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Program

2025 National Landcare Conference Program

We are thrilled to share program for the 2025 National Landcare in Conference. A downloadable version of the full program will be available in September.

DAY 1 - SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

10:00am - 4:00pmFirst Nations Landcare Gathering | Hosted at the Guanaba Indigenous Protected Area with the Kombumerri people of the Wider Bundjalung Language nation that encompasses Ngarahngwal and Yugambir language groups. Event is hosted by Landcare Australia's First Nations Landcare Working Group.
10:00am - 4:00pmNextGen Landcare Summit | Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre Rooms 5, 6, 7
6:00pm - 8:30pmLandcare Short Film Festival - Event Cinemas Pacific Fair

DAY 2 - MONDAY 22 SEPTEMBER

7:30amWelcome to Country Smoking Ceremony at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre Entry Eastern Terrace Doors
7:30amRegistrations Open for the 2025 National Landcare Conference
7:30amExhibition Opens for the 2025 National Landcare Conference
8:30am-10:00amPlenary Guest Speakers and Keynote Presentation | Hall 3
8:40am-8:50amWelcome to Country: Kombumerri Quandamooka woman Justine Dillon and Max Dillon, Kupae Girramun Galeen Kombumerri Nunukul of the Kombumerri Ngrangwal people of the Gold Coast
Keynote Presentation: Fiona Simson, Oceania Representative and Vice President of the World Farmers’ Organisation
Keynote Presentation: Fiona Simson In Conversation with Natalie Sommerville, President of Australian Women in Agriculture and Landcare Australia Board Director; and Brendan Foran, Chair of GreenCollar and Landcare Australia Board Director
Nature Positive with Landcare: The agricultural and environmental conservation sectors across Australia are acutely aware of the challenges a changing climate presents for sustainable and productive land management. Landcare is in a strong position to lead positive outcomes for nature, agriculture, land and the people who work to restore and protect it. With a fully mobilised network of landcare groups and land managers in communities across Australia, landcare is poised to bring experience and expertise to the emerging nature repair market. Our unique opportunities include working with Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations, new technology and innovators, and the next generation of farmers and landcare volunteers.
10:00am - 10:30amMORNING TEA BREAK | HALL 4
10:30amPlenary Speakers | Hall 3
PANEL: Carbon and Biodiversity Markets, Landcare’s Role and the Emerging Opportunities: Ben Bancroft, Landcare Australia Partnerships Manager of Landcare CarbonSMART (Facilitator); Dr Alison Southwell, CEO of Holbrook Landcare Network; Jocelyn King, CEO and Founder of First Australians Capital and operator of Djanaba Farm on Worimi Country; Tim Dellit, Senior Manager Sustainability Finance at Rabobank
We all recognise the existential crisis climate change, biodiversity loss and deforestation pose today and for the future of our planet and primary production systems. The great news is that we can work together regardless of what landcare means to you. First Nations people, landcare groups, landowners and primary producers, can work together to build more resilient, sustainable and restorative systems that both support positive nature outcomes and sustainable food and fibre production. Come and hear from the panel of key stakeholders about how nature-based carbon and biodiversity markets are unlocking opportunities to participate.
