The 2025 Members and Community Forum series brought together Landcare groups from Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs to share practical knowledge, strengthen relationships and explore what communities need to keep caring for their local landscapes.
In the Greater Darwin region, long-standing and emerging groups met to discuss fire management, invasive weeds, governance and ways to engage new volunteers. Members valued the chance to exchange local insight and learn from groups such as Casuarina Coastal Reserve Landcare Group and Rapid Creek Landcare Group, both active since 1997. The conversations highlighted the importance of practical skills, clear communication and a supportive network as groups continue their work through the year.
The Katherine forum created space for members to look closely at weed management, seasonal fire preparation and the tools needed to monitor on ground activity. Alan Bannister shared effective Neem control approached from his 50-acre property, showing the value of collaboration between neighbours. Follow up visits with Rosemary at Cave Creek Station and with Thomas from the Katherine Savanna Glider Project offered real examples of community led action in practice. The team also joined the annual native plant giveaway where hundreds of residents collected local species and connected with partner organisations.
In Alice Springs, groups explored the region’s growing challenges, including Buffel Grass, fire risk and the pressure on volunteer capacity. Participants discussed the need for clear leadership support, improved coordination between agencies, and better tools for mapping and monitoring local sites. Despite the scale of work ahead, the forum shoed a strong commitment to practical care across Landcare sites and a shared interest in creating long term pathways for volunteers to stay involved.
Across the Territory, each forum reinforced the value of coming together to learn, reflect and plan. The insights from members will guide the next steps for the year ahead, with a focus on strengthening relationships, building confidence and supporting communities to take meaningful action in the places they care about.
