About Bellarine Landcare

Bellarine Landcare Group is a non-profit, incorporated organisation, supported by an elected committee. We employ a facilitator, funded through the Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program, and a nursery manager.

We partner with private landholders, primary producers, public land managers and other organisations to protect and restore land and water health. We promote best practice in sustainable and regenerative agriculture, through consultations, education and projects.

BLG is a member of the Bellarine Catchment Network.

Mission

We inspire and empower people to care for land and water across the Bellarine.

Vision

A healthy, resilient, biodiverse environment where communities thrive.

Values

Integrity

We will be open, honest and fair in all communication, engagement and actions.

Inclusion

We embrace diversity and appreciate the perspectives and skills of each member.

Respect

We value the knowledge, insights and contributions of all people.

Bellarine Landcare Group Governance

Committee

  • Bernie Malone

    President

    People’s mental and physical health directly correlates with the food they eat and the environment in which they live. Landcare is one of the few organisations that has the capacity to influence both. It is critical to our future health and wellbeing, and the environment, that we work together to achieve a balance between biodiversity, human health, climate change and food systems.

  • Sue Elliott

    Treasurer

    I joined Landcare in 2009 when I moved to Wallington, where I embarked on a wonderful learning curve with nature, growing plants and community. My role with Landcare is Treasurer and is now largely carried out remotely from Melbourne.

  • Beth Ross

    Committee Member, Nursery Representative

    Beth is passionate about restoring our local ecosystems. Over three decades, she has shared her knowledge through teaching and volunteering. Beth works with Bellarine Secondary College to manage our Nursery. She is also Vice-President of the Bellarine Catchment Network, a committee member of Friends of Ocean Grove Nature Reserve, and a member of both Geelong Field Naturalists and Friends of Edwards Point.

  • Alison Murphy

    Membership Secretary

    Leaving farming, and moving to this area many years ago, filled me with a desire to find a way that I could better understand and care for the land I now live on.  Bellarine Landcare Group has given me the opportunity to learn and contribute.

  • Kate Lockhart

    Committee Member

    Initially a nursery volunteer in 2006, I joined the Bellarine Landcare committee in 2014 and served as President from 2018-2022. I’ve had a lifelong interest in the environment, sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and strategic whole farm planning and have been restoring our 5 acre property on the Bellarine since 2004. With Landcare, I’ve participated in and supported numerous community projects. 

  • Kate Simpson

    Committee Member

    Our facilitator and nursery manager first introduced me to local native plants and the people who love growing them; the nursery is still one of my favourite places on the Bellarine. My main role on the committee is to create and edit our newsletter, which celebrates local stories and inspires action. At home I love creating habitat for wildlife.

  • Matthew Dingle

    Committee Member

    I joined Landcare 7 years ago when I moved to Drysdale, seeking help to care for the native bushland on my property and continue the work started by the previous owner. The Landcare connection has inspired me and broadened my understanding of nature in ways I never anticipated. It has also provided me with access to information and expertise and a supportive network of other landholders.

  • Christine Jackson

    Minutes Secretary

    I’d like to see the Bellarine protected and preserved for future generations. I support local landholders and businesses.

  • David Lucas

    Committee Member

    I joined BLG about 10 years ago to share the knowledge I’ve gained from being immersed in nature for most of my life and to learn from others who treasure the landscape.

  • Chris Lean

    Committee Member

    My involvement with the Landcare movement started a long time ago on our farm in NSW. I recently joined the Bellarine Landcare Committee. Outside Landcare I own and manage a berry farm with my husband David.

Staff

  • Sophie Small

    Facilitator

    I have worked in land restoration roles for 22 years. I love spending my spare time anywhere outdoors - particularly in weed free bushland! I enjoy the synergy of combining forces with passionate and committed people to achieve positive outcomes for the natural environment.

  • Fiona Love

    Nursery Manager

    My role as Nursery Manager is a great way to connect with our local community and hopefully inspire people to delight in local indigenous plants for their property. With a background in horticulture and growing up in a rural community, I am honoured to be working with Bellarine Landcare to make a real impact on our local environment.

Our Partners

Bellarine Landcare Group acknowledges Wadawurrung Traditional Owners of Bellawiyn / the Bellarine Peninsula. We recognise their continuing connection and support their aspirations to Gobata Dja baap Ngubiyt / take care of country and water