FAQS + LANDCARE PROFESSIONALS FORUM + GRANTS GALORE! + NOMINATE A GREAT LANDCARER FOR THE LANDCARE AWARDS!
LVI NEWS: FAQS + LANDCARE PROFESSIONALS FORUM + GRANTS GALORE! + NOMINATE A GREAT LANDCARER FOR THE LANDCARE AWARDS!
Dear LVI Member Groups,
From the Chair
Welcome to this update containing matters of interest for our large landcare audience, these regular bulletins provided by Susi over the years have been valued and have often been the only means of communication to our sometimes small and isolated groups.
With the bringing together of the advocacy and partnership functions of the VLC and the services provided by the FTLA the new organization is up and running, we thank you, our membership for your patience and encouragement as we morphed into Landcare Victoria Incorporated.
You will find more information about the new organization, including a list of frequently asked questions in this issue and we intend to broaden the scope of further issues by including not just the usual grants rounds etc but newsy notes highlighting successes and initiatives of our fellow landcarers.
It is with great pleasure that I have accepted the role of Chair of this new entity and I am surrounded by an energetic Committee of Management already demonstrating their skills and commitment and ably supported by a small but dedicated staff who, with us, are bringing the widely recognized Landcare brand to our Government and our stakeholders reinforcing the remarkable capacity of our landcare community in the delivery of land and environment improvements at extremely low costs.
In the next and subsequent issues we propose to put faces to names as we introduce your Committee members and support staff.
Thank you
Terry Hubbard – LVI Chair
Please forward relevant items to your members who may be interested. These emails are only sent to the group contact, and to Landcare support staff where listed. Apologies for any cross-postings.
If this has been forwarded to you and you would like to be added to the distribution list please send us an email with subject LVI NEWS SUBSCRIBE.
A set of answers to Frequently Asked Questions have been developed covering issues such as insurance and members fees for 2017-18. These are available at: https://www.landcarevic.org.au/groups/state/lvi/landcare-victoria-inc-frequently-asked-questions/
In Tuesday’s budget the Australian Government announced it would be returning $85 million from the cancellation of the Green Army to support on-ground projects by Landcare groups; support the work of Landcare Australia and the National Landcare Network; and for a Sustainable Agriculture small grants program. There is also $15 million for new Indigenous Protected Areas additional to those already declared or already under formal consultation as part of the existing Indigenous Protected Areas Network. Overall the National Landcare Program will receive $1.1 billion over the next seven years.
The National Landcare Network is in discussion with the relevant departments as to how the distribution of these funds will occur.
This budget announcement resolves the backpacker tax deal with the Greens last December to return $100 million to Landcare, after the government saved over $350 million by cancelling the Green Army program. The Green Army was originally funded for $535 million over four years in 2014, largely via a $484 million cut to the National Landcare Program.
As part of the 30 years celebrations, the committee decided to create an archive of Landcare Voices and engaged an oral historian interview some of the voices of Landcare.
Now available are the slideshow as shown at the AGM and the first three interviews (Susan Campbell and Ed Adamson, Peter Davies and Pam Robinson) via the Landcare Gateway at www.landcarevic.org.au /lvi/projects.
(Tip: you don’t need dropbox to view files, just click the “no thanks” link at the bottom of the pop-up window.) Further interviews will be published as they become available. Warning - files are huge (70MB)!
Just a reminder coming up to 30 June about the Landcare Employment checklist. It is a guide to assist landcare groups and networks in employing or engaging staff. It is not designed to cover all issues around staff management but rather to be a starting point for action.
If you need more information on any of the items on the checklist DELWP has put together a Useful Links on the Employment of Landcare Support Staff resource or contact the LVI on 03 9207 5527 or Info@lvi.org.au.
