Media Releases

Bushfire-smart garden design workshop coming to Milawa

The bushfires experienced across Victoria last summer have highlighted the importance of planning and preparing properties for fire. The location, type and ongoing maintenance of vegetation can play a significant role in reducing the impact of bushfire on homes and rural properties.

Community members are invited to attend a free workshop, Landscaping for Bushfires: Garden Design and Plant Selection, at the Milawa Hall on Saturday 22 August 2026 from 10am-12pm.

Bullioh community workshop strengthens disaster recovery and resilience

People living and working across the Upper Murray, Tallangatta and Mitta Valleys, and surrounding areas are invited to attend a practical recovery workshop designed to support wellbeing, build resilience and help individuals and families navigate the ongoing impacts of drought, fire and other significant challenges. 
 
The Recovering Stronger Workshop will be free for the community and will be held on Sunday, 23 August at the Bullioh Hall, Murray Valley Highway, Bullioh between 10am and 3pm.

Celebrating 40 years of landcare across north east Victoria

This year marks a remarkable milestone – 40 years since Landcare’s humble beginnings in 1986.

North East Landcare groups and networks, supported by North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA), are planning a major celebration on 9 August 2026 in Beechworth that will recognise the commitment of volunteers and reflect on the achievements of the Landcare groups and networks that have grown and thrived in north east Victoria in the past 40 years.

Back in 1986, under the leadership of the late Joan Kirner, then Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands, and Heather Mitchell, former Victorian Farmers Federation President, Landcare in Victoria was born. What began as a simple, yet powerful idea has grown into one of Australia’s most inspiring community-led movements.

Funding secured to restore waterways impacted by January 2026 bushfires

The North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) has welcomed funding to support the recovery of waterways and catchments impacted by the Victorian bushfires in January 2026. 

The fires caused significant damage to rivers, creeks and surrounding landscapes across Victoria, affecting important natural assets managed by Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs). The impacts were exacerbated by a significant rainfall event (200-250mm in 4 hours) that occurred over the northern part of the bushfire impact area, around Shelly and Koetong.  

North East CMA CEO Katie Warner named among IPAA Victoria top 50 women

North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Katie Warner, has been recognised as one of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) Victoria’s Top 50 Women for 2026.

IPAA Victoria is Victoria’s peak public purpose sector professional association. Each year the IPAA Victoria’s Top 50 Women Awards recognise outstanding women whose leadership, dedication and impact are strengthening Victoria’s public purpose sector. The awards are made in two categories – Established Leader and Emerging Leader.

A recipient in the Established Leader category, Ms Warner has extensive experience in business development, policy development, and strategic planning. She has worked across government and regional organisations, leading strategy and major initiatives.