New Springs Landcare Group’s 2025 Annual General Meeting had an excellent turnout of 21 members and 7 guests, and saw existing office holders re-appointed, provided an update on the Group’s stable finances, heard fascinating insights from a noted birding expert, and celebrated the bestowal of our first life membership.

As of October 2025 the group has 39 paid members, a doubling in size since its revival in 2022 after several years of dormancy.

John Gitsham has captured dozens of photos of Crested Shrike Tits at his place, giving valuable insights into their preferred habitats.

The group was privileged to hear from conservation biologist, avid birdwatcher and talented photographer John Gitsham as our guest speaker to provide insights into our avian emblem, the Crested Shrike Tit.

John is a seasoned professional whose experiences include 25 years in the Conservation Industry, including Head Park Ranger for the  Coorong National Park, and roles spanning Earth Sanctuaries, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, National Parks & Wildlife SA, Nature Guide, Wildlife Manager, Fleurieu Swamps Project Officer & Murraylands Wetlands Manager.

John is the past President & Committee Member of Birds SA & has been on BirdLife Australia’s Gluepot Bird Reserve Management Committee in the Riverland for the past 20 years and brought a wealth of insights and inspiration to the group.

Following John’s presentation, Chair Kym Gladigau announced that New Springs was launching an honorary life membership scheme for individuals who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the environment and sustainability – with the inaugural honour going to Alan Brice.

Alan Brice receiving his honorary life membership certificate from Kym Gladigau

A long-standing advocate for the environment, who advocated tree planting and revegetation on agricultural land long before it was fashionable, Alan has devoted more than 30 decades to habitat restoration, and continues to contribute his experience and knowledge to the benefit of our landcare group.

Just a few months earlier, Alan hosted the group for a field trip to tour past revegetation efforts at his Mt Beevor property, highlighting the improved results of direct seeding compared to tube stock, the importance of elevation and water to different tree species, and post-bushfire regeneration.

A future focused innovator, Alan explained his advance water management system, solar pumping array and even different types of  lay-down and elevated fences he has created for ease of access and smoother stock management.