staff where listed.

Please forward relevant items to your members who may be interested. These emails are only sent

to the group contact, and to Landcare support staff where listed. Apologies for any cross-postings.

EVENTS FTLA ANNUAL FORUM & AGM - Update

Monday 30th May 2016 at Melbourne Town Hall (Yarra Room), cnr Collins St and Swanston St

Registration from 10.15am, Program from 11 am — 4 pm (Lunch included)

In addition to the formal AGM, we are excited to have Paul Foreman, Chair of Central Victoria

Biolinks Alliance speaking about large-scale landscape restoration & future directions for this

ambitious project, plus the National Rabbit Facilitator Michael Reid talking about Australia's worst

pest and what we are doing about it. The FTLA will also be taking this opportunity to consult with

members regarding the proposal for the FTLA & VLC to form one organisation and future directions

for Landcare over the next 30 years!

Event details have been published on the Victorian Landcare Gateway at

http://www.landcarevic.net.au/ftla/ftla-annual-forum-agm-30th-may-2016. Please RSVP for

catering purposes to either myself or Kelly Way via email, or phone (03 9207 5527).

Please note that the proposed model for the FTLA and VLC forming one organisation is available at

http://www.landcarevic.net.au/ftla/one-organisation-ftla-vlc .

NORTH CENTRAL CMA 4TH ANNUAL WATER SCIENCE FORUM: A Focus on Citizen

Science …contributing to scientific knowledge

Hear from a range of speakers including EsturayWatch Coordinator, Rose Herbern (Corangamite

CMA),Diana Gibson (Birdlife Australia) and local research student Debra Saxon- Campbell (Kara Kara

CMN). The presentation sessions will be followed by a bus tour to a local Bushstone Curlew project

site.

Be part of the something new with the launch of the North Central CMA NatureWatch App at the

4th Annual Water Science Forum. The NatureWatch App enables individuals, community groups,

students and industry partners to record important biological information. The app is specifically

designed to capture citizen science data regarding aquatic fauna from waterways in north-central

Victoria that will enrich the depth of data available for analysis and research.

When: Saturday 4 June 2016, Time: 9.30am- 3.00pm

Where: La Trobe University, Edwards St Bendigo. Lecture Theatre HHS2 (LRHS) 2.51

RSVP is essential by: Wednesday 1 June. Contact North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124

JUSTICE CONNECT - NOT-FOR-PROFIT LAW TRAINING WEBINARS

Not-for-profit Law regularly runs webinars on a variety of topics that affect community

organisations. You can attend this training using your computer from wherever you may be located.

Registering for each webinar is essential. For more information or to register click here -

http://www.justiceconnect.org.au/our-programs/not-for-profit-law/training/webinars

Working with Other NFPS: Wednesday 15 June

This webinar will outline the legal options available for working with others, top key legal issues your

organisation should consider and the pitfalls that can arise from poorly-planned collaborations.

NORTH CENTRAL 2016 CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM

Share the latest knowledge of climate change science and agency activity with the North Central

CMA. 9 am – 1pm Wednesday 15 June, Bendigo Jockey Club, Heinz St, White Hills VIC 3550.

attendance is limited. Please RSVP to the North Central CMA by Friday 10 June on 5448 7124 or

info@nccma.vic.gov.au

ENGAGING NEW WAYS FORUM (Wangaratta)

15 June 2016, 15 June 2016, 10am - 3PM, HP Barr Community Centre, Schilling Drive Wangaratta.

Rural City of Wangaratta and the North East CMA are hosting a forum to introduce new ways for

Landcare Groups to build on and help promote their activities. This free event will look at the future

of how Landcare groups and other partners can work together when engaging with new people and

technology in an ever changing world. Please RSVP by 10 June to Wangaratta Council's Environment

Unit council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or RSVP via http://tinyurl.com/newnrmways

SOUTH WEST LANDCARE GATHERING 2016

The annual South West Landcare Gathering will be held on Thursday 23rd June 2016 at Willaura.