11:35am - 11.45amCHANGE OVER FOR CONCURRENT STREAM SESSIONS
Nature Repair & Climate Adaptation - ROOM 5Technology & Innovation for Landcare - ROOM 6Community-Driven Landcare Sponsored by Bupa - ROOM 7Restoring Biodiversity Across Landscapes - ROOM 8Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health Sponsored by Rabobank - ROOM 9
11:45am - 12:10pmUsing Environmental Accounting to Access Emerging Environmental Markets. Dr Amanda Hannson, Accounting for NatureSupporting Landcare at Scale: A Digital Bridge Between People and Nature. John Blanch, groviaGrowing Local Leaders for Land and People. Linda Cavanagh, South East LandcareBlending Tradition and Technology: Indigenous-Led Pest and Weed Management for a Resilient Future. Trevor Meldrum, Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Inc, Andrew Williams, Gold Coast City CouncilGrowing Connections: Regenerative Agriculture and Community Placemaking.Fred McGrath Webber, Majura Valley Farm
12:10pm - 12:15pm CHANGE OVER FOR CONCURRENT STREAM SESSIONS
Nature Repair & Climate Adaptation - ROOM 5Technology & Innovation for Landcare - ROOM 6Community-Driven Landcare Sponsored by Bupa - ROOM 7Restoring Biodiversity Across Landscapes - ROOM 8Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health Sponsored by Rabobank - ROOM 9
12:15pm - 12:40pmEmpowering Communities in Climate Change: Nature's Role in Regional Resilience. Liana Lillford, Reef CatchmentsDrones, AI and Data: Adoption of Emerging Technologies in Indigenous Health Country Programmes. Kelvin Ross, Dennis Fay, John Fejo, KJRSupporting the Frontlines of Landcare – The State and Territory Peak Bodies at Work. Landcare Tasmania, Landcare Victoria, Landcare Northern Territory, Western Australia Landcare Network, Landcare New South Wales,
Landcare Association of South Australia, Landcare ACT, Queensland Water and Land Carers 		Glideways in Central Victoria. Dr Chris Pocknee, Biolinks AllianceHarnessing Advances in Wearable Devices for Livestock to Better Measure and Manage Natural Resources. Dr Benjamin Allen, CERES TAG/Nelson Mandela University
12:40pm - 12:45amCHANGE OVER FOR CONCURRENT STREAM SESSIONS
Nature Repair & Climate Adaptation - ROOM 5Technology & Innovation for Landcare - ROOM 6Community-Driven Landcare Sponsored by Bupa - ROOM 7Restoring Biodiversity Across Landscapes - ROOM 8Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health Sponsored by Rabobank - ROOM 9
12:45pm - 1:10pmAdvancing Saltmarsh Restoration for Climate Resilience. Donna Jackson, Pioneer Catchment LandcareLocal Data, Drones, AI and Community Action Help Track Koalas Nationally. Jackson Cass Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group; Max Deutscher, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation; Caio Santos Neto, Queensland University of TechnologySupporting the Frontlines of Landcare – The State and Territory Peak Bodies at Work. Landcare Tasmania, Landcare Victoria, Landcare Northern Territory, Western Australia Landcare Network, Landcare New South Wales,
Landcare Association of South Australia, Landcare ACT, Queensland Water and Land Carers 		Paradise Fights Back. Walter Mayr, Austinville Landcare.Are We Addicted to Pesticides? Getting Australia into Rehab and How IPM Can Help Us Dodge our Own Insect Apocalypse. Dr Anthony Rice, Granite Belt IPM
1:10pm - 2:10pmLUNCH BREAK | HALL 4
1:20pm - 2:10pmLUNCH SESSION | Hall 3 Landcare’s Role in the Emerging Carbon and Biodiversity Markets: Ben Bancroft, Landcare Australia Partnerships Manager for Landcare CarbonSMART

