Landcare groups

Established in 1989, Landcare Australia works with community, federal, state and local governments and Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations on sustainable land management practices and environmental conservation.

As a volunteer for Landcare, you could be monitoring flora and fauna, controlling pests and weeds species, revegetating areas, and attend networking and information sessions. You could also be part of a committee and assist to organise meetings, distribute information and maintain the group’s online presence. 

You’ll meet other people who are passionate about the environment and learn a variety of skills through practical experience or formal training.

There are local Landcare groups running across the Shire. 

What to expect 

Landcare is very flexible and varies from group to group. Groups may run activities monthly or bi-monthly. Some groups may be more or less active based on the projects they have going. If you are a part of a committee for a group you may need to attend meetings that may be monthly or bi monthly depending on the group.

There are no lock in periods for joining a group, however if you decide to join a committee for a group it is advised to treat it with the same respect you would for a job and provide adequate notice to the group if you plan on stepping down from your role.

Council has a Landcare facilitator who provides ongoing support to the Landcare groups within the Shire. This includes regular emails, events, training and workshops as well as grant funding opportunities and grant writing support. The Landcare facilitator will also host bi-monthly meetings through the Nillumbik Landcare Network, allowing groups to come together and discuss projects, events and even brainstorm ideas.

What you need

No training or prior experience is required to participate in Landcare. However a passion for our environment and a positive can do attitude will go a long way.

People of all ages are welcome to join Landcare. In fact, Junior Landcare works with schools to educate students on where and how fruit and vegetables are grown and they learn about composting and the importance of protecting our environment. Landcare Intrepid focuses on people aged between 18 and 35. Landcare Intrepid works with other Landcare groups to provide support to their projects.

If you’re doing on-ground works, you’ll need closed cap shoes (steel cap if possible) as well as a long sleeved top and pants. Sun protection may also be required (hat, sunglasses and sunscreen). Depending on the task, additional protection may be required such as gardening gloves. Your Landcare group will be able to advise what you will need to bring to each event.

Landcare operates in many different locations within Nillumbik and across Australia. Having your own transport will be helpful and once you are familiar with members of your Landcare group you may be able to carpool to events.

Your level of fitness required will vary based on what activity you are involved in with your Landcare group. For example physical activities such as weed management and revegetation would require a higher level of fitness than managing social media accounts or data collection. If you’re not sure, discuss the requirements with your Landcare group or the Landcare Facilitator about what support you need.

How to apply 

You can learn more about each of the Landcare groups in Nillumbik by visiting Nillumbik Landcare Network. You will find contact details for each group or you can fill out an enquiry in the contact us section to get in touch with the Landcare Facilitator.

Nillumbik Landcare Network