On 7 May 2026, more than 70 representatives from environmental organisations, councils, volunteer groups and community organisations across Greater Sydney came together for the 2026 Landcare and Bushcare Gathering.
The event was hosted by Greater Sydney Landcare’s Danielle Hughes and Alicia Harb-Akins, alongside facilitator Dave Newell. The gathering created a space for collaboration, discussion and new ideas about the future of Landcare and Bushcare in a changing world.
The event explored one key question: What could Landcare and Bushcare look like if we fully embraced innovation?
Throughout the day, participants worked in groups to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore new opportunities for environmental stewardship across Greater Sydney. The atmosphere was positive, thoughtful and highly collaborative. Tables were covered in butchers’ paper, sticky notes and sketches as people shared ideas and learned from one another.
The workshop sessions focused on three main themes:
- Future trends and directions for Landcare and Bushcare
- Exploring innovation, opportunities and ideas
- Collaborating on priority actions and solutions
The gathering highlighted the strong knowledge, passion and experience that exists across Greater Sydney’s environmental sector. Discussions covered challenges such as climate adaptation, volunteer sustainability and funding pressures. Despite these challenges, the overall tone remained hopeful and solutions focused.
Key Themes and Takeaways
Building Future Environmental Workforce Pathways
Participants discussed the need to attract and support the next generation of environmental workers and volunteers. Ideas included:
- stronger partnerships between Landcare groups, schools and TAFE
- student placements and practical training opportunities
- Bushcare programs for schools and young people
- clearer pathways into environmental careers
The discussions highlighted the importance of investing in education to build long-term environmental capacity across Greater Sydney.
Supporting Volunteers and Community Connection
Volunteer retention was recognised as essential to the success of Landcare and Bushcare programs. Participants discussed the importance of:
- creating rewarding volunteer experiences
- building strong social connections within groups
- recognising volunteer contributions
- providing opportunities for learning and skills development
Many participants noted that people stay involved when they feel connected to both the environment and their community.
Strengthening Collaboration and Partnerships
The gathering reinforced the value of collaboration across organisations, industries and communities. Opportunities discussed included:
- partnerships with ecology consultants and industry
- collaboration on carbon and biodiversity projects
- stronger partnerships between environmental groups
- sharing knowledge, resources and advocacy efforts
Participants agreed that environmental challenges are too large for any one organisation to solve alone.
Embedding Caring for Country Principles
A strong theme throughout the day was the importance of learning from and working alongside First Nations communities. Discussions focused on:
- embedding Caring for Country principles into Bushcare programs
- culturally informed land management practices
- improving cultural understanding within environmental programs
- developing educational approaches for schools and communities
Participants recognised that environmental stewardship is stronger when cultural knowledge and connection to Country are respected and included in practice.
Advocacy and Long-Term System Change
Participants also discussed the need for stronger advocacy and engagement with decision-makers, particularly around:
- fire management reform
- cultural burning practices
- environmental policy and planning
- improving communication with government agencies
The discussions highlighted the importance of long-term system change alongside on-ground environmental work.
Organisational Development and Sector Engagement
Participants discussed the need to strengthen sector organisations and improve engagement across the environmental community. Key gaps identified included:
- unclear value for membership organisations
- limited outreach to volunteers and community members
- the need for clearer communication and greater inclusivity
Participants recognised that stronger sector organisations can improve coordination, increase participation and strengthen the overall impact of environmental programs and initiatives.
This initiative is made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW, supported by the NSW Government.
