40 Years of Landcare celebration – Saturday 14 November
Posted on 29 October, 2026 by Lori
Did you know that the birth place of Landcare was just a stones throw up the road in Winjallock in the North Central Catchment of Victoria? This year is the 40th year since the late Joan Kirner, then the Victorian Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands (and later Victoria’s first female Premier) and Heather Mitchell, (former President of the Victorian Farmers Federation) turned the first sod and officially launched the first ever Landcare group. Since that day, for the next 40 years, Landcare has evolved to become one of the largest volunteer movements in Australia.
The North Central CMA invites you to celebrate this fantastic milestone, 40 years of Landcare, in north central Victoria.
When: Saturday November 14, 10am to 1.30pm
Where: Camp Seed, Church Street, Stuart Mill
Join for an enjoyable morning of celebration, recognition and reflection followed by a delicious lunch. Hear from guest speakers Annette Cavanagh (winner of the 2026 Next Gen Landcare Award) and local farmer Luke Batters about biodiversity on farms research; and reflect on the past 40 years with landcare legend Rob Youl OAM. We’ll also recognise long serving committee members of landcare groups in the region.
Afterwards, head into the Raillery Hub in St Arnaud for the opening of the Riverine Art Exhibition at 2pm (showcasing magnificent artwork by John Wolsley and others over 40 years on the Richardson River); or pop out to Luke Batters’ property to learn more about how they are incorporating biodiversity on farm; or explore the magnificent Wax Gardens in nearby Kara Kara National Park on a self-guided walk.
This event is FREE, but registrations for catering purposes are essential. For more details and to register head to the Eventbrite page.
Leave a Reply