Dear all,

Much info in this newsletter – grants, award nominations, bird count, citizen science, wetlands and land restoration etc.

Kind regards,
Steve Gates
Secretary, NRPG Bushcarers

WA Landcare News – September 2026

September 2026  The WA Landcare Network acknowledges First Nations Peoples as the traditional custodians of the continent, and we recognise and learn from their unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas.  We pay our respects to Elders past and present.   The WA Parliamentary Friends of Landcare event connected landcarers from around the state with politicians from across the political spectrum in the courtyard at Parliament House. WA Landcare Network (WALN) is the peak State landcare body representing and supporting the network of diverse community organisations working to address Western Australia’s most challenging environmental problems.  We are a dynamic grassroots collective with an independent voice for landcare. We advocate at the State and Federal level and support and strengthen landcare group capability to get the landcare job done. landcarewa.org.au  Email Facebook Instagram LinkedIn  ·       Welcome to September in Landcare·       Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Members·       What’s WALN been up to?·       Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Launch 2026·       What’s happening in landcare?·       Landcarers in profile·       What’s on in landcare?·       Landcare funding·       Landcare resources·       Contact the WALN team  Welcome to September in Landcare Welcome to the September edition of Landcare News.  A big welcome to the folks who joined the network in the last month!  New Ordinary Member group Friends of Mt Mackie, Associate Members Shire of Pingelly and Cultivate & Co, and Individual Members Bonnie Jupp, Divya LaBrooy and Jacob Smith.  It is great to have you as part of the Landcare community in WA, and part of the 250,000 people in the National Landcare Network giving time and heart to landcare science, rivercare, bushcare and coastcare around Australia.. We hope you enjoy discovering what’s happening across the network and connecting with fellow Landcarers.    Along with many other members who applied for 2026 Stewardship grants from State NRM, WALN was unsuccessful in its application for three-year core funding which presents the team and the committee with the same challenges many of us face, where and how to find funding partners in an increasingly tight fiscal environment.  We have been working on a number of exciting initiatives, including the next stage of the WA Landcare Network Project Bank.  This is a section on our website which displays projects that we will work across industries to find investment for on a fee-for-service basis.  Complete the survey coming out soon if you have a project that needs funding and to make clear what sort of industries you are happy to partner with.  We look forward to seeing your projects and helping you fund them! The picture above of Parliamentary Friends of Landcare event was taken on Tuesday night in the WA Parliament House courtyard.  Tickets are allocated using a lottery style process and more than 60 people enjoyed meeting and connecting with one another and lots of politicians on Tuesday evening. See the contact details for the Parliamentary Friends below and reach out and make contact, let them know what is happening with your group and invite them to an invite.  Read WALN Deputy Chair Anne-Marie Offer’s great speech to learn more….Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Event – 2026 – WALN speech – WA Landcare Network IncIf you enjoy Landcare News and want to stay connected with the Landcare community, make sure you become a member — it’s quick, easy, and free.And if you have a story, project update, or event you’d like featured in Landcare News, we’d love to hear from you. Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Members  Mr Shane Love MLA Parliamentary Friends Co-conveynor  Ph: (08) 9927 2333 Email: [email protected]  Hon Jess Beckerling MLC Parliamentary Friends Co-conveynor Ph: 08 9311 7813 Email: [email protected]  Mr David Bolt MLA Parliamentary Friends Member Ph: (08) 9531 3155 Email: [email protected]  Mrs Michelle Maynard MLA Parliamentary Friends Member Ph: (08) 9296 7688 Email: [email protected]  Hon Rob Horstman MLC Parliamentary Friends Member Ph: (08) 9576 0141 Email: [email protected]  Mr Peter Rundle MLA Parliamentary Friends Member Fax: (08) 9881 3082 Email: [email protected] What’s WALN been up to?   So good to see the Landcare community come together in Toodyay.   