When you bring together Landcare NSW members with our agreement-holders you create a sizeable private land conservation community actively protecting habitat and species on their properties and sharing their experiences through in-person education and field events.
Our PLC Matters events program with Landcare NSW kicked off in June 2023, and by the end of June this year, 143 events had been held across NSW with close to 2,200 participants.
Our Senior Manager Community Engagement, Alice McGrath, praised the project’s success and collaborative approach.
“The PLC Matters project has had a real and lasting impact,” Alice said.
“By working closely with regional Landcare NSW networks, we’ve been able to connect with conservation-minded landholders in meaningful ways, build knowledge and foster communities to benefit biodiversity for years to come.”
Alice said participants at PLC Matters events reported high levels of satisfaction with what they learned.
“It shows when we listen to communities and co-design solutions with them, the outcomes are powerful,” she said.
PLC Matters events included Walk & Talk field days, hands-on workshops, and local knowledge-sharing sessions, fostering practical learning and strong social networks among participants.
Survey data from an independent evaluation conducted by the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) found:
- 90 per cent of participants were satisfied with events and felt inspired to learn more about private land conservation.
- 85 per cent said they could apply their new knowledge on their own properties.
- Participant knowledge jumped from 41 to 58 on a 100-point scale.
- More than 90 per cent appreciated the networking opportunities provided.
The project also fostered cross-sector collaboration, engaging more than 30 partner organisations across government, research, Indigenous, and environmental fields.
For more information and to access the PLC Matters Toolkit visit Landcare NSW.