november 2013 groundcover -...

Gwydir Women of Mettle – Forging Leadership Project

The ‘Gwydir Women of Mettle - Forging Leadership Project’

funded under the Sustainable Agriculture Stream of the Aus-

tralian Government’s Caring for our Country stream, Com-

munity Landcare Grants supported seven Gwydir women, of

all ages and from all walks of life, to attend the NSW Rural

Women’s Gathering in Scone.

As in all endeavours, 21 Gwydir women made that first step;

they stepped outside their comfort zone and put into words

why they would like to attend the gathering. Seven women

were lucky enough to be selected. Bernadette Allport (North

Star), Mardi Coulton (Warialda), Wendy Wearne (Bingara),

Krystle Sky (North Star), Sue Craig (Barraba), Susi Hiemer

(Keera) and Mandy McKeesick (Coolatai).

UGLA Project Officer Brooke Kelly commented the selection

panel had some very difficult decisions to make as the qual-

ity of applications to attend the gathering was extremely

high.

The NSW Rural Women’s Gathering has been held annually

for 21 years with each event in a different part of the state.

On October 25th to 27th several hundred women descended

on Scone under the banner of “Horsin’ Around” to learn, to

network and to be inspired, in a well-balanced weekend of

workshops, guest speakers, tours and socialising.

The Gwydir women took the opportunity to refine their var-

ied interests and attended workshops on photography, pub-

lic speaking, communication, healing products, cupcakes and

personal development, while the tours on Saturday after-

noon saw some of Scone’s most famous places open their

doors.

Tour highlights included Vinery and Arrowfield Thor-

oughbred Studs, Elmswood Farm, Mulawa Arabian Stud,

Belltrees Station and Blairgowrie Garden.

There were many inspirational women speakers at the gath-

ering but there were four that stood out. Isobel Knight, run-

ner-up for the 2013 Australian Rural Woman of the Year,

spoke passionately about succession planning in country

families.

Robyn Pullman entertained with her witty presentation

about turning daily actions into life-changing habits. Scone

doctor Kaye Cussen enlightened with her experiences of

working with Medecins Sans Frontieres in Pakistan and Kelly

Continued p 2...

www.ugla .com.au

Groundcover The newsletter o f the Upper Gwydir Landcare Associat ion

November 2013

Rebates for L ivestock

Producers

Turia P it t to Vis i t B ingara

Hugh Lovel Event for UGLA

Yal laroi Funding

Paddl ing Down the Gwydir

Grants Ava i lab le

Ins ide :

L-R (back) Mandy McKeesick, Bernadette Allport, Sue Craig,

Krystle Sky, Wendy Wearne. Front: Suzie Hiemer, Mardi Coulton.

From page 1...

Foran from Friendly Faces, Helping Hands received a stand-

ing ovation for her dedication to rural people undergoing

medical challenges.

The 2014 Rural Women’s Gathering to be held in Coolamon,

near Wagga, and if given the chance to go, take it with both

hands.

All of the Gwydir women enjoyed the diversity experienced,

both amongst themselves and with the Gathering at large,

and thanked the Upper Gwydir Landcare Association for

making their attendance possible.

Drought Support for the North West

Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner and Minister for Primary

Industries Katrina Hodgkinson have today announced a pack-

age of emergency in-drought support measures for primary

producers and communities in North West NSW.

The NSW Government has allocated $7.6 million to the

emergency support measures for the Bourke, Brewarrina

and Walgett local government areas, which includes:

- Up to $20,000 per producer in the form of a Transport As-

sistance Reimbursement, back-dated to 1 July 2013;

- Up to $30,000 per producer for Emergency Water Infra-

structure Grants, which the Commonwealth Government

has indicated it will match;

- Additional funding for the Rural Support Worker Program

and a drought incident co-ordinator;

- The waiving of Western Lands Lease payments;

- The waiving of Wild Dog Destruction Board rates; and

- Transport Subsidies for Animal Welfare, focused on stock

going to sale or slaughter where there is significant risk to

animal welfare.

Mr Stoner said the package of assistance package, which

follows drought preparedness and in-drought support meas-

ures announced on 30 October 2013, is recognition of the

plight many landholders in North West NSW currently face.

