You may never have seen Winjallock on a map, yet the impact of the innovation and foresight of the small farming community near St Arnaud is felt on landscapes throughout the world.   

On November 25, 1986, neighbouring farmers in the district led by then Conservation, Forests and Lands Minister Joan Kirner and Victorian Farmers Federation President Heather Mitchell, formed Australia’s first Landcare group.   

The farmers recognised they could be more effective and have a greater impact if they addressed natural resource management concerns together.   

Today, there are more than 900 Landcare and community-based groups in Victoria, and more than 5000 in Australia. The program has been exported to more than 20 countries.   

To celebrate Landcare’s 30th anniversary, the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is inviting the community to head back to where it started.   

“The success of Landcare is due to one thing – community volunteers,” North Central CMA regional Landcare Coordinator Tess Grieves said.   

“In Victoria alone Landcare has more than 60,000 members, and an additional 45,000 volunteers. These people are the heart and soul of Landcare and work very hard every day to care for the land and the environment.   

“The success of Landcare has also been in encouraging landholders to join together, for the community’s benefit and their own.   

“Landcare is now more than repairing landscapes, it’s about amazing people coming together to do amazing things.”   

The 30 years of Landcare celebration event will be held on October 15 from 3pm, with a bus tour of local Landcare sites leaving St Arnaud’s Lamartine Hotel. A special dinner will be held at the hotel after the tour.   

To find out more, and to RSVP by 5 October, click here or call 03 5448 7124. This event is supported by funding from the Victorian Government Landcare Program.  

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551

t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au