Growing the Next Generation of Landcare & Extension Leaders
Growing Resilience across Landscapes through Next Generation Extension and Landcare Staff Training
The Growing Resilience across Landscapes through Next Generation Extension and Landcare Staff Training project is helping build the next generation of Landcare and natural resource management professionals through immersive, hands-on learning experiences across north-east Victoria.
Up2Us Landcare Alliance is proud to be partnering with seven Landcare organisations across north-east Victoria to deliver an exciting new training program that will equip the next generation of Landcare and natural resource management professionals with the knowledge, skills and connections they need to support resilient farming communities.
This project is funded through the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund Scaling Success Program and builds on the success of our previous Extension Training Program, which ran from 2022–2025.
Watch the program in action
See what participants experienced during our previous Extension Training Program and hear firsthand why they found the program so valuable.
About the project
Working alongside Gecko Clan Landcare Network, Goulburn Murray Landcare Network, South West Goulburn Landcare Network, Euroa Arboretum, Hughes Creek Catchment Collaborative Landcare Group, Wodonga Urban Landcare Network and other regional partners, this project will expand a proven training model across the Goulburn Broken Catchment and Ovens Murray Drought Resilience regions.
Our previous program successfully trained 60 tertiary students while engaging more than 760 landholders through workshops, field days and on-farm learning experiences.
Over the next two years, we will train a further 150 tertiary students through ten intensive training programs, providing practical, hands-on learning that connects participants with experienced Landcare professionals, researchers, farmers and community leaders.
What participants will experience
Participants will take part in immersive learning that combines classroom discussions with real-world experiences on farms and in the field.
Training includes:
Natural asset farming
Natural capital management
Farmer and landholder engagement
Climate resilience and drought preparedness
Traditional Owner knowledge and perspectives
Farm visits and practical field experiences
Networking with industry professionals and Landcare practitioners
Learning from Country
Traditional Owner knowledge is an integral part of this program.
The Taungurung Land and Waters Council will deliver cultural learning sessions at nine training events held on Taungurung Country, while local Traditional Owners will also share their knowledge during the Wodonga training program. These experiences provide participants with valuable insights into caring for Country and the importance of Indigenous knowledge in land management.
Supporting landholders
Alongside student training, the project will deliver 27 landholder field days across the region.
These events will showcase practical approaches to natural capital management, sustainable agriculture and drought resilience, helping landholders adopt practices that improve the productivity and resilience of their farms while caring for the environment.
Why this project matters
Healthy landscapes depend on knowledgeable people.
By investing in emerging Landcare and natural resource management professionals, this project is helping build a skilled, connected workforce that can support farmers and communities to respond to climate challenges, protect natural assets and strengthen regional resilience for years to come.
What previous participants said
"The Future Drought Fund Extension Program was a fantastic and insightful traineeship, one that I would highly recommend to those seeking a career in the natural resource management or agriculture sectors. The experience and guidance of the trainers, speakers and farm hosts were invaluable, and the opportunity to work alongside a diverse group of students and community members who were passionate about sustainable farming provided knowledge and connections that I will never forget." - February 2025, Benalla participant
“The Future Drought Fund Extension Training was incredibly well thought out and provided to the participants. It was eye opening, and interactive, you learnt something beneficial and often hands on everyday. It was definitely worthwhile if you are in the ag space, or interested in how farming can be more sustainable” - February 2025, Mansfield participant
“This extension program was a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people in a supportive environment that emphasised practical knowledge and skills in many facets of work in the industry. Spending time on farm and having the opportunity to talk to local growers and farmers was a highlight!” - February 2025, Benalla participant
Get involved
Applications for future training opportunities will be advertised through our website on our Events Page and social media channels. You can follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
For further information, please contact Up2Us Landcare Alliance on (03) 5779 1593 or email landcare@up2us.org.au.
Funding acknowledgement
This project is funded by the Australian Government through the Future Drought Fund Scaling Success Program.
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