“Landholders and communities in North West NSW are cur-

rently dealing with extraordinarily difficult circumstances,”

Mr Stoner said.

Ms Hodgkinson said the package brings NSW into line with

assistance provided in drought-stricken areas of Queensland

and is in addition the assistance measures announced on 30

October 2013, which include:

- A new $20 million Farm Innovation Fund, to provide pri-

mary producers with loans at concessional interest rates for

in-drought and drought preparedness measures;

- $4.4 million to fund phase three of the popular Cap and

Pipe the Bores program;

- The deferral of Special Conservation Scheme and Natural

Disaster loans by the Rural Assistance Authority on a case-by

-case basis; and

- Deferral of Livestock Health and Pest Authority rates for

producers in the Brewarrina, Walgett and Bourke local gov-

ernment areas.

Groundcover The newsletter of Upper Gwydir Landcare Associat ion

Ms Hodgkinson said many of the producers in North West

NSW have prepared to the best extent possible.

“Primary production is critical to these communities and the

NSW Government recognises that helping farmers will assist

to preserve the social and economic fabric of the community

at large,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

Regional Assistance Advisory Committee Chair David Palmer

said the committee will continue to monitor seasonal condi-

tions across NSW and will provide feedback and advice to

the NSW Government as required.

For more information, contact the NSW Rural Assistance

Authority on 1800 678 593.

Turia Pitt, a young Australian who shared her powerful and

touching story on 60 Minutes in August this year, is coming

to Bingara. Upper Gwydir Landcare Association is hosting a

Gwydir Women of Mettle event with Turia in March 2014.

In 2011, Turia suffered serious burns after being trapped in a

bushfire during an ultra-marathon in the Kimberley. She was

one of four runners who became trapped in the fire that

swept through the path of a 100km marathon.

The young athlete, who worked as a mining engineer, suf-

fered burns to more than 70 percent of her body and was

not expected to survive.

After undergoing 16 gruelling operations, earlier this year,

the 26-year-old reached another milestone in her recovery

when she spent six weeks at a clinic in the south of France, a

world leader in burns rehabilitation.

Turia’s inspiring book, ‘Everything To Live For’, was released

in September this year. She now spends her time training for

endurance events, speaking about her remarkable journey

and also studying for a Masters in Engineering.

Stay up to date regarding Turia’s visit and the Gwydir

Women of Mettle project by visiting our Facebook page

www.facebook.com/ugla.landcare or website

www.ugla.com.au

STOP PRESS: Turia Pitt to Visit Bingara

Groundcover November 2013

Tens of thousands of dollars worth of grants and scholar-

ships for university and college courses in Australia go beg-

ging every year because no one applies for them, according

to the Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF).

The CEF has released a guide to hundreds of scholarships

worth over $100,000, in an effort to help rural and regional

students tap into much needed financial assistance.

The rural not-for-profit’s CEO, Sarah Taylor, said the 2014

CEF Scholarship Listing included hundreds of scholarships

(some worth up to $50,000pa) – many of which failed to

attract applications.

The Guide can be accessed on the CEF website at: http://

cef.org.au/students/scholarships/

“There are some great opportunities out there but students

often don’t know about them and in many cases they simply

don’t have the confidence to apply for them because they

don’t think they’ll be successful,” Ms Taylor said.

“Last year, one NSW college offered three scholarships

worth $120,000 and they didn’t get a single application,” she

said, “And this is not an isolated case.”

“It’s very disappointing because every year there are thou-

sands of disadvantaged rural and regional kids who miss out

on higher education because of distance and cost.

“We’re determined not to let that happen again so we’ve

pulled together the 2014 Scholarship Guide to everything on

offer from our uni and college partners.

“Our message to every rural and regional student is to check

out what’s on offer and apply, apply, apply!,” Ms Taylor said.

The CEF has over 20 university and college partners across

Australia which they work with to provide assistance to dis-

advantage rural and regional students.

Together, these universities and colleges offer hundreds of

scholarships worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Rural and regional students face costs up to $20,000 per

year (on top of HECS) for travel and living expenses when

they leave their communities to pursue tertiary education.

