Tamar NRM is excited to announce the launch of the Kanamaluka Network!

On Friday the 5th of June, the Kanamaluka Network was officially launched by Tamar NRM's vice-president, Brigid Morrison.

Tamar NRM Vice President Brigid Morrison launching the Kanamaluka Network.

We were joined for this exciting occasion by representatives from a variety of organisations that we partner with, such as the City of Launceston, University of Tasmania, Landcare, NRM North and the Australian Plant Society Tasmania.

We also had a wonderful turnout of community members, some of whom had been instrumental in shaping the Kanamaluka Network through their feedback and conversations over the past few months.

Our guest speaker on the day was Dr. Emily Flies, Senior Lecturer in Geography, Planning and Spatial Science at the University of Tasmania. Dr. Flies spoke about her research into nature connection and community wellbeing, which was fascinating and extremely relevant to the outcomes we hope to achieve with the Kanamaluka Network.

Dr. Emily Flies gave a fascinating talk on the science behind nature connection, pro-environmental behaviour and community wellbeing.

So, what is it all about??

There are so many driven individuals across the Tamar, working together to achieve a shared purpose- Landcare Groups, Wildcare groups, emerging social groups, all investing in the Tamar’s green and blue spaces. There are also numerous individuals scattered across the valley. Often, these individuals feel deeply connected to their local patch, but don’t where to start, where to find support, or other like-minded individuals.

What would it look like, for the Tamar’s people and places, if all these groups and individuals could easily connect, share and grow together?

The Kanamaluka Network is a hub between organisations, community groups, passionate individuals and current and potential volunteers. It can help existing groups with resources and visibility, while supporting new and emerging groups. The network represents stronger collaboration across the Tamar, more cohesion, more impact. We want to connect volunteers to opportunities more easily, and ensure they feel safe, valued and supported.

Program Coordinator Jonty Dehnert showing off the new Kanamaluka Network web page.

What can I expect??

The short answer is lots! Soon, we will publish a calendar of events open to Kanamaluka Network members. This will be broadcasted through the Kanamaluka Network mailing list (found on the network page on Tamar NRM's website). There will be opportunities for training, social events, citizen science and good old fashioned working bees in a variety of Tamar Valley reserves.

Tamar NRM Vice President Brigid Morrison (left) and Program Coordinator Alison Hugo (right).

How do I get involved??

The simplest way is to sign up for the mailing list found at the bottom of the Kanamaluka Network webpage (found here). This will keep you abreast of everything Kanamaluka Network related. If you have a group (or are looking to form one) and are seeking to increase your impact, please contact Jonty Dehnert at jonty.dehnert@tamarnrm.com.au or Alison Hugo at alison.hugo@tamarnrm.com.au to discuss how the Kanamaluka Network can support you.

Tamar NRM's experience supporting grassroots environmental initiatives across the Tamar makes it a perfect fit for the Kanamaluka Network, and we can't wait to see strengthened community partnerships in the region.

-The Tamar NRM team.