Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network

25/04/2026

🌿 Sometimes the best part of the job is getting out across the region to see the incredible work happening on the ground.

Lyndal and I recently visited a farm where an amazing 110,000 trees have been planted — yes, you read that right! 🌱🌱🌱 And the highlight of the day? Spotting not one, but two koalas! 🐨🐨

These trees are creating the habitat of the future, helping provide homes and food for more koalas and other native wildlife for generations to come. A wonderful reminder of the long-term impact of Landcare and local action. 💚

01/04/2026

🎬🌱 Lights, camera… Landcare! 🌱🎬

We’re excited to share FOUR brand new Landcare videos that celebrate the amazing work happening right here in our region — and across NSW! 💚

These short films shine a light on the people, projects and passion behind Landcare, and we’re pretty proud to see this work being showcased all the way to Parliament House.

From community action to caring for country, these videos capture what Landcare is all about: people coming together to make a real difference 🌿🙌

🎥 Grab a cuppa, hit play, and have a watch:
https://www.ctregionallandcare.org/central-tablelands-landcare-news/landcare-in-nsw-showcased-in-parliament-house

Which one is your favourite? 👀💚

18/03/2026

🌱 Representing the Central Tablelands in Sydney

This week, we were proud to represent our region at the Landcare NSW State Advisory Council in Sydney, helping shape the future of Landcare across NSW.

From contributing to early discussions on the next Landcare program — ensuring grassroots volunteer voices are front and centre — to connecting with MPs at the Trees in the House event at NSW Parliament, it was a valuable opportunity to advocate for our region and share the incredible work happening across the Central Tablelands.

We also joined representatives from across the state to collaborate, learn, and strengthen connections within the Landcare network, reinforcing the importance of community-led action in caring for our landscapes.

📸 Left to right: Phil Donato, Member for Orange; David Banham, Landcare NSW Shared Services Coordinator; and Lawrence Balcomb, Chairman of the Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network.

# Philip Donato

14/03/2026

🌿 Green Drinks Bathurst – Guest Speaker Colin Bower 🌿

Join us for the next Green Drinks Bathurst, a relaxed evening for people who care about nature, the environment and our local landscapes.

This month we welcome Colin Bower, a renowned Australian botanist and orchid expert. Colin will share insights into the fascinating world of Australian native orchids and the remarkable relationships they have with their insect pollinators.

Green Drinks is a friendly and informal gathering where you can enjoy a drink, hear from an interesting speaker, and connect with others who care about the environment.

Everyone is welcome — whether you're involved in Landcare, conservation, or simply curious about the natural world.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Fourth Thursday of the Month
🕒 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: The Greens on William, 29 William St, Bathurst
🎟 Entry: $5 (cash at the door) or a gold coin donation for students or those not currently working

Come along, bring a friend, and enjoy a great conversation about nature.

Join us for our next Green Drinks as we welcome Colin Bower, a renowned entomologist, naturalist and orchid expert based in Orange. Colin has spent decades exploring the fascinating world of Australia’s native orchids and their extraordinary pollination strategies.

After completing his PhD in entomology, Colin worked as a research entomologist with the NSW Department of Agriculture, specialising in integrated pest management. Alongside his scientific career, he developed a deep passion for native orchids after first encountering them on a bushwalk in the late 1970s, which has since become a lifelong pursuit.

Colin’s research combines entomology and botany, focusing on the remarkable relationships between orchids and their insect pollinators. His work has contributed to the discovery of new orchid and wasp species and helped unravel the complex ecological interactions that make these plants so unique.

On the night, Colin will share insights into the incredible diversity of the native orchids found right here in Central Western NSW, their fascinating biology and pollination strategies, and why these remarkable plants deserve our attention and protection.

Colin will also have copies of his book Native Orchids of Central Western NSW (co-authored with Richard Medd) available for purchase.

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the hidden biodiversity around us, this will be a fascinating evening of discovery.

11/03/2026

A big welcome to Amy Kerr, who has joined the team as our Better Bush for Birds Project Officer. Amy will be working closely with our local Landcare coordinators and Landcare groups across the region to deliver the project.

Many of our native woodland birds are in decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Through this project we’ll work with landholders, volunteers and local communities to plant native vegetation, protect paddock trees and reconnect habitat across the landscape.

Over the coming years we’ll be supporting on-ground restoration, community planting days and learning opportunities to help rebuild healthy landscapes for birds and biodiversity.

12/02/2026

Update on our flying foxes following the recent heatwave 🦇☀️

Some of the young flying foxes from the Cowra colony were rescued and transported to Canberra for rehabilitation during the extreme heat. Thankfully, the Cowra colony made it through.
The colonies in Bathurst and Orange also experienced heat stress, with bats climbing lower into the trees to escape the worst of the heat. Overall, they showed incredible resilience and are doing okay.

Thank you to everyone involved in monitoring and caring for our local wildlife during these challenging conditions 💚

12/02/2026

Over the last few weeks our team of coordinators and volunteer committee members has been working hard on planning our projects for the next 18 months. Many exciting ideas have been proposed so stay tuned as we bring you wonderful opportunities this year to learn, experience and explore with Landcare! 🌏💚

29/01/2026

🌱 We’re hiring! Regional Landcare Coordinator

Passionate about community and caring for landscapes?
We’re looking for a Regional Landcare Coordinator to support Landcare groups, volunteers and partners across the Central Tablelands.

🐦 We’re hiring! Regional Project Officer

Help deliver our Better Bush for Birds project across the Central Tablelands. This role supports on-ground works, monitoring and community engagement to improve habitat for woodland birds.

👉 View both roles and apply here:
https://www.ctregionallandcare.org/central-tablelands-landcare-careers

27/01/2026

🚨 PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE – FLYING-FOXES 🚨

Extreme heat has caused widespread heat stress and deaths in flying-foxes across the region.

You may see bats on the ground or in public spaces.

⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH OR HANDLE THEM

Flying-foxes can carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus.
A bite or scratch — even minor — can be life-threatening.

✅ What you can do:
• Keep your distance
• Keep children and pets away
• Report sightings to trained wildlife responders

❌ Please do NOT:
• Touch or attempt rescue
• Use towels, gloves, sticks or water
• Intervene directly

📞 Call WIRES 1300 094 737

📞 If you are in Cowra Please Report to:
Sydney Wildlife Rescue – 0414 229 013 or 0434 000 100
Mid Lachlan Landcare – 0439 576 903

Thank you for caring and helping keep the community safe while trained responders assist wildlife.

06/01/2026

We’re delighted to announce that the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission (ACNC) has officially registered Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network as a charity!
This milestone helps us strengthen community projects, expand our impact, and continue caring for the land we all share. 💚
Your support makes a real difference — together we can achieve even more for our region.

08/12/2025

What a beautiful way to wrap up the year 💚✨

Our team gathered at Gaanha-bula (Mount Canobolas) for our end-of-year celebration, walking the stunning Summits Track that links Old Man Canobolas and Young Man Canobolas. The trail took us through snowgum grassy woodlands, where we spotted orchids, listened for birds, and enjoyed the peaceful saddle between the two peaks.

After the walk, we shared a relaxed picnic lunch and reflected on the year that was — celebrating achievements, connections, and the incredible landscapes we care for.

Feeling refreshed, grateful, and excited for everything 2026 will bring! 🌄💚🌿