Dear ‘Friend’: We are pleased to provide a link to the most recent issue of FriendsNET, the quarterly newsletter from the Victorian Environment Friends Network. It is being sent to you as someone who is a “land carer”.
This issue includes:
From your Network Convener
Who’s your Best Friend for 2016?
Parks Victoria volunteers co-ordinator
Climate change, Victoria’s future
Charities Commission not to be junked
Australia Day honours
Yarra River Protection Act forum
Relocating reptiles revisited
Toxic chemicals washed into Yarra
Damper Creek, Mt Waverley
Healesville and the Great Forest NP
Gliders in nest boxes Morwell NP
Sea Eagle survey at French Island
Bandicoots at Cranbourne
Vale Tony Woolford:
VEFN is saddened and shocked to hear of the death of Tony Woolford, who only just rejoined our Committee this year. Our sincere condolences to his family, friends and the members of of his beloved Friends of Buckley Falls.
If you wish to be removed from our future mailings, please just email us at hayburn@bigpond.com. If this has been passed on to you and you wish to be added to the distribution, simply send an email.
BernieFox, 0428 178 747 on behalf of the Victorian Environmental Friends Network Committee 8Apr
Other News ‘snippets’ – remember: you are welcome to advise future contributions:
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APS Geelong Autumn Plant Sale
9am-5pm Saturday 9Apr2016 and 9am-1pm Sunday 10Apr2016
‘Wirrawilla’ 40 Lovely Banks Road, Lovely Banks. Mel 431D6.
Every year, in April, we hold our Australian Native Plant Sale. The sale attracts growers from all over Victoria selling a wide range of native plants. From tube-stock to mature trees, grasses to grevilleas, boronias to banksias, you name it and we probably have it for sale. If you want natives for your garden, (and who doesn’t?) – don’t miss this fabulous opportunity!
There is a BBQ, tea, coffee and refreshments, book sales, children’s activities and a great selection of native plants. Our growers are happy to offer advice on native plants.
Plenty of off street parking. Entry is $2.00 per adult or $5.00 per car, with children free of charge.
Information: Bruce McGinness 03 5278 8827 <apsgeeelong@gmail.com>
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Inglewood cactus working bee
9am-12pm Wednesday 13Apr12016
Meet at 193Dunolly-InglewoodRd south of Inglewood (look for Field Day signs)
MG Gold Inglewood is undertaking a working bee to tackle cactus in Inglewood and InglewoodLandcare and LoddonPlainsLandcareNetwork are supporting their efforts.
Free BBQ lunch
Contact: Heather Langshaw MG Gold 0448 522 577 for information.
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Walk and Talk – House Creek through Pam Stone and Les Stone Parks
930-1130am Wednesday 13Apr2016
Wodonga Urban Landcare Network
Join in on an easy loop walk exploring the natural treasures of House creek through Pam Stone and Les Stone Parks. Find out who else shares these parks, where they live and how, with a ‘plain English’ guided tour. Come along for a casual walk with local biodiversity expert Simon Feillafe, identify the special nooks and hollows native birds and animals use and find out how we can restore and improve their habitat.
Meet at the Les Stone carpark off LawrenceSt Wodonga
No cost. Morning Tea provided. Please wear a hat and dress for the weather!
Rsvp not required but would help for catering: AnneStelling <anne.stelling@landcarevic.net.au>
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Great South West Walk Program
The walking program for 2016 has been uploaded onto the GSWW website and is available for downloadinghttp://www.greatsouthwestwalk.com/events/index.php
Unless otherwise stated, all walks leave from CustomsHouse CliffSt Portland. Our By-laws require that intending walkers advise the contact person by the Thursday prior to the walk so that transport arrangements can be made. We encourage all walkers who are not already financial members to join up and help keep us running.
Saturday 16Apr2016
9am start from Portland – NoblesRocks to Nelson (beach walk). 13km. Contact: Rob 03 5526 5372 .0428 381 772.
