We were fortunate to have many things to celebrate from 2023 and much to look forward to in 2024!

Before I share my highlight for the year, I want to take the opportunity to encourage those of you who are looking forward to Santa’s visit, to hold off on the glitter and look at some alternatives for your reindeer food on Christmas Eve.

If you are preparing for Santa and his Reindeer, you might want to whip up a tasty treat to let the Reindeer know where to stop. I will put  up a (recycled) video with the instructions on facebook, but basically the contents are: 1 Cup Rolled Oats and ¼ Cup sprinkles.

Now….on to the business of Landcare. Central West Lachlan Landcare held their final meeting for the year this week at Bogan Gate. This was a lovely opportunity to catch up with Committee members and friends and review the year that was and also have a quick look at 2024, which is shaping up to be a whopper!

I am very fortunate to be supported by an amazing Committee, who all volunteer their time to shape and plan for the future of Landcare in the Parkes and Forbes Shires. We have also provided support to the broadening of the Landcare network across the Central West area and are so fortunate to be part of a network that is moving forward in leaps and bounds.

In terms of stand outs for the year, I think it is pretty difficult to go past our visit from Costa Georgiadis in March.

It was a pleasure to welcome him once again to Eco Day with year 5 students from Parkes and Forbes Shires, and Eugowa.

Costa backed up for our Landcare Dinner at Bogan Gate and assisted us to raise over $2,600 towards an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for Bogan Gate Hall.

He also helped us kick off the first Homegrown Parkes event, which is run on the smell of an oily rag and would not be possible without funding for my role and once again, the support of a wonderful committee and community, Parkes Community Arts and Parkes Shire Council.

On behalf of our Committee I would like to extend warm wishes for the Christmas period and new year to our communities.

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