Landcare’s 40 year legacy of environmental stewardship, community leadership and grassroots action was celebrated at the recent Landcare Victoria Awards and From the Ground Up Film Festival at Federation Square in Melbourne.
East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) CEO, Bec Hemming said, “It was incredibly inspiring to celebrate 40 years of Landcare and recognise the individuals and groups in East Gippsland and across the state who are making a positive difference.”
The evening was attended by several guests including, the Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner AC, alongside representatives from Landcare Australia, Costa Georgiadis and Peter Garrett.
Local groups were among the winners and nominees including Moogji Aboriginal Council East Gippsland and Far East Victoria (FEVL), which received the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award.
The award recognises a partnership that has grown over more than a decade and is founded on shared values of Caring for Country, respect for First Nations knowledge and a commitment to delivering meaningful environmental outcomes.
Beginning through the Snowy West Landcare Group, the collaboration has evolved into a strong regional partnership supporting biodiversity, habitat restoration and stronger community connections across East Gippsland.
“This award is a testament to the strength of the longstanding relationship between Moogi and FEVL”
“It shows what can be achieved when communities work together, share knowledge and embrace a collective commitment to caring for Country.”
Congratulations are also extended to Romawi Landcare Group, which received a Highly Commended recognition in the Landcare Innovation Award category.
For 30 years, the group has demonstrated outstanding dedication to improving the local environment, creating and restoring vital habitat for threatened flora and fauna species while inspiring community involvement in conservation efforts.
“Landcare began in community action, and that grassroots spirit remains at the heart of everything it does today.” “The East Gippsland CMA congratulates all award winners and nominees and thank everyone who has contributed to Landcare’s success over the past 40 years,” added Bec.
People from across East Gippsland and beyond turned out in force on Friday to Celebrate the Lakes, with hundreds of people enjoying a day out at the Eagle Point Foreshore and Hub.
The day began with a spectacular sunrise, clear blue skies and glass, calm waters across the Gippsland Lakes, providing a stunning backdrop for the event. Under warm spring sunshine, visitors of all ages explored displays, activities and exhibits showcasing the people, projects and organisations working to protect, enhance and celebrate the Gippsland Lakes.
East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority CEO, Bec Hemming said, “It was fantastic to see so many people embracing the opportunity to learn, explore and connect with the region’s environmental community.”
“The sunshine helped create a fantastic atmosphere as families, residents and visitors explored a diverse range of exhibitor displays, learning about local wildlife, habitat restoration projects, waterway health, cultural heritage and community initiatives while connecting with many community groups, agencies and volunteers working to care for the environment.”
Once again, a captivated audience got to experience the Warriors’ connection to their Country and Gunaikurnai Culture through dance, song, and storytelling.
The East Gippsland CMA extends its gratitude to the exhibitors, volunteers, community groups and visitors whose enthusiasm and support contributed to the success of the event.
“Celebrate the Lakes was about bringing people together to appreciate the Gippsland Lakes and catchments, better understand the challenges they face, and be inspired by the work being done to protect them for future generations,” said Bec.
“Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event a success.”
East Gippsland Landcare and environmental volunteer groups are among the successful recipients of funding through the 2026 Victorian Landcare Government Grants, helping local communities protect, enhance and restore the region’s natural environment.
Announced this week, the Victorian Government’s 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants Program will invest $3.58 million in community-led environmental action across Victoria, supporting projects that improve landscapes, strengthen biodiversity and build community capacity.
“Across East Gippsland, local Landcare and community groups have secured funding for a range of projects that will deliver on-ground environmental outcomes, provide education and engagement opportunities, and strengthen volunteer networks that play a vital role in caring for the region’s landscapes,” said Bec Hemming, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority’s CEO.
Project grants of up to $20,000 have been awarded to support activities such as habitat restoration, weed management, native vegetation enhancement, citizen science initiatives, community field days and environmental education programs.
In addition, support grants of up to $500 have been awarded to help groups meet essential operational and administrative costs, including insurance, governance and incorporation expenses.
The funding announcement comes during a significant year for Victoria’s Landcare community, marking 40 years since the formation of Victoria’s first Landcare group at Winjallok near St Arnaud in November 1986.
For four decades, Landcare volunteers, landholders and community groups have worked together to improve the health of Victoria’s soils, waterways, biodiversity and landscapes, while building strong and resilient communities.
Twenty-two project grants and eleven support grants were awarded to groups across East Gippsland.
“The East Gippsland CMA congratulates all successful grant recipients and thanks the many volunteers who continue to contribute to the long-term health and resilience of the region’s landscapes and communities.”
