General News
1 April, 2026
Turning over a new leaf
THE Heytesbury District Landcare Network (HDLN) is entering a new chapter, with two significant farewells and the appointment of new staff to continue the network’s strong environmental and community focus across the district.
After nearly three years as Landcare facilitator, Michelle Leech has relocated to Queensland, leaving behind a legacy of project delivery and community engagement.
During her time with HDLN, Mrs Leech led the Biofund revegetation program, delivered numerous community events, secured funding for Weedbuster activities and supported farmers to explore low-emissions tools through AgriFutures initiatives.
She became a familiar face at Nature Connections and Coastcare events – whether paddling waterways to monitor river health, exploring local fossils with participants or introducing children and adults alike to aquatic life through waterbug surveys.
Colleagues and community members thanked her for her enthusiasm, professionalism and ability to bring people together.
HDLN is also farewelling long-time contributor Lyndell Driscoll after 20 years of dedicated service.
Widely regarded as a cornerstone of the network, Ms Driscoll has contributed across every level of Landcare activity – from propagating and planting thousands of native seedlings to supporting landholders and helping deliver major events, including the Soils Conference and Master Tree Grower 2022.
Known for her strong local connections and hands-on approach, she was a regular at community planting days and proactive in identifying new project opportunities.
Her contribution has left a lasting environmental and community legacy throughout the region.
Stepping into the Landcare facilitator role is Debbie Dalziel, who has worked with HDLN since May 2025 coordinating the New Futures for Victorian Landcare pilot project.
The co-design program brought together landholders, stakeholders and potential investors to develop a landscape-scale roadmap for ecological restoration.
Mrs Dalziel also supports the Small Blocks Big Dreams project delivered with Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, helping participants build practical land stewardship skills.
Her background spans natural resource management, media and communications and dairy farming, along with previous project work with Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority focused on water quality and biodiversity protection.
“We live in a fantastic area which is home to some pretty special places – from our coastlines and wetlands to productive valleys, rolling hills and unique volcanic country,” Mrs Dalziel said.
“I look forward to working with communities to protect these important and biodiverse landscapes.”
Joining the team in early March is Clem Wetherall, bringing experience in Landcare and environmental communications, most recently with the Southern Otway Landcare Network.
Ms Wetherall will support nursery operations and communications, combining media and marketing expertise with environmental science training and a strong interest in ecological restoration and conservation.
Continuing in their roles, Kate Leslie manages the HDLN community nursery increasing the diversity and volume of locally propagated seedlings, while Louise Osborne serves as network manager, leading partnerships, office management and supporting project delivery.
Dr Osborne has extensive scientific and management experience, including previous roles with CSIRO and government natural resource agencies.
With strong foundations, HDLN looks forward to continuing its work with landholders and community groups to deliver practical, on-ground environmental outcomes across the district.