JUDY Campbell hopes to grow her community through the power of gardening. Five years earlier the Attunga Landcare Group fell apart, now, resident of 30 years Ms Campbell is trying to reinvigorate it. “It was a great opportunity to meet neighbours, I didn’t work in the valley and I’ve lived here for over 30 years,” she said. “Working in town or in other towns and coming home you don’t see anyone, it was a great opportunity to make those connections with really nice people. “There are some informal networks in Attunga but it will help me reconnect, there have been a lot of people who have left or passed away and other people have moved in – so it’s an opportunity to include them in the community and connect.” Landcare is a grassroots movement that manages environmental issues in local communities across the country. The not-for-profit organisation is a registered charity that supports the Landcare movement’s national resource management program. Members don’t need specific skills, just an interest in improving the environment and a willingness to get their hands dirty. One of the projects Ms Campbell wants to get cracking on is removal of tiger pear, one of the most troublesome cactus species in the state that’s become visible as a result of the drought. Read also: The weed is hard to control, one of the most successful methods is physical removal by digging it out – but herbicides have been largely ineffective. Tamworth Regional Landcare coordinator Anne Michie said every piece that breaks off can grow a new plant. “It’s quite savage, you see dogs and kangaroos try to get it out – they can’t feed so they die,” she said. “It’s a big issue to keep it under control, but we’re talking about trying to get the sense of community back so we’d like to hold a family fun day because that’s what it’s all about. “Having a cup of tea and a chat about what’s going on, you never know what great ideas can come from that. “I thought it was fantastic that she wanted to get the group going again.” Phone Tamworth Regional Landcare on 0432 258 983. Sign up to receive The Leader’s breaking news and top stories straight to your inbox
REGROUP: Tamworth Regional Landcare coordinator Anne Michie and Attunga resident Judy Campbell with dog Nelson at Ms Campbell's property. Photo: Peter Hardin
JUDY Campbell hopes to grow her community through the power of gardening.
Five years earlier the Attunga Landcare Group fell apart, now, resident of 30 years Ms Campbell is trying to reinvigorate it.
“It was a great opportunity to meet neighbours, I didn’t work in the valley and I’ve lived here for over 30 years,” she said.
“Working in town or in other towns and coming home you don’t see anyone, it was a great opportunity to make those connections with really nice people.
“There are some informal networks in Attunga but it will help me reconnect, there have been a lot of people who have left or passed away and other people have moved in – so it’s an opportunity to include them in the community and connect.”
Landcare is a grassroots movement that manages environmental issues in local communities across the country.
The not-for-profit organisation is a registered charity that supports the Landcare movement’s national resource management program.
Members don’t need specific skills, just an interest in improving the environment and a willingness to get their hands dirty.
One of the projects Ms Campbell wants to get cracking on is removal of tiger pear, one of the most troublesome cactus species in the state that’s become visible as a result of the drought.
The weed is hard to control, one of the most successful methods is physical removal by digging it out – but herbicides have been largely ineffective.
Tamworth Regional Landcare coordinator Anne Michie said every piece that breaks off can grow a new plant.
“It’s quite savage, you see dogs and kangaroos try to get it out – they can’t feed so they die,” she said.
“It’s a big issue to keep it under control, but we’re talking about trying to get the sense of community back so we’d like to hold a family fun day because that’s what it’s all about.
“Having a cup of tea and a chat about what’s going on, you never know what great ideas can come from that.
“I thought it was fantastic that she wanted to get the group going again.” Phone Tamworth Regional Landcare on 0432 258 983.
