This week saw over twenty Landcare Coordinators and volunteers come together from across the Central West Landcare region.

Landcare across the Central West are in the process of strengthening the network and undertook a strategic planning day on Monday. Strategic Planning isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but a necessary undertaking for any organisation wanting to move forward with strong goals.

This planning is in the wake of a regional incorporated body being formed Central West Region Landcare Inc, which has been a necessary governance layer for Landcare in the Central West moving forward into another NSW Landcare Program, delivered in partnership with the Local Land Services.

Local Landcare groups within the region have also undertaken strategic planning for their individual areas to form a clear plan for at least the next four years, with the intention that this then flows into the regional priorities.

With extended opportunities for coordinator roles and increased opportunities for volunteer participation and training, Landcare in the Central West want to ensure that there is a substantial planning framework and governance framework to support the program moving forward.

The Central West Landcare region covers areas including Dunedoo, Coolah, Wellington, Dubbo, Narromine Shire, Coonamble Shire, Parkes Shire, Forbes Shire, Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo and Weddin Shire.

We are looking forward to establishing regional projects that can be delivered with a local focus, with the ability to combine resources for economy and ease of delivery.

The Central West Natural Resource Management Group (CWNRMG) also met this week, bringing together organisations from across the region, including government departments, who are delivering services in natural resource management. This group is also made up of volunteers from across the region that give up their time to contribute at this regional level.

Landcare in the Central West and the CWNRMG value the support of volunteers who contribute their time to both of these organisations, both locally and regionally. It is important that we maintain our volunteer contribution.

As part of the undertaking for strengthening and expansion for Landcare in the region, there is also a move to strengthen the CWNRM Working Group. If you are part of an organisation or government department working in this space, we would love to hear from you.

Meetings are held quarterly and provide an opportunity for information distribution and collaboration. Our next meeting will be held online in November.

For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare