Podcast of the Month

Great Listening July! … Regenerative Agriculture

By Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF) Anita Erba.


I met Jack Cresswell at the national RALF Conference in Canberra. He spoke about how his family had been on the land for many generations but he started to notice that the practice of farms being passed on from parents to children was diminishing and this made him worry that the knowledge that would also have been passed on to the next generation was being lost. 


He decided to help counter this by starting his weekly podcast “Farms Advice Agribusiness Podcast”. 

Drawing on his own experience, and interviewing peers and a wide range of industry leaders and experts his listener numbers continue to grow.



Ground cover podcast


LISTEN NOW: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/farms-advice-agribusiness-podcast/id1517590016


My favourite episode so far is "3 Challenges for Australian Grain Producers"; it gave me a better understanding of the current situation of the grains industry. He teams up with Michael Madden with 37 years farming experience as well as active advocacy roles with bodies such as Grain Producers Australia and NSWFA Biosecurity Committee. Michael talks about his own background in farming and how after a serious farm injury he became more involved with the agribusiness side of farming and industry bodies. He and Jack discuss what he considers the 3 main challenges:

  • Supply chain issues
  • Biosecurity
  • Labour issues


I encourage you to listen to Jack's podcast and let me know if you enjoy it or learn something new! 

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/farms-advice-agribusiness-podcast/id1517590016


Great Listening June! … Farm Life & Regenerative Agriculture

By Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF) Jackson Shillingsworth. 


When asked by our Media, Marketing and Communications Officer if I would like to share a ‘podcast’ for SQ Landscapes June e-newsletter, I said I would give it a go. That’s the spirit of what we do in this country, we ‘give it a crack’. 


Some 5 minutes later I was a little perplexed, thinking I have never actually listened to a podcast! 


Being an avid listener of ABC Western Qld, it’s important to me to know the issues facing our region, but more importantly to hear new opinions and science emerging across South-West Queensland. Now that I have introduced myself to podcasts, I can add this to my repertoire and have something new to do while driving around our patch! I reckon podcasts are like news on steroids - podcasts can take you on that extra journey and help you understand the often complicated subjects of landcare, farm life and regenerative agriculture. 

 

The podcast I chose is by SBS Radio called The Uluru Statement from The Heart. It’s a topic set to gain further momentum following newly elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent pledge to honour The Uluru Statement. The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for a referendum to provide constitutional recognition for a representative body that gives First Nations peoples a voice to the Commonwealth Parliament.

The Uluru Statement From the Heart

LISTEN NOW: https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/english-the-uluru-statement-from-the-heart 



Indigenous and non-Indigenous people would agree that there is something special about living on the land, being connected to place and Country - the land is in our blood, regardless of our heritage.

 

The past few years have been very challenging for us all, drought, flood, and fire. Climate Change is what future generations of Australians will grapple with, a true test of resilience and adaptation. 

 

The Uluru Statement from The Heart will be historic for all Australians to reimagine our nation. The door is open to explore and combine Western Scientific Knowledge with First Nations Knowledge and set a true course to healing our nation, its citizens and it will bring together our two worlds with 60,000 years of culture as a gift for all future generations.

 

LISTEN NOW: https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/english-the-uluru-statement-from-the-heart 


LISTEN IN LANGUAGE: https://www.sbs.com.au/language/ulurustatement 


I encourage you to share your favourite regenerative agriculture or farm life podcasts with us by emailing me at jackson.shillingsworth@sqlandscapes.org.au. 




Great Listening May! … Farm Life & Regenerative Agriculture

By Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF) Keith Walker.


This month, we’re featuring 'Unstress with Dr John Ehrlich’, a podcast series about managing stress in our lives. Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Keith Walker said he chose the episode ‘Walking – Make it the habit of a lifetime’, because he loves walking, whether it be along the beach, in the rainforest, or just walking to the shops for a few groceries. 

Dr Ron Ehrlich has been running Unstress with Dr John Ehrlich for some time now. In this podcast, he talks about the relationship between stress and health. 

