Bird walk with Birdlife Castlemaine at private property in Yapeen – Saturday 7 March 2026
Posted on 26 February, 2026 by Lori
BirdLife Castlemaine District holds monthly bird walks on the first Saturday morning of each month, and all ages and birding abilities are welcome. Walks last for about two hours.
The March bird walk will be on a very special private property belonging to Max Kay in Yapeen (near Guildford). As well as his role as Connecting Country’s Treasurer, Max has a strong commitment to restoring habitat on his historical farm property. With the help of Connecting Country and other groups, he has set aside areas to protect remnant vegetation, restore creekline and reintroduce understorey plants. Over time these actions have improved habitat for birds and other animals.
Private properties often give us a unique experience to see birds in areas that are less disturbed, so we’re hoping for some interesting birds. Possible sightings for the area include honeyeaters (Yellow-faced, White-plumed, Yellow-tufted and New Holland Honeyeater) and raptors (Whistling and Black Kite, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk). Thornbills, Pardalotes and many other local species are also possible.
Your walk leaders are Max Kay, Frances Howe and Bob Dawson.
ALL WELCOME!
Where: Max Kay’s property, 7281 Midland Hwy, Yapeen VIC, is located approx. 9.4 km from Castlemaine along the Midland Hwy (A300). Travel toward Guildford and Max’s driveway is on the right, approximately 260 m past the Vaughan Springs turnoff. There is a large white letterbox and a post with numbers 7281 attached. Drive down to the area in front of the house. GPS: -37.13206, 144.17318. Google Maps Link is here.
When: Meet at 9:00 am.
Bring / wear: Water, snacks, binoculars, sunscreen, hat, long trousers and sturdy closed-in shoes (for snake protection).
More info: Jane Rusden 0448 900 896, Bob Dawson 0417 621 691
BirdLife Castlemaine works closely with Connecting Country, including supporting Connecting Country’s long-term woodland bird monitoring. New bird survey volunteers are needed to contribute to this valuable database. Please contact Connecting Country if you’re a birder and interested in helping.
For more information about BirdLife Castlemaine’s activities, please visit the Birdlife Castlemaine District website.
Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday 1st March 2026!
Posted on 26 February, 2026 by Lori
Together, we can make a big, positive impact on our environment – one piece of litter at a time!
Clean Up Australia Day is an annual nationwide event focused on empowering local communities to clean up, fix up and conserve the natural environment.
Registration for Clean Up Australia Day is free for communities and schools (businesses pay a small fee). Registration ensures groups are covered by the public liability insurance, and groups also receive a free Clean Up kit with all the materials required to host a safe and successful event.
Local Landcare and Friends groups of the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook region often host a Clean Up Australia Day event. Please see below a list of local events happening across our region or to find events happening near you – click here .
Campbells Creek and surrounds – Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare Group
Help to clean up rubbish along the creeks & trails, followed by a social morning tea.
Where: meet at the bus shelter next to Winters Flat Footbridge, opposite 61 Johnstone Street (Midland Highway), Castlemaine, and then spread to various locations to gather rubbish and return it to a skip at Winters Flat. e (for google map link: click here)
When: Sunday 1 March 2026, 8am-10am
What to bring: hats, gloves, sturdy clothing, enclosed boots/shoes, sun protection, a rake if you have one, your own water (and a friend). Morning tea provided.
Expedition Pass Reservoir – Golden Point Landcare Group
Did you enjoy the Res this summer? Come along for the annual Clean Up event that keeps the Res clean and beautiful!
Where: Meet at Expedition Pass Reservoir (The Res), Golden Point Rd. Golden Point
When: Sunday 1 March 2026, 10.00 am
What to bring: Hats, sunscreen, sturdy footwear, water bottle, gloves and a friend!
Barkers Creek Reservoir – Harcourt
Did you enjoy the Res this summer? Come along for the annual Clean Up event that keeps the Res clean and beautiful!
