Around 60 representatives from across the native seed and restoration sector gathered for a full‑day forum, bringing together expertise from organisations including Local Land Services NSW, Cassinia Environmental, Rural City of Wangaratta, Indigo Council, Landcare groups from NE and Southern NSW, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Traditional Owner partners, native seed nurseries and ecological consultancy services.
Program Highlights
- Revegetation presentations from Phil Falcke (NECMA) and Andie Guerin (Regent Honeyeater Project), followed by an engaging Q&A.
- Native Seed Supply Panel featuring Bec Read, Wendy Smith, Sheree Willoughby and Cathy Olive, who shared insights into current challenges, opportunities and future needs across the supply chain.
- Enterprise Models session with Natasha Lappin (LLS NSW) and Gabby Keating & Krista Patterson‑Majoor (Cassinia Environmental), exploring sustainable business models in the sector.
- Collaborative workshop inviting participants to identify key opportunities and their importance. Fourteen attendees committed to leading specific actions, which will feed into a Draft Roadmap.
Key Outcomes
- A clearer picture of current gaps and opportunities across the native seed sector.
- Stronger networks and a renewed commitment to collaboration across the region.
- Development of a draft Roadmap, soon to be circulated for broader feedback.
- Momentum toward a more sustainable and resilient native seed sector, built on shared leadership, capacity building and partnership.
Feedback highlighted that participants valued hearing directly from groups and nurseries about their work, strengths and challenges, and especially appreciated the chance to connect with others facing similar issues. The forum reinforced a shared understanding that many sector gaps can be addressed through collective action and collaboration.
The Native Seed Forum attracted around 60 people from both sides of the border. Photos: Richard Dalkin, Di Thomas- North East CMA