For further information, please contact Tony Lithgow - t.lithgow@ghcma.vic.gov.au , Dion Borg

d.borg@ghcma.vic.gov.au or (03) 55712526.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS CONFERENCE: Food & Fibre Production and Environment

Bendigo TAFE invites you to attend an upcoming conference on June 24 covering the topic of

Sustainable Food Production.

Hear from leading industry speakers, covering:

• The importance of biosecurity for food security - Rosa Crnov, Manager, Plants, Pests and Disease

Agriculture Victoria

• Export potential of ‘clean and green’ food - Bryan Balmer, Market Manager Agriculture Victoria

• Sustainable land use --- growers experiences - Grant Sims, producer Pine Grove, Weekly Times

Farmer of the Year 2016

• Adapting farm practices in a changing climate - Dr Richard Eckard, Professor and Director of the

Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre

To express your interest please email epi@bendigotafe.edu.au

HINDMARSH PLANT-OUTS

Greening Australia and the Hindmarsh Landcare Network will again team up for the 2016 Project

Hindmarsh plant-out weekend. This year, the plant-out will be on the weekend of 25-26 June instead

of the traditional third weekend in August. This is to give the trees more time (and hopefully more

moisture) to establish before summer. For more information, email hln@hindmarshlandcare.org.au or

phone Darryl Argall on 0428 344 764. To register go to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/project-hindmarsh-

2016-tickets-23318786117?aff=eac2

VICTORIAN NO-TILL FARMERS ASSOC. CONFERENCE

The Victorian No-Till Farmers Association will be holding their 14th Annual Conference on Thursday

7th July. With 3 International speakers who'll motivate, inspire, give new insights and cropping

innovations to transform your farm, plus Gala Dinner, Farm Tour (Friday July 8 Pine Grove &

Ardmona), Soil Pit & Cover Crop Analysis (Tuesday July 5, Rupanyup With Dr Odette Menard) and

Full Day Workshops with Joshua Dukart (Hamilton Monday July 11 & Horsham Tuesday July 12 With

Joshua Dukart). See http://www.vicnotill.com.au/ for more information.

PLAN YOUR OWN EVENTS AROUND THE “DAYS”:

Remember when linking your event to an official “Day” to register with the appropriate organisation

to maximise your promotional opportunities

http://www.environment.gov.au/about/media/events/index.html

World Environment Day - 5th June

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought - 17th June

PLASTIC FREE JULY http://www.plasticfreejuly.org/register.html

NAIDOC Week - 7th to 14th July

Schools Tree Day - 25th July

National Tree Day - 27th July

NATIONAL TREE DAY: Register early & Win a Vertical Garden!

National Tree Day is the country's largest nature-care event and community tree planting event, on

Sunday July 31st. Each year over 250,000 people and hundreds of environmental, community and

youth organisations take part in Tree Day at over 3,000 sites across the country.

To register go to http://treeday.planetark.org/coords/. Use the Promotional Toolkit to help spread

the word to your networks and members online and via email – available at

http://treeday.planetark.org/coords/promotional.cfm

CLIMATE ADAPTATION CONFERENCE – 2016

Adelaide, 5-7 July

The conference program is now available. Join Representatives from public and private

sectors; federal, state and local governments; researchers, practitioners, consultants, NGOs,

students, and others in learning, sharing and networking opportunities to help your sector or

organisation adapt to climate change. For more information go to: http://climate-adaptation.org.au/

GRANTS & OPPORTUNITIES 2016 FRRR ABC HEYWIRE YOUTH INNOVATION GRANTS: CLOSES 1 JUNE 2016

Up to $10,000 available to pilot one Heywire project idea in at least eight communities. Community

groups are encouraged to apply to the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants Program to bring

to life the ideas developed at the 2016 Regional Youth Summit, including Dot 2 Dot – connecting

new volunteers with organisations that need them. For more information go to:

http://www.frrr.org.au/grants/heywire-youth-innovation

FRRR - REPAIR-RESTORE-RENEW (RRR) GRANTS - ROUND 4

The Repair-Restore-Renew (RRR) grants program helps communities in Qld, NSW, VIC and TAS

recover from the fires, floods and cyclones that affected communities during 2013.