Where: Meet at the toilet block at Barkers Creek Reservoir
When: Sunday 1 March 2026, 10.00 am
Rabbit Control Field Day – Book Now!
Posted on 23 February, 2026 by Bonnie Humphreys
Connecting Country in partnership with Guildford and Upper Loddon Landcare Group and the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) is pleased to present a Rabbit Control Field Day in Guildford.
Saturday 14 March 2026 – 9.30am to 1.30pm
Rabbits have been in our landscape now for over 100 years and we still have not managed to successfully control them. We do however have research into the best methods and the most successful techniques. Now is the best time of year to implement them.
February and March are a particularly good time of year to get on to rabbit control as natural food in the environment is low. Using a range of methods in the right order (‘integrated pest management’) and at the right time of year will ensure you the most success with the least effort.
VRAN have been working on identifying the most successful recipe for control and passing on their knowledge though workshops, practical demonstrations and providing educational resources. We are lucky enough to be able to bring them to Guildford to share this knowledge with you.
There will be a presentation in the morning, followed by a field trip and discussion on site. All located close to the centre of Guildford. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
We are also inviting local contractors who would like to be part of the event, to get in touch with us at info@connectingcountry.org.au This can be a great opportunity to introduce yourself to local landholders and Landcare representatives.
This event is free but registration is required for catering purposes.
Register: https://www.trybooking.com/DJJOI
Bird of the month: Swallows and Martins
Posted on 19 February, 2026 by Hadley Cole
Bird of the Month is a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we take a closer look at a special local bird species . Thanks always to the brilliant Jane Rusden and Damian Kelly for these wonderful articles and fabulous photos. 
Photos above (left to right): Fairy Martin and Welcome Swallow. By Damian Kelly.
Swallows and Martins are often observed at high speed, zipping around in summer skies, as they twist and turn in pursuit of flying insects. A delight to watch, but from a distance they are often tricky to differentiate as often more than one species can be seen together. In fact, there are four species in this region:
All are members of the Hirundinidae family and they exclusively feed on the wing, catching a variety of flying insects. In flight they can be distinguished by their long pointed wings and small bills with wide gapes, to easily catch airborne insects. As aerial specialists they have quite weak feet adapted to perching rather than walking. They tend to be gregarious (hanging out in flocks) and often associate in multi-species groups when prey is abundant, as well as forming breeding colonies in season. Which can add to the complexity of identifying which species are present in a flock. Calls of all species are soft and not distinctive from a distance.
White-backed Swallow. Photo by Damian Kelly.
Identifying the individual species at a distance relies on colour and feathers, particularly the tail. The White-backed is the easiest as it is the only one with a distinctive white and black pattern. But it is the least common in this region, preferring northern areas.
Juvenile Welcome Swallow. Photo by Damian Kelly.
The Welcome Swallow is the most common and has a deeply forked tail with a very dark back and is rufous-brown around the throat and face. It is often seen in conjunction with the Fairy Martin. The Fairy Martin can be distinguished from the Welcome Swallow by its white rump and rufous-brown over the head but not the throat.
The two swallow species have deeply forked tails, where as the two Martin species have a shallow fork in their tails, which can be hard to see at times.
Tree Martin. Photo by Damian Kelly.
Unlike the others, the Tree Martin is more often found in more timbered habitats. It lacks the rufous patterning and is pale beneath. As the name implies, it needs trees and other hollows for breeding. Also they mostly migrate north in the cooler months, where as with both Swallow species, some migrate north and some don’t which makes them partial migrants.
Welcome Swallows and Fairy Martins build mud nests (see photos), often located around bridges and buildings, unlike Tree Martins which generally nest in tree hollows. White-backed Swallows excavate horizontal tunnels in stream banks and mounds of earth. Needless to say, the species that build mud nests are often to be seen near water, although I have frequently seen them raiding puddles for just the right consistency of mud for their nests.
