Landcare contributes 6419 volunteer hours!(2026)

Last financial year Landcare Volunteers contributed a whopping 6419 volunteer hours towards on-ground environmental works across the Port Macquarie Hastings Landcare Local Government Area. Hastings Landcare Coordinator Stephen Allwood says, “we have 15 groups working across the region, from Port Macquarie to Camden Head and Comboyne to Rollands Plains”. Landcare is a community, environmental movement that began more than 30 years ago and is still going strong today.  

Landcare work makes huge contributions to looking after the local environment and have sites on Council Managed Land, Crown Land and supports private landholders. Hastings Landcare Project Officer Robyn Camozzato says, “The work our dedicated volunteers do is so beneficial to our local environment and our community. Volunteers turn up week in and week out and that impact is evident in the bushland sites we work and in the sheer number of hours volunteers have worked this year!” Landcare control invasive weeds, carry out bush regeneration, plant local native species, works on habitat that supports threatened species, advocates for the protection of local bushland and is a wonderful community network.

Community is at the heart of Landcare. Hastings Landcare President Lyndon Harris says, “we run community events open to all, both for on-ground action and for community wellbeing. Events include community plantings days, educational workshops, nature journalling, meditations (Bush Breathing) and community citizen science walks”. Landcare connects people through practical environmental action, improving biodiversity, building resilience, and enhancing community wellbeing.

Landcare works with many partners across our region from other community organisations, schools and government organisations. Landcare Coordinator Stephen Allwood says, “We would like to thank our partners and supporting organisations that strengthen our network, paving the way for a robust, resilient, and connected community”.

Quote from Landcare NSW

Landcare NSW Chair, Steve Bunnell, said the contribution of volunteers in the Hastings region reflects the extraordinary commitment of Landcare volunteers right across NSW.

“Every hour volunteered through Landcare represents people taking practical action to care for the places they live, work and love. When you add up the thousands of volunteer hours contributed by Landcarers across NSW each year, the value to our environment and communities is enormous.

"The 6419 hours recorded in the Hastings region alone demonstrate the remarkable impact that local volunteers can have when they come together around a shared purpose. Their contribution is helping to restore landscapes, support biodiversity and strengthen community wellbeing.

“Landcare is one of the largest volunteer environmental movements in Australia, and its strength lies in local people working together to create lasting, positive change. We are incredibly grateful for the commitment, passion and generosity of every volunteer who contributes their time and expertise to caring for our natural environment.”