At all ages, our health is the key to everything we do. I don’t ‘have time to be sick’. The topics that Ron covers are varied, backed by scientific research. Stress is a killer - so it's important to do everything we can to reduce it in our lives!


One of the big questions posed in this episode is - what activities do we do for ourselves that helps us de-stress?  ‘Walking – Make it the habit of a lifetime’, talks about the pace of walking, the speed of walking and what walking indicates about our health. Walking is a slow and time consuming activity for us to chat to our partner or loved one. Life is so busy, so slowing things down enables us to think, to get oxygen streaming through our bodies, enabling our bodily systems to clean themselves through a good old-fashioned sweat! It’s also good to look, listen, smell and feel something different, feel the rain on our face as we are engulfed by nature!

LISTEN NOW: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/healthy-bite-walking-make-it-the-habit-of-a-lifetime/id1333795919?i=1000540688331

 

I love walking – whether it be along the beach, in the rainforest, or just walking to the shops for a few groceries. I have a 9 kilometre beach walk that I do each morning when I can, and I’ve always enjoyed walking in the salt air. There are so many amazing things, funny things, beautiful things to see, smell, touch, and be immersed within when you are walking. Walking can slow you down, change your attitude, allow you to be grateful for the day you are living – because it is the only one you have at the time … waves crashing, kids giggling, dogs running in circles, smiles on faces, older people enjoying the outdoors at their own pace, the colours and textures of the bush, cymbidium orchid flowers hanging out of the fork in the tree, the musty smell of wet leaves, crisp winter mornings where you have to get moving or get cold.

 

What are your favourite walks? Do you walk regularly and with who? Is walking your ‘me time’?


I encourage you to share your favorite regenerative agriculture or farm life podcasts with us by emailing me at
keith.walker@sqlandscapes.org.au



Great Listening April! … Regenerative Agriculture

By Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF) Anita Erba.


In rural communities and on farms, we all spend a lot of time driving, and one way to make use of that time is to listen to podcasts or audiobooks on your smartphone. There are lots out there to choose from, so we've decided to pick a favourite every month to share.


This month, we wanted to feature ‘Ground Cover’ Australian podcast made by the Regenerative Ag Alliance and Southern Cross University, who interview real farmers for the benefit of land managers all over Australia. It’s made by farmers, for farmers!

Ground Cover is a series of nine podcasts exploring real life stories of Australian farmers who have chosen to move from conventional farming to regenerative agriculture. Click on the image or link below to listen now!

Ground cover podcast

LISTEN NOW: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ground-cover/id1479675823


My favourite is Episode 1 of Ground Cover. This one features Charles Massy, a well-known author and academic, who discusses life on-farm during a long drought in the 1980s. Charles says that he began to think about how a major shift in thinking was needed to repair the land and to enable agriculture to be regenerative rather than destructive. 


Charles also wrote ‘Call of the Reed Warbler’ as a way of helping others to understand the need for regenerative practices by showcasing other innovative farmers, so this episode of Ground Cover with Charles Massy goes down as my favorite in the series!


I encourage you to share your favorite regenerative agriculture podcasts with us by emailing me at anita.erba@sqlandscapes.org.au