Practical and easy to understand information about Landcare CarbonSMART and environmental planting carbon projects with Landcare Australia’s Ben Bancroft who is the Partnerships Manager for the Landcare CarbonSMART program. This lunch session is an opportunity to ask the questions you may have about the emerging environmental markets and how to get started.
1:20pm - 2:10pmLUNCH SESSION | Room 5 Get your landcare story published! Everything you wanted to know about how to use media and social media to promote your landcare story, recruit volunteers and seek funding from businesses in your community for your project.
1:20pm - 2:10pmLUNCH SESSION | Room 6 Landcare Speaks! With the National Landcare Network: Landcare Projects and Innovation from Landcare Award finalists. Facilitated by Mary-Lou Gittins, Chair of Queensland Water and Land Carers.
2:10pmPlenary Speakers | Hall 3
2:15pm - 3:15pmPANEL: Environment and Ag Tech for Future Farming and Landscape Restoration: James Walker CEO of Agrihive and Landcare Australia Board Director (Facilitator); Andrew Walker, CEO and Co-Founder of Air Seed Technologies; Darryl Lyons, CEO and Founder of Rainstick; Jessie Buetell, Australian National University
In today's rapidly evolving landscape of agriculture and environmental stewardship, technology and innovation are pivotal in transforming land management systems for improved conservation and agricultural productivity. This panel discussion aims to shed light on how cutting-edge technologies are reshaping our approaches to sustainable land use and management. The panel will explore how some of the opportunities that these advancements present for land managers and landcarers by enabling real-time monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and improved performance metrics. The panel discussion will address key issues such as climate change adaptation, ecological restoration, nature-based carbon sequestration, biodiversity management, and soil health, highlighting how technological interventions are helping to tackle these challenges. The panel will provide insights into how technology is supporting better food and fibre production, and more resilient land management, offering a forward-thinking perspective on the integration of technology in our efforts to cultivate a sustainable future.
3:20pm - 3:45pmAFTERNOON TEA BREAK | HALL 4
CHANGE OVER FOR CONCURRENT STREAM SESSIONS
Nature Repair & Climate Adaptation - ROOM 5Technology & Innovation for Landcare - ROOM 6Community-Driven Landcare Sponsored by Bupa - ROOM 7Restoring Biodiversity Across Landscapes - ROOM 8Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health Sponsored by Rabobank - ROOM 9
3:45pm - 4:10pmFuture-Proofing Landscapes: Climate Ready Revegetation in Action. Sarah McGrath and Gill Hall, Yass Area Network of Landcare GroupsHow Cutting-Edge Invasive Species Technology is Building Stronger Partnerships and Overcoming Challenges to Deliver Best Practice Feral Cat Management Programmes on Kangaroo Island. Paul Jennings and Chantelle Geissler, Kangaroo Island Landscape BoardIt's Much More than Landcare. Vanessa Whelan, Kooroora Bay LandcareThe Yurol Ringtail Koala Restoration Project - 2400ha of pure collaboration magic! Rachel Lyons and Jen Coleman, Noosa and District Landcare GroupA Smart Soils Resource Library for Your Soil Smarts. Ms Abigail Jenkins, Soil Science Australia
4:10pm - 4:15pmCHANGE OVER FOR CONCURRENT STREAM SESSIONS
Nature Repair & Climate Adaptation - ROOM 5Technology & Innovation for Landcare - ROOM 6Community-Driven Landcare Sponsored by Bupa - ROOM 7Restoring Biodiversity Across Landscapes - ROOM 8Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health Sponsored by Rabobank - ROOM 9
4:15pm - 4:40pmHealing Country Together. Danny Reddan, DMCBuilding Biolinks: Citizen Science, AI, and Teamwork to Connect the Grampians to Pyrenees. Dr. Elia Pirtle, Project PlatypusAcross the Fence Farming. Nathan Frazer, Goulburn Mulwaree Landcare Landscapes Inc.; Julia Mckay, Southern Highlands Landcare Network Inc.Restoring Biodiversity Across Landscapes: Bass Coast Landcare Network's Integrated Approach. David Bateman, Lisa Wangman, Aaron Stephons, Jack Harris, Lauren Greenwood, Bass Coast Landcare NetworkMaking Farm Dams Work in a Drying Climate. Ella Maesepp, Katanning Landcare
4:50pmPlenary Speakers | Hall 3
4:55pm - 5:40pmPANEL: Landcare Partnerships with Agriculture, Land Conservation, Natural Resource Management and First Nations: Doug Humann AM, Chair Landcare Australia (Facilitator); Samantha Murray, CEO Indigenous Dessert Alliance; Jody Gunn, CEO Australian Land Conservation Alliance; Kate Andrews, CEO NRM Regions Australia;

