VIC – Strathbogie Ranges Conservation Management Network – Once home to thousands of Southern Greater Gliders (SGG), 150 years of habitat clearing and degradation has decimated numbers to perhaps fewer than 100 animals. Funds will be used install a nesting box program and engages the community in citizen science to monitor and contribute to state biodiversity data Landcare Australia has announced the 26 recipients of the 2024 Landcare Australia Community Grants Program, with $300,000 being distributed throughout Australia for environmental volunteers to use in a huge variety of landcare activities. The 2024 Landcare Australia Community Grant recipients will receive a share of $300,000 for projects that revive nature, boost biodiversity and engage with volunteers. Grants have been awarded in every state and each of the projects supported will receive between $5,000 up to $20,000, directing funds right into the heart of grassroots landcare groups across Australia. This year’s Landcare Australia Community Grants program, launched during Landcare Week coincides with a big milestone for Landcare Australia and landcare as a national movement. 35 years ago in Wentworth NSW, the late former Prime Minister Bob Hawke AC announced the ‘Decade of Landcare’ and established Landcare Australia, and supported the national formation of the landcare movement, bringing farmers and conservationists together to resolve environmental issues. Landcare remains just as relevant today, as it was 35 years ago, continuing its mission to protect and enhance our natural environment and restore landscapes. Dr Shane Norrish, Landcare Australia CEO said, “The calibre of grant applications was exceptional – hand on heart – we were inundated with applications and could easily have awarded 10 or even 20 times the amount and still not met the demand to support vital landcare activities across Australia”. “Landcare also plays a vital role in building community connections. I want to thank everyone who took the time to apply for funding. It clearly demonstrates that the landcare movement is still as passionate and determined to restore and protect our nature and landscapes, as it was 35 years ago. The enthusiasm and energy underpinning every application was truly remarkable. I’d like to congratulate the successful groups and look forward to seeing what you achieve with the funding in 2025”. James Link, Head of Partnerships Landcare Australia said “the nature of our work means we get to see firsthand the wonderful array of projects in the pipeline. We know that landcare groups can find accessing the funding they need for key activities challenging so I’m delighted the Landcare Australia Community grants were able to support these projects”. “We know landcarers dream big and its fantastic we can support grassroots landcare activities that make a genuine impact for the environment and the communities seeking to protect and enhance it. We know these projects are building local knowledge to restore, enhance and protect natural environments, increase biodiversity and help improve community engagement in local landcare activities” Dr Shane Norrish, Landcare Australia CEO said “This new grant program was made possible by generous contributions from Landcare Australia’s supporters and donations. Landcare Australia is proud to support so many grassroots landcare groups with funding for wide ranging natural environment projects important to their local community.”