10 December 2025
Southern Queensland Landscapes is pleased to announce key leadership changes following its 2025 Annual General Meeting, including the appointment of Anthony Glasson as the organisation’s newest Board Director. Anthony, who operates Picarilli Merinos near Thargomindah, brings broad experience in primary production, regional leadership and natural resource management. His long-standing involvement in rural industries and commitment to sustainable land stewardship will be pivotal in supporting Southern Qld Landscapes delivery under its NRM Regional Plan, Flourishing Landscapes, Healthy Communities . Southern Qld Landscapes also confirms the reappointment of Directors, Louise Winton from Morven and Pippa Jones from Goondiwindi. Both Directors bring substantial governance experience and strong regional perspectives, and their renewed terms will continue to support their commitment to community-led outcomes. Additionally, Southern Qld Landscapes acknowledges the contribution of retiring Director Hollie Grimwade, whose service has strengthened their strategic direction and regional engagement. Board Chair, Kimberley Swords said “these appointments reflect the stability and capability of Southern Qld Landscapes governance and the organisation’s strong focus on delivering real outcomes for our communities.” In welcoming and recognising the Directors, Ms Swords said: “I am very pleased to welcome Anthony Glasson as a new Director of Southern Qld Landscapes. Anthony brings a wealth of practical knowledge from his leadership of Picarilli Merinos and a deep commitment to our region. His understanding of land stewardship and his passion for community-led change will be invaluable. I also congratulate and warmly acknowledge the reappointment of Directors Louise Winton and Pippa Jones. I also want to sincerely thank our retiring Director, Hollie Grimwade. Her commitment, professionalism and regional understanding have been significant assets throughout her tenure.” “I would also like to acknowledge our dedicated staff, who continue to deliver meaningful outcomes for landholders, partners and communities. This year, we delivered more than $9 million worth of project activity across the region, with on-ground and in community work to support sustainable agriculture and build community resilience,” said Ms Swords. Members also voted at the AGM to adopt a new modernised, constitution in line with contemporary not for profit governance expectations. Southern Qld Landscapes looks forward to working under its renewed Board leadership to advance regional priorities, continue strong partnerships, and deliver tangible benefits across the Southern Queensland region.
4 December 2025
At Southern Queensland Landscapes, you’ll join a team that is dedicated to working with landholders, community groups, industry, and government to deliver practical, science-based solutions that support farming, biodiversity, and the health of our landscapes. Working with us is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a real difference. You’ll contribute to projects that care for the environment, strengthen regional communities, and create a lasting legacy for future generations. If you’re passionate about healthy landscapes, thriving communities, and meaningful work, you’ll feel right at home with us. As a leader in the Program Delivery team, you will play a key role in developing and implementing communication, extension, and adoption strategies for Southern Queensland Landscapes’ environmental and sustainable agriculture projects. You’ll also be responsible for maintaining Southern Queensland Landscape’s brand integrity and consistency across all corporate communications. Reporting to a Programs Manager, you’ll work with minimal supervision to deliver on the responsibilities outlined below. What You Will Do In this role, you will develop communication, extension, and adoption plans for projects and proposals, while supporting the delivery of communications and events for sustainable agriculture and natural resource management initiatives, including managing subcontractors. You will oversee corporate communications to ensure consistent brand representation, organise and facilitate workshops, field days, and other extension activities, and collaborate with stakeholders such as community groups, farmers, researchers, and industry partners to strengthen partnerships. Additional responsibilities include preparing reports on communication and extension outcomes with budget tracking, managing and providing support for Southern Queensland Landscape’s CRM system, maintaining communication resources including the media library, and enhancing the customer journey for land manager partnerships and membership. About You We’re seeking a motivated communicator with a passion for agriculture and the environment. To thrive in this role, you’ll bring: Relevant tertiary qualifications in Communications, Agricultural Science, Agribusiness, or Environmental Science. Proven ability to develop and deliver communication and extension plans that make an impact. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Strong project management and organisational skills to keep everything on track. Experience in social media, marketing, and content creation, including CRMs and visual assets. Event planning and coordination expertise for workshops, field days, and community activities. A collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently and exercise initiative. Confidence in building relationships with diverse stakeholders and resolving issues positively. Ability to manage subcontractor partnerships effectively. High-level computer literacy, data management, and reporting skills. Analytical and problem-solving abilities to tackle challenges creatively. Knowledge of Australian farming systems, technologies, and challenges. A current driver’s licence and willingness to travel across the region. Why Join Us? At Southern Queensland Landscapes, you will work in a supportive, collaborative environment where your contributions truly matter. You’ll enjoy variety in your work, opportunities to learn and grow, and the satisfaction of being part of a team that’s making a tangible difference for our environment and regional communities. If you’re looking for a role that combines purpose, teamwork and professional growth — apply now and help us create a thriving, sustainable future for southern Queensland.
