Care Group Support and information

The vast majority of Landcare group volunteers in the Tweed are volunteers working on Council managed land, which are a part of the Nature Care Program. The Nature Care Group program is Tweed Shire Council's community bushcare initiative, where local volunteers work together to protect and improve Council managed natural areas and bushland, in partnership with Tweed Landcare Inc.

Below are some helpful resources for groups that cover group activities and responsibilities, in line with Tweed Shire Council’s Nature Care Program. These are intended as one pack per group, for responsibility of the Group Coordinator.

Nature Care Group Resources

Council Issue Documents

TSC Volunteer Handbook (26 pages)
Nature Care Group Handbook (34 pages)
Nature Care QR poster (1 page)
Volunteer Portal FAQ (3 page)
Volunteer Insurance Fact Sheet (4 pages)
Recommended Apps (2 pages)
EPA Pesticide Record Keeping Fact Sheet (4 pages)
Herbicide Record Keeping Template (1 page – 4 copies)
Nature Care Episodic Volunteer Form (1 page – copies TBD)
On-boarding new Nature Care volunteers – Advice to Coordinators (2 pages)
Incident Report Form – 5 x copies each (1 page – 5 copies)
How to Report an Incident (1 page)

Additional

Planting in Bushland – Three Rs (2 pages)
Glyphosate – A Chemical to Understand (Tim Lowe) (30 pages)
Bush Regeneration in Progress (LLS, 2025) – published copies
Safe Chemical Use for Bush Regenerators (AABR, 2025)
Weedlings & Seedlings (Russell Linnane) – published copies
Ticks infographic poster (Healthdirect) (1 page)

Guidelines for restoring natural areas

Remember the three Rs!
Retain first keep every patch of native vegetation, then regenerate degraded areas then replant last only plant when there is no bush and no potential for natural regeneration.
Know your site
Take time to learn which native species are present on your site. A good technique is to collect one unknown plant specimen each day in order to identify it that evening at home. Also make sure that you are familiar with the range of weeds on your site – when they flower and seed. What does each weed look like as a seedling and as a mature plant? What are the best methods to control them? Using the correct chemical rate for your particular target weeds is essential. Also collect and bag seedpods and tubers from weeds to help break the cycle.
Set realistic limits
Plan carefully to work small sections at a time. Remember weeds love disturbance, so don’t take on large areas if you cannot follow up. It is better to concentrate resources to achieve fewer outcomes than to spread too thinly and only partially complete a larger area. Break up the area into manageable sections so what initially may be daunting can be achieved by thoroughly working a smaller section at a time.
Be Systematic and Comprehensive
Select an area to commence that suits your groups’ resources. Work through that area comprehensively controlling all weeds before moving on to the next zone. Schedule regular follow up work days for all zones to ensure that weeds do not re-establish.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Your site may have Aboriginal Cultural Heritage significance. If you come across a cultural site (e.g. midden) or item (e.g. stone tool) stop work, notify Council and the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Starting a Landcare Group in the Tweed Shire

The formation of a new Care group will be supported by Council and Tweed Landcare if:

There is environmental value in undertaking the restoration works in the area
Restoration works are achievable by volunteers- this considers access and extent of the degradation
There is a high level of support from the local community including a minimum of 4 volunteers, minimum of 1 workday/ month and a commitment to the site for a minimum of 5 years.
There is landholder support ( if Council Land this must be from the relevant unit)
If on private land there is more then one property involved

Becoming incorporated

Access useful information on starting an Incorporated Landcare Group – from Business structure to Attracting and Maintaining Volunteers.

Aboriginal Protocols

Walking Together – Cultural Knowledge and Conversation – A Toolkit for Local LAndcare Networks and Groups across the North Coast Region (NSW)
RUN G2.6 Aboriginal Protocols: Welcome to Country/Acknowledgement of Country
Offers guidance on organising a Welcome to Country and performing an Acknowledgement of Country, the differences between these two protocols, and their historical context and importance.
RUN G2.7 Aboriginal Protocols: Tips & Facts
14 tips on successfully navigating Aboriginal protocols, including topics to avoid and correct and incorrect terms to use when speaking with Aboriginal people.
RUN G2.8 Aboriginal Protocols: Communication
A general guide for communicating with Aboriginal people, such as waiting your turn to speak, and avoiding jargon and acronyms. Also advises engaging with an officer employed in an Aboriginal Identified role for further guidance.
RUN G2.9 Aboriginal Protocols: Working with Aboriginal people
22 tips for working with members of the Aboriginal community, including organising meetings, building rapport and an explanation of terms such as “Sorry Business” and “big-noting”.

Joining the wider Landcare Network

Each incorporated Landcare group can be a member of Tweed Landcare, but also broader networks, like Landcare NSW, ensuring that you are connected and a part of an active network of people designing and building the future of Landcare.

Connect with Tweed Landcare – subscribe to our newsletter or become a member
Connect with Landcare NSW – Becoming a member of Landcare NSW opens up a raft of member benefits for individuals and groups. Landcare NSW also helps cover the Insurance for Landcare Groups.
Connect with Landcare Australia
Connect with the National Landcare Network – The National Landcare Network is the peak representative body for community Landcare groups across Australia.

Become a Volunteer

with the Nature Care Program.