Fairy Martin nests made of mud. They have the distinctive slightly drooping tunnel that leads into the nest chamber. Photo by Damian Kelly
Life with Birds: A collaboration with the Newstead Arts Hub and Castlemaine State Festival
Posted on 19 February, 2026 by Hadley Cole
Life with Birds is an immersive celebration of the birds and woodland ecosystems of central Victoria. A distinguished collaboration of writers, artists, photographers, sound recordists, field naturalists and scientists will enable participants to enjoy and learn on the path to a deeper appreciation of the richness of our bird life in the face of many challenges, especially that of global climate change.
There will be six events conducted in collaboration with the Newstead Arts Hub and the Castlemaine State Festival.
Carrie Tiffany by Eve Owen Jan 2025
Saturday 21 March | 11.00am – 2.00pm| Carrie Tiffany: Mateship with Birds Creative Writing Workshop
Carrie, a former park ranger, has twenty years’ experience as a researcher, writer, editor and teacher of creative writing. Her novel, Mateship with Birds, won the inaugural 2013 Stella Prize. Geoff Park will share an ‘in conversation’ with Carrie, before she leads a bird-themed Creative Writing Workshop. No writing experience is needed.
Workshop ticket: $100
Venue: Newstead Arts Hub
For more information and bookings – click here
Sunday 22 March | 11.00am – 2.00pm | Richard Weatherly: A brush with woodland birds Woskshop
Richard is an iconic Australian artist, conservationist and innovative farmer. With over fifty-five years of professional experience, Richard will draw on his acclaimed illustrated works, such as The Fairy-Wrens and A Brush with Birds, as he leads this workshop. Materials provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own.
Workshop ticket: $100
Venue: Newstead Arts Hub
For more information and bookings – click here
Monday 23 March | 7.30am- 12.30pm | Lawrie Conole: The ‘Difficult’ Bird Search
The Newstead district is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) with sites identified as being internationally significant for the conservation of birds and other biodiversity. It is home to a suite of ‘difficult’ birds, those that are cryptic, declining and often just plain hard to find species that call our local bush home.
Lawrie will introduce you to some of these characters and their habits, including their distinctive songs. It will then be your mission, should you choose to accept it, to venture to a selection of local sites where, armed with some new skills and information, you’ll hopefully encounter some of them such as Speckled Warbler, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, Painted Button-quail, Hooded Robin, Spotted Quail-thrush, or even a Crested Bellbird.
Event ticket: $20
Venue: Newstead Arts Hub
For more information and bookings – click here
Wednesday 25th March | 7.00 – 9.00pm | Andrew Skeoch: The wild bird soundscapes of our woodlands
Learn the songs and calls of some of our rarer bird species! This immersive one-hour presentation will introduce the importance of sound for species ID, monitoring, and assessing the state of our local habitat. This will be followed by a session for those interested to share their observations of local birdlife/wildlife occurrences/movements, and to introduce a future project.
Andrew Skeoch is a professional wildlife sound recordist, acoustic ecologist and author of ‘Deep Listening to Nature’. He has given presentations to audiences ranging from festivals such as WOMADelaide’s Planet Talks to local communities, written for The Conversation, and presented radio features, keynote addresses and a TEDx talk.
Event ticket: Gold Coin Donation
Venue: Newstead Community Centre
For more information – click here
Thursday 26th March | 8am – 12.00pm | Patrick Kavanagh: The art and craft of bird photography
In this workshop, Patrick, an accomplished nature photographer with a special ‘focus’ on woodland birds of the Newstead district and their habitats, will offer personal tuition on photographic techniques and field craft. The workshop starts and ends at Newstead Art Hub and will involve gentle walking in an outdoor environment. BYO Camera.
Workshop Ticket: $100
Venue: Newstead Arts Hub
For more information and bookings – click here
Thursday 26th March | Exhibition opening John Wolseley and Geoff Park | 6.00pm
A joint exhibition of works to celebrate birds and the landscapes they inhabit. Open weekends from Saturday 14 March – Sunday 29 March or by appointment.
