Gippsland is preparing for a double celebration this month as the community marks 40 years of the national Landcare movement and 30 years of the East Gippsland Landcare Network (EGLN).
Four decades ago in 1986, farmers collaborated to tackle shared environmental challenges.
Under the leadership of the late Joan Kirner, then Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands, and former Victorian Farmers Federation president Heather Mitchell, Landcare was born.
The first Landcare group was formed in Winjallock near St Arnaud, where this passion laid the foundation for a movement that has since spread across Victoria, Australia and even the world.
East Gippsland Landcare Network has been an active and dedicated part of this journey for 30 years.
Landcare has evolved into a dynamic and diverse national network committed to the sustainable stewardship of Australia’s natural resources.
From regional and remote landscapes, to coastlines, towns and cities, tens of thousands of dedicated landcarers continue to make a real and lasting impact across the landscape.
East Gippsland Landcare Network is excited to bring its Pest Fest to the East Gippsland Field Days in 2026.
Two days of expert advice, interactive displays and kids’ activities about our most pervasive pest plants and animals – and some that you may not have even heard of.
Your local Landcare networks – Far East Victoria Landcare and East Gippsland Landcare Network, along with Landcare facilitators from across the region will be in attendance to share their passion and inspire you with local Landcare stories and information.
Visit their huge site in the old hangar to hear from the Victorian Rabbit Action Network, Trust For Nature, DEECA Good Neighbour program, Agriculture Victorias Vertebrate Species Management Program, Bird Life East Gippsland, Victorian Gorse Taskforce, the local African Lovegrass control group and many more.
The local EGLN African Lovegrass control group will have a display outlining the Tom’s Creek Landcare demonstration plots at the Gippsland Research Farm and the various demonstration plots around the district.
Visit them at the Landcare Hangar to discuss the results and any issues you may have controlling this invasive weed with group members.
While you are there, register for a guided walk through the GAgG ALG research plots, leaving the Field Days entry gates at 1pm on Friday or 10am on Saturday.
Get involved with the panel discussion on ALG in the Landcare marquee with local farmers and researchers at 10am on Friday .
Bring the kids along to make nature wands or decorate their own Landcare tote bag in the children’s activities zone.
Stall holders will be available across the two days to answer your questions and share their enthusiasm for our natural environment
