October 2018 - Dabbers, Awards, Spring Events, International
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Tasmanian Landcarers in the spotlight
A key part of the National Landcare Conference in Brisbane this month was the presentation of the National Landcare Awards. Eight winners from the 2017 Tasmanian Landcare Awards were finalists for this year's national event.
Although none of our finalists were category winners, two were 'Highly commended' in their respective categories:
- Kingborough Council - Highly commended in the Australian Government Partnerships for Landcare Award category
- Dairy Tasmania - Highly commended in the Australian Government Excellence in Sustainable Farm Practices Award category
Tasmania was also strongly represented in the Bob Hawke Landcare Award, with north-west 'poologist' Dr Graeme Stevenson being one of only three finalists. Graeme's enthusiasm and passion for caring for our soils was a clear crowd favourite at the Awards ceremony, but alas he was not the ultimate winner.
If you have not seen Graeme in action, have a look at the video above to see what a living treasure he is to Landcare in Tasmania.
Landcare - 'arms to farms' in the Philippines
Rod Knight, CEO Landcare Tasmania
I was fortunate to attend the National Landcare Conference in Brisbane recently. The Conference this year included an international flavour, with Landcare now established in 25 countries.
Of course this shouldn't be surprising. Landcare's unique model of community ownership of environmental and sustainability problems and solutions is widely applicable.
At the Conference I met up with Nikki Cordero from the Philippines Landcare Foundation (below, left). Nikki's project is addressing the impact that armed conflict has had on the environment, on production systems and on the wealth of local communities. Working in areas of southern Mindanao affected by conflict, an 'arms to farms' approach is being used to build extension services, sustainability and well being in local communities. The Conference also included information and displays from Landcare projects in Uganda and Tonga.
Feeling the buzz at the Tamar Sustainability Expo
Landcare Tas had a very busy and successful stall at the Tamar Sustainability Expo on 13 October. Thanks to everyone who came to say hello to Pete and our volunteers. Volunteers from our Members Council and groups Friends of Trevallyn Reserve and Tamar Island Wetlands Centre Volunteers provided a wide range of information and support to the community. The weed ID activity was popular and got people engaged. The expo was run by our longtime supporters Tamar NRM.
Now available in our store
Dabbers for spring...
Many spring weeds are in full growth. Cut and paint is a great method to control many of these pesky plants, and these handy dabbers from Landcare Tasmania are great for the job.
Dabbers are available in packs of 3, and replacement sponges come in packs of 10.
Caution: Always read and follow instructions for correct and safe application of any herbicides.
...cards for Christmas
Landcare Tasmania has a great range of greeting cards for sale - an ideal way to pass on your Christmas wishes.
The cards have been generously donated by Tasmanian artist David Hopkins, to help raise fund to support community Landcare. They are all original watercolours and are available in four packs - Australian Plants, Australian Birds, Tasmanian Animals and Tasmanian Plants. You can scroll through the cards in each pack on our website.
To show your support for community Landcare, and to ensure your Christmas message is beautifully delivered, take a trip to our store below.
Want to get involved? You can...
Volunteer
There's lots to do at the Landcare Tas office, and we're always on the lookout for new volunteers. If interested please click the button below to register, call the office on (03) 6234 7117, or send an email to [email protected].
Get involved with a Landcare group
You can find details of more than 200 Tasmanian Landcare groups on our website. Many groups are on the lookout for new volunteers and you can be assured of a warm welcome and great company.
Not sure where to start? We can help you find a group that suits your interests, or even help you start one if there isn't one local. Call the office on (03) 6234 7117 or send an email to [email protected].
Please consider donating
Donate
With over 200 Landcare groups across the State, Landcare Tasmania is always on the lookout for funds to support their work. We have lots of things that need your support. Everything from buying equipment for groups to share, through to providing training to help groups tackle some of the trickier environmental and sustainability challenges.
Donating to Landcare Tasmania ensures your money stays in Tasmania and is used to support the thousands of people working for our bush, coasts, land, rivers and wildlife.
It's also tax deductible for amounts over $2.
A big gong for 5000 Trees
In the last Dirty Hands we reported that Tasmanian textile artist Cindy Watkins is generously donating $2 for every tree she embroiders and sells in her 5000 Trees project to Landcare Tasmania.
These are truly stunning embroideries, a fact recognised when one of the works - 'The Collective Language of Trees' (below) - won the Bernina Best of Show 2018 at the Craft Alive event last weekend! Well done Cindy.
Click on the image below to see more of this stunning artwork, and learn about the inspiration behind the project. We'll also be joining Cindy at her stall at the Tasmanian Craft Fair from the 2nd to 5th of November in Deloraine, so come along and say hello.
Out and about this spring
Spring's here and that means event season. Landcare Tas staff and volunteers will be at a number of community events over the next month or two. It's a great opportunity to come along and say hi, and talk about how you can play a meaningful role in Landcare, or how Landcare Tas can support you in your work.
Just click on an image below for more info about the event.
For our members - Our Member Outreach BBQ event for October will held on Saturday the 27th of October at Meander. Members are invited to RSVP here to come along and gain a wealth of knowledge on how you can care for the land and coast where you live. Topics for this MOB include native shelter belts and feral cat trapping. Plus you'll be meeting other Landcarers.
Click below if you'd like to become a member. You'll be part of a great bunch of people, united in their commitment of caring for our bush, coasts, soils and waterways.
Spring into spring with Landcare
There are thousands of events run by Landcare Tasmania's members every year. Our groups are always on the lookout for new volunteers and will give you a warm welcome. Check out upcoming events on our Events Page
Is your event not listed? Contact the Landcare Tas office for assistance.