Both documents are available at https://www.landcarevic.org.au/resources/ by searching for Employment
The ACNC has developed a new Guide “Managing people’s information and data” to provide Not-for-Profits with a broad overview of charities’ ethical and legal responsibilities, as well as practical tips for responsibly collecting, storing and using people’s information and data. Available at: http://www.acnc.gov.au/ACNC/FTS/Managing_peoples_information_and_data_.aspx
CPA Australia, in partnership with Pro Bono Australia, is now offering qualified CPA Australia members the opportunity to add value to the community through the Mentor the Treasurer program.
The primary goals of the Mentor the Treasurer Program are to help small, Not for Profit organisations better manage their funds, achieve financial independence and more easily find a suitable reviewer or auditor with a minimum of fuss. The Program aims to achieve this through the mentoring relationship, whereby the Mentor guides the volunteer Treasurer in the maintenance of sound financial records and the preparation of sound financial statements.
http://probonoaustralia.com.au/mentor-the-treasurer/
Heading into grant reporting season we’ve had a number of queries around account-keeping, so we thought it might be a good idea to remind everyone, that group and network committees have financial responsibilities – not just the Treasurer!
Every committee member needs to understand the financial position of the group and make sure that the group is able to pay its debts. Never be afraid to ask questions! Whoever is preparing the accounts has a responsibility to help you understand and will be probably be very happy someone is paying attention J
The best assurance you have of making sure your organisation is able to pay its debts is to keep a close eye on the accounts. The following are some basic checks and balances:
Regular reports on income, expenditure, assets and liabilities
Double signatories / authorisation on bank accounts
Spending Limits / Spending within budget
Authority to enter into contracts only with committee approval
Sometime audits are legally required, but even where they aren’t, if groups are reasonable large or managing multiple grants, sourcing an independent audit or financial review can be a good idea and provide valuable feedback on financial processes. You may even be able to arrange to swap skills with a neighbouring group!
For further information check out some of the following resources or give us a call as needed.
Depending on the size and complexity of your organisation, you may wish to investigate a software package such as Xero or Saasu or Quickbooks, which can track grants and link invoices and receipts to transactions.
A National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) is being prepared to explore the release of the carp virus cyprinid herpesvirus-3, or CyHV-3. The new factsheet is a wonderful resource to share around your community groups to increase understanding of the scale of the issue, the virus itself and the national response plan. Visit the FRDC website for more information: http://frdc.com.au/carp/Pages/default.aspx
The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has released a new brochure for landowners who currently store waste tyres on their properties or are considering accepting waste tyres from others to store on their land. To download or view the brochure visit EPA’s website. Copies are also available through EPA’s regional offices. For more information on storing waste tyres visit epa.vic.gov.au/wastetyres
NEW CLIMATE CHANGE RESOURCE
The Climate Ready Natural Resource Management Planning in Victoria portal provides a common platform to access climate change adaptation planning for natural resource management across Victoria and was funded by the Australian Government. This project: developed spatial tools to assess climate change vulnerability across the state, pioneered adaptation pathways planning in the state, undertook extensive engagement with the community and key stakeholders on climate change adaptation, and produced the most comprehensive natural resource management climate change adaptation planning to date in Victoria. The work also provided guidance on carbon farming priorities within the regions.
To visit this portal, please visit www.nrmclimate.vic.gov.au
KNOW NATIVES FROM INVASIVES - ANY TIME, ANY WHERE
The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party(VSTWP) has released a new set of online services to help with on-the-spot weed identification. The services include a Facebook page and YouTube channel that provide information and support to landowners and managers on the noxious weed.
• The Facebook address is: www.facebook.com/serratedtussock/
• The link for YouTube is: http://bit.ly/2o2YzRF
Working with landholders, communities and government of all stripes is a tough gig. The Landcare Professionals Forum is an opportunity to share your knowledge and learn from and with others. Old dilemmas, opportunities, problems – it’s all on the table. Come for insights, for skills and the good time of being with other committed Landcare professionals.
