Louise Turner will step back from her role at Western Landcare, after a decade and a half at the forefront of conservation in western NSW.

The passionate leader has been at the helm of the organisation, which spans 42 per cent of the state, since its inception.Indeed, she says that one of the highlights of her time was being part of the group who set up the land care organisation.

She leaves now with a legacy that Western Landcare is the biggest Not For Profit stakeholder for biodiversity and conservation in the region. It’s influenced countless landholders in how they manage their properties and built a toolkit of knowledge on the impact that biodiversity has in their land management.

“It feels good to have been part of the team who set up the organisation back in 2004.”

Since then Mrs Turner has held several key roles, including Executive Officer and Regional Landcare Co-ordinator.

The next chapter for her will include a small amount of project work with Western Landcare, helping to manage the operations at her sheep property with husband Zane, and then space to find her next professional adventure.

“This job has been so incredibly rewarding. I’m really proud of all that we have achieved,” Mrs Turner said.

“I just feel like it’s time for me to finish up.The Landcare Enabling Program has been funded by the NSW Government and so it’s now time for other leaders in our organisation to step up and implement that new program,” Mrs Turner said.

“I’m contracted to work on another project with the organisation until Christmas, but I’m not sure what I’ll do after that.”

Mrs Turner said she had found exposure to the next generation particularly rewarding. “I’m really passionate about teaching the next generation. Landcare is more than just planting trees. So to be able to plant the seeds of knowledge with school aged students who then take those learnings home is really special.”

She said she would remain a champion for biodiversity and sustainable agriculture, and would watch Western Landcare’s wins from the sidelines. “Sustainable agriculture is incredibly important to me, and I feel proud to have advocated for that in this role.”