Situational context

In the 1980s, when environmentalists and farmers were at loggerheads, the Victorian Government and the Victorian Farmers Federation brought the warring groups 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, deep funding cuts were impacting its ability to operate effectively. To get a clearer picture of what could be done to strengthen the base, Rendere engaged with key stakeholders around Australia. It was clear that the funding cuts had led to a chicken-and-egg situation; Landcare needed a stronger voice, but it couldn’t employ a CEO due to budgetary constraints and 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 Landcare’s capacity in administration, member development and fundraising.

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