As political, social and environmental landscapes continue to change, there is a growing recognition that protecting, stewarding and restoring Australia’s natural places requires all ‘hands on deck’. How do we face this challenge and leverage our work? In a unique cross-sectoral initiative, a panel of key Australian environmental leaders will speak on a roving panel at three related environmental conferences to answer this question and share their messages across a collective audience. The Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA), Landcare Australia, and NRM Regions Australia are part of a diverse and overlapping network of people, communities and groups contributing unique expertise and approaches to achieve lasting environmental and social outcomes for all Australians. This is a genuine opportunity to ensure that the change we collectively create is greater than the sum of our parts.
5:45pm - 7:15pmWELCOME NETWORKING EVENT | HALL 4

DAY 3 - TUESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

8:00amRegistrations Open for National Landcare Conference
8:00amExhibition Opens for the 2025 National Landcare Conference
8:40am - 8:55amSenator The Hon. Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
8:30am - 10:30amPlenary Guest Speakers | Hall 3
Plenary Guest Speaker: Joe Morrison, CEO of Indigneous Land and Sea Corporation
PANEL: First Nations Cultural Knowledge for Nature, Agriculture, Land and People: Joe Morrison, CEO of Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation; Samantha Murray, CEO of Indigenous Dessert Alliance; Toni Hay, Director of Indigenous Climate Change
Landcarers are actively engaged with Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations with Indigenous-led conservation initiatives that promotes sustainable land management practices and agricultural productivity. By integrating Traditional knowledge and practices into landcare practices, we aim to create a brighter, more ecologically sustainable future for the nation, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation among all Australians. This panel explores how can we deepen our commitment to meaningful partnerships with First Nations communities, prioritising Culturally respectful approaches that amplify First Nations Peoples voices and ensure their leadership in economic empowerment, and shaping programs and projects on Country. How can we work together to create opportunities that will heal people and heal Country?
10:30am - 11:00amMORNING TEA BREAK | HALL 4
11:00am-1:00pmPlenary Speakers | Hall 3
The Hon. Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
PANEL: Empowering the Next Generation to Lead with Landcare: Costa Georgiadis, Champion for young landcare Australians (Facilitator); Annette Cavanagh, Chair of Intrepid Landcare; Kurt Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of Co-Exist Australia; Jayden Gunn, Project Coordinator of the Central NSW Woodland Birds Project; Sophie Blair, Young Adult Local Landcare Coordinator Greater Sydney Landcare; proud Guwamu/Kooma man from Meanjin, Lindsay Davies, Caring for Country Coordinator at Indigital.
What can landcare look like in 2030 and how can the next generation help to drive the landcare movement forward? This panel will explore how young people can lead and learn with landcare. What support do they need to build the future of landcare through cross-sectoral partnerships, creating inclusive spaces, tools to help manage climate anxiety, mental health and wellbeing, learning from First Nations perspectives, exploring the barriers and opportunities to engage young people, and intergenerational knowledge sharing with the landcare movement.
Closing Remarks: Dr Alison Southwell, CEO of Holbrook Landcare Network and Guwamu/Kooma man from Meanjin Lindsay Davies, Caring for Country Coordinator at Indigital
1:00pm - 2:00pmLUNCH BREAK | HALL 4
1:10pm - 2:00pmLUNCH SESSION | HALL 3 Communications, Media and Stakeholder Guidelines for Working with First Nations Organisations: John Burgess and David Alenson from Little Rocket.
Little Rocket is a values-driven, full-service creative agency based in Naarm (Melbourne), Victoria. Led by Gurindji man John Burgess (CEO & Director of Strategy) and David Alenson (Chief Creative Officer), the agency brings nearly 15 years of experience delivering high-impact marketing and communications across diverse platforms and sectors. Engaged by Landcare Australia, Little Rocket was commissioned to develop a comprehensive Communications, Media and Stakeholder Engagement Guideline to support meaningful and respectful engagement with First Nations communities. Developed in close collaboration with the First Nations Landcare Working Group (FNLWG), the guideline provides practical tools and culturally safe approaches to foster genuine partnerships, support self-determination, and embed cultural knowledge within land management practices. In this session, John and David will unpack the key components of the guideline, exploring its structure, the intent behind the inclusions, and the collaborative process that informed its development. They will share practical do’s and don’ts for engaging with First Nations peoples and outline actionable steps Landcarers and groups can take to embed the guideline in their work. The session will conclude with a Q&A, offering attendees an opportunity to engage directly with John and David.
1:10pm - 2:00pmLUNCH SESSION | Room 6 Landcare Speaks! With the National Landcare Network: Practical Tools and Stories from landcarers who will share their insights, tips, and practical experiences. Facilitated by Mary-Lou Gittins, Chair of Queensland Water and Land Carers.
2:00pmCHANGE OVER FOR CONCURRENT STREAM SESSIONS
Nature Repair & Climate Adaptation - ROOM 5Technology & Innovation for Landcare - ROOM 6Community-Driven Landcare Sponsored by Bupa - ROOM 7Restoring Biodiversity Across Landscapes - ROOM 8Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health Sponsored by Rabobank - ROOM 9
