The Friends of the Woady Landcare Group was formed in 2022 to continue the work of the Smythesdale Progress Association and the former Dales Landcare in undertaking restoration work on the Woady Yaloak River in Smythesdale.  For nearly 25 years, community volunteers have been working to clear gorse and other weeds along a section of the river between Whites Rd and the Snake Valley Rd in Smythesdale and undertake the planting of indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses.  Like all waterways in the Ballarat region, the Woady was a victim of the goldrush which brought great wealth but devastated the creeks and rivers.

Through hard physical work the river can now be seen and enjoyed by all and hopefully a thriving habitat restored.

We hold a working bee every month and a planting program each year.  We are always looking for more volunteers.