Our annual AGM and Special Event, on Sunday 23rd September 2018 was a success! Thanks to our members and supporters who took a Sunday out to attend. We have a fantastic turnout just short of 30 people, representing a diverse range of volunteer member groups from Landcare, bushcare and coastcare, local councils, nurseries and not-for-profit organisations. The morning consisted of presentations from GSLN committee members, Local Landcare Coordinators and Local Land Services:
– Bev Debrincat provided a valuable update Landcare NSW, and the Landcare network over morning tea
– Vanessa Keyzer, presented a regional update from Greater Sydney Local Land Services and upcoming partnership opportunities
– LLC Elisha Duxbury discussed GSLN youth engagement in Landcare projects, Intrepid Landcare, south-western Sydney and future GSLN plans
– Previous LLC Xuela Sledge discussed the Cumberland Plains Landcare Program and projects, Cattai Hills Environment Network and an overview of activities and achievements whilst in the LLC role with GSLN
– New LLC Clare Vernon provided a short presentation on the preliminary findings of the Landcare and bushcare network survey of Greater Sydney
– Bev Debrincat and Jeff Cottrell lead a discussion around the new Crown Lands Management Act, and the transfer of Crown Land to local councils.
This was followed by our annual AGM, where we put it to members and attendees to determine the future direction, purpose and scope of GSLN. We welcome Linda Brown on joining the committee and thank outgoing committee member (and IT extraordinaire) Matthew Keirghery.
The Old Brick Pit – habitat for green and gold bell frog. Credit: Matthew Keighery.
A break for lunch (catering thanks to Glenda Steain) and then an afternoon walk and talk with Jen O’Meara from Sydney Olympic Park, discussing the Old Brickpit now reclaimed for green and gold bell frog habitat, and supporting local wildlife. Jen gave a fascinating insight into natural resource management and the balancing act of weeds – as habitat – with the need to gradually replace with native, endemic species, and the practical, measured and step-wise approach employed to transition from woody weed to native habitat restoration. We then explored regeneration efforts and man-made habitat with local Eucalyptus, shrub lands and waterways near mangroves.
Thanks again to those who attended, volunteering their Sunday and showing support for the GSLN. We welcome member feedback, and are always looking for new committee members to join.
Credit: Matthew Keighery