For more information: http://www.frrr.org.au/grants/Repair-Restore-Renew_2013_R4 . Applications

close 1 June 2016

ANDREWS FOUNDATION GRANTS

This program aims to support communities of people who are helping themselves and others in

ways that can be sustained into the future, with particular preference given to projects that will

benefit communities within the Gippsland region.

• Grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects assisting in dealing with environmental

needs and problems.

• Grants of up to $5,000 are available for locally based community organisations to either

get started or enhance an existing project.

For more information: http://www.andrewsfoundation.org.au/

Closing Date: 03 June, 2016

FRRR 2016 COMMUNITY AND PHILANTHROPY PARTNERSHIPS WEEK GRANTS

This program helps community groups and their philanthropic supporters to celebrate their

partnerships, with $160,000 available in grants of up to $10,000. Ideas to recognise and celebrate

the Power Of Partnerships theme include: Research the impact of partnerships, or create a

publication or host a tour, a forum or a picnic in the park, or create a short film.

Applications close 6 June

GREEN ARMY: ROUND 5

The Minister for the Environment today announced the call for projects for Round Five of the Green

Army Programme. The Green Army Round Five Project Guidelines and application forms are now

available on the Green Army website. contact one of our five Service Providers to find out more

about hosting a Green Army project. Service Providers are responsible for all recruitment and on

ground delivery for the Green Army Programme. Contact details of Service Providers are listed on

the Green Army website: http://www.environment.gov.au/land/green-army/service-providers.

Applications are open until 2:00PM (Canberra time) Thursday 16 June 2016.

NORMAN WETTENHALL SMALL ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT SCHEME

The Small Environmental Grant Scheme provides support for groups or individuals undertaking

biodiversity conservation projects in Australia. Projects of up to $10,000 can be about one or more

of the following: monitoring, recording and sharing data, delivering community education, providing

community capacity building (training), research and science, or landscape restoration and

education (Victoria only). Opening date: 28 June 2016 (the round will be closed when the maximum

number of applications has been reached.) For more information or to apply, visit:

http://nwf.org.au/grants/small-environmental-grants/

THE R E ROSS TRUST GRANTS – VIC

The grants work around 4 impact areas. For Landcare groups the most relevant area is impact area

D; the protection and preservation of Australian Flora and Fauna. Organisations must first submit an

expression of interest for consideration by the Trustees and may then by invited to submit a full

application. Applications are considered all year round. For more information go to:

http://www.rosstrust.org.au/grants/apply-for-a-grant/

NT EPA – Project Environment Grants

This program seeks to support any incorporated organisation that wishes to conduct a project that is

beneficial to the Northern Territory. Funding opportunities are available for projects that engage the

community and provide benefits to the environment through direct action. In 2016-17 the grant

program will be focused on three broad categories: Waste, Pollution, Stormwater

Grants of up to $20,000 are available. The application is a two-stage process: - Expression of interest:

Opened 3 May and closes 11 July 2016 . Full application; Closes 5 September 2016. For more

information go to http://www.ntepa.nt.gov.au/grants

GET INVOLVED!

HELP REDUCE THE STIGMA OF RURAL SUICIDE – BECOME A COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Rural suicide has a ripple effect that spreads through rural communities – from victims to families,

friends, workmates and neighbours. The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) is looking for

people to help reduce the stigma and impact of rural suicide on farming communities by becoming a

Community Champion as part of its Ripple Effect project with beyondblue.

NCFH is offering a $100 voucher to help cover the cost of each Community Champion attending the

webinar, spreading the Ripple Effect message and contributing to a follow-up evaluation of their

experience. You will also be provided with an information pack to assist you in sharing the news

about the Ripple Effect.

