The Dirty Hands newsletter April 2026


Together in Landcare - update from the CEO

To our Landcare community,

In this newsletter, we are excited to introduce the Tasmanian Community Landcare Gathering 2026. This is a new way for us to come together and strengthen the work happening across the state. The Gathering marks an important shift in how we support Landcare in Tasmania.

It’s a deliberate move away from a traditional conference model and towards something more grounded in how Landcare actually works - through people, relationships and action on the ground.

In 2025 alone, Landcarers contributed more than 154,000 volunteer hours, a powerful reminder of the scale and value of what communities are already doing. The Gathering is about backing that effort - strengthening the skills, confidence and connections of those who hold Landcare together, and creating clearer pathways to turn local ideas into coordinated, funded and on-ground outcomes.

Photo: Friends of Mt Field 

Across Lutruwita/Tasmania, Landcare groups are restoring habitat and improving waterways under growing climate and biodiversity pressure. Without the right support, this work does not reach its full and lasting potential. Landcare Tasmania provides the structure that turns local effort into statewide impact.

Community demand is growing faster than our capacity to support it. More projects and communities are ready to act, but only if the system behind them is strong enough. Your EOFY donation helps build stronger foundations for community led Landcare, enabling more projects, supporting more volunteers, and delivering real outcomes where they matter most.

Please consider a donation this EOFY to help us continue supporting our Landcare community.

Warm regards,
Peter Stronach
CEO, Landcare Tasmania


Supporting Landcare. Powering community action

Community Landcare groups are restoring habitat, improving waterways and caring for Country under growing climate and biodiversity pressures. This work is community-driven, but it doesn’t happen alone.

Local action only delivers lasting impact with the right support. Landcare Tasmania provides that support, connecting people, building capacity and helping community groups turn effort into long-term outcomes.

Demand is growing. More communities are ready to step up, to care for their local landscapes and take action where it matters most.
But without strong foundations, that potential can’t be fully realised.

This EOFY, your tax-deductible donation to the Tasmanian Landcare Fund helps strengthen the network behind Landcare. It supports community-led Landcare across Tasmania - delivering real impact for nature and local communities.

Donate today!

We're launching the Tasmanian Community Landcare Gathering!

The Tasmanian Community Landcare Gathering 2026 (6-8 November in Deloraine) is a new kind of event - designed to support the people who keep Landcare going and strengthen the networks behind on-ground action.

This isn’t a traditional conference. It’s about practical skills, shared experiences and connecting with others who understand the realities of Landcare - from coordination and leadership to getting work done on the ground.

Bringing together volunteers, landholders, community leaders and partners from across the state, The Gathering will combine learning, on-ground activities and time to recognise and celebrate the contribution of Landcarers.

While centred in Deloraine, there is potential for field trips and local activities across the state, creating more ways for people to get involved.

Keep your eyes out on our socials and website as we continue to develop this exciting event!

The Gathering website is live!

 

New farm dam enhancement video

Check out our new video showcasing Tasmanian farmers who are improving their farm dams through practical Farm Dam Enhancement practices, delivering real benefits for water quality, biodiversity and farm productivity.

These stories highlight how simple, well-designed changes to farm dams can strengthen drought preparedness and build climate resilience. This helps farms adapt to changing conditions while supporting healthier landscapes.

Be inspired by local farmers leading the way and see what’s possible on your own property.

Huge thanks to Knowles, Penny, Lachlan and Andrew for sharing your farm dam stories with us! 

This project has been supported by the TAS Farm Innovation Hub with funding from the Future Drought Fund.  

Check it out here

Interested in farm dam enhancement? 


Join Landcare Tasmania for a hands-on Farm Dam Field Day at Blythe!
Wednesday, 20 May from 10am-1pm.
 
Designed for farmers, landholders and Landcarers looking to improve their farm dams and build more resilient landscapes.
 
This practical session will take you into the field to see real examples of farm dams at different stages of enhancement, while hearing from experts about how simple changes can improve water quality, biodiversity and farm productivity.
Anyone is welcome to join to learn more about the benefits of farm dam enhancement and the Catchment Connect project.
 
This project received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Tasmanian Landcare Fund.
RSVP here

Weed action in focus as Landcarers gather in Ulverstone

Landcarers from across Tasmania’s North West recently gathered in Ulverstone for a practical workshop focused on weed identification and management.

Cradle Coast NRM’s Regional Weeds Coordinator, Petra Wilden, provided an overview of the Weeds Action Fund Stage 3 project, and environmental contractor Axel Meiss, delivered an engaging session on the priority weeds targeted across North West and Western Tasmania.

Beyond the technical training, the event highlighted the strength of Tasmania’s Landcare network and the value of communities working together to care for their local environments.

