Story by Sarah Vella, Landcare Victoria
Forty years ago, in 1986, something remarkable began in Victoria. Under the leadership of the late Joan Kirner, then Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands, and former Victorian Farmers Federation president Heather Mitchell, Landcare was born – igniting a movement that would transform how communities care for the environment and each other.
It all started with the first landcare group forming in November in Winjallock near St Arnaud, where farmers banded together to tackle shared environmental challenges. Their spirit of collaboration and determination laid the foundation for a movement that has since flourished across Victoria, Australia and even the globe.
Over the past four decades, Landcare has grown into a vibrant, diverse network dedicated to the sustainable management of Victoria’s natural resources. From coastlines, towns and cities to regional and remote landscapes, tens of thousands of passionate landcarers continue to make a real and lasting difference.
At Landcare Victoria, people remain at the heart of everything we do. In September 2026, we’re excited to bring the Landcare community together for the Victorian Landcare Forum to share knowledge as we look to the fifth decade of landcare. In the lead-up, we’ll be sharing stories from Landcare’s early days in the eighties through to today – celebrating the achievements, the challenges and the incredible people who shaped this movement.
Throughout 2026, we’ll be putting out a call to all Victorian landcarers: share your stories with us! We can’t wait to celebrate 40 years of Landcare with the people who made it possible. Watch this space!
Photo: Heather Mitchell & Joan Kirner at Winjallok / unknown photographer. Courtesy of Museums Victoria