This forum reinforces the commitment of the newly established peak Victorian Landcare organisation, Landcare Victoria Incorporated, to professional development in the Landcare community, and builds on the legacies of both the founding partners, the Victorian Landcare Council and the Farm Tree and Landcare Association. The organising committee of Ross Colliver, Klaus Boelke and Libby Riches consulted extensively with Landcare professionals and volunteers to produce a thought provoking agenda, definitely an event not to be missed.
This is a free event. No cost to Landcare professionals except your time. Accommodation in the rather nice cabins is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and then it’s the bunk rooms. If you’re thinking of coming, you’re advised to book now.
Registrations: close 26 May 2017. To register: go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5J9S6HR
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers. From 8–14 May 2017 thousands of events across the country will be held to say thank you to the 6 million Australians who volunteer. For more information go to https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/nvw/
The EPA is running a series community consultation workshops across Victoria to involve the community in “Delivering the Victorian Governments Vision for the EPA” , including:
Dandenong – 11 May
Bairnsdale – 16 May
For more information go to https://engage.vic.gov.au/reform-epa
Ticket: $140 per person (lunch included)
Following the success of the 2016 event, the Knowledge Banquet is back and promises to be a fantastic day of knowledge-sharing and networking, presented by the PPWCMA. Opened by the Victorian Minister for Water, Hon. Lisa Neville MP, topics will include establishing better relationships and partnerships with local politicians, involving large and diverse communities in environmental programs, and increasing the profile of Landcare projects in the media and community. To register: https://register.eventarc.com/37766/knowledge-banquet-2017
The theme for this year’s conference is What Makes Healthy Communities? People have the Power!
The conference will focus on getting back to the basics:
For more information go to Explore the 2017 Communities in Control program.
Not-for-profit Law regularly runs webinars on a variety of topics that affect community organisations. You can attend this training using your computer from wherever you may be located. Registering for each webinar is essential. For more information or to register click here - http://www.justiceconnect.org.au/our-programs/not-for-profit-law/training/webinars . Slides from previous sessions are also available.
Safety, risk management and insurance for not-for-profits: Wednesday 7 June
This webinar will provide the latest cases, issues and changes to the law relating to the engagement of volunteers.
Working with Volunteers – Key Legal Issues! - Wednesday 5 July
This webinar will cover the key legal issues your organisation needs to consider when working with volunteers and other types of unpaid workers, and give you some useful tools and tips on how to meet your obligations.
The 15th Victorian No-Till Farmers Association annual conference is happening Thursday 13 &14 July 2017 at Moama. For information and assistance to attend this conference, please click here -http://www.ghcma.vic.gov.au/news/article/2017-vic-no-till-conference
Remember when linking your event to an official “Day” to register with the appropriate organisation to maximise your promotional opportunities
http://www.environment.gov.au/about/media/events/index.html
BIODIVERSITY ON-GROUND ACTION - COMMUNITY & VOLUNTEER ACTION GRANTS 2017 – Closing midnight 10th May!
The Community & Volunteer Action grants;
• are offering funding for projects between $5,000 and $50,000, with total funding of $1 million available for these grants in 2017
• include the option of single or multi-year projects and
• have a broad biodiversity focus.
Community groups and not-for-profit organisations primarily focused on environmental projects such as biodiversity conservation or habitat protection and restoration projects are encouraged to apply.
For further information, including a link to the application form, please go to: www.environment.vic.gov.au/communityaction
AUSTRALIAN ETHICAL INVESTMENT AND SUPER, COMMUNITY GRANTS
– Current Round Open from 1st to 31st May!
A community grants program that provides financial support to new, emerging or small not-for-profit organisations that contribute to humanitarian, environmental, and animal welfare efforts in Australia and abroad. Supporting projects between $10,000 - $20,000 that deliver tangible outcomes in alignment with the organisations charter.
For more information go to - https://www.australianethical.com.au/community-grants/
LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES FUND –
Closing 12 noon 17th May
The Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to support the Australian agricultural industry.
