You're invited to this free event hosted by the Gecko Clan Landcare Network.

Hear about the importance of strong, connected Landcare Groups to community resilience and the work of Landcare Victoria in supporting groups to engage new members across Victoria.

The evening will commence with presentation from Claire Hetzel - Landcare Victoria, followed by dinner with Landcare and community members at the Swanpool Hall. We will be joined by 16 NRM and Agriculture studies students undertaking a week long training program in Landcare extension. This is a free event - All Welcome.

About the guest speaker:

Claire has a passion for enabling community-driven initiatives. Her diverse skill set has been honed working across landscape restoration, urban forestry and urban agriculture, as well as the education and health sectors.

Claire joined the Landcare Victoria team in October 2020, stepping into the role of Acting CEO in June 2023. In December 2023, Claire was officially appointed as Chief Executive Officer.

About Landcare Victoria:

Landcare Victoria Inc. represents community Landcare in Victoria. We support Landcare to be strong, connected and effective.

With over 600 member groups, representing more than 17,000 households and an estimated 60,000 individuals, Landcare Victoria is one of the largest environmental volunteer organisations in Victoria, fostering on-ground community led action.

Landcare Victoria represents Victorian Landcare nationally via its membership of the National Landcare Network, and collaborates with state and commonwealth Government agencies, local Government and the wider community to achieve our shared vision.

About Gecko Clan Landcare Network: The Gecko CLaN is a community Landcare Network which supports 14 Landcare groups stretching from Yarrawonga to the Strathbogie Ranges to Nagambie. The Gecko CLaN implements network scale projects around the themes of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity and is proudly independent and enjoys strong working relationships with government agencies and other community organisations.

About Landcare Extension Training Program: Up2Us Landcare Alliance and Gecko Clan Landcare Network are hosting 16 university students for a five-day training program funded through the Australian Governments’ Future Drought Fund. The students are undertaking either Natural Resource Management or Agriculture degrees. Throughout the five days students will learn about Landcare Extension work with a focus on drought preparation, early decision making and drought recovery. The training will be presented by Landcare staff, Agriculture Victoria staff and supported by Landcare members and landholders. The training is delivered primarily via local farm visits to working farms with direct access to innovative farmers in our region.

Join us for dinner to hear more about this program.

---Meeting Details---

Where: Swanpool Memorial Hall, 2386 Midland Hwy, Swanpool.

When: Thursday 15th February 2024; 6.30pm start, dinner provided

Everyone is welcome!

This program/project received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund