EOIs open for Producer Advisory Panel (Sheep Connect NSW)

Applications close 12 April

Australian Wool Innovation's Sheep Connect NSW is overseen by a Producer Advisory Panel of woolgrowers from across the state, which provides direction for the network and AWI investment. NSW woolgrowers are invited to apply for a position on this panel, which would be for a two year term and involve approximately four meetings per year.

Survey for volunteers who help nature (The University of Queensland)

Do you volunteer your time to help nature? Social researcher Tracy Schultz is investigating the benefits and motivations of people who give time and energy to helping nature. The results will provide insight into the experiences that help strengthen the capacity and motivation of volunteers.

The Plains Wanderer is a small bird species native to Australia. They are adapted to living in grasslands and open woodland habitats, and play an important ecological role in these habitats. 

The conservation of the Plains Wanderer is crucial to the protection of Australia's grassland ecosystems, but unfortunately their population has been declining rapidly due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

In response, Riverina Local Land Services, the Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Murrumbidgee Landcare are playing an important role in raising awareness about the Plains Wanderer and promoting its conservation in the Riverina region.

Stock management areas, shelterbelts and farm dams field day (Sustainable Farms & Riverina Local Land Services)

4 April, 9.15 am to 1.00 pm, Harefield

This field day will include a training session on practical, in-field observations to monitor soil health, together with talks by farmer Harry Cook on his management practices, and Sustainable Farms researchers on their work on farm dams and shelterbelts. 

Exploring Farm Innovation and Agritourism (Natural Resource Management - ACT Government)

4 April, 9.30 am to 2.30 pm, Yarramundi Reach ACT

Learn about potential diversification and innovation options for your farm business, with information on: Leveraging your farm assets and current production; ideas for diversification or value adding; developing new pathways to market; and your potential to tap into the visitor economy

Testing Sub-Tropical Pastures field day (Holbrook Landcare Network)

14 April, 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, Pulletop

Learn about establishing and managing sub-tropical pastures in southern NSW grazing systems. Guest speakers Frank Mcrae and Dr Suzanne Boschma will be joined by producers already trialing these pastures.

Production in the Rangelands Forum (Riverina Local Land Services)

19 April, 8.00 am to 1.00 pm, Hay

This workshop will cover all the latest research regarding production in the rangelands. Presentations will include: Measuring and improving productivity and landscape function in NSW rangelands; Building soil carbon in the rangelands; Key profit drivers in rangeland grazing businesses; and Rangeland opportunities through the NSW biodiversity market.

Leadership Intensive with Nicole Masters (Integrity Soils)

24 and 25 April, Braidwood. Tickets cost $845

This training is for educators, facilitators, leaders or anyone wishing to lift their educational toolkit. Topics will include the neuroscience of change, navigating polarization, designing regenerative programs, ecology of money, communicating with confidence and toolkits to support the learning of others.  

Drone Spraying Demonstration (Riverina Highlands Landcare Network)

28 April, 10.30 am, Tumut

Come along to watch a demonstration and learn about the benefits of using drones for weed spraying, and spreading seed and fertiliser. Please RSVP to [email protected] or 0427 407 126.

Mulloon Farm Tour (Mulloon Institute)

5 May, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Bungendore. Tickets $75

This tour will visit sites that demonstrate landscape rehydration strategies and tactics, introduce the principles behind these practices and discuss the scientific rigour underpinning this approach to water cycle function and improve productivity and ecological outcomes.  

Birdwatcher Training Workshop (BirdLife Australia)

7 May, 8.30 am to 3.30 pm, Burrumbuttock

This onsite birding skills development workshop is for birdwatchers who would like support to build your skills and local bird knowledge in a friendly relaxed environment. The workshop will help you learn more about our local bird species, and how to assist landholders with quarterly bird surveys. RSVP to Darcy Creece - 0400 949 063 or [email protected].