There are over 40 local CEFs across Australia, each raising

funds to help their local school leavers to overcome the dis-

advantages of distance which prevent them from pursuing

education and career goals.

University Scholarships for Rural Students

Go Begging

Local small businesses can take advantage of high quality

business assistance with the arrival of the Small Biz Bus in

Bingara on Thursday 12 December, Cunningham St (adjacent

to the Roxy), from 10am to 2pm.

The Bus provides local small businesses operators the chance

to get personalised, free advice from business experts.

“The Small Biz Bus is one of the key initiatives the NSW Gov-

ernment has put in place to ensure the ongoing viability of

small business in the State,” NSW Minister for Small Busi-

ness, Katrina Hodgkinson said.

David Henderson, CEO of the New England, North West BEC

said “This is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to

receive expert advice on starting or growing your business.

We encourage all business owners to take advantage of the

services offered by the Small Biz Bus”.

To book an appointment on the Bus or to speak to your local

Small Biz Connect adviser, call New England North West BEC

on 1300 134 359 or visit www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/hop

-on-the-small-biz-bus.

The Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner also

helps small businesses by providing low-cost dispute resolu-

tion services, speaking up for small business within govern-

ment and delivering quality business advice through Small

Biz Connect.

Driving Small Business Success


Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson, recently

announced the appointed members who will join regional

Chairs on the 11 Local Land Services (LLS) boards across the

State.

“This announcement is an exciting step forward in the estab-

lishment of LLS, as the countdown to the January 2014

launch continues,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“The 34 government-appointed board members will play a

vital role in shaping the local focus of the new organisation

and driving a new way of regional service delivery in NSW.

“Appointed board members and Chairs will be joined by

elected members in early 2014.”

Chair of the LLS Board of Chairs, John Macarthur-Stanham,

said the board members have been chosen for their local

understanding, skills and expertise in rural and regional is-

sues, and knowledge of such areas as agriculture and biose-

curity.

“I am confident we have the right people in place to deliver

valuable services to farmers and land managers and I look

forward to completing the inaugural boards with elected

members in the New Year,” Mr Macarthur-Stanham said.

“I urge those who can bring strong and varied skills to LLS to

consider standing for election in the first quarter of 2014,

and encourage all ratepayers to vote in the poll.”

LLS will be operational from January 2014 and will replace

the 14 Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (LHPAs), 13

Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) and the advi-

sory services provided by the Department of Primary Indus-

tries (DPI). The agency will be run by local boards of elected

and skills-based directors.

In our North West region, government-appointed LLS board

members are:

Anthony Haggarty, Richard Clark, Elizabeth Guest

GRDC chair and grain grower Richard Clark said “I want to do

the best job I possibly can but I'm not there to toe anybody's

line."

Mr Clark says his priority will be to improve the culture of

the agency, and to get staff working with the people who

were elected to the board.

"It's a new organisation and hopefully there won't be any

baggage coming forward from the old one."

More information on LLS is available at

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/locallandservices

Minister Announces LLS Board Members

Yallaroi Farmers: Funds, Soil Tests and

Workshop Offered

Upper Gwydir Landcare Association has secured funding for

landholders in the Yallaroi region. Under the Caring for our

Country Community Landcare Grants, UGLA is offering a sub-

sidised workshop (Soil and Plant Nutrition) and also funding

for soil tests and on-ground works for participants’ farms.

The workshops will be led by popular presenter, Bart David-

son of SystemAg. Bart has worked as a consultant for more

than 15 years across a diverse range of farming operations.

His strength is uncovering soil and plant nutrition priorities,

which Bart uses to leverage meet both the short and long

term goals for profit and sustainability. Bart is also well

known for his ability to deliver user-friendly workshops in

plain English.

If you’d like to participate in the project or find out more

about the project, please contact UGLA’s Brooke Kelly

67242052 or [email protected].


The Upper Gwydir Landcare Association was happy to part-

ner with the Border Rivers Gwydir CMA in hosting an infor-

mation seeking Kayak trip on the beautiful Gwydir River.

The CMA and UGLA invited landholders to join them on the

kayak trip to find out what makes the Gwydir River tick, and

how we can maintain a healthy water supply and a healthy

environment.