Saturday 14May2016
9am start from Portland – Cubby’s to CutOutCamp (part of Cobboboonee we haven’t explored recently). 14km. Contact: Julie 03 5526 5372 .0407 052 914
17-18Jun2016
Friday afternoon start. Grampians-Hall’sGap based. Interesting walks planned. Staying local accommodation. Cost to be advised (watch FGSWW Newsletter). Contact: Rob 03 5526 5372 .0428 381 772
Saturday 9Jul2016
8am start from Portland – meet others at Hamilton 9am. Visit BlackRange – WildManCave. 10km. Contact: Wendy 03 5572 3097
Contact: JulieDavies FGSWW RecreationOfficer 03 5523 2131 .0407 052 914
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Greenlink Box Hill Open Saturday Sales
9am-12pm Saturday 16Apr2016
41WimmeraSt BoxHillNorth3129
Following the wonderful rain yesterday we are really looking forward to our first popular open Saturday morning of the year. The nursery is looking great and the plants are in excellent condition.
Contact: <greenlinkboxhill@gmail.com> greenlinkboxhill.org
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Frog ecology talk
2-430pm Saturday 16 April 2016
40RobertsonSt Gisborne3437
Learn more about the threatened growling grass frog, and ways to prevent it from becoming extinct at this free talk with frog ecologist Andrew Hamer. Following the discussion, Melbourne Water representatives will lead a short walk along Jacksons Creek and talk about our local frog habitat.
Free
Contact: WilliamTerry MacedonRangesShire <environment@mrsc.vic.gov.au> 03 5421 9674
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“Hop Along” Frog Discovery Evening
5-730pm Saturday 16Apr2016
TheMokoanHub 652LakeMokoanRd WintonNorth
Please join the Friends of Winton Wetlands as they continue their ‘Friends, Frogs and Fishes’ Project. Guest speaker Dr. Geoff Heard from Melbourne University has worked on the conservation biology of Victorian reptiles and amphibians for the past 15 years. He will highlight the diversity of local frogs in the wetlands area and what conditions they require to maintain healthy populations. You will also learn how the friends group are planning to monitor our local wetland frog population and how you can sign up to actively participate in this monitoring over the coming 6-7 months.
After the seminar and dinner, you will then have the chance to go out for a night time wander (weather permitting) and listen/look for frogs.
This is a FREE, family friendly event. A frog themed afternoon tea and light dinner after the seminar will be provided and prizes will be on offer during the night.
BYO torch and good walking shoes/boots.
Bookings essential: via our Facebook page or <lisa.farnsworth@wintonwetlands.org.au> 0467 448 100.
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Tour of Budj Bim / LRG Forum
Weekend 16-17Apr2016
Near Heywood
The first combined RecVic/ANTaR Vic LRG forum for 2016 will be held at Budj Bim (Lake Condah) in SouthWestVictoria. A tour of the World Heritage nominated Budj Bim landscape and the Lake Condah Mission will be organised for Saturday afternoon conducted by members of the GunditjMirringTraditionalOwnersAboriginalCorporation. The forum will take place on the Sunday morning finishing with lunch.
Basic accommodation will be available in the area for the Saturday night and we will help coordinate transport (car pooling and/or small bus from Melbourne). For those wishing to arrange their own accommodation, there is a motel in Heywood (20kms) and many options in Portland (50kms). Costs for the weekend will be subsidised however there will be a small cost to cover transport, accomodation, food and the tour. Once numbers are finalised, we will confirm what the associated costs are.
ALL WELCOME!
Places will be limited so register your interest ASAP by contacting <office info@reconciliationvic.org.au>
http://reconciliationvic.org.au/calendar/tour-of-budj-bim-lrg-forum.php
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Friends of Kurth Kiln 2016 Heritage Festival
10am Sunday 17Apr2016
KurthKilnPicnicGround, corner Beenak&SoldiersRds 7km north of Gembrook [Melway 14 R-10]
Come and join in the fun at the picturesque historic KurthKiln site where there will be much to do, to see and hear, amongst other things:
Historic and Heritage Events, Vintage Cars, Blacksmith demonstrating his art, Axeman demonstrations, Historic and Heritage Machinery Displays, Craft Stalls, Environmental Displays, Sheep Shearing, Games & Face Painting for the Children, Meet the Huskies
and much more, including short and long bush walks for walking enthusiast.