Grassy Woodlands Conservation & Research Forum (North East CMA, Vic)

12 May, Wangaratta Vic. Tickets cost $20

This forum will share the outcomes and findings from the five-year project aimed at restoring habitat for the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot. It will examine the current state of Grassy Woodlands ecosystems and compare them against growing trends in climate change, human activity and biodiversity decline. Keynote speakers include David Lindenmeyer and David Watson.

Accounting for Nature training (Harden-Murrumburrah Landcare)

16 May, 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, Cunningar

Local farmers, graziers and landholders are invited to attend this event to learn about environmental accounting, account stratification and aggregation of field data. There will be practical field exercises including measuring the environmental condition of native vegetation, conducting fauna surveys, and collecting soil data.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease information session (NSW Farmers & NSW Department of Primary Industries)

16 May, 11.00 am to 1.00 pm, Wagga

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious animal disease that affects all cloven-hoofed animals. Australia remains free of FMD, but good biosecurity practices and early detection will be essential to reduce the potential impact of FMD if it arrives in Australia. This info session will help you to recognise the signs and better understand the risk.

National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo 2023

21 June, 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, Dubbo

This event brings together the farming and energy communities to share stories of on-farm renewables and discuss what's driving the transformation of energy use in agriculture. The program includes a keynote presentation by Ross Garnaut, and presentations on large-scale solar & wind developments.

Nature-Based Solutions Conference (Carbon Farmers of Australia)

17 to 19 July, Brisbane. Tickets start at $400, or $330 for virtual attendance.

This conference is the new incarnation of the National Carbon Farming Conference. In addition to carbon markets, it will cover tree carbon, soil carbon and biodiversity.

Maximising ecosystem opportunities to fit your business (Landcare Australia)

4 April, 1.00 to 3.00 pm

This webinar will help grow your understanding of biodiversity on-farm, improve your capacity to participate in emerging environmental markets, and develop your knowledge of environmental condition and natural capital accounting systems.

Indigenous knowledges informing our modern world (Australian Academy of Science)

11 April, 13 June, 8 August, 10 October and 12 December

This series is investigating how the intersection of Indigenous knowledges is informing our understanding of topics including climate change, agriculture and astronomy. The April event is titled ‘Rivers, groundwater and oceans’, and will feature two Indigenous researchers discussing their work and how Indigenous knowledges impact their work and the communities they work with.

QPR Suicide Prevention training (Rural Outreach Counselling)

Multiple dates, including: 18 April, 20 April, 2 May or 23 May

QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer. It is a short course run by qualified facilitators, which will give people the skills to identify the warning signs of someone at risk of suicide, the confidence to speak to them about their thoughts, and tools to connect them with professional care. The training takes 40-60 minutes.

10 things you need to know about not-for-profit governance (Australian Charity Guide)

3 May

Not-for profit governance specialist Megan Buntine presents this webinar covering her top 10 'need-to-knows' for any not-for-profit leader wanting to ensure good governance practices within their organisation.

Livestock grazing as a conservation management tool (Biodiversity Conservation Trust)

17 May, 12.30 to 1.30 pm

This webinar will look at conservation grazing regimes, which aim to promote native species’ diversity and cover by encouraging grazing-sensitive plant species to increase in abundance and distribution over time. We will learn when and where such a grazing regime is appropriate and how to implement a successful grazing strategy.

SWIFFT seminar series (State Wide Integrated Flora and Fauna Teams)

27 July & 26 October

These interactive sessions help connect researchers, land managers, government agencies and community groups. Upcoming topics include: Agriculture supporting native flora & fauna (27 Jul), and Surveys and monitoring (26 Oct)

Small Environmental Grant Scheme (Wettenhall Trust)

Applications OPEN 1 April

Grants of up to approximately $10,000 are available to support projects that will make a positive difference to the natural living environment, in land, sea or air, rural or urban. Projects should be focused on flora and fauna conservation or threatened mammal conservation, and should involve: monitoring, recording and sharing data; delivering community education; providing community capacity building; or research and science.

Community University Partnerships Grants (Charles Sturt University)

Close 5 April

Grants of up to $1,000 are available for projects in categories including Arts & Culture, Education Development, Health & Wellbeing, and Environmental Sustainability. All projects must be completed by 30 November 2023.

