I’ve always been interested in sustainable natural resource management. A collective approach, with the aim of engaging everyone managing land, seemed the best way to learn about our particular patch.

I was a founding member of the Upper Murray Catchment Farm Tree Group in 1984. This was before Landcare but we already had a focus on integrated land management, not just trees. I was then a founding member of the Koetong Landcare Group in 1998, and the Upper Murray Landcare Network in 2003.

The most satisfying aspect of being involved in Landcare is the opportunity to engage with people who are interested in better management not only of their land, but the local landscape. Some people want to achieve sustainable production and others want to conserve and manage the land for different reasons.

People see what’s happening and are open to approaches to get involved. The phone calls asking for information or a visit are still the most exciting part of Landcare. And, of course, seeing the everyday changes in the local landscape over the last 30 years.

Landcare has taught me a great deal. I have learned what it takes to nurture the interest and involvement of many different people, and how important each contribution is. Being inclusive is a very important lesson.

We need to remember that Landcare is about people doing what they can, whether or not they want to join a group. If I’d known that 30 years ago, then I would have extended support to those who aren’t members in order to achieve common goals through promoting Landcare principles.

We now have greater participation than ever in the Upper Murray because we recognise that supporting everyone who wishes to participate makes more sense than insisting on membership.