Refreshments will be catered for by the Hoddles Creek Red Cross
Free Entry and Parking
Contact: Alfred&UrsulaKlink <alfred.ursula@bigpond.com> 03 5967 4201 http://friendsofkurthkiln.org.au/test-article.html
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Nepean Conservation Group Autumn Ramble
Sorrento heritage
945am for 10am sharp start Sunday 17Apr2016
Meet at the Park at Stringer’s Corner (opposite Stringer’s Store and diagonally opposite the Continental Hotel).
It will be a heritage walk along Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento, from the Bay to Bass Strait. Coffee along the way??
Contact: Ursula de Jong <info@nepeanconservationgroup.org.au> http://www.nepeanconservationgroup.org.au/
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Tarra Bulga National Park Walks
TarraBulgaNationalPark GrandRidgeRd Balook
Free guided walks among lush green ferns, giant mountain ash and myrtle beech. Enjoy the fresh air of this beautiful park and get an insight into the park’s fascinating history, flora and fauna.
Sunday 17Apr2016 CorriganSuspensionBridgeCircuit
Meet at the VisitorCentre (60min)
Sunday 15May2016 TarraValleyRainforestWalk
Meet at the TarraValley car park (30min)
10am Monday 13Jun2016 CorriganSuspensionBridgeCircuit
Meet at the VisitorCentre (30-60min) guided walk (easy/moderate).
BYO morning tea suitable for a picnic.
Registrations or program updates are at www.walking.heartfoundation.org.au/events/event/
Contact: Nikki or Stacey, local coordinators Heart Foundation Walking, on 1800 242 696.
https://tarrabulga.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/tarra-bulga-national-park-heart-foundation-walks-2016.pdf
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Waterbug Census Training – Sunbury
1-430pm Saturday 23Apr2016
SunburyMemorialHall StawellSt Sunbury3429
Join Waterwatch in Sunbury to take a look through the magnifying glass at the wonderful world of waterbugs. Macroinvertebrates (or waterbugs) are very important for the health of the waterway as they are a key part of the food chain and can tell us about the health of the ecosystem.
The training day will cover:
=> why we are interested in macroinvertebrates
=> how to sample for macroinvertebrates (including field safety)
=> identifying live macroinvertebrates (using the Agreed Level Taxonomy System)
Free (Bookings essential). To book <waterwatch@melbournewater.com.au> or call 131 722
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Alison Pouliot – Autumn Fungus Forays
Apr&May2016
Alison Pouliot is running some of her fabulous Fungus Forays in April and May and it is good to book early so you do not miss out.
Discover the curiosities and delights of the fungal kingdom this autumn through a variety of seminars, workshops and forays.
Thursday 14Apr2016 – Brisbane Ranges Workshop – Fungi in Focus
Saturday 16Apr2016 – Apollo Bay Workshop – Fungi in Focus
Sunday 17Apr2016 – Gellibrand Foray – A Foray Among the Funguses
Saturday 23Apr2016 – Trentham Foray – Fungus Foray in the Wombat Forest
Thursday 28Apr2016 – Woodend Foray – A Foray Among the Funguses
Saturday 30Apr2016 – Baynton Workshop – The Fungi: An Introduction to a Curious Kingdom
Monday 2May2016 – Baringhup Seminar - Fungi of Eddington Forest and Bells Swamp
Saturday 7May2016 – Euroa Workshop – The Fungi: An Introduction to a Curious Kingdom
Wednesday 2May 2016 – Shelbourne Foray – Shelbourne Forest Fungus Foray
Sunday 29May2016 – Creswick Foray – A Foray Among the Funguses
Wednesday 1Jun2016 – Melbourne Seminar – A Thousand Days in the Forest
Contact: Alison Pouliot <alison@alisonpouliot.com> http://www.alisonpouliot.com/
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APS Mornington Peninsula Plant Sale
10am-330pm Saturday 23Apr2016
Seawinds ArthursSeatStatePark
Seawinds Gardens at Arthurs Seat provides a lovely background and the weather was reasonably kind for late April . People who come will appreciate not just looking and buying, but also the advice from growers who are all experienced with local growing conditions. Do come along, it will be the perfect time for inspiration, get your plants to fill any gaps from this hot dry summer, and the perfect time to plant.