“Representatives from East Gippsland’s Landcare networks will be at the Celebrate the Lakes event at Eagle Point Foreshore on Friday 9 October, showcasing the important work being undertaken by Landcare groups across the region. It’s a great opportunity to meet local volunteers, learn about the projects helping to protect and enhance East Gippsland’s natural assets,” added Bec.
For more information about the Victorian Landcare Government Grants Program and to view successful projects, visit the Victorian Government’s Landcare Grants webpage.
Celebrating the rich diversity of the Gippsland Lakes and the species that rely on its rivers, wetlands and catchments, this community event will showcase the environmental initiatives helping these ecosystems survive and thrive.
The event is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the inspiring projects that protect and enhance the Gippsland Lakes and surrounding catchments, while connecting with local agencies, organisations, and community groups.
Hosted by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, (CMA) the vibrant community event, Celebrate the Lakes, will be held at the Eagle Point Foreshore Hub on Friday 9 October from 11am to 7pm.
East Gippsland CMA Chief Executive Officer Bec Hemming said the event provides an opportunity for community members and organisations to unite in learning about the region’s environment, and the projects and initiatives we are all working on together.
“Sharing knowledge and supporting each other to care for and look after the important species and environments is needed now more than ever. The Gippsland Lakes are unique for so many different reasons, this event gives us the opportunity to come together.”
“Last year, the event was very well received and enjoyed by many, and we look forward to once again recognising the diverse plants and animals that call the Gippsland Lakes and it’s catchments home.”
Water is essential to every aspect of life, sustaining our communities, environment, economy and wellbeing every day.
The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and its partners are working collaboratively to ensure water resources are managed sustainably and efficiently to support the region.
Integrated Water Management provides a framework for managing the whole water cycle and bringing organisations together to achieve the best outcomes for the region’s water resources, communities and environment.
“By working together, organisations can share knowledge, expertise and resources to address key regional challenges and opportunities, including climate change, flood modelling, future population growth, stormwater and drainage management, recycled water opportunities, and the protection and enhancement of wetlands,” said Bec Hemming East Gippsland CMA’s CEO.
Representatives from partner agencies recently visited several locations across the region to discuss these challenges and the future projects and programs and opportunities that would benefit East Gippsland.
“The day was a great opportunity to strengthen relationships, learn from each other and discuss new ideas,” added Bec.
Funded by the Victorian Government’s Integrated Water Management Program, partners include East Gippsland Water, East Gippsland Shire Council, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Parks Victoria, and Gippsland Ports.
The Snowy River is a vital water resource that supports the region’s environmental, social and cultural values. Maintaining the river’s health through environmental releases and ongoing monitoring is essential.
The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) continues to work closely with the community and Government agencies to improve the flow and health of the Snowy River.
As part of the program, we are undertaking monitoring for assessing changes in estuarine vegetation over time, tracking fish presence, abundance and evidence of breeding events, evaluating the condition and availability of important fish habitat such as refuge pools, and undertaking ongoing monitoring of the estuary mouth.
“A trial conducted during late summer and autumn of 2025 monitored the estuary mouth in response to varying environmental water release volumes over specified time intervals,” said Bec Hemming, East Gippsland CMA’s CEO.
“The monitoring captured changes in the estuary entrance in response to flow and other drivers, such as wave conditions. This provided valuable insights into how the estuary responds to these influences.”
Remote solar-powered cameras have been installed at four locations across East Gippsland to capture daily images of estuary mouths, including one at Marlo. They provide the ability to record and track changes in estuary conditions which can be further analysed in conjunction with historical records, to understand long term trends.
At a recent community event, the Snowy Advisory Committee and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) presented an overview of environmental water delivery to the Snowy River, along with updates on recent monitoring of frogs and platypus in the NSW reach and the utilisation of eDNA sampling in the upper catchment.
Snowy Hydro Limited also provided an overview of its operations and a summary of the Annual Water Operations Plan, including Trigger Flows delivered in 2025-26 and those planned for 2026-27.
“Together, these efforts reflect a strong commitment to protecting the long-term health of the Snowy River and ensuring it continues to support the communities, flora and fauna, and cultural values that depend on it,” added Bec. The trials were funded by the Victorian Government as part of its commitment to protecting and restoring Victoria’s waterways and catchments.
Students from Tambo Upper Primary School kicked off a perfect winter’s morning on the Tambo River. The day began with the sight of two White-bellied Sea Eagles, a Pelican, and mist rising gently off the water.
It was here that the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA), alongside Fishcare, joined the students for a hands-on session exploring the importance of fish habitat.
“The students spent the day at Battens Landing and learnt about the importance of fish in rivers and habitats. The students also cast a line and tried their hand at fishing, unfortunately only a few snags were caught, better luck next time,” said Bec Hemming, CEO of the East Gippsland CMA.
