Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitators (RALFs)
Emily Hinds, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Northern Territory
A lot of people do not know; the RALF is the Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator
Evizel Seymour, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Wet Tropics QLD
The RALF role to me is about networking with people, engaging and bringing them together so they can learn
Emily Hinds, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Northern Territory
Getting them to understand some practices, learn from each other, provide them with some knowledge, training and try to find out what they need.\
Evizel Seymour, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Wet Tropics QLD
Really engage with them and build their capacity
Emily Hinds, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Northern Territory
We have got growers in a whole lot of different commodities. But we have also got training, knowledge symposiums and engagement activities
Evizel Seymour, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Wet Tropics QLD
Helping them with grants, grant writing and running grants
Emily Hinds, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Northern Territory
The RALF role is the conduit for the agricultural community. We will get everyone together on the same page and they will learn different techniques from each other
Kellie Evans, Grazier, Atherton Tablelands QLD
The RALF role in my community is basically that social networking and I have gained so much knowledge from all different aspects that I can put back into my field
Evizel Seymour, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Wet Tropics QLD
It is really engaging with people, supporting them and being there for them. It has been great working with people like Kellie and just seeing the growth, the capacity, and the love for learning
Kellie Evans, Grazier, Atherton Tablelands QLD
I had questions about trying to learn a little bit more about sustainability and soil health. Straight away she had three or four options. She had phone numbers and contacts of people she knew could answer the questions
Liza Maeasigan-Nguyen, Dragon fruit farmer, Northern Territory.
We see that we can work with the RALF when it comes to soil health and sustainability, because we know that there is a lot of things we need to learn
Emily Hinds, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Northern Territory
Everyone is keen to do the right thing in their area but they’re not necessarily aware of how to do it, that’s where we can draw on people’s knowledge from interstate and the RALF network itself
Mark Savina, Sugarcane farmer, Wet Tropics QLD
Mark: I have struck up a good relationship with them and a working relationship. I have got numbers in my phone that I know I can ring and say “Look, I’ve got a problem, who do I go to see?”. Because of their experience in the industry and that is what we need
Emily Hinds, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Northern Territory
I hope that this publication can really showcase what the RALF role is all about for the people in the region, for the farmers and pastoralists.
Vuong Nguyen, Dragon fruit farmer, Northern Territory
I am happy that I’m included, I feel involved with the RALF
Evizel Seymour, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Wet Tropics QLD
I would love to see the publication for the RALF role engage people and make them understand what a RALF does
Emily Hinds, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Northern Territory
It is a non-commercial, non-biased, not trying to sell anything, independent advice on sustainable agriculture.
Vuong Nguyen, Dragon fruit farmer, Northern Territory
I think it has opened to Darwin and Australia. It opened to many people that care about their land and what they do
Mark Savina, Sugarcane farmer, Wet Tropics QLD
We need that person to coordinate help for us all the way along
Kellie Evans, Grazier, Atherton Tablelands QLD
Her phone number is on speed dial, it is in my favourites section of my phone. She is the first person I call
Evizel Seymour, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Wet Tropics QLD
I love the RALF role because I am a people person
Emily Hinds, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Northern Territory
When you get to meet these people face to face and create real relationships and friendships.
Vuong Nguyen, Dragon fruit farmer, Northern Territory
It is a thumbs up for everyone
This video provides a short overview of the RALF role. A publication will be released by the department later this year which provides more information on the RALFs and the work they are doing on the ground across Australia.
RALFs are funded and supported by the department as part of the $450 million Regional Land Partnerships (RLP) program over five years (2017-18 to 2022-23).
The RALF component of the program has been allocated over $33 million, nationally, over five years.
RALFs are working to build the future of sustainable agriculture in Australia. There is currently over 65 RALFs based across Australia. Their role is unique, they are out in the community assisting stakeholders and are the key contacts for landcarers to learn about sustainable agriculture.
RALFs support farmers, industry and community groups (including Landcare Groups) to adopt new and innovative sustainable agriculture practices. Establishing and building partnerships with these key groups is central to the RALF role.
Below, you will find a fact sheet that provides further information on the RALF role.
Download
Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF) factsheet PDF (3,554 KB)
Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF) factsheet DOCX (53 KB)
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
Services
RALF services include:
- Engaging and informing farming communities and agricultural industries within their NRM region about emerging ideas, innovative practices and relevant new government policies and programs to help improve the sustainability, productivity and profitability of agriculture.
