LANDCARE WEEK: THANKING THE VOLUNTEERS DRIVING HEALTHIER CATCHMENTS

More than 4,200 volunteers support 152 Landcare and community-based natural resource management groups across the Corangamite Landcare region in south-west Victoria. Together, they are restoring habitat, improving waterway health, supporting sustainable agriculture and strengthening local communities.

With Landcare Week 2026 underway (3 to 9 August) with the theme Experience Landcare, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is celebrating the people behind this work and encouraging more people to connect with their local Corangamite Landcare group or network.

Corangamite CMA CEO Dr Amber Clarke said Landcare is one of the CMA's most important partners.

"Many people know Landcare through tree planting days and community events, but may not realise the breadth of work Landcare volunteers, facilitators and staff contribute across our region.

"We simply could not achieve Corangamite CMA’s goals without Landcare. From restoring native vegetation and protecting waterways to supporting sustainable agriculture, citizen science and environmental education, Landcare plays a critical role in caring for our waterways, soils and biodiversity," she said.

Corangamite CMA supports Landcare across the region through its Regional Landcare Coordination role, connecting groups and networks with funding, training, partnerships and opportunities. The CMA also works closely with Landcare groups and networks to deliver projects spanning river restoration, sustainable agriculture, citizen science and environmental education.

Since 2022, Corangamite CMA has worked in partnership with local Landcare networks to deliver the Small Blocks Big Dreams project, empowering more than 160 small landholders to improve soil health, biodiversity and native vegetation on their properties while building a network of environmental stewards across the region.

Landcare groups also play an important role in restoring riverside vegetation and habitat. In partnership with the Upper Barwon Landcare Network, willows were recently removed along 1.2 kilometres of Pennyroyal Creek near Deans Marsh, with fencing and revegetation to follow this spring. The works will improve habitat for species including Yarra pygmy perch, platypus and little galaxias, the latter which was recently recorded in the West Barwon River for the first time.

Partnerships with the Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group and Moorabool Landcare Network are also helping restore waterways through willow removal, revegetation and large-scale native planting projects. At Spring Creek near Dunnstown, a major restoration project will see 10,000 native trees and grasses planted along 5.2 kilometres of creek frontage. Working with Geelong Landcare Network, volunteers recently planted 950 indigenous plants along the Leigh River at Shelford, helping restore habitat and strengthen wildlife corridors.

Landcare's impact extends beyond on-ground works. Many WaterWatch and EstuaryWatch volunteers are active Landcare members, contributing valuable citizen science data that helps monitor the health of waterways and inform management decisions. Local Landcare volunteers also support schools through programs such as River Detectives, helping students learn about river health and monitor local waterways.

“To all Landcare volunteers, facilitators and staff across the Corangamite CMA region: thank you. Your dedication, passion and hard work are helping build a better future for our environment and communities,” Dr Clarke said.

To celebrate the end of Landcare Week 2026, Corangamite CMA is giving away free copies of the Wings of Wetlands birdwatching guide on Saturday (8 August) at Coffee at Pelican Point in the Lake Colac Foreshore carpark. Plus, the first 50 people who tell Jack the owner the name of their favourite bird, will also receive a free hot drink to enjoy while taking in the sights and sounds of Lake Colac. Thanks to the Victorian Landcare Program and the Victorian Government for supporting this initiative.

For more information Landcare in the Corangamite region, or to find your local group or network visit: www.ccma.vic.gov.au/get-involved/landcare/.