Dwyer Welcomes $1.27 Million for North Coast Landcare Innovation and Aboriginal Partnerships

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has welcomed more than $1.27 million in

NSW Government funding for the North Coast Regional Landcare Network (NCRLN),

describing it as a significant investment in environmental stewardship, climate

resilience and Aboriginal partnerships across the region.

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.