WHAT A FANTASTIC GATHERING!The 2026 WA Landcare Annual Gathering in Toodyay was a wonderful few days of stories, connection and inspiration, bringing the Landcare community together across the Avon Valley as spring arrived.Our theme, Freshwater Stories from the Avon Valley, came to life through a rich program exploring riparian restoration, small landholdings, biodiversity and biosecurity, alongside the experiences and insights of the people caring for these landscapes.From a beautiful wildflower walk and music at the Toodyay Memorial Hall, to inspiring presentations from landcare champions, the gathering showcased the passion, creativity and practical knowledge that sits at the heart of rural Landcare. The Landcare in Action field trip took us out into the landscape to see this work firsthand, with stories of erosion control, landholder experimentation, community projects and conservation in practice.We also had the opportunity to learn from local Indigenous culture and place, adding another important layer to our understanding of the Avon Valley and its living landscapes.Most of all, the gathering was a chance to connect — to share experiences, exchange ideas, celebrate what is being achieved and build new connections across the Landcare community. A huge thank you to everyone who presented, hosted and participated and a special thanks to Hall of Fame members Rob Boase, Wayne Clarke and Mike Norman for all your help throughout a terrific few days! Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Launch 2026      CONNECTING LANDCARE ACROSS THE STATE AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE!Over 60 landcarers from across the state gathered to hear from our current Parliamentary Friends of Landcare, who enthusiastically celebrated the pro-bono practitioner work being carried out by our members and other landcarers.  It was great to see a big diversity of groups, issues being worked on and ages represented. All in all, many great conversations and laughs were had. It’s always great catching up with like-minded folks who are all passionate about landcare. Special thanks to convenors Shane Love MLA and his team and the Hon Jess Beckerling MLC, for the effort that went into making the event such a success. Watch this space!     LANDCARE EXPERTISE EXCHANGE (LEE) Conversations happen in the the LEE portal, offering an easy way for landcarers and the community to connect. You can join discussions we share on socials or explore resources in the Knowledge Hub. Have something to contribute? Send it to [email protected].     What’s happening in landcare?  GROWING FOOD TOGETHER – collaborative funding eventWe were delighted to help fund a practical gardening workshop held by Katanning Landcare at the All Ages Community Garden as part of the town’s Eco-week program. Julie and Gary Richards from Down2Earth led the session, sharing practical tips on creating no-dig garden beds, building healthy soil, growing productive food, managing pests and diseases, and composting. It was a great opportunity for the community to learn together and build skills to support local food production, with the garden already producing some wonderful fresh produce.LEARN MORE > Photo credit: Katanning Landcare   FOR PEAT’S SAKE: LEARNING ABOUT PEATLANDSLocal landholders recently came together at Parryville Hall, near Denmark, to learn more about the hidden peatland treasures on their properties. The session explored why peatlands matter, the threats they face, and practical ways landholders can help protect these unique ecosystems through the PEAT Southwest project.LEARN MORE > Photo credit: PEAT Southwest  PEOPLE IN THE NETWORKAfter more than a year as CEO of Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, Aaron Jaggar is moving on to a new role with Tarlka Matuwa Piarku Aboriginal Corporation managing their ranger program. It was a pleasure working with Aaron and his vision and commitment will be missed in the South West. All the very best in the new role and stay in touch! Photo credit: Nature Conservatin Margaret River Region   2027 BOB HAWKE LANDCARE AWARDNominations are now open for the 2027 Bob Hawke Landcare Award, recognising an individual, group or organisation making an outstanding contribution to Landcare, sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. The award celebrates those who inspire others, share knowledge and lead practical action for healthier landscapes and communities.Nominations close Sunday 31 January 2027. The winner will receive $30,000 towards a Landcare project and be recognised at the 2027 National Landcare Awards in Adelaide.LEARN MORE >   GOATS JOIN RESTORATION EFFORTA herd of goats is helping tackle blackberry, kikuyu and woody weeds at Island Brook Estate, north of Cowaramup, as owners Paul and Jill O’Callaghan work to restore the health and biodiversity of their farm dams and catchment. The restoration project is being delivered with Nature Conservation Margaret River Region through the Western Australian Wine Sustainability Advancement Program (WAWSAP).The goats, supplied by local business Earth Shepherd, are being used in short, controlled periods to target dense weed growth, with time allowed for the land to rest and native plants to regenerate. The project will also explore dam and riparian rehabilitation, water quality, biodiversity and climate resilience, providing practical lessons that can be shared with other landholders across the South West. Photo: Sam Maisey; credit: Trevor Paddenburg   MULLEWA DRYLAND FARMERS FIELD DAYNACC NRM’s Sustainable Agriculture team recently joined local growers and industry representatives at the Mullewa Dryland Farmers Initiative Spring Field Day. The day brought together practical discussion and local trials covering topics including early wheat sowing, canola time of sowing, chemical strategies, mouse monitoring and the emerging role of AI in agriculture. It was a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, explore new ideas and connect with farmers across the region. LEARN MORE > Photo credit: NACC   AUSTRALIA DAY COMMUNITY EVENTS GRANTSApplications are now open for the 2027 Australia Day Community Events Grant Program, supporting community groups, councils and government organisations to deliver inclusive events that bring people together to reflect, respect and celebrate. