Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage is the theme for World Wetlands Day 2026. The global campaign spotlights the timeless role of traditional knowledge in sustaining wetland ecosystems and preserving cultural identity.

The 2026 National Volunteering Conference, taking place 16–18 June in Adelaide, is set to be Australia’s biggest gathering of volunteer leaders, innovators and changemakers. It’s a rare opportunity to step back, look ahead, and help shape the future of volunteering across the country.

2026 marks International Volunteer Year — a global celebration of the people who power positive change in communities everywhere. For Landcare, it’s an especially meaningful moment. Volunteers have always been the heart of our movement, driving hands‑on action, strengthening community resilience, and caring for the landscapes that sustain us.

The NLN is excited to welcome Geoffrey O’Keefe to the team as our new Program Delivery Manager. With over 15 years’ experience in program management, capacity building and partnership‑based delivery, Geoff will lead the design, delivery and continuous improvement of national programs supporting Australia’s community‑led Landcare movement.

The National Landcare Network’s Members Council reconvened last week after an extended break, reaffirming its role as the united voice of community Landcare. This forum brings together State and Territory Landcare Organisations (STLOs) to represent 6,500 independent groups across Australia in national policy discussions.

The National Landcare Network (NLN) convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, gathering members, stakeholders, and supporters from across the country. This event marked a celebration of the network’s achievements over the past year and laid the foundations for an ambitious and inspiring 2026.

In 1986, Landcare was born in Victoria through the vision of the late Joan Kirner, then Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands, and former Victorian Farmers Federation president Heather Mitchell, sparking a grassroots movement that transformed how communities care for the environment. Forty years on, Landcare Victoria is preparing to mark this milestone with the Victorian Landcare Forum in September 2026. The forum will bring together landcarers from across the state to share knowledge, reflect on achievements, and look ahead to the fifth decade of Landcare.

A key role of the National Landcare Network’s state and territory peak bodies is to strengthen the capacity of leaders and volunteers across the movement. A shining example of this commitment is the new Landcare NSW Scholarship Program, delivered through the organisation’s Shared Services Hub to support both emerging and established Landcare leaders across the state.

Landcare NT has had an extraordinary year, receiving multiple honours that highlight their strength in driving collaboration, innovation, and community spirit across the Northern Territory. Their achievements in 2025 showcase the power of partnerships and the impact of grassroots action in caring for Country.

On Tuesday 11 November, Landcare SA representatives and volunteers for the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare attended a dinner in the Speaker’s Dining Room at Parliament House. It was a relaxed and positive evening focused on recognising the work of Landcare groups across South Australia and discussing what they need to keep delivering strong outcomes.