The Fund’s objective is to support national agricultural industry organisations to develop leadership capability within agricultural industry representative bodies. It aims to build farm leaders’ skills so they can better represent their agricultural industry.
For further information or to apply click here - http://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/leadership-ag-fund
SUEZ COMMUNITY GRANTS – Current Round Closing 19th May
The SUEZ Community Grants program will partner with organisations that fit with our core philosophy of supporting local participation in social and environmental projects, of up to $15,000, which help create a more sustainable future and build strong thriving communities.
Please contact SUEZ to check your eligibility and contact the LVI if you need us to auspice your group. Phone: 02 8775 5535 (9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday). Email: communitygrants@suez-env.com.au (general enquiries). For more information go to: http://suezcommunitygrants.com.au
OUR CATCHMENTS OUR COMMUNITIES LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT GRANTS Closing 24th May
The Our Catchments Our Communities Leadership Development Grants provide funding of up to $10,000 for travel, study, research or other forms of professional development in the following categories:
For guidelines, application form & FAQs go to http://www.delwp.vic.gov.au/water/governing-water-resources/our-catchments,-our-communities/leadership-grantsMore information: please email ourcatchments.ourcommunities@delwp.vic.gov.au
FRRR has a number of grants that open at different times of the year.
Community and Philanthropy Partnerships Week Grants - Applications close 12 May 2017
This program helps community groups and their philanthropic supporters to celebrate their partnerships, with $160,000 available in grants of up to $10,000.
For further information - http://www.communitypartnerships.com.au/news/
http://frrr.org.au/grants/2017_CPPW_grants.php
FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants - Applications close 15 May 2017
Grants to help rural communities tackle the issues concerning young people across rural, regional and remote Australia.
http://www.frrr.org.au/grants/Heywire-youth-innovation
Tackling Tough Times Together - Round 8 - Applications close 26 May 2017
The Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) grant program helps communities access the resources they need to support one another through the drought. This round features grants up to $15,000, with EOIs invited for grants up to $50,000.
For further information - http://www.frrr.org.au/grants/tackling_tough_times_together_-_round_8.php
New Round Opens 20th June 2017
The current round of Norman Wettenhall small environmental grants is now open. The grants provide support for groups or individuals undertaking projects that will make a positive difference to the natural living environment, in land, sea or air, rural or urban.
At the moment Norman Wettenhall are looking for projects around flora and fauna conservation, threatened mammal conservation, and landscape restoration and education.
New round opens - 20th June 2017 – August 2017. (The round will be closed when the maximum number of applications has been reached.)
For further information or to apply click here - http://nwf.org.au/grants/small-environmental-grants/
Closing 19th May
This program aims to develop community-owned and operated renewable energy projects in regional areas of Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley through a series of innovative new grants.
Grants of up to $110,000 per year are available over a period of two years. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
- Solar gardens
- Community wind farms
- Feasibility study
For further information go to - http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/services-and-advice/funding/pilot-community-power-hub
Funding is available to build a new shed or refurbish an existing shed through the Men's Shed Program. Priority will be given to projects demonstrate a high level of need and to those that come from rural communities, communities that are experiencing economic and social change or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities To make an application, contact the department's Local Connections Team in your area to discuss your project. It is strongly recommended that you also seek advice from the Victorian Men’s Shed Association. For more information go to: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-business-and-community/community-involvement/men-in-the-community/mens-sheds
Grants up to $20,000 to help address the needs of children in out-of-home care, vulnerable teens, including young offenders and community members facing domestic violence in selected regional NSW LGAs.
For further information - http://frrr.org.au/grants/I4CI-Rd3
The Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) is calling for project submissions for their 2017/2018 Community Grants Program, to help combat gorse in your local area.
The VGT will consider projects under a Small Community Grants up to $5,000 (GST exclusive), and Large (Facilitated) Community Grants up to $25,000 (GST exclusive), supporting groups starting from just two landholders, who are genuinely willing to control gorse and stay on top of it.