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for events such as community gatherings, concerts, citizenship ceremonies and local celebrations. Applications close 22 September 2026, so eligible organisations are encouraged to get their applications underway.LEARN MORE >   THREATENED BURROWING CRAYFISH FOUNDAn eDNA survey has detected the endangered Dunsborough Burrowing Crayfish on a property near the Carbunup River, prompting South West NRM to work with the landholder on habitat restoration. Planned works include fencing, weed control and revegetation to improve the riverside habitat and water quality that the crayfish and other native species depend on.LEARN MORE > Photo credit: South West NRM   CSIRO INNOVATE TO GROWCSIRO’s free Innovate to Grow program supports Australian small and medium businesses to turn innovative ideas into viable research and development projects. The eight-week online program provides expert guidance, R&D coaching and connections with researchers to help businesses develop their ideas and explore future funding opportunities. Applications open by industry sector throughout the year.LEARN MORE >  BUNNINGS GREEN SHOOTS PROGRAMThe Bunnings Green Shoots Program is offering grants of up to $10,000 to Australian and New Zealand greenlife growers for business development and capability building, with crisis relief grants also available.  Round 4 applications close at 11.59pm on Monday 19 October 2026. LEARN MORE >   GROWER AND ADVISOR STUDY TOURSGRDC invites applications for its 2027 Grower and Advisor Study Tours, supporting grain growers and advisers to undertake learning-focused travel that builds knowledge, explores new approaches, and shares insights across the grains industry. Applications close 30 October 2026.LEARN MORE >  FARM DEBT MEDIATION SCHEMEThe WA Farm Debt Mediation Scheme helps farm and pastoral businesses work through disputes with financial institutions about commercial farm debt. The scheme provides access to low-cost, non-legal mediation to help parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement, with professional mediation provided by the Small Business Development Corporation. The scheme is currently open until 30 June 2027. LEARN MORE >   BAIGUP WETLANDS SECURED FOR CONSERVATIONAfter decades of community advocacy, Baigup Wetlands has taken an important step towards long-term conservation. The City of Bayswater will now manage both sides of the wetlands together, with about $1 million in State Government funding to support infrastructure and ongoing management.LEARN MORE > Photo credit: Bushland News   PORONGURUP–BORONGURUP: CULTURAL AND BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCEA new Heartland Journeys story explores the cultural and biological significance of Porongurup–Borongurup, highlighting the rich connections between people, species and this remarkable landscape.LEARN MORE > Photo credit: Steve Hopper; Heartland Journeys   EXMOUTH GULF REVEALED AS A MARINE BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTNew environmental DNA research is revealing the remarkable marine biodiversity of Exmouth Gulf, providing a clearer picture of the species living in this important coastal ecosystem. The findings highlight the Gulf’s ecological significance and the value of eDNA as a tool for understanding and monitoring marine biodiversity.LEARN MORE > Photo credit: UWA  Landcarers in profile This month, let’s hear it for the vollies!Our three Landcarer profiles this month highlight the dedication, time, and hands-on effort volunteers put into caring for our landscapes and waterways. From practical on-ground work to sharing knowledge and bringing people together, these stories show the important role volunteers play in making a difference in their communities.   TENDING THE BIBBULMUN TRACKTwenty volunteers recently joined a maintenance field day at Mount Dale, putting their time and skills into practical work to protect the Bibbulmun Track from erosion. Working across two sites, the team installed or repaired 18 waterbars and around 30 steps, helping make the Track safer and more sustainable for walkers.It’s a great example of the important contribution volunteers make to caring for this much-loved 1,000km trail. Their knowledge, energy and hands-on work help maintain the Track for the thousands of people who enjoy it each year — a reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together to care for a shared place.LEARN MORE >  Image: Bibbulmun Track Foundation    THERE IS A LOT OF HEALING IN REVEGETATION AND LANDCAREFor the volunteers who join SERCUL’s