Strengthening Rural Communities - Large ‘Rebuilding Regional Communities’ grants (Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal)

EOIs close 5 April

Grants of between $10,001 and $50,000 are available for projects that enhance the recovery from Covid-19 and foster more resilient regional communities.

National Soil Carbon Innovation Challenge Development and Demonstration grants (Australian Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water)

Close 11 April

Grants of between $100,000 and $5 million are available for proof of concept, validation or early-stage commercialisation activities relating to the development of lower cost, accurate technological solutions for soil carbon measurement. Successful applicants will demonstrate how their proposed technology solution is effective at measuring, estimating and/or predicting soil organic carbon in an operational environment.

Aboriginal Affairs NSW Cultural Grants Program (Aboriginal Affairs NSW)

Close 14 April, or when all funds are expended

Grants of between $500 and $20,000 are available to support Aboriginal community organisations to celebrate Aboriginal culture and hold key cultural events and activities. Funding can be used for projects including: women’s or men’s gathering on Country, delivery of culture / wellbeing camps for Aboriginal youth, online workshops, community celebration event or cultural activities at a sporting event.

Small Grassy Ecosystem Grants (Friends of Grasslands)

Close 21 April

Grants of up to $1,500 are available for projects that promote understanding, conservation and management of native grassy ecosystems. Projects can involve education, research, surveys, monitoring, citizen science, on-ground work, publications, awareness raising and Indigenous engagement.

Bushfire Restoration grants (Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife)

Close 30 April, or when all funds are expended

Grants of up to $5,000 are available for field projects that will have a direct restoration outcome for the 2019-2020 bushfire impacted LGAs. Projects should aim to enable communities to rebuild their local environments devastated by the 2019-2020 bushfires, and/or support the restoration of key habitats and ecosystems needed for healthy landscapes within the LGA’s impacted by the 2019-2020 bushfires.

Inland Rail Sponsorships (Australian Rail Track Corporation)

Close 30 April

Community groups are invited to submit applications to fund an activity, event or project that will benefit your local community. Funding of between $1,000 and $4,000 is available for individuals and organisations in regional areas along the Inland Rail route that contribute to local and regional prosperity, well-being and sustainability.

Community Partnerships Program (TransGrid)

Close 30 April

This program offers grants of up to $5,000 for not-for-profit organisations that are local to TransGrid's planning, operations and major project areas. Projects should focus on education, environmental sustainability, safety & wellbeing, and/or initiatives that energise communities. Projects must be completed within 6 months.

Environmental Grants (Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists)

Close 1 May

Grants up to $5,000 will be considered to assist projects delivering the enhancement of biodiversity, conservation or enhanced understanding of the natural environment within the Murrumbidgee Valley.

Annual Grants Program (Wagga Wagga City Council)

Close 1 May

There are ten categories of grants available, including Natural Environment (offering grants of $500 to $3,000); Community Programs & Projects (offering grants of $1,000 to $7,500) and Events (offering grants of $500 to $7,500). Most grants have 12 months for completion.

Saving Koalas Fund - Community Grants (Australian Government)

Close 9 May

Grants of $50,000 to $200,000 are available to support community-led conservation and recovery efforts to improve the trajectory of listed koala populations. Projects must be completed within two years, and must include on-ground activities in areas where the listed koala is known or likely to occur.

Stronger Communities Program (Australian Government)

Close 10 May

Grants of up to $20,000 are available for small capital projects. The current round aims to support communities to recover from the widespread impacts of adverse weather events and current economic pressures. In consultation with their community, each Federal MP must identify potential applicants and projects in their electorate and invite them to apply for a grant. Up to $150,000 is available for each federal electorate.

Qantas Regional Grants (Qantas)

Close 10 May

Grants ranging from less than $5,000 up to $20,000 are available for community groups to help enhance the lives of people in regional communities. Projects can run over up to 12 months, with funding available as cash, in-kind flights or marketing support (or a combination of the three). Applications will be judged on the extent to which they demonstrate a measurable socioeconomic impact, maximise local community benefit, boost the profile/strength of the applicant for the future, and demonstrate innovation.