- Facilitating partnerships that will best deliver agriculture outcomes, such as connecting industry, grower and community groups so that they can work together to address common issues.
- Assisting farming communities and agriculture industry groups to develop new projects and seek new funding opportunities e.g. Smart Farms Small Grants and Smart Farming Partnerships Grants.
- Supporting the delivery of National Landcare Program Sustainable Agriculture projects.
- Reporting to the department annually on the delivery of RALF services.
- Participating in a ‘Communities of Practice’ to better understand complex issues, improve networks and help develop solutions for national priorities.
- Attending the RALF Annual Conference in Canberra and participating in regular teleconferences with the department.
- Informing the department about emerging issues and events within their NRM regions (e.g. reporting on the impacts of natural disasters).
RALFs contribute towards the below RLP program’s agricultural outcomes:
- Outcome 5: By 2023, there is an increase in the awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation
- Outcome 6: By 2023, there is an increase in the capacity of agriculture systems to adapt to significant changes in climate and market demands for information on provenance and sustainable production.
Find your RALF
To find out how your local RALF may be able to assist you, please see a list of RALF contact details for each NRM region below:
| Name | Management Unit | Email address | Contact number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeni De Landre | ACT | JenileeDeLandre@act.gov.au | 0407 321 784 |
| Sarah Carter | North West | sarah@trla.org.au | 0405 506 180 |
| Jade Auldist | Riverina | jade.auldist@lls.nsw.gov.au | 0473 055 466 |
| Liz Davis | Central Tablelands | liz.davis@lls.nsw.gov.au | 0427 452 662 02 6363 7872 |
| Stephen Thompson | North Coast | stephen.a.thompson@lls.nsw.gov.au | 0428 337 471 |
| Daintry Gerrand | Hunter | Daintry.gerrand@lls.nsw.gov.au | 0429 198 472 |
| Richard Stephens | Greater Sydney | richard.stephens@lls.nsw.gov.au | 0436 803 337 02 4724 2151 |
| Marien Stark | South East | marien.stark@lls.nsw.gov.au | 0428 258 441 |
| James Cornwell | South East | james.cornwell@lls.nsw.gov.au | 0457 286 099 |
| Simon Rowe | Marine | simon@oceanwatch.org.au | 02 9660 2262 |
| Charles Benson | Central West | Charles.benson@lls.nsw.gov.au | 0409 175 840 |
| Sandy Dellwo | Murray | sandy.dellwo@lls.nsw.gov.au | 0408 400 719 03 5881 9937 |
| Pamela Perkins | Northern Tablelands | pamela.perkins@lls.nsw.gov.au | 0498 497 533 |
| Anya Salmon | Northern Tablelands | Anya.salmon@lls.nsw.gov.au | 0455 481 170 |
| Anne Holst | Western | anne.holst@lls.nsw.gov.au | 0427 932 526 |
| Name | Management Unit | Email address | Contact number |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | Burnett Mary | TBA | TBA |
| Geoff Reid | Condamine | RALF.Condamine@sqlandscapes.org.au | 0429 683 097 |
| Leah Nugent | Gulf Savannah | leah.nugent@gulfsavannahnrm.org | 0412 383 758 |
| Gillian Barbat | Mackay Whitsunday | Gillian.barbat@reefcatchments.com | 0488 730 021 07 4968 4247 |
| Pru Wharton | Southern Gulf | landcare@southerngulf.com.au | 0428 888 079 07 4743 1888 |
| Vanessa Smolders | South East | Vanessa.s@hlw.org.au | 0432 561 610 |
| Bruce Lord | South East | bruce.l@hlw.org.au | 0427 013 284 |
| Peter Arthofer | Burdekin | Peter.arthofer@nqdrytropics.com.au | 0488 675 033 07 47993541 |
| Katrina Shaw | Cape York | Katrina.shaw@capeyorknrn.com.au | 0428 395 701 |
| Evizel Seymour | Wet Tropics | evizel.seymour@terrain.org.au | 0483 316 274 |
| Keith Walker | Maranoa-Balonne Border Rivers | keith.walker@sqlandscapes.org.au | 0429 056 457 |
| Sheree Johnston | Fitzroy | Sheree.johnston@fba.org.au | 0448 219 982 |