27 November 2025
At Southern Queensland Landscapes, you will be part of a team that works with landholders, community groups, industry and government to deliver real, science-based solutions to support farming, biodiversity, and the health of our landscapes. Working with us means more than just a job; it’s a chance to make a positive difference. You’ll be contributing to practical projects that care for our environment, strengthen regional communities and leave a legacy for future generations. If you’re passionate about healthy landscapes, thriving regional communities and meaningful work, you will find your place with us. We are looking for an organised and proactive Administration Officer to join our friendly and committed team. In this diverse role, you’ll provide essential financial, human resourcing and administrative support across the organisation, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and exceptional service to internal and external stakeholders. What You Will Do You’ll be the go-to person who keeps everything running seamlessly, whether it’s greeting visitors, managing correspondence, or coordinating meetings, travel and events. You’ll provide high-level executive support to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, assist with finance and HR processes, and help maintain the systems, facilities and resources that underpin our work. Every day will bring variety from supporting community projects and team activities to finding smarter ways to improve communication and workflow. You’ll play a vital role in helping us deliver meaningful impact across southern Queensland. About You You’re a natural organiser with strong attention to detail and a positive, professional manner. You enjoy working with people and take pride in delivering high-quality support. You bring: A Certificate II (or higher) in Business or Administration, or equivalent experience Demonstrated experience across a broad range of administrative functions including reception and executive support, IT support, facilities and equipment maintenance, and office operations Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently with colleagues, partners and community members Strong organisational and time management skills, balancing competing priorities with care and accuracy Initiative, adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving A genuine commitment to teamwork, learning and continuous improvement Why Join Us? At Southern Queensland Landscapes, you will work in a supportive, collaborative environment where your contributions truly matter. You’ll enjoy variety in your work, opportunities to learn and grow, and the satisfaction of being part of a team that’s making a tangible difference for our environment and regional communities. If you’re looking for a role that combines purpose, teamwork and professional growth — apply now and help us create a thriving, sustainable future for southern Queensland.
7 November 2025
Southern Queensland is set to benefit from a major investment in Queensland’s natural assets, with more than $9 million allocated through the Queensland Government’s Natural Resource Management Expansion Program and delivered by Southern Queensland Landscapes. Southern Queensland Landscapes will receive $6.6 million to work with landholders to improve more than 124,000 hectares of land and vegetation adjacent to key waterways by installing fencing and watering points to better manage grazing. A further $2.5 million is allocated to the improvement of priority koala habitats and support animal movement and survival across Southern Queensland. This targeted action to remove key threats including wild dogs and invasive cactus species. Southern Queensland Landscapes CEO, Gillian Meppem said “the investment highlights the vital link between healthy landscapes, productive agriculture, resilient koala populations and thriving waterways.” “We are looking forward to delivering two key projects in partnership with landholders, through the Natural Resource Management Expansion Program. These projects are focused on protecting our waterways through improved grazing management and supporting thriving koala populations across Southern Queensland.” “Better grazing management, strategic fencing, and improved stock water infrastructure will enhance ground cover and protect waterways, ensuring our landscapes are more capable of resisting and recovering from natural disasters and the impacts of a changing climate.” “We are improving koala habitat by tackling key threats such as wild dogs and invasive cactus and supporting greater genetic diversity to ensure thriving koala populations across southern Queensland,” she said. Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, The Honourable Dale Last, said “the funding demonstrates the Queensland Government’s strong commitment to supporting regional communities and natural resource management.” “When we came into government, we promised we would double funding for NRM organisations, and we would ensure our regional workforce would benefit, and we are delivering on that promise. “These NRM organisations are leading the way in safeguarding our natural resources, and that’s why we’re proud to support them and invest in Queensland’s future.” The NRMEP is a partnership between the Queensland Government and NRM Regions Queensland to deliver $117.84 million in on-ground land, water and biodiversity programs over the next three years.
