Community in Focus: RGA Landcare
21 January 2026
Tank Reserve project set to beautify and boost conservation awareness
A Berrigan nature reserve is set to undergo a stunning landscape transformation, with 1,000 native plants set to be installed as part of a local community-driven project aptly titled 'Growing Together'.
This exciting initiative is being delivered by the Ricegrowers Association of Australia (RGA) Landcare, with support from a $5,000 grant received through Murray Irrigation's annual community sponsorship program.
The project also seeks to enhance public awareness of local biodiversity and conservation values through three community engagement events planned to take place in April and July.
All the action will be centred on the Berrigan Government Tank Paddock (also known as the Tank Reserve), which is located on the south-eastern outskirts of the town.
Berrigan-based RGA Local Landcare Coordinator Andrea Mitchell, who secured the Murray Irrigation funding, is facilitating the project in conjunction with the Berrigan Conservation Group and Tidy Towns Committee.
Local events in the pipeline
The first 'Growing Together' event will be a wellbeing and mindfulness in April involving meditation, nature journaling and biodiversity data collection using the popular 'citizen science' platform, iNaturalist. The aim of this activity is to promote mental health.
The nature journaling is focused on participants slowing down to look, reflect and record their observations of birds, plants, trees and the natural world around them through sketching and writing; while the iNaturalist activity involves community 'citizen scientists' mapping and identifying species to support scientific research.
The two other 'Growing Together' events will be tree planting days scheduled to be held in conjunction with Schools Tree Day on Friday July 25, and National Tree Day on Sunday July 27, 2026.
On Schools Tree Day, Berrigan Public School students will join teachers and volunteer helpers at the Tank Reserve for a day of tree and understory planting, as well as native seed ball making.
“This is sure to be a fun day for our school children, as they are immersed in nature and learn about local plants and biodiversity,” Andrea said.
The Tank Paddock at Berrigan is soon to be a hive of activity, with a series of special events to be held this year as part of the 'Growing Together' community project.
“The kids enjoy seed balling, as they roll everything together to assist in germination.”
Two days later, on National Tree Day, the environmental activity at the Tank Reserve will continue as residents gather for a community planting day. This event will include a social get together and lunch, opening the way for shared stories and intergenerational learning about local ecology, together with hands-on active learning and fun.
A case study on the three events will then be completed and shared on the NSW Landcare Gateway website.
The benefits of 'Growing Together'
Andrea has clear expectations around outcomes for the project, which includes making a contribution to habitat regeneration through plant installation.
“I have selected particular plant species which are all locally native, but are niche plants and may not presently be found at the site,” she said.
“They will be drought tolerant and provide resources across seasons for our native birds and insects.”
With more than 100 community members and students expected to be involved across the three 'Growing Together' events, this also creates the added benefit of strengthening community ties, promoting collaboration and fostering deep personal connections with nature and local ecosystems.
“The Tank Reserve project is designed to help the community in a variety of ways,” Andrea said.
“It will have wellbeing at its core, promoting mental health, time in nature, community belonging and environmental stewardship.
“It also reflects a shift toward proactive community-driven action, promoting adaptability in the face of climate and biodiversity challenges by engaging locals in practical solutions-focused environmental restoration.”
And, importantly, the initiative will gift the Berrigan district with an even more beautiful and diverse public space for relaxation and passive recreation.
“(The project) reflects a shift toward proactive community-driven action, promoting adaptability in the face of climate and biodiversity challenges by engaging locals in practical solutions-focused environmental restoration.”
- Andrea Mitchell
RGA Local Landcare Coordinator
Volunteers are the backbone
While there are costs involved in a project of this nature, not the least being nearly $4,000 for native plants and guards, as well as seed ball materials, more significant is the contribution made by the volunteers who will give their time willingly to enhance a valuable environmental asset.
Many of those lending a hand will be members of the Berrigan Conservation Group and Tidy Towns Committee, a group of volunteers who work tirelessly to enhance, preserve and beautify the historic Berrigan Tank Paddock and its surrounding sites.
Located on the left-hand side of the Riverina Highway, heading out of Berrigan towards Savernake, the Tank Paddock was originally a stock reserve and holds an important place in the region’s history, having been a source of permanent water before irrigation.
The local Conservation Group’s ongoing local efforts include regenerating vegetation and developing knowledge of Australian indigenous flora and fauna within the area.
Berrigan Conservation Group and Tidy Town Committee member Jacquetta ‘Jick’ Sloane enjoys a relaxing moment at The Tank Paddock. Look closely and you will see the bird hide in the background.
"The birds will come"
At the Tank Paddock, walking and cycling tracks have been developed to encourage visitors to explore the wetlands, where they can gain knowledge from interpretative signage. There is also a well-positioned bird hide offering the perfect place to observe the wildlife.
The Tank Paddock is highly regarded by bird watchers, with sightings recorded on the eBird Australia website. In 2025 alone more than 30 different bird species were identified, with more than 40 listed over the past six years.
“And when you provide the habitat, which our project aims to do, the birds will come,” Andrea says.
Community is key
Community is a key focus of the Tank Reserve Project, which is only possible thanks to the partnership involving RGA Landcare, the Berrigan Conservation Group and Tidy Towns Committee, the local school and preschool, Berrigan Shire Council and, of course, the many volunteers.
The project is even having an influence on the Berrigan water tower mural, being painted by artist Alex Sugar. Andrea has had discussions with the artist, who is incorporating plants from the Tank Paddock in his design.
This is all being undertaken through her role as the local RGA Landcare Coordinator. RGA is a Landcare NSW host organisation which seeks to promote the integration of environmental thinking into everyday farm management while supporting biodiversity enhancement activities across rural and urban landscapes.
It utilises available resources to deliver sustainable financial, agronomic and natural resource management information.
“The Tank Reserve project is coming together and I am looking forward to its implementation in 2026," Andrea said.
"The local community is getting involved and it will provide a valuable environmental asset that I am sure will be enjoyed by many people well into the future.”
Murray Irrigation's annual sponsorship program is made possible through the support of its customers.