| Doug Allpass | Desert Channels | doug.allpass@dcq.org.au | 0427 427 090 07 4652 7814 |
| Jackson Shillingsworth | South West | jackson.shillingsworth@sqlandscapes.org.au | 0428 458 596 |
| Name | Management Unit | Email address | Contact number |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | Northern Territory | TBA | TBA |
| Name | Management Unit | Email address | Contact number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrea Tschirner | South Australian Arid Lands | Andrea.Tschirner@sa.gov.au | 0438 720 469 |
| Amy Wright | Eyre Peninsula | ralf@airep.com.au | 0467 004 555 |
| Skylea McLean | South East | Skylea.McLean@sa.gov.au | 0437 030 765 08 8762 9700 |
| Eykolina Benny | South East | Eykolina.benny@sa.gov.au | 0417 575 474 08 8735 1144 |
| Venetia Bolwell | Kangaroo Island | Venetia.Bolwell@sa.gov.au | 0437 172 877 |
| Zoe Starkey | Murraylands and Riverland | zoe.starkey@sa.gov.au | 0408 416 684 08 8532 9120 |
| Denham Ewens | Murraylands and Riverland | Denham.Ewens@sa.gov.au | 0419 093 665 08 8580 1800 |
| Emma McInerney | Northern and Yorke | emma@agex.org.au | 0455 527 909 |
| TBA | Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands (Alinytjara Wilurara) |
TBA | TBA |
| Jim Mead | Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board | jim.mead@sa.gov.au | 08 8550 3400 0408 678 890 |
| Denham Ewens | Murraylands and Riverland | Denham.Ewens@sa.gov.au | 0419 093 665 08 8580 1800 |
| Name | Management Unit | Email address | Contact number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonnie Nesbit | North NRM | bnesbitt@nrmnorth.org.au | 0460 006 646 03 6333 7798 |
| Tom O’Malley | North West NRM | tomalley@cradlecoast.com | 0408 055 272 03 6433 8400 |
| Tim Ackroyd | South NRM | tackroyd@nrmsouth.org.au | 0400 047 665 |
| James Stronach | South NRM | jstronach@nrmsouth.org.au | 0400 914 100 |
| Name | Management Unit | Email address | Contact number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emma Orgill | East Gippsland | emma.orgill@fevl.org.au | 0400 467 921 03 5154 2867 |
| Darren Bain | North Central | Darren.bain@nccma.vic.gov.au | 0419 560 348 03 5440 1893 |
| Bronwyn Bant | Wimmera | BantB@wcma.vic.gov.au | 03 5382 1544 |
| Glen Sutherland | Mallee | Glen.sutherland@malleecma.com.au | 0417 396 973 03 5051 4308 |
| Cameron Flowers | Mallee | Cameron.flowers@malleecma.com.au | 0427 509 663 |
| Sam Shannon | West Gippsland | sams@wgcma.vic.gov.au | 0409 944 114 03 5613 5978 |
| Mary Knight | Glenelg Hopkins | m.knight@ghcma.vic.gov.au | 0417 513 724 |
| Lachlan Campbell | North East | Lachlan.campbell@necma.vic.gov.au | 0400 852 482 02 6043 7672 |
| Karen O’Keefe | Corangamite | Karen.okeefe@ccma.vic.gov.au | 03 5232 9100 |
| Karen Thomas | Port Phillip & Westernport | karen.thomas@ppwcma.vic.gov.au | 0427 480 170 |
| Kerstie Lee | Goulburn Broken | kerstiel@gbcma.vic.gov.au | 03 5764 7507 |
| Name | Management Unit | Email address | Contact number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacquie Lucas | Avon River Basin | jlucas@wheatbeltnrm.org.au | 08 9670 3118 |
| David Broadhurst | Swan | david.broadhurst@perthnrm.com | 08 9374 3306 |
| Graham McAlpine | Swan | graham.mcalpine@perthnrm.com | 0417 042 818 08 9374 3310 |
| Tibby Tuckett | Swan | tibby.tuckett@perthnrm.com | 0480 483 276 |
| Annabelle Garratt | Northern Agricultural Region | Annabelle.Garratt@nacc.com.au | 0448 986 879 08 99380100 |
| Daniel Lupardo | South West | Daniel.lupardo@swccnrm.org.au | 0428 959 122 08 9724 2415 |
| Sarah Jeffery | Rangelands | sarahj@rangelandswa.com.au | 0427 626 222 |
| Ellie Summers | Rangelands | ellies@rangelandswa.com.au | 08 9192 5797 |
| Sophie Willsher | South Coast | sophiew@southcoastnrm.com.au | 08 9076 2200 |
| Mick Davis | Peel-Harvey | Mick.davis@peel-harvey.org.au | 0402 175 770 08 6393 8800 |