Collaboration Corner

The Hunter Region Landcare Network began working with the 9 Councils of the Hunter region in November 2019, to build better bridges between Landcarers and Landowners.

The objective was to bridge the gap between the on-ground work that Landcarers do on public land, with each respective Council's strategic direction for their natural assets. The method used was to start a Landcare conversation with the appropriate managers and officers in each of the 9 Councils. From here we met on a regular basis to look at gaps in communication and knowledge, with both Landcarers and Councils sharing and building knowledge together.

The key findings included the identification of gaps in coordination, communication, and support. In conclusion, a regional meeting among the Councils was facilitated by the Hunter Region Landcare Network so that the Landcare conversation and learnings could be shared among the Councils themselves, where they could share knowledge, methodologies, and support models.

The outcome being that Landcarers understand more about their respective Councils support for Landcare activities, and Councils understand more about their local Landcarers and what environmental works they wish facilitate and contribute to. Our facilitation of this process has helped build bridges for better outcomes, for both Landcarers and Councils.