For further information go to: https://www.vicgorsetaskforce.com.au/news/community_grants email info@vicgorsetaskforce.com.au or contact the VGT Executive Officer on 5561 9905.
Next Round Opens 5th June 2017
The Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Grants Program supports communities in Victoria to ensure local war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour are restored to their original condition or improved to reflect the service history of the local community. Any Victorian ex-service organisation, local council, school or community group is eligible to apply. Grants up to $20,000 per project are available. For more information go to: http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/index.php/veterans/veterans-grants/commemorative-grants-restoring-war-memorials-and-avenues-of-honour
ANDREWS FOUNDATION GRANTS – Current Round Closing 3rd June
This program aims to support communities of people who are helping themselves and others in ways that can be sustained into the future, with particular preference given to projects that will benefit communities within the Gippsland region.
Grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects assisting in dealing with environmental needs and problems.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available for locally based community organisations to either get started or enhance an existing project.
Applicants must have Deductible Gift Recipient Status or be endorsed as Income Tax Exempt (check your ABN record at http://www.abr.business.gov.au/Index.aspx to confirm).
For further information go to - http://www.andrewsfoundation.org.au/apply/eligibility.htm
Current Round Closes 10th June
The Ray & Joyce Uebergang Foundation grant supports projects which advance scientific, educational or other public charitable purposes in Victoria. Only groups with DGR status can apply.
Applications are considered quarterly, and should be lodged by 10thMarch, 10thJune, 10th September or 10th December.
For more information go to - http://uebergangfoundation.com.au/ .
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S THREATENED SPECIES RECOVERY FUND
Closing 2pm 15th June 2017
To be eligible for consideration, Applications must:
Funding amounts:
For further information including funding guidelines, FAQs and application form go to -http://www.nrm.gov.au/national/threatened-species-recovery-fund or phone 1800 803 772 or email: tsrfund@environment.com.au
Developing Stronger Regional Communities - RDV
The Stronger Regional Communities Plan (SRCP) aims to support rural and regional towns by investing in community-led initiatives and partnerships that create or enhance the conditions for economic growth, building community capabilities to drive change and improving the liveability of regional and rural towns. Open for applications on an ongoing basis.
For further information go to - https://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/regional-jobs-and-infrastructure-fund/stronger-regional-communities or contact your local RDV office via -https://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/about-us/contacts-and-assistance
YOUNG FARMERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Up to $10,000 towards training or study (Upskill) to invest on-farm or in professional development (Invest), putting new skills into practice.
For further information go to - http://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/young-farmers-scholarship-program
The VRCLP Secretariat was established in 2012 to support the Regional Community Leadership Programs (CLPs) across Victoria. Collectively the group aims to deliver exceptional leadership programs to Rural and Regional Victorians in order to strengthen its communities and develop leadership capacity and capability.
Applications will be considered from the following existing community leadership programs and their secretariat:
For further information go to - http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/programs-and-grants/community-leadership
Helps people from all walks of life establish funds to support causes they care about. Each year, we provide hundreds of grants to organisations and projects that help build healthy, resilient communities. ACF provides grants across an incredible variety of areas from arts & culture, community development, disability, education, environment, health and more. http://www.communityfoundation.org.au/grants/
SERRATED TUSSOCK LANDCARE FIELD DAY GRANTS
The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) has developed a Landcare Field Day Grants program that aims to help groups host a serrated tussock-related field day. This program offers Landcare groups/networks the opportunity to receive a one-off grant of up to $500 to sponsor the convening of serrated tussock focused field days. For further information go to: http://www.serratedtussock.com/landcare-grants-tussock-field-days
INSPIRING ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS (IES) COMMUNITY FUNDING PROGRAM
This program aims to fund Victorian communities to develop projects which benefit both the community and the environment affected by a pollution event. There are three funding categories which relate to EPA's environmental outcomes which include: Water, Land conservation, Air
Proposals need to: Benefit the affected environment in a significant and lasting way, beyond the life of the project; Enable affected residents to have a greater connection to their local environment and build their capacity; Have outcomes with a clear connection to the prosecuted offence.