This project is supported by Cradle Coast Authority, through funding from the Tasmanian Government.

Read more

Native Bee Guardians inspire young environmental stewards 

Students at The Cottage School in Bellerive took part in Landcare Tasmania’s Native Bee Guardians workshop, learning about the vital role native bees play in pollination and healthy ecosystems. Many students were already aware of local bee diversity, which helped spark lively discussion and curiosity about these important insects.

Through hands-on activities and creative learning, students explored how bees interact with native plants and built simple native bee hotels to take home. The session encouraged a deeper appreciation of pollinators and how small actions can support biodiversity in everyday spaces.

Know a local school who would benefit from workshops like this?
Let them know about Landcare Tasmania's education program!

Read more
 

More Boxthorn field days coming up! 

Our first Boxthorn biocontrol field day in Richmond was a great success. Participants heard from Ben Gooden, a senior research scientist from CSIRO, Landcare Tasmania staff, and local weed expert Axel Meiss. It was a great interactive afternoon focused on African boxthorn management and biological control.

You can watch a short recap video on our Facebook page.

We’ve now got two more field days coming up across the state in Little Swanport and Low Head. The next event will be held on Wed, 13 May in Little Swanport—click below to RSVP and join us.

Little Swanport: RSVP here

Join Landcare Tasmania at Agfest!

Heading to Agfest?
Come find Landcare Tasmania on Main Street at the eastern end, near the nature reserve.

Check out our Agfest Chats program and plan your visit. We’ve got a great line-up of knowledgeable people to come chat with across a range of Landcare topics.

Drop in anytime — the team will be there all day for a chat, plus free cuppas and a place to take a breather. We’ll also have weed dabber bottles available for sale on site.

We thank the JM Roberts Charitable Trust for their support, enabling our presence at Agfest, to connect and support members new and old.

Would you like to help out at our stall?
Hop onto the link below to sign up.

Volunteer with us

Northern Nursery Manager & Project Managers

Join our team as a Northern Nursery Manager and help bring a new community native plant nursery to life in Launceston. This exciting role will lead the establishment and day-to-day operation of a nursery at the Heritage Forest Community Gardens, supporting local revegetation and Landcare projects across the region.

EOIs for Project Managers
We are also inviting expressions of interest from candidates interested in project delivery roles at both Project Manager and Project Coordinator level.
Click here to apply.

Apply here

Other news & events


Where? Where? Wedgie! 

Get your family and friends outdoors this May, to help track Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle numbers, together with Tasmania’s other birds of prey, white cockatoos and corellas.

Each year, Nature Trackers' surveys mobilise people of all ages and levels of experience, to get a measure of these birds’ population numbers across Tasmania.

These measures help assess the progress of current protections and conservation effort, and help ensure that future efforts are as effective as possible.

Find out more.


Dry Season Readiness Roadshow

Circular Head Council is hosting a roadshow in May 2026, bringing farmers, industry experts and support services together for practical, local conversations about preparing for dry conditions.

Marrawah - Wednesday 13 May
Smithton - Thursday 14 May 
Forest - Thursday 14 May

Find out more here


Rehydrate Australia film screening

Head to a community screening of Rehydrate Australia in Franklin on 24 May.
This is an Australian documentary exploring how farmers and land managers across the country are restoring degraded landscapes by working with nature, not against it.
In the face of droughts, fires and floods, Rehydrate Australia offers both a hopeful and practical story of landscape resilience and climate recovery.

The Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA) conference is coming to Hobart

6–9 October in Nipaluna / Hobart and surrounds.
Abstract submissions are open & early bird tickets are on sale.

ALCA is seeking submissions for presentations and field trips that share and celebrate impact, innovation and lessons learned - from on-ground practice, policy and research to partnerships, investment models and community-led solutions across Australia, the Pacific and beyond.
Submissions close 8 May.


Join your local Landcare group!

Want to get involved? Check out our directory of groups and upcoming working bees/events happening all over the state!

Find a working bee / event near you

Interested in joining us?

Become a member!
Find a group

Thanks from the team at Landcare Tasmania

We want to hear from you!
Get in touch with any questions or feedback:

(03) 6234 7117

[email protected]

Sign up for the Dirty Hands newsletter.

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Landcare Tasmania acknowledges that the island of Lutruwita/Tasmania is Aboriginal Land, sovereignty was not, and never will be, ceded. Aboriginal people have cared for the lands, waterways, skies and communities of Lutruwita/Trouwerner since the beginning of time.
We pay respects to the palawa / pakana of Lutruwita/ Trouwerner and strive to fulfil our simple but collective vision – That all Tasmanian communities are empowered and enabled to care for the land and waterways of Lutruwita/Trouwerner.
Landcare Tasmania is committed to continuously listening, learning and building stronger relationships with Aboriginal communities.