2:00pm - 2:25pmCutting Through the Confusion Around Carbon: Informing Low Emission Farming with the Carbon Farming Outreach Program. Tahnee Burgess, Landcare Victoria Inc.PhytoGuard™: A Cost-Effective Biosecurity Solution for Phytophthora Detection in Restoration Programs. Dr Matthew Laurence, Botanic Gardens SydneyScaling Landcare Impact: the NaturallyGC Model of Local Government and Community Collaboration. Saraya Robinson, City of Gold CoastTowards a Toowoomba Region Koala Conservation Strategy. Chris Meibusch, Save Mt Lofty Inc and Lana Bradshaw, Pittsworth District Landcare Association Reversing the Growing Impacts of Soil Salinity in Dryland Agriculture While Facing Shifting Farming Systems and a Changing Climate. Dr Christopher McDonough, Mallee Sustainable Farming
2:25pm - 2:30pmCHANGE OVER FOR CONCURRENT STREAM SESSIONS
Nature Repair & Climate Adaptation - ROOM 5Technology & Innovation for Landcare - ROOM 6Community-Driven Landcare Sponsored by Bupa - ROOM 7Restoring Biodiversity Across Landscapes - ROOM 8Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health Sponsored by Rabobank - ROOM 9
2:30pm - 2:55pmGenetic Rescue of the Big Scrub Rainforest. Renee Borrow, Big Scrub Rainforest ConservancyUsing Technology to Document Biodiversity and Water Quality. Luise Manning, Springfield Lakes Nature Care INCWhat Does Success Look Like? Partnering with Practitioners to Identify Factors That Help Generate Positive Outcomes for Landcare and Threatened-Species Recovery-team Projects. Dr Bassie Limenih, University of Tasmania, Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, NESP research teamWorking Together to Protect Biodiversity and Waterways. Robin Aitken, Hovells Creek Landcare GroupSouthern Queensland Landscapes: Resilient Landscapes. Dr Payel Sinha, Southern Queensland Landscape
2:55pm - 3:30pmAFTERNOON TEA BREAK | HALL 4
CHANGE OVER FOR CONCURRENT STREAM SESSIONS
Nature Repair & Climate Adaptation - ROOM 5Technology & Innovation for Landcare - ROOM 6Community-Driven Landcare Sponsored by Bupa - ROOM 7Restoring Biodiversity Across Landscapes - ROOM 8Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health Sponsored by Rabobank - ROOM 9
3:30pm - 3:55pmWallabi Point Littoral Rainforest, Adaptation Embraced. Tony Wales,
Manning Coastcare, Wallabi Point Group
WeedRemeed – Harnessing AI and Aerial Imagery for Scalable Weed Detection in Australian Landscapes. Sean Freney, Centre for Invasive Species		Elevating First Nations Voices in Australia’s Biosecurity Policy. Corey Williams-Daly, Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and ForestryPeople, Partnerships, and Predator Control: Rebuilding Biodiversity in a Working Landscape. Max Barr, Northern and Yorke Landscape BoardBuilding Landscape-scale Drought Resilience. Louise Blersch,
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
3:55pm - 4:00pmCHANGE OVER FOR CONCURRENT STREAM SESSIONS
Nature Repair & Climate Adaptation - ROOM 5Technology & Innovation for Landcare - ROOM 6Community-Driven Landcare Sponsored by Bupa - ROOM 7Restoring Biodiversity Across Landscapes - ROOM 8Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health Sponsored by Rabobank - ROOM 9
4:00m - 4:25pmCaring for Catchments: Scaling Knowledge, Culture and Catchment Resilience. Bridget Kent and Fiona Berry, North Coast Regional Landcare NetworkExperiences Using a Range of Technology in Community-led Deer Control. Nick Stephens, South Gippsland Landcare NetworkLocally Led, Culturally Strong: Aboriginal Community-Designed Koala Conservation on the NSW Far North Coast. Michael Kennedy, NSW North Coast Regional Landcare Network and Richard Atkin, NSW Koala Program, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.Restoring Subtropical Rainforest after Landslides across the Northern Rivers. Tamar Cohen and Ivy Young, Border Ranges - Richmond Valley Landcare NetworkNorthern Australian Indigenous Producers: Progress and Impact. Ian Perkins and Cass Stevens, NB2 Indigenous Group.
4:25pm - 4:30pmCHANGE OVER FOR CONCURRENT STREAM SESSIONS
Nature Repair & Climate Adaptation - ROOM 5Technology & Innovation for Landcare - ROOM 6Community-Driven Landcare Sponsored by Bupa - ROOM 7Restoring Biodiversity Across Landscapes - ROOM 8Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health Sponsored by Rabobank - ROOM 9
4:30m - 4:55pm Landcare-led Landscape Resilience - Tools and Data for Restoration Decisions. Dr Alson Southwell, Holbrook Landcare NetworkPreliminary Study: Insights from Targeted Cane Toad Tadpole Trapping Initiatives. Kristina Duncombe, Watergum Community Inc.Small Blocks Big Dreams. Karen O'Keefe and Andrea Montgomery, Corangamite CMALinking the Tops to Lakes: Partnerships, Patience and Persistence. Andrew Morris, Mid-Coast Council, NSWTracking Emissions for Productive and Resilient Farms. Will Onus, Ruminati and Ang Hammond, Landcare Australia
4:55pmEND OF CONCURRENT STREAM SESSIONS
6:30pm - 11:00pm2025 National Landcare Awards Gala Dinner | HALL 3

Day 4 - WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

6:30am - 4:00pm2025 National Landcare Conference Field Trip Program

Copyright 2025. The 2025 National Landcare Conference and 2025 National Landcare Awards are funded by the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust. Landcare Australia administers both events on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

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Landcare Australia is proud to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which we live and work. We value and respect their deep and continued spiritual and cultural connections to the land, waters and seas, and pay our respects to their Ancestors and Elders past, present and future.

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