landcare events, caring for local reserves, wetlands and waterways is about more than planting and weeding. It is a chance to spend time outdoors, connect with others and contribute to the ongoing care and restoration of local places. Through regular hands-on activities, volunteers are helping restore habitat and support the health of the landscapes and waterways around them. LEARN MORE > Image: SERCUL   DEDICATED TO ROEBUCK BAYThe Roebuck Bay seagrass monitoring program is powered by a dedicated team of volunteers who turn up year after year to help monitor this important ecosystem. In the latest round, 42 volunteers — from experienced seagrass surveyors to people new to the project — took on early morning starts and long hours on the mudflats. Across the past year, volunteers contributed 234 attendances to 12 surveys, helping maintain WA’s longest-running seagrass monitoring program. It’s a wonderful example of the time, commitment and local effort volunteers contribute to caring for our environment.LEARN MORE >  Image: Environs Kimberley  Have a landcare story to tell? Send a description and photos of your landcare work and you could be our next Landcarer in Profile. Meet some of our HALL OF FAME champions.    TELL US ABOUT YOUR LANDCARE STORY   What’s on in landcare?  CHECK OUT THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONLINE Upcoming events   |  LEARN MORE >WA has thousands of passionate landcarers and many events happening throughout the year. WALN Members can share and update their own events on the community calendar hosted on the WALN community hub.  COEXIST PERTH COASTAL FESTIVAL 19 September 2026  |  Perth |  LEARN MORE >   OPEDJILBA WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL ESPERANCE 19-23 September 2026  |  Esperance  |  LEARN MORE >   OPEN NATURE GARDENS 21 September 2026  |  Bunbury  |  LEARN MORE >   KRMB GENERAL MEETING: ANNE BELLMAN ON FLORA OF THE JURIEN BAY REGION 21 September 2026  |  Perth  |  LEARN MORE >   NOT-FOR-PROFIT FINANCE WEEK 21-24 September 2026  |  Online   |  LEARN MORE >A practical webinar designed to help board members turn financial reports into clear insights, confident conversations and better organisational decisions.   NGOOLAK, KARRAK – KEEP THE BLACK COCKATOOS FLYING 12 – 23 September 2026  |  Denmark  |  LEARN MORE >An exhibition of art and stories drawing attention to the plight of WA’s three critically endangered Black Cockatoo species and the need to protect their future. Photo: ‘Uncertain future’ by Lynne Tinley   HEALTHY FOOD, FARMS & COMMUNITIES, GLOBAL LESSONS 23 September 2026  |  Online   |  LEARN MORE >This webinar series brings together farmers and practitioners from around the world to share real experiences of building resilience in a changing climate.      OYSTER HARBOUR MIARITCH 2026 SHOWCASE 10 October 2026  |  Albany  |  LEARN MORE >This year Oyster Harbour Catchment Group are marking Albany’s bicentenary commemorations with a special showcase on the shores of Oyster Harbour Miaritch. Sharing a story of environmental degradation, community stewardship, and restoration, highlighting how local action helped reverse ecological decline.   WABSI WEBINAR – BIODIVERSITY IN RIVERINE ECOSYSTEMS: IMPACTS OF EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS 13 October 2026   |   Online   |  LEARN MORE >   SERA 2026  19-21 October 2026  |  Adelaide  |  LEARN MORE >Restoration practitioners, researchers, community leaders and industry will come together for the 2026 conference of the Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia (SERA).   AUSSIE BIRD COUNT 19-25 October 2026   |   Online   |  LEARN MORE >   SAVE THE DATE: CCWA REGIONAL GATHERING 20 October 2026   |   Busselton  |  LEARN MORE >This much-loved annual festival is a fantastic chance to get outdoors, connect with nature, and learn more about our incredible Wetlands. Enjoy a vibrant community celebration featuring local markets, food vendors, live music, interactive activities, a dog breakfast, and plenty more for all ages.   2026 SOIL SCIENCE AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE 1-5 November 2026   |   Perth  |  LEARN MORE >Western Australia will host the 2026 Soil Science Australia National Conference on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja in Boorloo (Perth), with the theme “Common Ground: Soils for the Anthropocene”.   WONDERS OF OUR WETLANDS FESTIVAL 2026 7 November 2026   |   Coodanup Foreshore Reserve  |  LEARN MORE >This much-loved annual festival is a fantastic chance to get outdoors, connect with nature, and learn more about our incredible Wetlands. Enjoy a vibrant community celebration featuring local markets, food vendors, live music, interactive activities, a dog breakfast, and plenty more for all ages.   Landcare funding  Bunnings Green Shoots Program – Grants to help Australian and New Zealand greenlife growers build business capability and access development support. Grants up to $10,000, with crisis relief grants also available. Round 4 applications close 19 October 2026. Find out more: https://www.bunnings.com.au/campaign/green-shoots-program  Australia Day Community Events Grants – Funding for community groups, councils and government organisations to deliver inclusive 2027 Australia Day events that bring people together. Grants up to $15,000. Applications close 22 September 2026. Find out more: https://www.australiaday.org.au/grants/  Circular solutions funding – Projects that demonstrate how end-of-life tyres can be transformed into high-value products and infrastructure.  