Strengthening Rural Communities grants (Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal)

Close 31 May

Grants are available for a broad range of grassroots initiatives that benefit local communities. Under the ‘Small & Vital’ stream, grants of up to $10,000 are available for communities with fewer than 15,000 people. Under the ‘Prepare & Recover’ stream, grants of up to $25,000 are available for communities affected by the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires. Under the ‘Rebuilding Regional Communities’ stream, grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects that enhance the recovery from Covid-19 and foster more resilient regional communities.

Gallagher Landcare electric fencing grants (Landcare Australia)

Close 15 June

Grants of up to $8,000 are available for permanent electric fencing materials for conservation exclusion/inclusion fencing, riparian protection and farm dam restoration. In order to apply, you must arrange an on-site visit with your local Gallagher Territory Manager between 1 May and 9 June 2023.

Farms of the Future grants (NSW Department of Primary Industries)

Close 31 August

Grants of between $5,000 and $35,000 are available for primary producers in the Carrathool, Griffith and Leeton LGAs to purchase the latest agtech equipment and connectivity solutions to address their farm needs. Applicants must first complete the 'Monitoring your farm with Agtech' training program (available as a one-day in person or online course). Proposed agtech, connectivity and dashboard solutions must be selected from the Program Partners in the Farms of the Future Agtech Catalogue.

NAB Foundation Community Grants (National Australia Bank Foundation)

Close 31 August

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects that help communities prepare for natural disasters, support long-term recovery and build resilience to future disasters and climate change. Projects must be completed within 12 months.

Community Partnerships Program (Transgrid)

Close 31 August

Not-for-profit and community groups are invited to apply for grants of between $500 and $5,000 to undertake projects in areas local to Transgrid assets or construction. Projects should provide a lasting and tangible benefit to the community, and should be completed within six months.

RAS Foundation Community Futures Grant (Royal Agricultural Society of NSW)

Applications close 30 November

Grants of up to $25,000 are available for community projects that deliver strong community benefits and result in enhanced economic and social outcomes for your community. Projects that involve collaboration between people in your town and deliver sustained and broad community benefits will be highly regarded.

Young Environmental Champions (Action for Agriculture)

This 10-week program supports young Australians to be agents of change, creating a movement to embed sustainability thinking and actions in our way of life. It is available to students in Stages 3 to 5 in  the Riverina in term two 2023.

Online biosecurity courses (Agriculture Victoria)

A new series of short courses have been released on a range of biosecurity topics, including: Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Lumpy Skin Disease, Australian Plague Locust, and Pests and Diseases for grains industry. All courses are free, you just need to create an account to access them.

Fee-free Agriculture and Agribusiness qualifications (Rural Biz)

Under the NSW Smart & Skilled program, the following courses are being offered fee-free: Cert IV & Diploma of Agriculture, Cert IV in Agribusiness, Diploma & Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management, and Chemical Card Plus. Eligibility requirements apply.

Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program (National Farmers Federation)

Applications close 19 April

This program is a 5-month mentoring and networking opportunity for women involved in agriculture with a passion for the industry and it’s future. It offers opportunities for women who are looking to take their leadership to the next level, through mentoring, participation in an online webinar series and a leadership retreat in Canberra.

The Magic of Wiradjuri Country photo competition (Riverina Local Land Services)

Schools must submit their finalist entries to RLLS by 30 April

Primary and secondary schools are invited to participate in this competition. This is a great way to encourage kids to get out on Country and snap a picture of something they find interesting or beautiful - a landmark, an animal, a person, or the landscape itself.

2024 Nuffield Scholarships (Nuffield Australia)

Applications close 9 June

These scholarships provide funding to travel overseas for up to 14 weeks to research a topic to add value to the Australian primary industry sector. This year, in addition to the many long-standing scholarship investors, the Future Drought Fund is investing in at least five scholarships that are specifically available to study drought resilience and support innovation.