Conversations for Change

Published 28th July 2025. Written by Maddison O’Brien

Cultivating Connection, Culture & Regeneration on Wiradjuri Country

Over the past year, Conversations for Change has brought something truly special to the Watershed landcare region—an unfolding series of workshops and forum designed not just to teach, but to transform. The project created a dynamic, hands-on space for landholders, graziers, and community members to explore the power and potential of regenerative agriculture in a changing climate.

From its humble beginnings in early 2023, Conversations for Change has grown into a thriving local movement—offering tools, wisdom, and relationships that continue to ripple outward.

Learning on Country

Held across Wiradjuri Country, the series placed a strong emphasis on learning from and listening to First Nations voices. At the 2025 Forum, a heartfelt Welcome to Country by Wiradjuri woman Gail Ratcliffe set the tone for a day rooted in respect and cultural connection. Later, Uncle Peter Swain shared powerful insights on Indigenous Land Management in his Caring for Country session, reminding us that any truly regenerative future must be built in partnership with Aboriginal knowledge holders.

A Journey of Hands-On Learning

The workshop series leading up to the Forum was diverse, practical, and deeply engaging:

• Landscape Rehydration with the Mulloon Institute (Oct 2024)

• Syntropic Agroforestry with Rebel Black (Nov 2024)

• Introduction to Biodynamics with Kesh Mudaly (Feb 2025)

• Swale Building & Earthworks with Mike & Billie from Dry Creek Farm (March 2025)

Each session brought theory into action, giving participants tangible skills to apply in their own paddocks, gardens, and communities.

The Forum: A Festival of Ideas and Action

The Conversations for Change Forum, held in April 2025, was the culmination of the project—a vibrant, festival-style gathering that brought together over 60 attendees. With a focus on regenerative grazing, climate resilience, and local innovation, the Forum created space for real, grounded conversations to take root.

• Stuart Andrews delivering an empowering talk on natural sequence farming

• Judi Earl, expert in holistic grazing and land management

• Richard Daugherty, sharing real life stories of regenerative farming

• Gail Ratcliffe, speaking to the deep relationship between culture, Country, and care

Together, they formed a dynamic panel who later took audience questions covering local food systems, succession in farming, weed management, regenerative grazing, and more.

The keynote sessions & panel discussion were recorded and are available to view here.

Conversations That Matter

The heart of the Forum lay in the Conversation Sessions, where attendees were invited to share their experiences and insights in open, respectful dialogue. Topics included:

• Adapt vs React – drought preparedness strategies (Michael & Cheryl Nielsen)

• Biodiversity in Action – unlocking ecological benefits (Julie Reynolds, LLS)

• Brilliant Biochar – scaling biochar and wood vinegar (John Mellowes, Pyro Ag)

• Caring for Country – learning from Indigenous practices (Uncle Peter Swain)

• Cultivating Innovation – resourcing community-led change (Bruce Christie)

• Paddock to Planet – restoring Australia’s large water cycle (Pete Dowson & Bea Ludwig, TALS Institute)

• Slow, Sink, Store – landscape water management (Mulloon Institute team)

• Soil Solutions that Work – local regenerative successes (Josh Frappell, The Regenerative)

• Weeds—What Are They Telling Us? – interpreting weeds regeneratively (Clayton Leven)

Each conversation was guided by a “caretaker” and grounded in the principle that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

A Marketplace of Ideas (and Delicious Local Produce!)

The Forum also featured a delightful lineup of stallholders and local makers:

• Hillside Family Grove, offering fresh figs and olive oil

• Pyro Ag, showcasing biochar and natural wood vinegar

• Capertee Valley Soaps, with handcrafted, all-natural body care products

• The Book Nest, with an inspiring selection of farming and environmental reads

• Soul Mamas Catering, who crafted beautiful lunchboxes highlighting fresh, local ingredients

Seeds Planted, and Already Sprouting

The impact of Conversations for Change is already visible. Many participants have begun experimenting with regenerative techniques, from paddock-scale biochar application to redesigned grazing plans. Peer-to-peer support networks through our Communities of Practice are bubbling with enthusiasm, and deeper connections between local knowledge holders, farmers, and Traditional Owners are now being nurtured.

As Watershed Landcare continues to support landholders in adapting to a changing climate, the legacy of Conversations for Change lives on—in every conversation, every practice adopted, and every step toward more resilient, connected communities.

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This project was made possible through support from FRRR and the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, with additional sponsorship from Essential Energy. Deepest thanks to all speakers, workshop hosts, volunteers, and participants who brought the project to life.