Information: Pam Sayers 03 5976 4630 <mornpenaps@gmail.com>
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Upper Spring Creek Landcare Group and Mid Loddon CMN
Photography Workshop with Alision Pouliot
Sunday 24Apr2016
LockwoodSouthPrimarySchool
Alison Pouliot, a world famous photographer, will be another workshop and field excursion. Her workshops are full of learnings, practical tips and fun!
RSVP: JudyCrocker <jcroc@aapt.net.au> 03 5435 3412 .0428 506 525 http://usclandcare.org.au/
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Friends of Yarra Valley Parks
10am-Noon Sunday 24Apr2016
Candlebark Park [Melway 22G12]
Friends of Yarra Valley Parks are collecting old guards and stakes from previous plantings. Please also bring Stanley knives or equivalent or scissors.
Drive on Fitzsimons Lane Templestowe to where it crosses the Yarra River and, close to the bridge on the South side of the river, take the small side road to the left (either side of the main road) and park in the car park below the bridge. Follow signs to the activity site
Information: AndrewLucas 0412 550 330 <andrew.lucas@clevelandavenue.com.au>http://www.yvfriends.org.au/
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Manningham Walks
Warrandyte
Walks are free and will explore various sections of the Yarra River form the eastern end of Manningham in Wonga Park downstream to Templestowe. They vary in distance, time and degree of difficulty.
930am Thursday 28Apr2016 – MtLoftyCircuit
Starting at the sacred Wurundjeri Bukkertilibul dreaming site on Brushy Creek, this walk will head up to the highest point of Manningham, which has a view of the river and overlooks the start of the Warrandyte gorge.
5km, 3hours. Rating: Difficult – includes steep and/or narrow sections, slippery sections, or high tripping hazards.
930am Thursday 26May2016- CandlebarkPark to BeasleysNursery
This walk will be a gentle stroll along the river flats that have provided an abundance of ecological resources for millennia, and still support a wide range of native fauna and flora, and an organic orchard. This walk will involve a 5km shared car shuttle as the walk is one way.
5km, 3hours. Rating: Easy
Please note: walk bookings open 2 months before each walk. Bookings for the Candlebark Park to Beasleys Nursery in May opened 26Mar.
Book/Information: LynMeredith 03 9840 9326 <eepadmin@manningham.vic.gov.au>http://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/nature-walks-2016
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Australian Association of Friends of Botanic Gardens Conference
‘Geelong – Regional Relevance: Botanic Environments and Their Survival in a Time of Global Warming’
hosted by Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens
Friday-Sunday 29Apr2016-1May2016
The theme has is broadly interpreted and allowed us to explore the Geelong region and focus on the theme throughout the Conference. We are determined to showcase the Geelong Region and to allow the delegates to discover why it is such a special place. We want everyone to discover the region, have the opportunity to learn; and enjoy their stay in Geelong.
The first activity on the schedule on 29Apr is a pre-conference tour to the Bellarine and is augmented by day tours on 2 and 3May.
Non-members are very welcome.
Conference information: FoGeelongBotanicGardens http://www.friendsgbg.org.au/ or the Associationhttp://www.friendsbotanicgardens.org/
Contact: Tracey & Sally <gardensconference@gmail.com> 03 5222 6053 Mon-Friday
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Victorian Landcare Program Review
The Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Hon. Lisa Neville MP thanks everyone who participated in the review of the Victorian Government’s support for Landcare. The review was an important opportunity for the community to provide their views on Landcare and it provided a wealth of ideas to inform future government support for Landcare. Out of the review it was clear that the Landcare community strongly supports and values the government’s Victorian Landcare Program.
