LandCareis a grass roots movement that harnesses individuals and groups under the ethic of caring for the land. The movement has grown to a broad focus on sustainable management of all of Australia’s natural resource assets and now encompasses individuals and groups across the whole landscape from coastal to urban and remote areas of Australia. With over 6000 Landcare and Coastcare groups nationwide there is likely to be a group near you, possibly working on a project right under your nose. Volunteers range from kids to retirees, surfers to farmers and CEO’s to students.
Weedbusters is a national program that seeks to raise awareness about the damaging effects of weeds. Weedbusters engages the community through education and awareness activities and on-ground weed management.
WeedWarriors is an innovative national program that provides participants the opportunity to learn, hands-on about invasive pest plants, a major environmental menace to Australia, and to become part of the solution to the problem. Through a program of interactive learning and hands-on experience, strengthened through unique partnerships developed between government and the community, Weed Warriors fosters an increased awareness of and participation in local weed issues.
Eastern Riverina Noxious Weeds Advisory Group (ERNWAG) and Western Riverina Noxious Weeds Advisory Group (WRNWAG) are the leading committees for weed management in the Riverina region including the catchments of the Murray, Murrumbidgee, Lower Murray Darling and Lachlan.
Macquarie Valley Weeds Advisory Committee (MVWAC) and Lachlan Valley Weeds Advisory Committee (LVWAC). These committees are comprised of Local Control Authorities and Livestock, Health and Pest Authorities weed officers, as well as community groups, Catchment Management Authorities, and other weed management professionals. They are dedicated to controlling weeds to maintain agricultural, environmental and community health. See the attached training calender for a list of courses from the NSW Weeds Training Program (also available nationally through TAFE/RTO) 2011 Weeds training Calender
Develop weed management plans in consultation with key stakeholder groups and those people whose land may be affected by a declared weed infestation and promote integrated best practice weed control throughout industry and the wider community. To support the activities of the NT Weed Advisory Committee, Regional Reference Groups have been established in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs and comprise a membership representing hands-on land managers, land owners and other stakeholders with an interest and experience in local weed management issues.
The Weed Society of Western Australia (Inc)PO Box 190
VICTORIA PARK 6979 Western Australia
Interest/short courses
The following list of courses is not exhaustive - to find a course in your local community: check your local newspapers; community centre or community noticeboard; local club/group/'friends of' newsletters and bulletins; Local Government or Authority websites; and local education centres. Browsing the internet using a search engine is another efficient and effective way to find out whats on in your area.
Short Courses Victoria - Short Courses Victoria allows you to search for the course you want, and find a course provider that is conveniently located near your home or work.
Weeds Cann River Community Centre (VIC) Weed identification and control methods
Weed Identification and Control Goulburn Murray Rural Water Authority - Training Services (Tatura, VIC) Learn how to classify weeds and their most effective control.
Weed Identification Belgrave South Community House (VIC) Discover what makes a plant a weed and why. Ideal for anyone who would like to be involved with native bush regeneration and preservation. Find out how you can become a volunteer with your local Landcare or Friends group.
GREEN GARDEN CARE - SAFE NATURAL METHODS Holmesglen TAFE Short course - 1 day This course enables students to to recognise common garden pests, weeds and diseases, be introduced to a range of strategies to control or eliminate pests, diseases and weeds, learn different methods to apply organic or chemical controls to prevent diseases and learn techniques such as crop rotation, companion planting, healthy plant growth.
Weed Removers, pasture Improvers RIST/MLA EDGEnetwork/Various providers and locations nationally Short course - 2 day This two day workshop focuses on the important issue of reducing weed infestation and increasing desirable species, pasture quality, animal production and income. The Weed Removers, Pasture Improvers workshop focuses on balance This two day workshop focuses on the important issue of reducing weed infestation and increasing desirable species, pasture quality, animal production and income. The Weed Removers, Pasture Improvers workshop focuses on balance – rather than simply spraying weeds, effective weed control in pastures requires a ‘whole-of pasture’ approach. It’s about both suppressing weeds and strengthening the ability of pastures to compete against weeds. Completing this workshop will enable students to achieve more productive pastures through effective weed management using a wide range of cost-effective tools. Weed Removers, Pasture Improvers is about managing pasture composition to maximize opportunities for the desirable species, and to make life as difficult as possible for weeds.