The Dirty Hands newsletter May 2026
Together in Landcare - update from the CEOTo our Landcare community, Across Tasmania, Landcare groups continue to do what they’ve always done best - bring people together to care for the places they live. Over the past few month I’ve had the chance to meet with members and partners across the state, from Agfest and farm visits through to local restoration projects and community conversations in the Northwest, Tamar and beyond. What continues to strike me is how much of this work depends on community connection. Not just projects, but the people, groups and local leadership that keep knowledge, momentum and action alive over the long term. That community foundation matters now more than ever. At Landcare Tasmania, we’re focused not only on supporting on-ground action, but also strengthening the systems, coordination and networks that help communities continue to respond to challenges like biodiversity loss, drought and landscape resilience. This newsletter shares just some of the stories, projects and people helping drive that work forward. Thank you for being part of Tasmania’s Landcare movement. Peter Stronach |
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Discussion group on cat management in Tasmania at Agfest. Photo: Landcare Tasmania. |
Landcare Action Grants 2026 |
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Minister for Primary Industries and Water Gavin Pearce, Jenny Brazier from Circular Head Landcare, with Peter Stronach - Duck Bay, NW Tasmania. Looking at the next stage of the Rice Grass Eradication project, funded by the latest Landcare Action Grants round. Photo: Tasmanian Government. Landcare Tasmania has been a major delivery partner of the Landcare Action Grants with the Tasmanian Government since 2018. This year, funding has been delivered to 23 on-ground projects across the state, totalling more than $340,000. From creek and wetland restoration to threatened species habitat rehabilitation, the grants support practical community-led action that aims to protect, enhance and restore areas of High Conservation Value across Tasmania. Importantly, the funding is backed by field workshops, training and ongoing support to help community groups build the skills, confidence and coordination needed to deliver long-term outcomes on the ground. This year’s round was again heavily oversubscribed, with 79 applications received from communities across Tasmania. Projects that were unsuccessful in this round will continue to be supported through other Landcare Tasmania programs and project development pathways being rolled out over the coming year. “These grants are an important catalyst for local action, but they also help strengthen the community networks and knowledge needed to care for landscapes over time,” said Lily Fraser, Devolved Grant Manager at Landcare Tasmania. “The combination of funding, practical support and skills development helps communities move beyond one-off projects and build long-term capacity for restoration and stewardship.” |
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Update from the Ripple Effect project |
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The Ripple Effect Project is continuing to build momentum across southern Tasmania, with recent fieldwork on Bruny Island bringing together Landcare Tasmania and South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation (SETAC) rangers for erosion control, seed collection and water quality monitoring. At the Murrayfield demonstration site (the second site which sits alongside Logie Farm in Richmond), regular monitoring is underway to measure greenhouse gas emissions, water quality and vegetation changes around farm dams. The project is exploring how fencing dams and improving surrounding vegetation can boost water quality, improve stock health and reduce emissions from farm dams. "After off-dam troughs and fencing go in this winter, we will be able to monitor and measure the change in water quality, greenhouse gas emissions and vegetation cover around the dam," said project coordinator Cassie Strain. "Another great aspect of the project is that it is improving both the environment and stock health through better water quality. "I love working with the SETAC rangers on this project. It really adds a depth of connection, collaboration and fun," she said. |
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Led by the Grower Group Alliance and funded through the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust Climate-Smart Agriculture program, the Ripple Effect project is focused on improving water security, biodiversity and climate resilience on farms. |
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Member Spotlight |
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Launch of the educational signs at Flora Park, Dodges Ferry. Project lead Lou Purcell with baby Finn, former Dodges Ferry Primary School students Genevieve and Jarrah, with Sorell Mayor Janet Gatehouse. Photo: Landcare Tasmania. Southern Beaches Landcare CoastcareFor more than 30 years, Southern Beaches Landcare Coastcare (SBLC) has been bringing the community together to care for precious coastal reserves, restore habitat, protect biodiversity and strengthen connections to the local environment. One recent project bringing that vision to life is the new educational signage at Flora Park, Dodges Ferry. The signs highlight local plant species, habitat values and the importance of caring for these environments for future generations. Another inspiring initiative is the Saltbush Line project, which is helping strengthen and restore coastal vegetation in vulnerable areas. By establishing native plantings and improving habitat resilience, the group is helping protect the coastline from erosion while also creating healthier environments for wildlife. Southern Beaches Landcare Coastcare’s work demonstrates how local knowledge, volunteer passion and strong community connections can create meaningful change. Through hands-on projects, education and stewardship, the group continues to inspire others to get involved and care for Tasmania’s coastal landscapes. |
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Help shape The Gathering |
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Excitement is growing for the Tasmanian Community Landcare Gathering 2026, coming to Deloraine from 6–8 November. Designed to support the people who keep Landcare going, The Gathering will bring together Landcarers from across Tasmania through practical learning, connection and on-ground experience. There are lots of ways to get involved - from sharing ideas and feedback through to volunteering, partnerships and supporting delivery. We’re also working to keep participation as affordable and accessible as possible for Landcarers across Tasmania. If you’d like to contribute ideas or express interest in being involved, fill in the form on The Gathering website. |
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Tasmanian Landcare Awards |
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Support the future of Community Landcare |
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Join our upcoming events |
Growing the Network: Protecting and Maintaining High Conservation Value Areas |
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Swift parrot tree planting day |
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Education Coordinator |
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Landcare in the news |
A collection of articles on Landcare from around the webIllegal wood hooking Discussion on rodenticides - impact on wildlife and implication of ban: ABC Country Hour (listen from 35.00) Boxthorn biocontrol project Landcare Action Grants 2026 |
Other news & events |
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Upcoming workshop with Volunteering TasmaniaJoin Volunteering Tasmania for a meaningful conversation about diversity, inclusion and bias, facilitated by A Fairer World and featuring real stories from Hobart Human Library 'books'. This workshop will support you to strengthen your organisation's volunteering programs to be equitable, respectful and inclusive. It offers a powerful learning experience where practical tools and discussions deepen understanding of diverse perspectives and help foster a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Wednesday, 3 June |
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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! |
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Friends of Huon Island. Photo credit: Kirsten Bacon. |
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Interested in joining us? |
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Thanks from the team at Landcare Tasmania. We want to hear from you! (03) 6234 7117 |
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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. |