The review found overall that the Victorian Landcare Program has been effective in supporting Landcare and that the Landcare Facilitators and the Victorian Landcare Grants are the most valued components of the program. They are fundamentally important to the viability and operation of many groups and networks across the state. The review also identified a number of ways to help shape the Victorian Government’s future support for Landcare.
To read the Minister’s update on the review go to http://www.landcarevic.net.au/resources/landcare-policy/victorian-landcare-program-review/ministers-update/view
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APS Yarra Yarra Autumn Plant Sale and propagation demonstrations
10am-3pm Sunday 1May2016
cnrBroughamSt&MainRd Eltham [Melway 21J7]
Free entry Tube stock, advance & grafted plants-many unusual species. Hugh range of indigenous species. Propagation demonstrations from 12 noon: seeds/cuttings/grafting.
Information: JillLulham 03 9439 7228 <apsyarrayarra@gmail.com>
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Heathmont Bushcare – Uambi Open Day
10am-12pm Sunday 1May2016
AllensRd Heathmont (opposite northern end The Boulevard)
Heathmont Bushcare’s Open day
Tree Planting, Botanical guided tours, Tea, coffee and scones, Raffles, hampers and prizes, and Kids’ activities
Uambi: Melbourne’s Harper family generously donated this four hectare Heathmont property to Trust for Nature in 1988. Uambi, or Harpers as it is also known, is a remnant bush block of Mixed-Stringybark forest and it has been identified as “a very significant remnant of the original vegetation in the Heathmont Area”. As such, conservation and protection of the biodiversity of Uambi is of the highest importance. By doing so, it will preserve the indigenous vegetation, increase habitat quality and improve the historical significance of Uambi.
Gold coin donation.
Contact: <heathmontbushcare@gmail.com> https://heathmontbushcare.wordpress.com/
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Corridors of Green – first planting
10am-1230pm Sunday 1May2016
Friends of Emu Bottom Wetlands – HomesteadWay Sunbury (use the walkway into the Reserve – Melway 362 G6)
Come lend a hand to the Friends group and ConservationVolunteers to plant out this large weedy patch. Be rewarded with a free BBQ lunch. HumeCityCouncil gratefully acknowledges funding received from Melbourne Water’s Corridors of Green program.
Free
Bookings are required: hume.vic.gov.au/livegreenworkshops or call the Live Green Team 03 9205 473.
http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Environment/Live_Green_-_Get_Involved/Live_Green_-_Free_workshops_and_events
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South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo annual count
SERTBC RecoveryTeam and BirdLifeAustralia
Saturday 7May2016
Help SERTBC RecoveryTeam and BirdLife Australia to search for endangered Red-tails across SE SA and SW Vic – there are 60 stringybark sites to cover from Keith to MountGambier in SA and Nelson to LittleDesertNP in Vic! Request an area or search stringybark on your own property. Training session on the morning of the count in Casterton.
4WD preferred, food and water, pencil/pens are needed and binoculars and GPS are handy. Followed by a campout at Bailey’sRock.
Contact: Bronwyn Perryman 1800 262 062 <redtail@birdlife.org.au> http://www.redtail.com.au/
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Australian Plant Society Melton & Bacchus Marsh Annual Plant Sale
9am-1pm Saturday 7May2016
BacchusMarshUnitingChurch [Mel 333J6]
This sale features genus hakea with large number of unusual species. A full sale list is available and pre-orders can be sent to TheSecretary <apsmeltonbacchus@gmail.com>
Information: JulianneDiwell <apsmeltonbacchus@gmail.com>
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Trees for Mum 2016
Sunday 8May2016
Children’sPark Woodend
Trees for Mum is a part of a national series of Mother’s Day tree-planting events hosted by Landcare. In Woodend, we’ll be planting trees and shrubs for mums at the Children’s Park.
Come and plant with your mum or for your mum. Newcomers are always welcome.