Our guides for the two days Andrew Walsh and David Carr

gave us running commentary of the importance of riparian

health for biodiversity and connectivity. Under the Brigalow

Biolinks project there are opportunities for landholders to be

assisted to care for our rivers and creeks.

Mahri Koch, CMA Senior Technical Officer commented “our

aim is to build a better appreciation of the natural environ-

ment, and how biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem create

a healthy water supply and a more appealing and productive

landscape for both humans and native species.”

The participants over the two days agreed that it was a

worthwhile activity, seeing the river from a different per-

spective, being able to observe the lizards, small and large

birds and other wildlife.

Kayaks and other equipment required were supplied by Out

and About Adventures, led by Peter Vaughan.

To find out more about the Brigalow-Nandewar Biolinks pro-

ject, visit the website www.agbiolinks.com.au/

A Paddle Down the Gwydir

A Government scholarship that aims to attract school leavers

into agriculture-related university degrees is now accepting

applications.

The Horizon Scholarship, an initiative of the Rural Industries

R&D Corporation, in partnership with industry sponsors,

provides $5,000 per year for the duration of a student’s uni-

versity degree.

The Horizon Scholarship also offers students annual industry

work placements that give them first-hand exposure to mod-

ern agricultural practices, access to industry leaders, profes-

sional development workshops and opportunities to network

and gain knowledge at a range of industry events.

To be eligible for The Horizon Scholarship students must be

entering their first year of university and studying a degree

Annual General Meeting

Friday 6th December 2013

4.00pm

Imperial Hotel, Maitland Street Bingara

AGM is followed by a light supper & Christmas drinks

Agenda: Apologies

Minutes and Business Arising from previous AGM

Chairman’s Report

Financial Report

UGLA Community Support Officer report

Election of Office Bearers and Committee

Membership fees for 2014

Other Business

RSVP by Wed 4th December to UGLA:

[email protected] OR [email protected]

02 6724 2052 | 0427 291 073


Tertiary Scholarship for Ag Students

related to agriculture, such as agricultural science, rural sci-

ence, livestock/animal science, veterinary science or agri-

business and plant science. Students must also have started

their tertiary studies no longer than two years after leaving

high school.

Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of their

commitment to a career in agriculture, as well as their lead-

ership potential and high school academic record.

Applications close on 31 January 2014 and Scholarship win-

ners are announced late February 2014. Visit

www.rirdc.gov.au/horizon or contact RIRDC on 02 6271

4132.

Inaugural Gravesend Carp Muster

Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October 2013 saw the

first Gravesend Carp Muster at Essy’s Crossing Gravesend

held by The Warialda Royal Hotel Anglers Fishing Club and

supported by Upper Gwydir Landcare Association and Border

Rivers Gwydir CMA. The start to the weekend saw some wild

weather which may have kept some people at home, with

over 30 registrations in all categories.

There were great prizes on offer including lucky door prizes

and a raffle. The carp eluded many during the weekend with

only a lucky few being able to reel the carp in.

Congratulations to those that won in each of the categories:

Senior Female Category: Shortest – Kelly Flood, Longest –

Michelle Shoesmith, Secret Length – Kelly Flood, Most

caught – Michelle Shoesmith.

Senior Male: Shortest – Ray Shoesmith, Longest – Lex

Roberts, Secret Length – Ray Shoesmith & Most Caught – Lex

Roberts.

Junior Girls: Shortest – Harper Roberts, Longest: Amarie

Roberts, Secret Length – Harper Roberts.

Junior Boys: Shortest – Oliver Shoesmith, Longest – Ben

Koina, Secret Length – Owen Shoesmith & Most caught –

Oliver Shoesmith.

Raffle winners 1st Kirra Lock, 2nd Dean Batch & 3rd Greg

Koina. Continued page 5.

Event organisers thank all sponsors of the event, including:

Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA, Inverell Fishing & Hunting, The

Royal Hotel Warialda, Bells Butchers, Carlo’s Mitre 10,

Bakers Loaf, Hardman’s Fishing & Camping, McGregor’s

Warialda, Delungra Bowling Club, North West Petroleum,

Delungra, Hahn’s Cooper, Inverell Motorcycles, Rory Dowel,

Tony Warner.


