National Tree Day: Growing for the future

A word from the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (July 2025) Each year, Australians come together to celebrate National Tree Day, the country’s largest community driven environmental initiative. Held on the last Sunday of July, with Schools Tree Day on the preceding Friday, this event is a reminder of the role trees play in sustaining life, supporting…

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos spotted near Moulamein

A Word from the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (June 2025) While driving between Hay and Moulamein over the weekend, I saw two Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos – a rare sight in the Riverina. Also called Pink Cockatoos (Lophochroa leadbeateri), these birds are known for their white and pale pink feathers and a crest marked with pink, yellow,…

The quandong tree: A native treasure of Australia

A Word from the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (May 2025) The quandong tree, scientifically known as Santalum acuminatum, is a remarkable native Australian species with deep cultural, ecological, and culinary significance. For over 40,000 years, it has played a vital role in the lives of Indigenous Australians. Known as guwandhang in the Wiradjuri language and other…

Case study: Protecting platypus in Flowerdale Lagoon

Flowerdale Lagoon in Wagga Wagga receives stormwater from nearby suburbs, meaning litter dropped in the streets of these suburbs can wash into the Lagoon, threatening its biodiversity and water quality. Most people aren’t aware that their actions upstream are harming sensitive downstream habitats. Wagga Wagga Urban Landcare Group engaged Ashmont Primary School students to learn…

Case Study 2-5: Community spotlighting night

Native wildlife populations across the Riverina, especially the Squirrel Glider, are on a steep decline. The continued loss of intact native vegetation, coupled with habitat fragmentation and other human activities, has pushed these species to the brink. Recognising this, the need for increased community awareness and stronger conservation efforts has become urgent. With this in…

Landcare Alive in Hay

Hay Plains Landcare’s Landcare Alive brings the community together every Thursday at their Landcare nursery. The aim is to grow and supply native plants for the community to plant in the local landscape. The Nursery was established in 2023 with support from the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust. Since October 2023, it has opened…

AgriWomen Connect series: NSW Women’s Week

A Word from the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (April 2025) We are excited to celebrate the success of our recent AgriWomen Connect workshops, held across the Riverina region from March 4th to 7th during NSW Women’s Week. This series united women from diverse agricultural backgrounds to learn, connect, and grow through four unique workshops in Batlow,…

Case Study 4-9: Great Southern BioBlitz

Communities engaging in citizen science face several challenges, including citizen science initiatives not being readily available or promoted, funding constraints, and the ability to continue contributing after one – off events are finalised. Limited access to technology and resources can hinder effective communication and engagement, making it challenging to sustain long-term participation and collaboration. Murrumbidgee…