The South Gippsland Landcare Network (SGLN) is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting biodiversity and sustainable land management practices across the South Gippsland region of Victoria. Established in 1995, it serves as an umbrella network comprising 13 to 15 individual Landcare and related community groups. These groups collectively work to support environmental conservation, enhance ecological health, and facilitate community-led action on local landcare initiatives[1][2].

Mission and Vision

SGLN's vision centers on representing and supporting communities working collaboratively to improve biodiversity and promote sustainable land use. The network aims to facilitate on-ground environmental efforts across its member groups and the broader South Gippsland area, which stretches geographically from Mt Best to Mt Lyall and along the Prom Coast[1][2].

Activities and Projects

The network undertakes a variety of projects focused on environmental restoration, pest control, soil health, and fire management. Key initiatives include:

• Greening Dams Project: A multi-phase initiative providing funding and support to property owners to enhance water bodies with native vegetation, thereby improving habitat and water quality[1].
• Community Led Action on Pest Control: This project builds local capacity to manage invasive weeds and pest animals, aligning with the Victorian Government’s Partnerships Against Pests program[1].
• Multispecies Coaching Project: Aims to support farmers in adopting multispecies pasture practices to improve soil and pasture diversity, responding to growing community interest[1].
• Threat Mitigation and Soil Hydrology for the Giant Gippsland Earthworm: Collaborative work advancing the protection of the region's unique and threatened giant Gippsland earthworm species through targeted habitat management[1].
• South Gippsland Fire Wise Project: Focuses on improving understanding of fire ecology and integrating indigenous plant species into strategic locations to enhance fire resilience and ecosystem health[1].

SGLN also organizes field days, workshops, and information-sharing events to educate and engage landholders, researchers, and the wider community in sustainable land management practices[1][2].

Organizational Structure

SGLN operates as a network linking numerous local Landcare groups, each with its own focus but united by common environmental goals. The network supports these groups by providing resources, facilitating collaboration, and representing their interests in broader regional environmental planning[2][4].

Impact and Community Role

By fostering community-led environmental stewardship, SGLN contributes significantly to the protection and restoration of South Gippsland’s natural landscapes. Its integrated approach helps reconcile the needs of agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource use in a region characterized by diverse ecosystems and agricultural activity[3][4].

The organization is formally registered as a charity in Australia and works in partnership with government agencies, local organizations, and community members to deliver programs that enhance environmental outcomes and community resilience[4].

This overview summarizes the mission, activities, and community involvement of the South Gippsland Landcare Network, highlighting its role as a pivotal environmental nonprofit in Victoria’s South Gippsland region.

[1] https://www.sgln.net.au [2] https://www.landcarevic.org.au/groups/westgippsland/sgln/ [3] https://growingsoutherngippsland.org.au/SouthGippslandLandcareNetwork [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/517590af-8d84-ea11-a812-000d3ad1ce4e [5] https://www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au/directory_record/3847/south_gippsland_landcare_network