New Landcare beginnings for rural women

Seventeen participants are celebrating successful completion of a yearlong Landcare for Rural Women training course at Tumby Bay, inspired and already applying knowledge to Landcare projects on their properties.

Natural Resource Management Officer Geraldine Turner said the project was an initiative of the Eastern Lower Eyre Peninsula Landcare Management Committee who were keen to get local women more involved in caring for the land.

“Women are an important part of many farming operations and are often in the paddock. It makes sense that they have a good understanding of their local environment. The free sessions are also relevant for women who might live in town, and have family or friends on farms and are interested in the environment and caring for natural resources,” Mrs. Turner said.

The final training session on propagating native plants and a celebratory lunch was held recently to honour the work participants and presenters had completed monthly, throughout the year.

“We covered a range of topics which always included a bit of hands-on fun. We have brought in different local NRM Officer specialising in each field for session on threatened species, vertebrate pests, water, environmental weeds, sustainable gardening, propagation and revegetation, native plant identification and more! It’s been a great year and I have been able to share my passion for the environment with a great group of women,” Mrs Turner said.

Participant Julie Allen said this is such a fantastic opportunity to learn more about her local environment and the importance of our Natural Resources.

“I’ve really enjoyed all the topics covered so far. In particular, I loved the sustainable gardening workshop, especially the information on native bees. How important they are and how to encourage them on your property. Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula staff are such a wonderful resource for families on Eyre Peninsula. It’s great to be able to tap into their extensive knowledge and enthusiasm,” Mrs. Allen said.

Members from the Women in Agriculture and Business (WAB) Charlton Gully branch were excited to see a Landcare project that brings rural women together to learn more about our natural resources and were keen to be involved.

WAB Charlton Gully branch secretary Sandra Wischki said through the will be able to host the program next year for women in the District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula with the support of Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula.

“We are now calling for expressions of interest from rural women to attend. The sessions will be held on the second Tuesday of each month, 11am to 2pm, starting in February at the Wanilla Hall.”

For more information contact WAB Charlton Gully branch President Phyllis on 0428 822 897 or Geraldine on 0407 603 574 or visit www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ep/get-involved/events