The funding has been secured through the NSW Government's Landcare Enabling
Program (LEP), delivered in partnership with Local Land Services, and forms part of a
statewide $10 million investment supporting environmental innovation, sustainable
agriculture, and culturally informed land management.
Mr Dwyer said the funding would help strengthen local communities while supporting
practical action to protect and enhance the region's natural environment.
“This funding is a major boost for Landcare groups and communities across the North
Coast who are doing vital work to improve biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience,
and care for our natural landscapes,” Mr Dwyer said.
“Landcare has a long history of bringing people together to deliver practical
environmental outcomes, and this investment will ensure those efforts continue to grow
and evolve in the face of new challenges.”
Under the program, NCRLN will deliver two major regional initiatives in partnership
with its 11 Local Landcare Networks:
As a key partner, Hastings Landcare Incorporated has been allocated $63,292 across
two funding streams.
- Aboriginal Partnerships Grant: $26,918
This funding will strengthen cultural capability and regional partnerships by supporting
the Gathangga Walkulda Language Centre to develop a local Seasonal Calendar,
including community consultation, language recording, design, printing and public
launch events.
- Innovation & Partnerships Grant: $36,374
This funding will deliver environmental innovation, community engagement and
capacity building through a series of workshops focused on topics such as seed
collecting, wildlife engagement, and nature and mental health.
The funding will support local projects and capacity-building activities over the next 12
months, helping communities respond to climate challenges while strengthening
collaboration, cultural knowledge sharing, and sustainable land management practices.
Mr Dwyer said he was particularly pleased to see investment in Aboriginal leadership
and partnerships through the Walking Together program.
“As the oldest continuing culture in the world, Aboriginal communities have cared for
Country for tens of thousands of years, and supporting stronger partnerships between
Landcare and Aboriginal organisations creates opportunities to share knowledge,
strengthen cultural connections, and achieve better environmental outcomes,” Mr
Dwyer said.
The North Coast Local Innovation Regional Impact project will focus on environmental
innovation, leadership development, education, digital integration, and strategic
communications, while supporting natural capital outcomes and improving climate
preparedness across local communities.
The Walking Together: North Coast Aboriginal Partnerships & Cultural Capability
Program builds on more than four years of Aboriginal Landcare leadership on the
North Coast and will continue the employment of Aboriginal Coordinators while
embedding culturally safe governance and workforce practices.
Mr Dwyer congratulated the North Coast Regional Landcare Network and its 11 Local
Landcare Networks on securing the funding and acknowledged the contribution of
volunteers, farmers, schools, Aboriginal communities, and local organisations across
the region.
“This investment recognises the outstanding work being undertaken by Landcare
volunteers and community groups every day. It will help build a more resilient,
connected and sustainable future for communities across the North Coast,” Mr Dwyer
said.