Right:

Ray Shoesmith,

Oliver

Shoesmith and

Owen

Shoesmith

were among

the winners at

Gravesend.

Upper Gwydir Landcare Association has an exciting array of

events planned for 2014, featuring well known speakers and

trainers who have not been seen previously in our region.

UGLA will host a workshop with the internationally-

renowned Hugh Lovel on 9-10 April 2014, thanks to funding

from Caring for our Country’s Community Environment

Grants.

Hugh Lovel (pictured below) is a farmer, multi-disciplinary

scientist and international teacher of Biodynamic and Quan-

tum Agriculture. He has over 30 years’ experience biody-

namic farming and since migrating to Australia in 2005, con-

tinues to teach, consult and write about how biodynamics

works.

Hugh serves on the na-

tional board of Biody-

namic Agriculture Austra-

lia, the largest member-

ship Biodynamic organiza-

tion in the world. Further

information about the

Hugh Lovel event will be

available in the next edi-

tion of Groundcover.

UGLA to Host Hugh Lovel

For a limited time, WorkCover is offering a $2000 rebate

program to sheep and beef cattle producers. The program is

designed to improve farm safety in the areas of livestock

handling. Eligible activities focus on working safely with live-

stock, working safely with tractors and / or reducing expo-

sure to sun and noise.

A wide array of activities are eligible for the rebate. Exam-

ples include:

Sun shade protection over stockyards

Animal loading ramps

Tractor Roll Over Protection Structures (ROPS)

Lifting devices

Non slip flooring

Handrails

Drainage systems in sheds

Personal Protective Equipment and safety signage

The rebate will be available for items purchased between 1st

October 2013—31st May 2014. Rebate applications must be

lodged by 31st May 2014. Items need to be purchased be-

fore you can apply for the rebate.

A full list of eligible activities and the 1-page application form

can be found at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/

formspublications/publications/Documents/sheep-beef-

farming-rebate-form-1148.pdf

Funding Farm Safety for Sheep and

Cattle Producers

NSW Weed Review Seeks Your Input

clarify priority issues

Gather stakeholder and community views about bar-

riers and opportunities for more effective weed man-

agement.

Seek to identify any additional issues

Identify relevant evidence to inform the review.

The NRC is currently accepting online submissions. Alterna-

tively, you can post a submission or fax it to 02 8227 4399.

For more information and the issues paper visit:

http://engage.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/weed-management-

review

Submissions are due by 6 December 2013.

The Minister for Primary Industries has requested the Natu-

ral Resources Commission (NRC) to undertake an independ-

ent evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of weed

management in NSW. The review will focus on existing good

practice, opportunities and barriers that exist within current

arrangements and ways to overcome barriers to inform the

recommendations.

As an initial step in the review the NRC has prepared an is-

sues paper now available for public comment based on initial

consultation and research. The purpose of this paper is to:


How much do you spend on electricity, petrol, diesel and

natural gas every year? What steps are you taking to reduce

your current energy costs? Are you doing everything you can

to farm energy efficiently? Do you treat energy as a variable

or fixed cost?

With the help of the Commonwealth Government, NSW

Farmers’ Association is currently implementing a new Farm

Energy Innovation Program, which seeks to inform farmers

across NSW about potential technologies and measures that

are available to reduce energy use (and associated costs) in

the agricultural sector.

As part of the program, NSW Farmers is looking to identify

interested members who would like to participate in the

energy innovation program and receive a free on-farm en-

ergy assessment as well as hands-on guidance to identify

and implement energy efficiency measures.

If you would like to be involved in the program please visit http://www.nswfarmers.org.au/r-and-d/farm-energy-innovation-program, where you can fill out a survey which will gather some basic information about your electricity and fuel usage.

Survey submission closes 15 December, 2013. More informa-tion about the NSW Farmers Energy Innovation Program, visit the website above or call David Hoffmann 02 9478 1006.

Nominate for Farm Energy Guidance

Susanne Dennings recently visited our region to inspire locals

to become involved in Brush Turkey preservation. UGLA has

been working with several local landholders to collect infor-

mation on Brush Turkeys in our area. This has involved re-

cording mound activity, site visits and the use of remote

cameras.