Geoff Park
John Wolesley
Friday 27th March | 6.00pm – 7.00pm) | John Wolseley and Geoff Park in Conversation
Since moving to Australia in 1978, John Wolseley has immersed himself in the landscape, an approach which has given rise to a variety of different ways of collaborating with the land itself. His large scale works on paper, watercolours and installations are often based around scientific themes.
Geoff Park is an ecologist, wildlife photographer and field naturalist with a 60-year obsession with birds. Since 2008, with his Natural Newstead blog, Geoff has been documenting the nature of the Newstead district through writing and photography with a particular focus on birds.
Join them in conversation as they discuss their experiences of engaging with landscapes and the creatures that inhabit these places. An evening of sharing stories, ideas from their lives of observing, documenting and wondering about nature.
Event ticket: SOLD OUT (Join Waitlist)
Venue: Newstead Arts Hub
For more information and waitlist – click here
The proceeds from this diverse and rich program of events will be dedicated to a community designed, citizen science woodland bird conservation project in central Victoria, in partnership with the Wettenhall Environment Trust.
‘Intriguing invertebrates and concerning trends’ with Patrick Kavanagh
Posted on 11 February, 2026 by Lori
Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club are excited to have local entomologist Patrick Kavanagh launch their new “Butterflies of the Mount Alexander Region” brochure at their February Monthly Meeting.
Patrick has lived in a patch of box woodland at Strangways for 30 years. He uses macrophotography to discover the tiny invertebrate life that makes the local ecosystem work.
Following the brochure launch, Patrick will share some of the intriguing discoveries he’s made in his yard with a camera and an internet connection. He will also talk about some concerning trends in our invertebrate populations over the past few years and how these trends affect other species.
Observations. Members and visitors are invited to share their recent interesting observations at the start of the meeting. Please email any photos as uncropped JPEG file(s) and supporting notes to Jill Williams (jilliwill33@gmail.com) by noon on the day of the meeting.
When: Friday 13 February 7.30pm
Where: Uniting Church Hall, Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine
All welcome.
Following the meeting, the ‘Butterflies of Mount Alexander Region’ will be available to purchase at the Castlemaine Information Centre and the Made in Castlemaine stall at the Vintage Bazaar (Mill Complex).
Photo: Belid Weevil Photo by Patrick Kavanagh
Bird of the Month: Supporting birdlife through extreme weather
Posted on 16 January, 2026 by Lori
Bird of the Month is a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we usually take a close look at one special local bird species but this month is a special edition focusing on how to support birds through extreme weather events such as heat waves and after bushfires. Thanks always to the brilliant Jane Rusden and Damian Kelly from BirdLife Castlemaine District for this topical article.
The importance of birdbaths in hot weather.
White-eared Honeyeater enjoying a bath, a bold species that will dive in, regardless of what other small birds are trying to drink and bathe. Photo by Jane Rusden
In our hot climate the availability of shade and water is crucial for birds. The simple action of providing a reliable water supply will encourage birds to use your garden. As well as providing enjoyment and connection to nature, you will be aiding the survival of species. There is nothing quite like watching a group of birds drinking and splashing in a water bowl. And you might be surprised what species turn up, even in an urban garden. Not only that, you will learn a lot about bird behaviour.
Some species, for example White-browed Scrubwrens and Pardalotes, are very cautious and will lurk in foliage before alighting on the edge of the water. Others such as honeyeaters will just barge in and splash away. To attract the cautious ones you need foliage close by.
Eastern Spinebill likes deeper bowls – maybe something to do with length of bill? Photo by Damian Kelly
So, what do you need to do? Some simple ideas that I have found useful:
- Place water sources close to foliage and shade, not out in the open as some birds are very wary.
- Have it off the ground to limit cat and fox access.
- Provide a variety of different types of bowls – some birds like it shallow, others prefer deeper options.
- And of course keep them clean.
