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.

In Western Australia’s incredibly successful landscape scale project Gondwana Link, Dr Eddy and Donna Wajon have spent over 20 years restoring Chingarrup Sanctuary — once-cleared farmland now teeming with life. With support from Bush Heritage Australia, Greening Australia and Shell Reconnections, they revegetated 90 hectares using seeds from 50 native species, achieving a 95% survival rate. Remarkably, six native orchid species have reappeared in revegetated areas far earlier than expected, including the Western Tiny Blue Orchid and five others spotted in October 2025 — 17-21 years after planting.

The recent Mid Coast Muster in Wootton was a vibrant gathering of Landcarers, Elders, and local organisations, united by a shared passion for community, culture, and environmental stewardship. Hosted by Mid Coast 2 Tops Landcare Connection and supported by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, the event featured inspiring presentations, heartfelt storytelling, and hands-on engagement.

The recent Mid Coast Muster in Wootton was a vibrant gathering of Landcarers, Elders, and local organisations, united by a shared passion for community, culture, and environmental stewardship. Hosted by Mid Coast 2 Tops Landcare Connection and supported by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, the event featured inspiring presentations, heartfelt storytelling, and hands-on engagement.

In September, the National Landcare Conference brought together a vibrant community of landcarers, farmers, First Nations leaders, scientists, and environmental advocates from across Australia. Among the standout moments was an inspiring panel discussion featuring the CEOs of the National Landcare Network’s State and Territory member peak bodies. These informative recorded sessions are now available online.

Victoria-based Nangana Landcare Network has been awarded the Silver Tier Australian Geographic Nature Award for their visionary project, Coranderrk Country – Saving Faunal Emblems. This recognition isn’t just a trophy—it’s a testament to what happens when community-led conservation meets cultural wisdom and ecological science.

National Landcare Network CEO Michelle Young was honoured to join the launch of Tasmania’s Catchment Connect Project, alongside a passionate crowd of Landcare members, First Nations representatives, and local stakeholders. Also in attendance was the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, whose presence underscored the national significance of the project.