The Australian Master TreeGrower course explores multipurpose tree growing and has the potential to cover numerous topics of interest to participants.

This may include timber production for specialty timbers and/or firewood, native foods, flowers and seeds, truffles, shitake mushrooms, essential oils, shade and shelter for livestock, and biodiversity.

Karen Zirkler, member of Harnham Landcare group, and one of the instigators of the course in our region said she is super excited about the Master TreeGrower course.

“I’ve wanted to do it for years, and since visiting the Otway ranges in Victoria recently, I can see how much change it has facilitated in the landscape down there,” she said.

“I think there is still so much more we can do to change the New England landscape for the better, and in doing so, potentially change the future of farming.”

Kristy Youman, from Southern New England Landcare will be coordinating the course logistics and speakers, and is also very excited.

“This course is the first part of a new project being run by Southern New England Landcare, called the New England AgriWoodlands Project,” she said.

“The project is one of two pilots being run by the Australian Agroforestry Foundation – one being here and the other being in Western Australia.”

The New England AgriWoodlands Project is based on a highly successful model used in the Otways in Victoria and involves training farmers and then paying farmers to coach and mentor other landholders to develop their agroforestry ideas.

The 8 day Australian Master TreeGrower course will be held across a number of New England properties from October to December, and will cost $220 per person, with discounts available for additional family members. 

Registrations close on Tuesday  September 30. For more information please contact Kristy Youman 02 6772 9123 or kristy@snelcc.org.au.