On Sunday 22 October, Greater Sydney Landcare held its Annual General Meeting at Sydney Olympic Park Education Centre from 9 am to 2 pm.
The day was well attended by over 50 friends and representatives from the many partner organisations of Greater Sydney Landcare.
Creating Canopies Project Officer Laura Parent was our Master of Ceremonies for the event.
We were grateful to hear from a range of speakers on the day.
The Power of Partnerships
First up was the CEO of Landcare NSW, Turlough Guerin who delivered an update on Landcare NSW and the partnership with Greater Sydney Landcare.
Next we heard from an expert panel of Sydney’s Riverkeepers, Waterkeepers and Catchment Groups on working with communities and caring for our waterways.
The panel featured:
- Uncle David King – Gundungurra Elder, Upper Gedumba Catchment Group, Birraban Landcare and the Gully Swampcare. David has been on the ground volunteering with Landcare and Streamwatch for the last 20 years, sharing knowledge and establishing long-term restoration projects within the catchment with a whole of community approach.
- Jasmine Payget – Parramatta Riverkeeper, focused on developing programs that improve biodiversity in the Parramatta River catchment and increasing community engagement.
- Jen Dollin – Hawkesbury-Nepean Waterkeepers Alliance. Director, Sustainability Education and Partnerships at Western Sydney University. Jen works with community partners and government to support positive river health, biodiversity and climate justice.
- Scott Reyes – Georges Riverkeeper, Program Manager. Scott is committed to implementing best practice management and working collaboratively to create a healthier, liveable urban Georges River and catchment for everyone to enjoy.
- Andrew Thomas – Cooks River Alliance. Andrew is aiming to address the complex environmental problems of the Cooks River—one of Australia’s most urbanised rivers, stretching across 100 square km and covered almost entirely by hard surfaces.
Keynote Speaker: Dr Sebastian Pfautsch
The keynote speaker at the event was Dr Sebastian Pfautsch, Associate Professor in Urban Planning and Management at Western Sydney University.
Dr Pfautsch discussed urban heat and the significant role tree planting can play in keeping our cities cool. Dr Pfautsch also discussed the innovative and world-first SIMPaCT project – Smart Irrigation Management for Parks and Cool Towns – currently in place in Bicentennial Park.
Greater Sydney Landcare Project Updates
After lunch we heard from the Greater Sydney Landcare staff on the year’s activities.
Creating Canopies Project Manager Danielle Packer gave an update on the progress of the Creating Canopies project.
Project Manager Xuela Sledge and Project Officer Sophie Blair gave updates on the Cumberland Plain Restoration Program and the Southwest Sydney Koala Project.
Treasurer Chris Noon delivered an update on the Streamwatch program, as its coordinator Jessica Lumbruso was unable to attend the event.
Madeleine Florin gave the Regional Landcare Coordinator update.
Finally, the official business of the day was carried out with Greater Sydney Landcare’s Chair Bev Debrincat delivering her Chair’s Report and Treasurer Chris Noon delivering the Treasurer’s Report.
Greater Sydney Landcare extends its thanks to everyone who attended and made it a wonderful day.
