The partnership between Wodonga Urban Landcare Network (WULN) and Wodonga TAFE has been strengthened through a series of engaging presentations on climate resilient plantings delivered by WULN project officer Rhiannon Khoury.
The collaboration, part of WULN’s Victoria Landcare Grant-funded climate resilient planting project, demonstrates the power of partnerships between educational institutions and community-led environmental stewardship groups in addressing climate challenges.
Presentations to horticulture students highlighted the critical importance of adapting to climate change through biodiversity protection, urban green spaces, and sustainable land management and included hands-on insights into climate action and environmental stewardship.
“Projects like this are vital for empowering both students and the broader community to take meaningful action on build climate resilience locally,” said Jo Vincent, Network Facilitator. “By connecting people with practical knowledge and inspiring local solutions, we’re building a stronger, more resilient region.”
The events aimed to equip both the wider community and the next generation of professionals with the knowledge and tools to contribute to a climate-resilient Wodonga. Attendees engaged in lively discussion, reflecting a strong commitment to local solutions for global challenges.
In addition to the TAFE collaboration, WULN also facilitated a round table discussion with representatives from Wodonga TAFE, Wodonga Council, Albury Council, Parklands Albury-Wodonga, DEECA, Our Native Garden Nursery and Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation to tackle the complex challenges of climate-resilient planting.
These collaborative discussions explored critical strategies including increased urban canopy cover, street tree selection, implementing best practice planting techniques, and identifying opportunities for advocacy with councils and developers. The sessions also examined the potential for climate-ready planting trials and collaborative funding opportunities across the region.
“Discussions like these are vital for empowering local communities to take meaningful climate action,” said Jo Vincent. “By sharing practical insights and strategies, we are helping Wodonga build greener, more resilient neighbourhoods that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate.”
The round table outcomes demonstrate how multi-stakeholder collaboration can generate practical solutions, with participants now developing climate-ready planting goals for their respective organisations and departments.
“Projects like this are vital for empowering both students and the broader community to take meaningful action on building climate resilience locally,” Jo Vincent added. “The enthusiasm and engagement we’ve seen reflects our region’s strong commitment to practical solutions for global challenges.”