The Community Champions webinars will run from early June, but the NCHF is calling on people to

register their interest with Alison Kennedy on (03) 5551 8587 or email alison.kennedy@wdhs.net as

soon as possible.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: Taking positive #Action4theLand

For World Environment Day on June 5, Landcare Australia is calling all businesses, schools,

community groups and individuals across Australia to take positive #Action4theLand to support this

important occasion & make Australia a better place. Find out more at www.action4theland.org.au

NFL LAW VICTORIA COMPLIANCE SURVEY

Go into the draw to win!

We're calling on all Victorian not-for-profits to have their say on the issues that affect them. Not-for-

profit Law's Annual Compliance Survey gives Victorian organisations the opportunity to share their

views with the state government on:

• pressing legal issues

• laws that organisations find most challenging, and

• where organisations more help.

The survey results will be provided to the Victorian government to inform their work to reduce red

tape and compliance burdens for the sector. Please complete the short survey at

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KYGLL8T . Respondents will go into a draw to win a seat at an

NFP Law training session of their choice.

BE PART OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE! Final Call For Abstracts

The 2016 National Landcare Conference and Awards, to be held at the Melbourne Convention and

Exhibition Centre from 21-23 September 2016 is themed “Collaborative Communities – Landcare in

Action” and will focus on: Climate Impacts and Responses, Community Engagement, Landscape

Challenges & Responses, Colloboration & Innovation.

If you feel you have something valuable to share with the Landcare community, which demonstrates a

unique and beneficial approach to natural resource management and sustainable agriculture, please

go to http://www.nationallandcareconference.org.au/#abstracts . The closing date for abstract

submissions is now 10 June 2016.

THE PREMIER’S SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS: ENTRIES NOW OPEN

Victorians who have shown leadership in leadership and innovation in sustainable practices, and

reward those who have driven change by reducing their environmental impact are encouraged to

enter the Premier's Sustainability Awards and share their work. There are 10 categories in this year’s

awards program. Entries close Monday 27th June.

To find out more visit http://sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au/

REGIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

The Regional Community Leadership Program aims to support initiatives that develop and facilitate

the emergence of local leaders, strengthen existing community leadership capabilities and develop

stronger connections between local leaders and regional development initiatives.

Alpine Valleys in the north east Victoria have just been added to the program – to see if there is a

program near you go to http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/programs-and-grants/community-leadership

HELP CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF LANDCARE!

Landcare in Victoria will celebrate a major milestone – its 30th birthday! DELWP are calling on

Landcarers young and old to share their stories through photographs and videos. To mark this

special occasion we would like to showcase the array of wonderful Landcare projects, events,

achievements and the changes that have taken place over the last three decades.

We’re particularly looking for photos showing the progress of projects over time, milestones for your

group/network, people participating in events, and more generally, what Landcare means to you.

Photos, videos and consent forms can be uploaded via the following link 30 Years of Landcare Photo

Upload

The next issue (no. 67) of the Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management magazine is

also feature on 30 Years of Landcare! If you or your group or network has a long history of

involvement in Landcare, especially if you were featured in one of the early issues of the magazine,

we’d love to hear from you.

Please contact the editor with your story ideas. Contributions for the next issue should be sent to

the editor (details below) by Friday 1 July 2016.

Carrie Tiffany

Editor - Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management magazine

EMAIL: EDITORVICLANDCARE@GMAIL.COM

FEATHER MAP PROJECT

The Feather Map of Australia project aims to collect waterbird feathers from wetlands around

Australia. These feathers will be analysed using nuclear techniques, such as mass spectrometry and

high resolution X-ray fluorescence, to identify stable isotopes and minerals that are incorporated

into feathers through the ingestion of food. These analyses will identify the differences in feathers

from diverse parts of Australia, creating a Feather Map.