Susanne is the Project Coordinator with the Malleefowl Pres-

ervation Group in Western Australia, which is celebrating 21

years in operation. The Group has moved from a small group

of just 5 concerned people to landscape scale management

of Malleefowl habitat. Like the Brush Turkey, Malleefowl are

from the Megapode family, which are mound builders.

During Susanne’s visit, she was able to visit Brush Turkey

mounds and addressed a group of locals involved in the

group. UGLA’s Brooke Kelly was impressed by Susanne’s en-

thusiasm, passion and pragmatic approach.

At the conclusion of a very busy day, Susanne was able to

relax at dinner with the group of local enthusiasts. Project

Officer Brooke Kelly commented, “Susanne has left the

group with really useful advice to progress and promote the

project”.

If you are interested in being involved, contact Project Offi-

cer Brooke Kelly at UGLA 67242052 or

[email protected].

Susanne Dennings Visit Inspires Brush

Turkey Preservation

PHOTOS:

Top: Participants enjoyed the opportunity to learn from the

experiences of Susanne’s Malleefowl Preservation Group.

Middle: The Brush Turkey is one of three species in Australia

known as the Megapodes. All three species build mounds to

incubate their eggs. Other Australian Megapodes include the

Malleefowl and the Scrubfowl.

Bottom: A brush turkey mound. Mounds can be up to 4m

wide and 2m high.


Important Notice:

As Christmas

draws closer,

Santa’s mail box is

now available at

the Bingara Post

Office.

Make sure your

letter includes a

stamp so it can be

posted to the

North Pole!

The Grassland Society of NSW pasture update recently held in

Bingara provided landholders with a range of information on

pasture management and new technologies.

Lester McCormick, Vice President of the Society said the pur-

pose of the update is to provide graziers with the latest infor-

mation on current research outcomes and new pasture tech-

nologies which are supported by science.

“The Bingara update focused on improving the production

and feed quality from our pasture systems,” Mr McCormick

said.

“The day commenced with various presentations including

Linda Hygate Manager Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) who

outlined the Feedbase Investment Plan.

Ms Hygate said there are three pillars to the plan; Plant Breed-

ing and Evaluation, Productive & Sustainable Pastures and Graz-

ing Systems Management.

“MLA has significant co-investment with Australian Wool Inno-

vation (AWI), to achieve these national projects. The pasture

updates are also part of the national investment in feedbase

improvement,” Ms Hygate said.

“An important component of maximising red meat produc-

tion on tropical grasses is to understand your production

system and the quality of the feed required. Tropical grasses

grow quickly but only over the warmer months. The area

grown needs to be limited to what you can use through graz-

ing or fodder conservation”.

“When tropical grasses are not meeting the growth demands

from livestock, supplementation or alternative feed sources

need to be planned.”

A feature of the day was the field tour to Phillip and Annette

Butler’s property “Glenayr”. Phillip described how he was

using tropical grasses in his grazing system and provided the

detail for successful establishment. He advised annual sum-

mer grass weed control prior to sowing was essential.

Mr McCormick said the Department of Primary Indus-

tries’ (DPI) trial on tropical legumes drew plenty of attention.

“The season had been less than favourable but the tropical

legumes; desmanthus, leucaena, the stylos and burgundy

bean had all survived last winter and the desmanthus had

produced pod already,” Mr McCormick said.

“This trial is part of a national project funded by MLA, run-

ning through to 2017.”

Luc Farago, Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management

Pasture Update series comes to Bingara


Authority (CMA) advised the changes to the Native Vegeta-

tion Regulation which included improving service delivery,

changes to exemptions and that the codes for self assess-

ment are currently being determined.

Mr McCormick said the Grassland Society would like to thank

the Upper Gwydir Landcare Association for their significant con-

tribution to making this day a success.

“The Grassland Society with funding through MLA will be con-

ducting these regional events over the next three years with the

aim to better service the pastoral industry and Grassland Soci-

ety members,” Mr McCormick said.