25 September 2025
We are seeing fantastic momentum across the region, with strong interest from landholders in improving land condition. Even better, clusters of neighbouring properties are getting involved, a promising sign for achieving landscape-scale change that supports water infiltration, soil health, and resilient groundcover. To help visualise this, Projects Lead Payel Sinha, developed a set of clever graphics that capture the essence of the NRRP program. The circular diagram below shows how water, soil, vegetation, grazing, and ecosystem balance are interconnected, all working together to support healthier landscapes.
24 September 2025
We were honoured to have CEO Gillian Meppem, Richard Turnbull, Dr Payel Sinha and Uncle Kevin, a Margany Elder from near Quilpie, come together on the Gold Coast for this year’s Landcare Conference, representing our vision, work and cultural partnerships across the region. Dr Payel Sinha delivered a presentation on the Natural Resource Recovery Program: A Holistic Approach to Restoring Landscapes , showcasing how integrative, place-based strategies can unite ecological health, cultural values and community resilience.
10 September 2025
The rapidly evolving global market for agricultural commodities, including cotton, was front and centre at the recent Australian Cotton Research Conference held in Narrabri, NSW. A key theme throughout the event was the increasing pressure climate change places on cotton production and how the industry is adapting through innovation and research. Andrew Davidson of Southern Queensland Landscapes introduced an innovative national project funded by the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC). The project focuses on mapping woody vegetation across cotton farms in Australia, a crucial step toward better understanding on-farm biodiversity and supporting sustainability goals. The project uses a cutting-edge methodology developed by Southern Queensland Landscapes, drawing on a national dataset curated by the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN). What makes this approach unique is its ability to consistently measure vegetation across state and territory lines, overcoming long-standing challenges caused by fragmented and inconsistent regional datasets. The initiative is a true collaboration between the cotton industry, Natural Resource Management (NRM) groups, and NRM Regions Australia. Together, they aim to build a national picture of woody vegetation cover, including how much of it connects to larger, regional biodiversity corridors. Why It Matters... This vegetation data will provide a scientifically robust and cost-effective indicator of potential biodiversity on cotton farms. In practical terms, it can help: • Support cotton growers in meeting environmental standards for market access • Inform risk management strategies and conversations with financiers • Align with international frameworks such as: - The Science-Based Targets for Nature - The Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework - The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) As the cotton industry looks to remain competitive and resilient in a changing climate, initiatives like this are critical. They help position Australian cotton as a globally trusted, environmentally responsible product.
30 July 2025
A Message From Our CEO, Gillian Meppem
29 July 2025
Project Officers Katrina Higgins and Erin Landsberg recently joined Rose and Weston from Boobook Ecological Consulting in Roma, to complete field monitoring in the Murweh and Maranoa districts. This monitoring measures the value and health of Coolibah, Poplar Box, and Brigalow habitat. During this time, we deployed acoustic recorders and motion-sensor wildlife cameras, and took DNA samples from nearby water sources to ascertain the fauna within these threatened habitats.
8 July 2025
Playing a Leading Role in the National Soil Monitoring Program Queensland’s regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations are playing a leading role in the National Soil Monitoring Program (NSMP), one of Australia’s most ambitious efforts to assess and improve soil health. Funded by the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust and led by CSIRO, the NSMP will involve sampling at approximately 3,000 sites nationwide over three years, more than 850 of those in Queensland, with a focus on key agricultural zones. Queensland’s NRM groups have formed northern and southern clusters to deliver the program, contributing valuable expertise from over 25 years of on-ground experience. Southern Queensland Landscapes will lead delivery for the QLD South cluster of regions. The data collected will provide a nationally consistent picture of soil condition and health, enabling better decision-making for farmers, land managers, and policymakers to support sustainable, climate-smart agriculture. Jayne Thorpe, Business Development Manager at Southern Queensland Landscapes said, “In total, the QLD South cluster will collect 565 soil samples over the course of the project. That will work out as 11.3 tonnes of soil sent for analysis!”