Walter Mayr had a successful business career during which he founded a leading national digital mapping company. Wal is now volunteer president of Watergum and works with the executive team to use new technologies and innovative approaches to engage community in helping the environment. He is also co-ordinator of Austinville Landcare, a long-term group that carries out on-ground ecological restoration. Wal and his wife Heather enjoy living on their remote rainforest property which they manage as a wildlife refuge. Wal was the 2022 Australian Government Individual Landcarer of the Year.
Little Rocket, a First Nations-led organisation, has worked hand-in hand with Landcare Australia’s First Nations Landcare Working Group to develop Media and Communications Guidelines to support Landcarers in engaging respectfully with First Nations people, communities, and organisations. Their presentation unpacks the guidelines and offers participants a practical opportunity to explore how these principles can be applied to their on-groundwork. This work has been supported by Landcare Australia and the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Sophie is a passionate environmentalist working as a Local Landcare Coordinator for Greater Sydney Landcare with her role focusing on engaging young adults. She has an associate degree in Environmental Science with five years of experience working in bush regeneration, volunteer coordination and landcare, and has a background and tertiary education in visual communication and marketing. Over the last year, she has spearheaded a new landcare project: Wildventure, which has a focus on relaunching young adult landcare activities within the Sydney region and boosting engagement by creating short-term environmental events. These events focus on building community and making friends, making positive environmental impact and exploring nature – all while having some fun and being adventurous. The project so far has engaged over 250 participants at events such as nature campouts, festivals, tree plantings, hiking trips and more. Sophie is deeply passionate about environmental education, reconnecting people with their community and the natural world, with the hope that young people can pave the way for a better and more sustainable future for our planet.
Little Rocket, a First Nations-led organisation, has worked hand-in hand with Landcare Australia’s First Nations Landcare Working Group to develop Media and Communications Guidelines to support Landcarers in engaging respectfully with First Nations people, communities, and organisations. Their presentation unpacks the guidelines and offers participants a practical opportunity to explore how these principles can be applied to their on-groundwork. This work has been supported by Landcare Australia and the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Zac works at Volunteering Australia as the Director of the National Strategy for Volunteering: Australia’s ten-year roadmap to make volunteering the heart of Australian communities. Prior to his current role, Zac supported volunteers at the state level through Volunteering Queensland where he worked as their Policy, Advocacy, and Research Lead.
He is a lifelong volunteer, first joining his local youth council at age eleven. Since 2011, he has built a career in volunteer leadership, successfully engaging thousands of volunteers for some of the largest cultural events in Australia.