Tassie attends the National Landcare Conference 2025

In September 2025, Landcare Tasmania staff joined over 650 Landcarers from across the country at the National Landcare Conference on the Gold Coast.

It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow State and Territory Landcare Organisations (STLOs) and local Landcare networks from around the country, exchanging insights and forging new collaborations. We were delighted to have Jackie from the Tasmanian Student Landcare Association (TSLA) join us, bringing the Tasmanian youth voice to the national stage.

We were proud to see Tasmania recognised nationally, with Kingston Beach Coastcare and Vivienne Briggs honoured with prestigious Landcare Awards for their outstanding contributions. Well done to all the winners and nominees!

A key theme emerged throughout the event: strong partnerships are essential for impactful Landcare projects. Initiatives co-designed and delivered alongside universities, research institutions, Indigenous organisations, local councils, and other grassroots groups are achieving the most meaningful and lasting outcomes. Those that actively involve local people with deep connections to their land and communities see stronger engagement and long-term success.

Image: Tasmanian attendees and award nominees.

The conference showcased a diverse range of approaches—from innovative ag tech like Rainstick which combines Traditional Ecological Knowledge and technology to increase crop yields, to Richmond Landcare’s nature-based flood mitigation, and the Gold Coast’s Naturally GC program which highlighted the strength of long-term, well-supported partnerships between councils and communities. 

Engaging young people in Landcare was emphasised as a priority throughout the conference. Speakers highlighted that youth don't have time to volunteer regularly but still seek meaningful involvement, leadership opportunities, and mentorship. Programs that combine Landcare activities with adventure, such as camping or canoeing, have proven effective in engaging urban youth. Concerns were also raised about 'one-off' volunteer initiatives that fail to build ongoing community connections and stewardship of land that is so intrinsic to the Landcare movement. 

Image: Peter Stronach (Landcare Tasmania CEO) speaking on the State & Territory Landcare Organisation's panel.

Accessing the Carbon and Biodiversity markets was a major focus of discussion, with growing interest but also considerable confusion among Landcare organisations about how to engage in these markets. While these markets offer exciting benefits for land owners, it was clear that projects must be treated as serious financial decisions requiring qualified, professional advice to navigate the complexities involved. It was suggested that Landcare, with its trusted reputation and extensive network of professionals, could play a valuable role as an independent advisor in this space, given that the role is clearly defined and properly resourced. However, it was acknowledged that there is limited capacity to do so.

First Nations knowledge and leadership were central to many conversations. Speakers called on Landcare and government bodies to approach climate risk and ecological restoration through Indigenous perspectives, Traditional Ecological Knowledge and stewardship of Country.