RSVP: Krista 03 5427 2140 <woodendlandcare@gmail.com> https://woodendlandcare.wordpress.com
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Victorian Landcare Council Autumn Forum
13-15May2016
Dookie
The Victorian Landcare Council (VLC) is holding its Autumn regional forum at Dookie. An important topic for discussion will be the proposed amalgamation of the VLC with the FarmTree&LandcareAssociation (FTLA). If the amalgamation is approved by members of both groups, the new organisation will provide all the support services including insurance, incorporation, and the intellectual capacity for the purpose of advocacy.
More information about the proposed merger from SusiJohnson (FTLA) 03 9207 5527 or KayeRodden (VLC) 0438 317 499.
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Reveg The Wedge
10am-1230pm Saturday 14May2016
HoldenFloraReserve – end HammersmithCt Sunbury [Melway 382G10]
Help Friends of Holden Reserve establish trees and shrubs for wildlife habitat on this steep slope.
Free BBQ lunch.
Bookings are required: hume.vic.gov.au/livegreenworkshops or call the Live Green Team 03 9205 473.
http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Environment/Live_Green_-_Get_Involved/Live_Green_-_Free_workshops_and_events
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Learn about threatened birds of the Murray Mallee
Saturday&Sunday 14&15May2016
Mildura & Hattah-Kulkyne area
BirdLife Australia is holding a weekend of events exploring threatened birds of the Murray Mallee and the importance of appropriate fire management in their conservation. The draft program includes:
=> Saturday (10am – late afternoon): Presentations by researchers from La Trobe University, the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning and BirdLife Australia on the ecology of threatened birds of the Murray Mallee, the importance of good fire management, and identifying and surveying mallee birds. Presentations will be held in the DELWP offices in Mildura, followed by bird walks in the local area.
=> Sunday 15th May (morning only): Surveys for Mallee Emu-wren in Nowingi State Forest.
The bird walk and surveys are weather dependent. All activities will be easily accessible by 2WD.
Please contact mallee.events@birdlife.org.au to register your interest in the event.
Information: 03 9347 0757 http://birdlife.org.au/
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Fancy up a footpath with flora
10am-1230pm Sunday 15May2016
MalcolmCreekParade Craigieburn nearCranwellSt [Melway 386K5]
Friends of Malcolm Creek and Grasslands need your help to plant over 700 native grasses and wildflowers to pretty up a footpath transition zone.
Free BBQ lunch.
Bookings are required: hume.vic.gov.au/livegreenworkshops or call the Live Green Team 03 9205 473.
http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Environment/Live_Green_-_Get_Involved/Live_Green_-_Free_workshops_and_events
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Planting a wind buffer to stop buffeting winds
10am-1230pm Wednesday 18May2016
TheHomesteadCommunity&LearningCentre WhiltshireDr RoxburghPark [Melway 179G7]
Join with local community members to plant a windbreak around the outside of the Roxburgh Park Homestead Community Centre. Take a tour of the community garden and other facilities.
Free catered lunch.
Bookings are required: hume.vic.gov.au/livegreenworkshops or call the Live Green Team 03 9205 473.
http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Environment/Live_Green_-_Get_Involved/Live_Green_-_Free_workshops_and_events
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Mid Murray Field Naturalists – Excursion
1030am Saturday 21May2016
BronzewingFlora&FaunaReserve nearOuyen
BronzewingF&FR was the site of a large bushfire in Jan2014. The major part of the reserve suffered a very intense fire and this will be a visit to have a look at the regeneration since then.
Meet at the intersection of the Sunraysia Highway with the Calder Highway south of Ouyen.
Information: Leaders DavidThompson 03 5030 2254 & JudyIrvin 03 5032 1409
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Beautifying Ian Musgrove Reserve
1pm-3pm Sunday 22May16
IanMusgroveReserve KoalaCr Westmeadows [Melway 5J7]
Friends of Upper Moonee Ponds Creek with local residents involved in Council’s Enviro Champions program, are continuing to beautify the Ian Musgrove Reserve.
Free concluding delicious Devonshire afternoon tea.
