Hi Landcarer’s

It was a pleasure to host our Annual General Meeting last Thursday evening at our Office at Kelly Reserve.

I’m sure that meeting attendees with join me in expressing our appreciation to Matthew Burkitt, Farm Manager at CMOC NorthParkes Mine for his presentation at the Meeting. Matthew gave us an overview of the history of the Farm and how they set the bar for operations such as this under the banner of the mining sector.

The Mine has been in operation since 1993 and commenced farming in 1997 and since then, they have been involved in farming innovation and trialling, which we were fortunate to hear about first hand, and importantly, the information gained from this work is shared in the hope of providing useful information back to our communities. Nothing beats having information from your own area to draw from when looking at changes to your operations.

As mentioned previously, our Margot Jolly had resigned from her role as Chairperson at our AGM last week and we are pleased to have Mr Ben Kerin stepping into the role.

Ben has had an association with Landcare for the past 20 years. He farms in conjunction with his partner Katie and dad, Barrie near Trundle. They are primarily graziers who are passionate about regenerative agriculture and soil health.

The newly re-elected Central West Lachlan Landcare Committee who will be supporting Ben as he undertakes his new role are: Margot Jolly, (Deputy Chairperson); Margaret Haddin (Treasurer); Maree Yapp (Secretary and Public Officer); Darrin Kopp; Jack Farthing; Michael Chambers; Cr Barbara Newton (Parkes Shire Council); and Michelle Herbert (Forbes Shire Council). I am fortunate to have the support of this wonderful team and looking forward to the year ahead with Landcare.

Central West Lachlan Landcare would also like to acknowledge the support of Gavin Tom, who has stepped down from his role as Deputy Chairperson and after contributing a to the Central West Lachlan Landcare Committee over a long period of time.

I would encourage landholders and community groups that are interested in pursuing grants and other opportunities where Landcare can actively contribute, to contact me on 02 6862 4914 or email cwllpo@hotmail.com

I am fortunate to have the opportunity to present at the Forbes Shire Council and Parkes Shire Council meetings over the next two weeks. Both Shire Councils are supportive of Landcare and this our opportunity to provide verbal feedback on the activities that Landcare has been undertaking in both shires and our plans for the future. Our story is unique in terms of support and deserves recognition.

In terms of partnership, we are also fortunate to work with the Lachlan Valley Branch of the National Parks Association and their next walk will be held on Sunday, 25 November. Walkers are to meet at the Parkes Lions Park at 8.30am. This is a hard, 6 kilometre walk. If you are intending to join the group, please contact walk leader, Martin Bell on 0429 346 586.

Walkers are reminded to bring along enough food and water for the entire day, as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair is recommended. A $2 donation for each walker is appreciated.

For more information on any of these events, go to our website at centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, facebook, twitter or Instagram @cwllandcare. To register or for further information on any of the events above, please feel free to contact our office on 02 6862 4914 or cwllpo@hotmail.com and we will be happy to provide further information.

 Until next week, happy Landcaring!