Gecko Clan Landcare Network Details
Facilitator: Kerri Robson, Alana Mountain
Description:
Gecko Clan is an independent, not for profit organisation based centrally in Benalla. As a community landcare network, Gecko Clan supports landcare groups from Yarrawonga to the Strathbogie Ranges, Nagambie to Avenel, and locations in between. They implement network-scale projects around the themes of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.
The Gecko Clan Landcare Network at a glance in 2024/25
A motivated and connected community leads to positive change
The Gecko Clan Landcare Network together with their groups were successful with 5 Victorian Landcare Grants from the State Government providing $42,405.00 for Engagement events, Revegetation, Pest animal control, Pest plant control, Fencing and Nest boxes. Groups within the Gecko Clan focussed on Engagement Events bringing people within communities together
Showcasing our Patch with Swanpool Landcare
This project is demonstrating and new way of hosting Landcare meetings and engaging our community. Swanpool Landcare Group meetings were previously held in a very traditional and conventional format. The number of members attending these meetings was declining. The walk and talk events showcased a new way of hosting Landcare meetings and re-energised the group's members.
The social benefits were the key benefits of the Farm Walk and Talk events. These events provided opportunities for Landcare members to share their properties with the broader community. Regular events that were not just meetings also encouraged more social interactions from the participants.
The environmental benefits were seen directly via a Tree Planting walk and talk event. Riparian planting along a creek link in the Broken River catchment will increase biodiversity, improve surface water quality, and provide important habitat linkages for native flora and fauna. Indirectly the walk and talk events, raise awareness of environmental issues within the broader community.