The Healthy Hectares North East 2025 workshop series is getting ready to launch with an Information Session on Thursday March 6.
Are you a new or small landholder? Are you interested in best practice land management?
Then joining Health Hectares North East could be for you!
Healthy Hectares is an innovative educational program designed to empower small landholders in North East Victoria with essential knowledge and skills for sustainable land management. The program addresses a critical need in the region, which is experiencing an influx of new rural property owners and faces significant biodiversity challenges.
Through a series of workshops covering topics such as whole farm planning, biodiversity, pest management, soil health, pasture management, and water management, Healthy Hectares equips participants to become effective stewards of their land.
By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation, the program plays a vital role in preserving the region’s unique ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and building resilient rural communities capable of adapting to climate challenges.
“The success of Healthy Hectares has exceeded our expectations,” said Jo Vincent, Wodonga Urban Landcare Network Facilitator. “Participants have not only gained valuable knowledge but are actively implementing sustainable practices on their properties. Evaluation of the program has seen all participants develop whole farm plans, a 40% increase in knowledge and skills and a satisfaction rating of the program of 9.4 out of 10”
Participant feedback highlights the program’s impact:
“It was fantastic to meet like-minded people and learn from them. I am amazed at the quality of this series of events aimed at smaller landholders,” said one participant.
Another added, “I have gained more confidence in being able to manage our property effectively due to my attendance at these workshops.”
Participants reported implementing a wide range of sustainable practices, including:
- Improved water management systems and dam management practices
- Wildlife-friendly fencing
- Soil testing and pasture improvements
- Creation of shelter belts and biodiversity corridors
- Enhanced weed and pest management strategies
The Healthy Hectares program thrives on the collaborative efforts of key organizational partners. The program is driven by the Wodonga Urban Landcare Network, with support from other North East Landcare Networks. The involvement of local Landcare Facilitators, regional subject matter experts, and agencies such as Agriculture Victoria, Trust for Nature, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action ensures that participants receive up-to-date, area-specific guidance.
Beyond the transfer of knowledge, Healthy Hectares fosters valuable community connections. Participants not only learn from experts but also from each other, sharing experiences and forming supportive networks with community members facing similar land management challenges. This community-building aspect of the program has led to increased engagement with local Landcare groups, with many participants either joining or intending to join these organizations. By creating these lasting connections, Healthy Hectares strengthens the fabric of rural communities, promoting ongoing collaboration and support among landholders long after the formal program ends.
The Healthy Hectares program has been supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.
For more information about Healthy Hectares or to enquire about upcoming workshops please contact info@wodongalandcare.org.au