Information on coming events is posted to our website:

www.grasslandnsw.com.au

The Grasslands Society of NSW was formed in 1985

Membership has grown rapidly since then to over 500

members, most of whom are farmers and graziers. The

Grassland Society of NSW is now the premier organisation

for transfer of information and technology relevant to

pasture, grazing and land management. The aims of the

Society are to advance the investigation of problems

affecting grassland husbandry and to encourage the

adoption into practice of results of research and practical

experience.

The Grasslands Society is also now on Facebook.

A program offered by Royal Agriculture Society of NSW, the

Community Future Grants offer funding up to $25,000 per

project. ‘The $25,000 Question’ is an annual Community

Future grant targeting projects which will benefit rural and

regional communities.

To be eligible, applicants need to be aged 35 or under, pas-

sionate about rural and regional issues, a resident of the

community where the project will take place and be able to

identify a clear need in your community.

Closes 13 January 2014, visit www.rasf.org.au

Community Future Grants Now Open


This grant is about doing something positive for your com-

munity. The Sunsuper Dreams program provides grants of up

to $5000 to community groups, individuals and organisations

to help make a positive impact on the community.

Your Dream project needs to be able to do something good

in your community and be implemented within 6 months.

Each month, Sunsuper will provide a $5000 grant for projects

voted most popular on their website.

Visit www.sunsuperdreams.com.au

Sunsuper Dreams Grant Now Open

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage is offering

grants to conserve, promote and support Aboriginal heritage

in NSW. Grants are available between $20,000 and

$100,000.

Eligible projects may include recording Aboriginal commu-

nity events, focus on Aboriginal cultural heritage tourism,

educating communities on cultural heritage, conservation

management planning or undertaking physical conservation

works to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage sites.

For details, priority issues and application form, visit

www.environment.nsw.gov.au/Heritage/funding/

aboriginalproj.htm. Closes 2 December 2013.

Aboriginal Heritage Grants

A few years back a group of young rural farmers from

Queensland came together with a vision for enhancing the

way farmers learn from each other. They observed the evo-

lution of social media and found a way to use this new me-

dium to help those living and working in agriculture.

This led to the creation of a online social website for those

on the land called Farmz (www.farmz.com.au). The Farmz

concept was the brain-child of Alex Sparkes, a passionate 6th

generation beef cattle producer from Taroom in Central

Queensland.

Having lived on the land for most of his life and knowing the

challenges of staying in touch with friends and what's hap-

pening on their farms, Alex began working on a platform that

allowed farm owners to connect with other farms from

around Australia and share what they're doing with each

other.

Farmz was created to help farmers meet new farmers from

all industries all over the country, to stay in touch and ex-

change new and interesting farming related ideas and infor-

mation with each other.

You can join Farmz by registering at www.farmz.com.au.

What can farmers do once they have signed up to

Farmz?

Learn more about other farms from all industries all

around Australia

Connect with other farmers building new relation-

ships

Stay in touch with farmers you already know through

the website

Post photos & information around what they are do-

ing on their farm via their computer or smartphone

Browse a newsfeed with photos & posts from over

1000 farmers

Ask/Answer questions with other farmers

See real-time where & who is receiving rainfall – with

our new ‘Recent Rain feature’

Gain new ideas and farming techniques

Access information from key industry groups i.e MLA,

NSW Farmers, etc

Tech Savvy Farmers Join Forces

For regular updates on

our programs, events and

grant opportunities, Like

us on Facebook.

What’s on and When is it on?

6 December (Friday) UGLA Annual General Meeting, 4pm. Imperial Hotel, Bingara. Fol-

lowed by light supper and drinks. RSVP to UGLA 67242052.

6 December Submissions to NSW Weed Review close.

12 December Small Business Bus visits Bingara, 10am-2pm.

15 December NSW Farmers Farm Energy Innovation survey closes.

23 December—31 January UGLA office closed for Christmas break.

31 January Horizon Scholarship applications close.

To the Landholder

Upper Gwydir Landcare Associat ion November 2013

Address: 35 Maitland Street (PO Box 108), Bingara NSW 2404

Telephone: 02 6724 2052 | Mobile: 0427 291 073

Frances Young: [email protected] | Brooke Kelly: [email protected]

www.ugla.com.au | www.facebook.com/ugla.landcare

Groundcover is funded by Community Environment Grants,

under the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program