Massive Effort by Landcare Groups in the Hastings Region!(2025)

Community organisation, Hastings Landcare, has been officially recognised in Parliament by MP Robert Dwyer. Hastings Landcare is a community owned and driven not-for profit organisation that focuses on improving the local environment and community cohesion  by carrying out on-ground works and connecting people to nature. Established in 1995 and currently has 230 paid members and well over 1000 subscribers. 

There are 15 local Landcare groups in the Hastings, and last financial year, Landcare volunteers racked up over 2900 volunteer hours protecting and restoring biodiversity in local bushland. Volunteers remove invasive weeds, collect rubbish and plant local native species across many sites. Landcare Coordinator Steve Allwood says, “ Landcare is the perfect blend of achievement, connection & enjoyment. Achievement, by protecting our natural world, one of the most important issues of our time, connection to community, people and place, and the enjoyment and empowerment that comes with spending time with communities and making a real positive environmental impact.”

Joining Landcare as a volunteer, member or general support is a great way to make a local positive impact, become part of a strong community network, increase your knowledge and improve your health. Volunteer, Lyndon Harris says, “I have improved my level of mobility and muscle strength since becoming a Landcarer, and volunteering my time and energy. I feel closer to the community , and I am always learning new things about weeds and native flora and fauna”

Landcare holds regular events and activities to help build community connection & resilience. These include regular bush regeneration activities, community planting days, ‘Bush Breathing’ mornings, ‘Nature Journalling’, clean up days and educational workshops. Joan Opbroek says, "We love attending Hastings Landcare events because it is a chance to meet new people and catch up with old friends, learn new things, be creative and connect to the beautiful native bushland that we value so much."

Hastings Landcare also supports private landholders with land management support and community connection. Landholders can get support with property planning, plant Identification, planting projects, weed management, threatened species, habitat enhancement, riparian restoration, Land for Wildlife Assessments, farm dam enhancement and access to grant opportunities. Rowena Russell says, “ We really appreciate the support we received from Landcare. We have learned about the diversity of trees, shrubs and grasses on our property and how important this habitat is for wildlife, including the threatened Glossy Black Cockatoos. We have been fortunate to see these majestic birds using the bushland. Landcare helped us with strategies and support for keeping this land healthy and weed free.”

Landcare is open to everyone. Landcare Support Officer Robyn Camozzato say, “Volunteering for Hastings Landcare is a great way to improve your social network, learn about the bush and make a positive impact on your local area and environment.” Contact Hastings Landcare  if you would like to volunteer, become a member or donate to our cause.