Organisational context

In the 1980s, when environmentalists and farmers were at loggerheads, the Victorian Government and the Victorian Farmers Federation brought them together via a community-based organisation called Landcare Victoria. The grassroots movement, which now includes over 600 groups and 60,000 members, has been so successful the model has been adopted nationally and internationally.

However with funding cuts impacting its operations, Rendere engaged with stakeholders around Australia to get a clearer picture of what could be done to strengthen Landcare’s base. The cuts had led to a chicken and egg situation; Landcare Victoria needed a stronger voice, but it couldn’t employ a CEO due to budgetary constraints. Because it lacked a CEO it wasn’t able to secure funding in the first place.

With the Upotipotpon Foundation, Rendere agreed to underwrite the CEO position for three years, with resource management expert, Andrew Maclean, appointed in June 2020.

Rendere also sought funding for other Landcare initiatives through the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN) – funding that has boosted its capacity in admin, member development and fundraising. It also supported the development of Landcare Victoria’s first-ever strategic plan.

Impact

With the new team in place, Landcare Victoria was able to secure funding for 80 facilitators during the 2021-24 funding period. This increased capacity has also given other funders, including the Ross Trust, the confidence to invest. 

Landcare Victoria is also now playing a role in supporting regional Landcare communities to deliver bushfire recovery – a significant outcome of several million dollars.