Bookings are required: hume.vic.gov.au/livegreenworkshops or call the Live Green Team 03 9205 473.
http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Environment/Live_Green_-_Get_Involved/Live_Green_-_Free_workshops_and_events
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The Victorian Government has released the following discussion papers and plans for public consultation.
…………………………………………………………………………….
Water for Victoria – Discussion Paper
Water is important to all of us. Climate change, population growth and changing community expectations are continually challenging the way we manage the water cycle to ensure it supports all Victorians.
The Discussion Paper identifies the key issues and potential responses that will ensure water continues to support a healthy environment, a prosperous economy and thriving communities now and into the future.
Have Your Say on the Water for Victoria Discussion Paper…. http://haveyoursay.delwp.vic.gov.au/water-for-victoria
Public consultation will run from 16 March to 29 April 2016
…………………………………………………………………………….
Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2036
The biodiversity plan aims to encourage more Victorians to value and protect nature by helping them connect with and enjoy their environment. It also aims to drive action from local businesses, government and people will help to stop the decline of our biodiversity through investment, improved decision making and planning, and through volunteer action.
There are several different ways for the community and stakeholders to get involved:
Attend a community forum or Make a submission
Have your say on the Biodiversity Plan…. http://haveyoursay.delwp.vic.gov.au/biodiversity-plan
Comments and submissions will close on Sunday 15 May 2016
…………………………………………………………………………….
Review of the Native Vegetation Clearing Regulations
The Victorian Government has committed to reviewing the native vegetation clearing regulations to ensure that they sensibly protect sensitive native vegetation.
As part of the next phase of consultation, DELWP has developed a Consultation Paper that sets out proposed improvements to address key issues identified by stakeholders.
Have your say on the consultation paper… http://haveyoursay.delwp.vic.gov.au/native-vegetation-clearing-regulations
Comments and submissions will close on 29 April 2016 at 5.00pm
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Reconciliation Week Planting
10am-1pm Thursday 2Jun2016
BroadmeadowsTownPark PearcedalePde Broadmeadows [Melway 6G7]
A very important planting in Hume’s Greening calendar as it acknowledges the strong connection of Indigenous people to Country. A range of edible wildflowers and fibre-producing grasses will be planted.
Free pizzas provided for the corporate volunteers and other community members who attend.
Bookings are required: hume.vic.gov.au/livegreenworkshops or call the Live Green Team 03 9205 473.
http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Environment/Live_Green_-_Get_Involved/Live_Green_-_Free_workshops_and_events
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World Environment Day
10am-12.30pm Sunday 5Jun2016
KismetCreek cornerElizabethDr&PrendergastRd Sunbury [Melway 362C12]
Sunbury Landcare and Hume’s Sustainability Taskforce invite other community members to plant a special wildlife habitat. What a a great way to celebrate World Environment Day!
Free BBQ lunch.
Bookings are required: hume.vic.gov.au/livegreenworkshops or call the Live Green Team 03 9205 473.
http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Environment/Live_Green_-_Get_Involved/Live_Green_-_Free_workshops_and_events
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FoWyperfeld Activity Weekend and AGM
Saturday-Monday 11-13Jun2016
WongaCampground WyperfeldNP Yaapeet
Each Queen’s Birthday weekend the Friends gather to work on current projects and enjoy the companionship of the group within the delightful setting of Wyperfeld NP. They enjoy a meal together before the AGM on Saturday night. On Sunday there are two social outings – a walk of discovery in the NP and an excursion to a place of interest in the district. All are welcome.
Information: <friendsofwyperfeldnp@yahoo.com.au>
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Bookfest 2016 – Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) Cranbourne
10am-4pm Saturday-Monday 11-13Jun2016
Auditorium RoyalBotanicGardens BallartoRd&BotanicDr Cranbourne [Mel 133 K10]
The Cranbourne Friends are currently holding a wide range of pre-loved books and magazines on plants, gardening, horticulture, botany, natural history, other sciences and related subjects. The Friends Library in the Elliot Centre is now operational, and these publications are surplus to our requirements. An opportunity for all to purchase these publications at bargain prices will be held in the Auditorium of the Australian Garden.
