The NSW Landcare Enabling Program (LEP) is a project aimed at supporting the local and regional grassroots Landcare organisations, to enhance natural resource management and sustainable agriculture. This program continues the legacy of the Local Landcare Coordinator Initiative and previous Landcare support programs, where Local Landcare Coordinators were first introduced. With an increase in the funding in this 2023-2027 LEP program, we have more Local Landcare Coordinator and Regional Landcare support staff in action.
What this means in the Riverina region:
Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc hosts 8 Local Landcare Coordinators who support initiatives across the catchment, and 3 regional support officers, including:
- Bidgee Plains – Jenny Dwyer
- Bidgee Slopes – Annika Colenso
- Bidgee Rangelands – Brittany Hicks
- Bidgee Woodlands – Kathy Tenison
- Bidgee Highlands – Leigh Mathieson
- Bidgee Hilltops – Julie Roberts
- Bidgee Floodplains – Jessie McPherson
- Bidgee Valleys – Rachel Cullen
- Murrambidya Garrai Wirrimbirra Officer – Aboriginal Landcare Officer – Nioka Dupond
- Regional Landcare Coordinator – Nicole Maher
- Regional Administration Support Officer/Business Manager – Ellen McDonald
By providing additional support to Landcare groups, grazing groups and networks within our catchment, Local Landcare Coordinators enable the Landcare volunteers to focus their time, with on-ground projects, workshops and actions.
To find out what is happening in your area:
Program Overview
Our Coordinators work directly with Landcare groups to improve governance, communication, partnerships, and the coordination of on-ground activities, such as:
- Delivering small to large-scale projects.
- Organizing workshops, education days, and events.
- Supporting sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation.
- Facilitating community led collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Supporting Indigenous-led environmental stewardship.
Collaborative Effort
The NSW Landcare Enabling Program (2023–2027) is a $59 million investment co-delivered by Landcare NSW and NSW Local Land Services.
The program is co-managed by Landcare NSW and Local Land Services, with oversight from a Joint Management Committee under a formal Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration ensures alignment with community needs and program objectives.
For further details about the program, its objectives, and coordinator roles, visit the Landcare NSW website or About the NSW Landcare Enabling Program — NSW Landcare Gateway).
Previous Landcare Programs that Murrumbidgee Landcare were involved in:
The 2019–2023 NSW Landcare Program, was a $22.4 million investment co-delivered by Landcare NSW and NSW Local Land Services. The previous program supported a total of 12 Regional Landcare Coordinators and 72 Local Landcare Coordinators across NSW, enabled Murrumbidgee Landcare to employ 5 Local Landcare Coordinators and 1 Regional Landcare Coordinator across the region.
Between 2016 and 2019, the Local Landcare Coordinator Initiative (LLCI), funded by the NSW Government and supported by Local Land Services and Landcare NSW, enabled Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc. to employ four Landcare Coordinators across the Irrigation, Mid-Murrumbidgee North, Mid-Murrumbidgee South, and Rangelands regions.
