Media Releases

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.

Women in agriculture forum: a chance to step back, refocus and strengthen

Farming is about more than hard work – it’s about working smart.

North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will next month host an inspiring, energising forum in Milawa aimed at providing women working in agriculture with an opportunity to reconnect, learn practical strategies and recharge.

Tackling invasive weeds helps the King Valley stay healthy for everyone

The North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is inviting landholders with properties in the Upper King Valley to take part in a new incentives program to tackle invasive woody weeds.

Expressions of interest will open on Monday 25 May 2026 for the King Valley Woody Weeds Incentives Program, which supports landholders to control problem weeds such as Black Willow, Grey Sallow, Blackberry and Chilean Cestrum.