Brunswick Valley Landcare invites you to join us for an important community conversation. We’ll look back to the fights for native forests of the 70’s & 80s, to the Landcare movement that emerged in their wake, and to the present day’s conservation challenges.

Since the 1970’s environmental scientists have contributed significant research on the effects of logging, vegetation clearing and climate change on vulnerable ecosystems and the increasing risks of species extinction and ecosystem collapse. What now are the most pressing priorities in protecting what’s left and regenerating what we can?

A moderated panel of invited guest speakers will reflect on such challenges, with invitation to the next generation of Landcarers, Traditional Owners and environmental protectors to help shape the conversation. Our esteemed panellists include:

• Mark Dunphy, President Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy
• Celine Steinfeld, Director of The Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists
• Charlie Arnott, one of Australia’s leading advocates for regenerative farming
• Delta Kay, Arakwal woman and Country As Teacher Educator
• Jayden Gunn, NextGen Landcare and member of mid-Lachlan Landcare

A Q&A with audience will follow the Panel’s discussions.

CONTEXT

‍This event idea was sparked by Stephen Wyatt’s 2024 book “Rainforest Warriors: The Hippies Were Right” which tells the story of the cultural and environmental movement behind the 1979 Terania Creek blockade that saved the ancient Gondwanan Rainforests from logging.

‍https://www.rainforestwarriors.net

The 1982 Mt Nardi Blockade again stopped NSW Forestry from logging the rainforest, ending the practice of logging rainforest in the state. These protests galvanised wider community support for environmental protections, which eventually translated to then-Labor government declaring national parks down the spine and up the coast of NSW, protecting over 90,000ha of native forest.

Landcare was born in Victoria 1986 through collaboration between state Labor and VIC Farmers Federation. In 1989, the national Landcare movement was officially recognised after the National Farmers’ Federation and the Australian Conservation Foundation successfully secured the Hawke Government’s commitment to supporting the Landcare movement.

It's no coincidence that a number of people involved in the Terania & Mt Nardi blockades went on to become leading and founding Landcarers in Northern Rivers NSW. In the 80’s Terania Creek Rainforest Publishing was established. In 1993 The Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy formed and from early beginnings in Mullumbimby Creek, Brunswick Valley Landcare formed in 2003.

Jump to today, 2026. Brunswick Valley Landcare is part of an active region-wide network of dedicated Landcare groups. As a Landcare movement of experienced restoration practitioners that aren’t getting any younger, it’s time to have a serious conversation about how the next generation of Landcarers are supported in taking the cause forward. What have we learnt to pass on, what’s at risk of being lost and is planting trees enough?

Event Details:
3:00 pm - Venue Doors and Bar open
3:40 pm - Theatre doors open
4:00 pm - Panel discussion 1 hour followed by 30 minutes Q&A
5:30 pm - Event ends

Copies of Stephen Wyatt’s book will be available for sale at this event.