“They were an enthusiastic and knowledgeable group of students who wowed CMA staff with their knowledge of the river, the fish that live there and the importance of habitat in a river”.
For more than 20 years, large timber structures have been installed across East Gippsland’s waterways to create habitat to improve the availability, density and connectivity of shelter for native fish species.
These long running programs are a collaborative effort between the East Gippsland CMA, Victorian Fisheries Authority, angling clubs, community groups, and partner agencies, all sharing a commitment to improving waterways for native fish and recreational fishing.
The East Gippsland CMA recently completed the installation of log structures throughout the Tambo and Mitchell River estuaries to enhance habitat for key native species such as black bream, estuary perch and Australian Bass. This project was funded by the Fish Habitat Improvement Fund, which is part of the Victorian Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Plan.
Students across East Gippsland learned about the environment and catchments through an engaging mix of wildlife encounters and creative art, as the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) presented its Catchment Connections roadshow.
The program travelled across the region visiting schools in Swifts Creek, Lakes Entrance, Bruthen, Newmerella and Mallacoota, bringing hands on environmental learning directly to local students.
Delivered in partnership with Black Snake Productions, the program featured live native animals including endangered frog and snake species, turtles, goannas, a sugar glider, bandicoot, masked owl, swift parrot and a fruit bat as part of an interactive presentation focused on biodiversity, waterway health and a special emphasis on threatened species found in East Gippsland.
The East Gippsland CMA teamed up with the East Gippsland Art Gallery to incorporate a creative element into the program. Students took part in guided art sessions, where they decorated a threatened species while learning about it, combining science and creativity to deepen their understanding.
“East Gippsland CMA is always keen to support schools and provide opportunities for students to develop a deeper understanding of the environment,” said Bec Hemming, East Gippsland CMA CEO.
“This program highlights the vital role that healthy habitats play in supporting threatened species, while making learning fun, interactive and memorable.”
By combining wildlife experiences with hands on art activities, the Catchment Connections program continues to inspire the next generation to value and protect East Gippsland’s natural environment.
As part of its commitment to protecting and restoring Victoria’s waterways and catchments, this project is funded by the Victorian Government.
Multiple projects are underway across the region to safeguard the critically endangered Redgum Grassy Woodlands and Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands thanks to strong collaboration between partner agencies and local landholders.
The Moormurng and Bengworden Reserves, the key focus areas of the project, support some of the largest remaining patches of these unique ecosystems. Conservation works are currently being carried out across 15 sites.
This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA), a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
“As part of this work, Trust for Nature staff, alongside East Gippsland CMA staff, recently planted 300 species listed in the Threatened Ecological Community across one of two sites identified. This contributes to a broader 35-hectare revegetation effort to be delivered over four years,” East Gippsland CMA’s CEO Bec Hemming said.
“These sites are protected under Trust for Nature covenants, an important step in ensuring these unique ecosystem’s survival long into the future,” added Bec.
The planting included a range of species including the Gippsland Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. mediana), Black Sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis), Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata), and multiple threatened grass species. The East Gippsland CMA is working with other partners Greening Australia and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) to deliver the four-year project, which combines ecological restoration with strong community and Traditional Owner involvement.
Recent monitoring of the Buchan River near the fishway has confirmed it is successfully supporting native fish passage, with strong increases in fish numbers and species found.
“The fishway was constructed in 2023 to overcome the barrier created by a large log structure, which had restricted fish movement,” said Bec Hemming, CEO of the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
“A comprehensive summary of monitoring results from 2022 to 2026, commissioned by the East Gippsland CMA, has improved our understanding of how fish populations have responded since construction of the fishway.”
The results show clear improvements in movement both upstream and downstream, along with a substantial increase in abundance. The most recent surveys recorded a total of 2,371 individual fish; significantly higher than pre-construction surveys, where numbers were in the hundreds.
This increase indicates suitable environmental conditions and good quality habitat in the Buchan River, and suggests the fishway is being actively used.
“As well as high numbers of individuals, a diverse range of species was observed including smelt, common galaxias, longfin eel and tupong, Australian bass and the threatened Australian grayling.”
The fishway now reconnects the river, allowing fish to migrate up to 127 kilometres through the upper reaches of the Buchan River, restoring access to important habitat that was previously out of reach.
Ongoing monitoring will help determine whether these high fish numbers are sustained across different seasons and flow conditions.
“Beyond the significant environmental benefits, the Buchan River is a popular destination for residents and visitors, supporting a range of recreational activities. The area around the fishway is well used, and the project contributes to the long-term enjoyment and health of the river,” added Bec. As part of its commitment to protecting and restoring Victoria’s waterways and catchments, this project is funded by the Victorian Government.