Please bring cash or a cheque, as this method of payment is preferred.
Information: MarjanneRook <marjannerook@iinet.net.au> 03 9769 7881
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The wonders of wildflowers
10am-2pm Friday 24Jun2016
MerriCreek HorneSt ,Campbellfield [Melway 7 J8]
Wonderful wildlfowers and groundcovers will be the focus of the combined community and corporate planting.
Free BBQ lunch.
Bookings are required: hume.vic.gov.au/livegreenworkshops or call the Live Green Team 03 9205 473.
http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Environment/Live_Green_-_Get_Involved/Live_Green_-_Free_workshops_and_events
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ProjectHindmarsh
Saturday&Sunday 25&26Jun2016
RainbowRecreationReserve
Hindmarsh Landcare Networks iconic tree planting weekend.
Information: Jonathan Starks 0429 006 936 http://hindmarshlandcare.org.au/
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APS Ballarat Winter Flower Show and plant sales
1030am-330pm Saturday&Sunday 25&26Jun2016
RobertClarkHorticulturalCentre BallaratBotanicGardens
A new initiative providing opportunity to showcase the variety of flora in member’s gardens in mid-winter. It is an extension of the ‘Shortest day Flowering list’ compiled in recent years.
Entry fee includes a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Information: KenWright 03 5335 5370 <aps_ballarat@yahoo.com.au>
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Back to Blind Creek
10am-1230pm Sunday 6Jun2016
Friends of Blind Creek, enter off FullwoodDr Sunbury [Melway 381H1]
Continue to create wildlife habitat and reduce erosion along the creek bank with the Friends of Blind Creek. Car-parking available on Fullwood Drive or at the end of Longmire Court.
Free BBQ lunch.
Bookings are required: hume.vic.gov.au/livegreenworkshops or call the Live Green Team 03 9205 473.
http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Environment/Live_Green_-_Get_Involved/Live_Green_-_Free_workshops_and_events
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Project Platypus “Plantout 2016”
Sunday 3Jul16 GreatWestern
Saturday 9Jul16 Moyston and Pomonal
Saturday&Sunday 16&17Jul16 Warrenmang
Saturday 23Jul16 Concongella and JoelSouth
Project Platypus acts as an umbrella organisation for the eleven Landcare groups of the Upper Wimmera Catchment to deliver large scale projects. Each year, we depend on the support of our regular Volunteers to help landholders return thousands of trees to the landscape. These valued Volunteers believe in what we do and are passionate about contributing to a greener and cleaner environment.
If you have thought about giving back to your environment in some way, this is a perfect opportunity to take that first step, we need your help to make a difference to the environmental health of the region. All you have to do is plant a tree!
Save the dates in your diary and come along and take this opportunity to visit some lovely rural properties in the Upper Wimmera.
Contact: <cath@platypus.org.au> 03 5358 4410 http://platypus.org.au/
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Grow West Community Planting Day
Sunday 17Jul16
WesternWater SurbitonPark Melton
GrowWest is being funded by the 20 Million Trees Program (part of the National Landcare Program), and Friends of Werribee Gorge and Long Forest Mallee and VNPA are project partners.
Iinformation: http://www.growwest.com.au/
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National Tree Day 2016
Schools Tree Day Friday 29Jul2016
National Tree Day is Sunday 31Jul2016
http://treeday.planetark.org/
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2016 National Landcare Conference – Melbourne
Wednesday-Friday 21-23Sep2016
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
The National Landcare Awards ceremony and gala dinner will this year feature 69 finalists, nominated across nine categories, from all parts of Australia. Further information about the call for abstracts, event registration, and conference program will be announced shortly and these details will available on the Victorian Landcare Gateway.
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Other events are listed on individual Friends Group web-sites, many of which are listed at<http://vnpa.org.au/page/volunteer/victorian-environment-friends-network>
HEATHMONT BUSHCARE 