LANDCARE Australia, in partnership with AusNet, recently announced the recipients of the 2024 AusNet Community Landcare grants with the local Gecko Clan Landcare Network being one of two successful Victorian recipients.

Together with the Phillip Island Landcare Group the Strathbogie group has been awarded $20,000 annual funding for the next three years.

The Gecko Clan Landcare Network is committed to connecting landscapes and communities in the Strathbogie Shire areas.

Recently, this area has been severely impacted by extreme weather.

"Severe weather and storms have affected our region resulting in significant loss of habitat connection and large old hollow bearing trees," said Gecko Clan Landcare Network executive officer, Kerri Robson.

"This grant will enable our member Landcare groups to mitigate the impacts of this loss by supplying plants, paddock tree guards and nest boxes to local landholders.

"We are very grateful for the support provided by the AusNet Community Landcare Grant."

‍To address this, the Gecko Clan Landcare Network will coordinate the supply of 6000 locally indigenous plants, 200 paddock tree guards, and 100 nest boxes to local Landcare groups.

This initiative will protect and enhance an additional 12 hectares of land and support the community with their Landcare work.

Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish congratulated the grant recipients and emphasised the importance of innovation and collaboration.

"This partnership will support two Landcare groups in Victoria to make a positive impact to local ecosystems, biodiversity, and community well-being," he said.

"I'm excited to see the outcomes of this funding and how it will demonstrate the importance of partnerships in enhancing environmental stewardship within local communities."

“We are pleased to be partnered with Landcare Australia," said AusNet CEO, David Smales.

"I’m excited to see the community benefits that will flow from the grants we’ve announced today."

Last week's announcement follows the signing of a three-year corporate partnership between Landcare Australia and AusNet which aims to fund community landcare activities within AusNet’s electricity distribution network across eastern and northeastern Victoria.

The partnership includes community grants, projects and corporate environmental volunteering activities which enable AusNet employees to get ‘hands on’ to support landcare projects, learning about local environmental issues, and encouraging collaboration with the community.