Stephen will be based at the Hastings Landcare office in Wauchope.

The local Hastings-Camden Haven Landcare community is supported by North Coast Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

The funding, which is finishing its second year, has helped build and maintain community awareness, knowledge and skills in natural resource management and sustainable agriculture. 

Hastings Landcare Inc president, Leonie Gale said the funding has supported Hastings Landcare’s operations and made it possible to employ a co-ordinator one day a week.

“Co-ordinators play a pivotal role in connecting and supporting their local Landcare community as they are a source of information, assistance and guidance for landowners and volunteers wanting to undertake on ground actions to improve the environment and their property,” Leonie said.

The funding, which will continue for another 12 months, assists a range of activities such as producing Landcare newsletters, writing funding submissions, giving presentations, holding information stalls and answering general enquiries. 

“Stephen will be well known to many in the local area, having previously worked for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council as Invasive Weeds Officer and a Field Officer with Future Harvest Revegetation Services in the Hunter and natural resource volunteering in the Northern Territory.

“Landcare is a organisation that is trusted by the community, and we strive to assist all who are interested in improving natural resources.

“This funding has allowed networks to keep the doors open and provides the community a Coordinator to contact for information and help.”

The National Landcare Program funding, which will continue for another 12 months, employs co-ordinators for one day a week in eleven districts throughout the region.