Grants available range from $25,000 to $100,000. For further information go to - http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/programs/inspiring-environmental-solutions
Round three of the Farmers' Fund is open to assist dairy farmers that demonstrate a strong commitment to the industry and a desire and ability to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their farm business.
For further information go to -https://vff.org.au/vff/Farmers_Fund/Application.aspx
HORTICULTURE INNOVATION FUND (HIF)
The Horticulture Innovation Fund (HIF) will support industry to partner with research organisations on projects that use new technologies and techniques for improving overall economic performance. Grants of up to $50,000 (excluding GST) are available for applied research and development projects that contribute to a more productive and profitable horticulture sector. The program is open until 2018. Projects eligible for assistance from the HIF include:
Applied horticultural research and development that is innovative and likely to improve farm performance, and/or
Research that will improve market access and business diversification activities as applied to the horticulture sector.
For further information go to - http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture/horticulture-innovation-fund
The grants work around 4 impact areas. For Landcare groups the most relevant area is impact area D; the protection and preservation of Australian Flora and Fauna. Organisations must first submit an expression of interest for consideration by the Trustees and may then by invited to submit a full application. Applications are considered all year round. For more information go to: http://www.rosstrust.org.au/grants/apply-for-a-grant/
2017 State & Territory Landcare Awards – Nominations Open!
Help put Victorian on the map! The awards are important mechanism for promoting the good work done by landcarers across the country so celebrate the many achievements of the countless individuals, groups, networks and organisations who make significant contributions to the sustainable care of Victoria's natural resources.
Award winners will go on to the National Landcare Awards in 2018. Conference presentations by Awards finalists are often the best part of the conference – let’s make sure we have the best landcarers to represent us!
If you know an outstanding landcarer make sure to nominate them! Nominations are open to people who are involved in protecting or improving their local environment, farm, coastline, bushland, wetland, waterway, school, region or catchment, there is a category in this year’s awards to suit.
Applications close in Victoria on 23 June. For further info or to nominate go to -
https://landcareaustralia.org.au/landcare-awards/
Invasive Animals CRC - Nationwide incursion planning - have your say
Land managers, biosecurity specialists and the community at large are invited to have their say on a new draft strategy to prevent exotic species from establishing in Australia. The consultation period is open until 5pm AEDST 02 June 2017. Feedback may be provided through the on-line facility at www.pestsmart.org.au/national-incursions-strategy-consultation
The Regional Community Leadership Program aims to support initiatives that develop and facilitate the emergence of local leaders, strengthen existing community leadership capabilities and develop stronger connections between local leaders and regional development initiatives.
To see if there is a program near you go to http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/programs-and-grants/community-leadership
GLENELG HOPKINS ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVERS AWARDS
Nominations Close Monday 29th May 2017!
The Glenelg Hopkins CMA Environmental Achievers Awards recognise those individuals and groups that have made a significant contribution to the environment in south west Victoria.
Do you know someone or are you involved in a group or organisation that has done some outstanding environmental work in south west Victoria?
For more information go to https://www.landcarevic.org.au/2017-environmental-achievers-awards/
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LVI has a number of copies of past Victorian Landcare magazines available, including the current issue, if you would like additional copies or to use them for promotional purposes. We are happy to send them out in batches of ten or more. Let us know if you would find them useful.
These newsletters are compiled from many sources, and thank-you to those who supplied the information.
Kind regards
Susi J Johnson
LVI Executive Officer – Operations and Services
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Landcare Victoria Inc (LVI)
Postal: PO Box 509, Flinders Lane VIC 8009
Office: Level 3, 24-28 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: - 03 9207 5527 Email: - info@lvi.org.au
Web: https://www.landcarevic.org.au/lvi
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail