The National Landcare Program phase one provided $3 million over 3 years (2014-15 to 2016-17) to improve the environmental health of the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria and raise awareness of traditional Indigenous culture.
Community groups were funded to undertake on-ground environmental projects in the Dandenongs to improve wildlife habitat, manage weeds including Wandering Trad (Tradescantia fluminensis) and reduce bushfire fuel loads.
The Bullen Bullen Bush Tucker and Medicine Tours received support to develop a program to raise community awareness of traditional Indigenous practices in the Dandenongs.
The Dandenong Ranges program provided:
- improved biodiversity values and ecosystem resilience as a result of improved habitat, fewer weeds and reduced bushfire risk
- a coordinated and effective response to the protection of the Dandenong Ranges from the threat of weeds, particularly Wandering Trad (Tradescantia fluminensis)
- increased local community capacity and involvement in the management of threats to the environmental health of the Dandenong Ranges
- increased community awareness of traditional Indigenous practices.