Grants up to $300,000. Find out more: https://www.tyrestewardship.org.au/what-we-do/market-development-funding  Community Stewardship Grants 2026 – Community Stewardship Grants are available annually to support community-based projects that serve to protect and restore the local environment. Find out more: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/businesses/grants-and-support/CSG  Small Network Grants – Funding for local not-for-profits in 314 LGAs to deliver events or initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, social networks, and resilience to drought. Find out more: https://frrr.org.au/funding/fdf-communities/small-network-grants/  Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program – This funding will help enable people in agriculture-dependent communities to build and maintain their social resilience to drought.. Find out more:  https://frrr.org.au/funding/fdf-communities/  FDF Communities – Capacity Building – This funding aims to strengthen the capacity of regional community based not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) that are essential to building social resilience in rural and regional Australia. Find out more: https://frrr.org.au/funding/fdf-communities/capacity-building/  Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) Social Outcome Grants – Grants for not-for-profits in up to 50 RDRP regions to implement social resilience projects, community events, and capacity-building activities. Find out more: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/future-drought-fund/regional-drought-resilience-planning  Red Grants Program –  Eligible applicants can now apply for grants of up to $150,000 in the South West region for locally-driven projects that create real economic impact and employment opportunities.  Find out more:  https://swdc.wa.gov.au/grants-funding/red-grants/  NACC Biodiversity Conservation Grants – Funding up to $5,000 per project is available for the protection and restoration of the Northern Agricultural Region’s threatened flora and fauna. Always open.  Find out more You searched for Biodiversity grants – NACC  Purves Environmental Fund -Supports proposals that meet the Fund’s current focus areas: degradation of key biodiversity habitat, unsustainable management of natural resources, and pollution. Always open. Find out more:  https://www.purvesenvirofund.org.au/funding  Wettenhall Environment Trust – Small to medium projects.  Find out more:  https://wettenhall.org.au/  Ian Potter Foundation Environment Grants – awards grants nationally to support charitable organisations working to benefit the community across a wide range of sectors and endeavours.  Find out more: https://www.ianpotter.org.au/what-we-support/program-areas/environment/  Lotterywest Grassroots Community Led Grants – Providing grants across five priority areas Inclusive thriving community, Connected cultural experiences, Protected sustainable ecosystems, Smart innovative society, Active healthy people. Find out more:  https://www.lotterywest.wa.gov.au/grants/grant-opportunities Landcare resources National Landcare Network Webinar Collection – a calendar of webinars from across the country aimed at skill building and knowledge exchange in the landcare sector. Upload details of your webinar or find out about upcoming webinars.  about  https://nln.org.au/resources/webinars/  Past Landcare Checks In sessions   https://www.landcarewa.org.au/checks-in  Past Landcare Build Skills sessions  https://www.landcarewa.org.au/build-skills  Past Editions of Landcare News  https://www.landcarewa.org.au/news  WA Landcare Network YouTube Channel with a range of videos on landcare topics  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbNRqSa5Tw6U7_NtknmPBdg  Landcare Victoria’s online Webinars – Lots about Not for Profit Governance https://www.landcarevictoria.org.au/LVI/LVI/Resources/Webinar_recordings.aspx  Landcare Webinar Series  – The Landcare Australia Landcare Webinar Series brings people interested in sustainable land management and conservation activities together. https://landcareaustralia.org.au/webinars/ Contact the WALN team  Jacqueline Lahne Chief Executive Officer E: [email protected] Mb: 0438 600 074  Eve Holohan Member Development Manager E: [email protected] Mb: 0426 518 128   Vanessa Slater Landcare Expertise Exchange Facilitator (LEEF) E: [email protected] Mb: 0436 441 221   Leonie Kirkwood Finance Officer E: j[email protected]   Join WALN Now  Update your member details here Email Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn   Copyright © 2026 WA Landcare Network, All rights reserved. You have signed up to get information from WA Landcare network Our mailing address is: WA Landcare NetworkPO Box 938BUNBURY, WA 6231 Australia Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.