It was a historic day for Landcare in Victoria on 16 February 2017. Two special general meetings of the Farm Tree and Landcare Association (FTLA) and the Victorian Landcare Council (VLC) unanimously passed resolutions to merge their organisations to create Landcare Victoria Incorporated (LVI).

After many months of review, negotiation and preparation more than 60 delegates and members attended the meetings with an additional 30 proxy votes submitted, indicating a high level of interest and support, which was welcomed by the transition committee.

LVI will take on the administration, systems and services of both organisations and will be the single independent body representing the interests and activities for Landcare in Victoria.

The new organisation is committed to being a strong voice for Landcare with government, other organisations and the public. LVI’s key aim is to enable community-based caring for the land by groups of like-minded people.

The organisation will continue to provide services to groups and networks including incorporation and insurance and being the conduit for grants that were previously provided by the FTLA. It will foster community learning, capacity building and action, and facilitate collaboration and partnerships between Landcare, the CMAs, and all levels of government and community.

LVI will represent the Landcare community’s views and participate in government policy development. It will also represent Landcare in Victoria at a state and national level to promote and assist sustainable land and water management practices.

The interim committee is working to ensure a smooth transition and the continuation of incorporation and insurance arrangements.

FTLA and VLC memberships will continue as LVI memberships from April 2017 and the new committee of management has agreed to keep membership fees stable for the first year. Renewals are due on 30 June 2017. Keep a look out in your letterbox for your group’s membership renewal for LVI.