What if the answers to drought, flooding and declining soil health were already written into the landscape?
Join us for a screening of Rehydrate Australia, a documentary showcasing Australian farmers using regenerative land management to restore water cycles, improve soil health and build resilience to a changing climate (trailer below). Following the feature film, we will screen Rivers of Carbon – Source Water Linkages: Wongajong, a short documentary about the restoration of a section of the Wollondilly River near Goulburn, highlighting the benefits of river stewardship for biodiversity, waterway health and farm resilience.
The views expressed in Rehydrate Australia are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wingecarribee Council. The film is intended as a starting point for discussion and exploration and should not be considered formal guidance, policy, or endorsement by Council or other public authorities.
Join the Conversation
Whether you're a farmer, gardener, environmental advocate, food lover or simply interested in the future of our region, this screening offers an opportunity to learn, connect and explore how healthy landscapes contribute to healthy communities. Together, we can support local producers, encourage regenerative land management and help build a more resilient Southern Highlands.
Why This Matters in the Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands is built on a productive agricultural landscape. Like many regions, local landholders are facing changing rainfall patterns, drought, extreme weather and soil degradation. Regenerative agriculture and landscape restoration can improve soil health, retain water, support biodiversity and build resilience for farms and communities.
Guest Speakers
- Lori Gould is CEO of Environmental Restoration Design and Planning and has more than 25 years’ experience in natural resource management. Specialising in ecological restoration, riparian rehabilitation and community engagement, Lori works with landholders, councils and communities to deliver practical environmental outcomes.
- Jeff Aston is founder and winemaker of Southern Highlands-based Tractorless Vineyard. With almost 30 years in the wine industry, he is a strong advocate for regenerative viticulture, using biodynamic principles, natural farming systems and integrated grazing to create a self-sustaining vineyard ecosystem.
- Patrick Tegart is Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Environment Officer for Biodiversity Projects and Community Education. He leads conservation and citizen science initiatives that restore habitat, protect threatened species and connect communities with nature.
Why Attend?
- For landholders: Discover practical Australian examples of restoring landscape function, improving soil health and strengthening farm resilience.
- For consumers: Learn how supporting local producers helps create a more sustainable and resilient food system.
A healthy agricultural future depends on both innovative land management and community support.