This is a joint project of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and

University of New South Wales (UNSW) and it's so easy to get involved. Visit the ANSTO website at:

http://feathermap.ansto.gov.au/WhatIsIt/index.htm or search for Feather Map on social media.

TREK FOR AUSSIE FARMERS

Landcare Australia is searching for adventurers keen to join in the 2017 trek for Aussie Farmers on

the east coast of Tasmania, February 25 to March 3. Explore Tasmania’s East Coast & Port Arthur,

Visit some of Australia’s founding farms and learn about their sustainable farming practices, and

help raise valuable funds to help Landcare Australia support Aussie farmers. All the details are on the

Landcare Australia website: https://inspiredadventures.com.au/events/landcare-trek-4-aussie-

farmers-2017

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NEWS, RESOURCES WELCOME TO the NEW VICTORIAN MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT

In the recent cabinet reshuffle, Lily D’Ambrosio, the member for Mill Park, has taken on the new

portfolio of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, with a focus on renewable energy, energy

efficiency and combatting the effects of climate change. Ms D’Ambrosio has a background in the

Community Development portfolio. Lisa Neville is the new Minister for Police and remains Minister

for Water.

SOUTHERN BROWN BANDICOOT: CAUGHT ON FILM!

In a first for the Basalt to Bay region, rare footage of the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot has

been caught on film. And in a surprising twist it’s using the farm paddock not the reserve next door!

Local fine wool and prime lamb producers, Ermenegildo Zegna Vellus Aureum Wool Trophy winners,

David & Susan Rowbottom of the Rowanville Stud, are delighted to be hosting their furry neighbour.

It’s the pay-off of four years of work in protecting their local Southern Brown Bandicoots from foxes

in the neighbouring St Helens Reserve as part of a partnership between foresters, council, landcare

and farmers. To see the full story go to: https://youtu.be/kYmdxv0hOxk

COMMITTEES, RECRUITMENT AND SUCCESSION

Many groups are coming up to their AGMs and considering recruiting new people with fresh ideas

onto committees. Continuity is important in a committee but so is some change which brings new

energy. Ideally each year, some experienced members should remain on the committee and some

new ones join. This allows for a balance of experience and new ideas to guide the committee for the

following year.

Your group should decide what works best for you. It is not ideal for one person to stay in the same

position for more than three or four years because it can prevent the emergence of fresh ideas from

new people and may also lead to the incumbent person suffering from ‘burn out’. However, there

are key people whose knowledge and experience is invaluable that the group won’t want to lose:

one solution is to rotate the positions, or to create mentor positions to allow new officers to access

the wisdom of experienced committee members.

When looking for new committee members, a helpful strategy is to develop a list of key tasks that

the committee must undertake. Then to identify the skills and knowledge required by that list that

are already in the committee, could be developed further, or could be found by encouraging other

people to join.

Once the skills that are needed have been identified it makes it easier to find the right person for the

role. Recruiting for committee can be very much like recruiting someone for a job. By allowing

people to utilise their skills in areas they are interested in, you will encourage a sense of

commitment and valued involvement.

There are a number of resources around to help you – contact the FTLA for the latest Landcare

Governance Kit, access the Community Sector Governance Capability Framework (See below), try a

volunteer matching service such as https://www.communitydirectors.com.au/icda/board/ or

https://govolunteer.com.au or http://probonoaustralia.com.au/volunteer/. There is even a Mentor

the Treasurer program: http://probonoaustralia.com.au/mentor-the-treasurer/

Don’t forget Induction! When you have recruited a new committee member it is important to follow

through and introduce them to the committee properly, not leave them to sink or swim. Having

found someone to serve on committee you want to retain them. Strategies to consider:

- Have a conversation prior to the first meeting – existing committee member to new

committee member, tell them what’s happening and what’s coming up

- Give them the governing documents, rules, strategic plan, committee procedures, etc

- Pass on the minutes for the last year and provide the background for any issues with which

the committee is currently dealing

- Notify relevant people including members and external stakeholders.

- Give the new committee member a list of useful contact people.

- At the first committee meeting, introduce the new member to their fellow committee

members, allow them to introduce themselves and explain their skills. Even if you think you

know them you might discover they were an accountant or safety officer in a previous

career!

COMMUNITY SECTOR GOVERNANCE CAPABILITY FRAMEWORK

The Community Sector Governance Capability Framework describes the broad capabilities required

by people on Boards or Committees of Management in community sector organisations. It can assist

Not For Profit organisations understand the knowledge and skills that are critical for the stewardship

of an organisation, including the additional capabilities needed for the Office Bearer roles of Chair,

Secretary and Treasurer. For more information go to:

http://www.nfpcompliance.vic.gov.au/managing-your-organisation/governance/governance-

capability-framework

INVASIVE ANIMAL REPORTS: CITIZEN ACTION & INSTITUIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

Two reports have been released regarding institutional improvements to make it more feasible and

attractive for citizens to take effective action on the management of invasive animals (and

incidentally invasive plants). They are available at:

pestsmart.org.au/effective-citizen-action-on-invasive-species-the-institutional-challenge/ pestsmart.org.au/recommendations-for-the-reform-of-invasive-species-management-

institutions/

OUR CATCHMENTS, OUR COMMUNITIES LAUNCHED (VIC)

Our Catchments, Our Communities is the first statewide strategy for integrated catchment

management in Victoria. It has been developed by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and

Planning (DELWP) and catchment management authorities (CMAs) to strengthen integrated

catchment management across Victoria. - See more

at: http://delwp.vic.gov.au/water#sthash.0hFlKPEB.dpuf

NEW AND REVAMPED AUSTRALIAN BIOSECURITY LAWS

The Australian Government, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources new Biosecurity Act

2015 comes into force next month, replacing the dated Quarantine Act 1908 and enhancing

Australia’s defence against potentially damaging biosecurity threats from abroad For more

information go to: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/legislation/new-biosecurity-legislation

VICTORIAN EPA REPORT RELEASED

The Government has released the final report of an independent inquiry into the Environment

Protection Authority (EPA), which examined the EPA’s role, powers, governance and funding. Find

the final report at http://www.epa-inquiry.vic.gov.au/ and the government’s response via

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/first-step-towards-a-modern-epa/

NATIONAL CARP CONTROL PLAN

The Australian Government has launched a nationally coordinated approach to eradicating

Australia’s worst freshwater aquatic pest, the common Carp, through a $15 million National Carp

Control Plan contained in this year’s budget. The plan includes the staged release of the carp control

virus, beginning in the Murray Darling Basin, and other complementary measures to create a long

term solution to the issue of the carp pest. For more information go to: http://us5.campaign-

archive1.com/?u=6cfe22da6ed670c7a15d28b44&id=61422f0d36

WORKING WITH WEEDS GUIDE

The Weed's Network has launched its Working with Weeds Guide, which aims to be a leading

resource for learning about Bio-Holistic™ options for living with and working with weeds. For more

information go to:

http://weedsnetwork.com/traction?type=np&proj=SustainableWeedingGuide&rec=1

THE WEEDS NEWS

To read the current Weed's News Digest regarding current weed research go to:

http://weedsnetwork.com/rs/::WeedsNews%20newspage

COPIES OF PAST MAGAZINES AVAILABLE

The FTLA has a number of copies of past Victorian Landcare magazines available, including the

current issue, if you would like additional copies or to use them for promotional purposes. We are

happy to send them out in batches of ten or more. Let us know if you would find them useful.

These newsletters are compiled from many sources, and thank-you to those who supplied the

information.

Kind regards

Susi J Johnson

Executive Officer

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Farm Tree and Landcare Association

Postal: PO Box 509, Flinders Lane VIC 8009

Office: Level 3, 24-28 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone: - 03 9207 5527 Email: - ftla@vff.org.au

Web: - http://www.landcarevic.net.au/ftla

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