Just after I wrote the above, fires descended on the Mount Alexander Shire. Having lived through the 2009 fires near Kinglake, where our bush block survived untouched due to a wind change, I can say that water was critical for the birds in the aftermath of the fires. Our house and surrounds experienced a sharp increase in the range and numbers of bird species – all fire survivors who moved from the burnt zone to our block. We added more bird baths and experienced a remarkable range of birds, plus diverse species, in the water at the same time (see Rufous Whistler and White-naped Honeyeater image). Interestingly, some species – like the Grey Shrike-thrush and Eastern Spinebill – stayed on and nested successfully later in the year right next to house, where they had not before.
Rufous Whistler and White-naped Honeyeater will happily share the same bowl. Photo by Damian Kelly
Similar changes have been observed in the last few days at water bowls in and around Castlemaine. So make sure you always keep a good supply of fresh water available. It will always be utilised by the birds.
White-browed Scrubwrens are one of the lurkers and don’t hang around long. Photo by Damian Kelly.
Make Your Passion Your Day Job – study Conservation and Ecosystem Management at Bendigo TAFE
Posted on 16 January, 2026 by Lori
Bendigo TAFE is currently recruiting students for their Conservation and Ecosystem Management courses in 2026 starting in March.
The Certificate III Conservation and Ecosystem Management provides students with the opportunity to obtain various certificates used in gaining employment or furthering job positions in the environmental field. You will complete your Farm Chemical Users Certificate (first step in the ACUP process) and Operate and Maintain Chainsaws certification. You will gain skills in fencing, operate machinery, learn about local plants and their cultural uses, survey pest animals, conduct site inspections, implement vegetation works and propagation. You will also learn about geology and soils, sampling and testing water and identifying fauna. By completing the course and gaining the certificate, students are in a good position for employment with places like Project Fire Fighter (DEECA), Councils Parks and Gardens or with Bushland Contractors and many others.
Certificate IV Conservation and Ecosystem Management provides students with industry experience gained on field trips and camps. Students are taken into the field to conduct real life surveys and monitoring with industry partnerships such as Bush Heritage, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and local Landcare Groups and Conservation Management Networks. You will get practical experience in areas like revegetation and pest control and learn to monitor biodiversity. With the completion of Certificate IV CEM you will gain automatic entry into the Environmental Education course at La Trobe University as well as open up various employment opportunities.
Please contact Terri Williams on twilliams@bendigotafe.edu.au or phone 54341743 to discuss these opportunities further. You can also go to Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management on the Bendigo TAFE Website.
Support for bushfire recovery in Harcourt and surrounds
Posted on 14 January, 2026 by Lori
Connecting Country Committee and staff are saddened by the damage caused by the Ravenswood South bushfire and our hearts go out to all those affected. We hurt for our friends at Harcourt Valley Landcare, North Harcourt & Sedgwick Landcare and Sutton Grange Landcare and the many years dedicated to caring for the local environment that has been damaged. We are dedicated to working with these communities in their land and environmental recovery needs and have had many offers from fellow Landcare Groups also wanting to help.
Connecting Country is collaborating with Castlemaine Community House, Harcourt Valley Community House, Harcourt Progress Association, Castlemaine Community Investment Co-operative, Castlemaine Lions Club, local Landcare groups and others to coordinate a volunteer and equipment register to help longer-term bushfire recovery. People or organisations/groups can register their skills, time and useful equipment. These could be used in activities including clean up, workshops on insurance claims, fencing, repairs, re-vegetation, technology, rebuilding, or fundraising.
We are working with organisations in Harcourt to match resident’s needs to offers. This will co-ordinate help through a trusted local, reducing stress for affected people. This is a volunteer matching service, not an emergency response.
The form to register is here: Needs & Offers (Volunteer & Equipment) Register – Castlemaine Community House
Immediate response needs (food, shelter, clothing, agistment, etc) are being dealt with through Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Recovery Centre in the Town Hall from 12th to 19th January. The best way to support at present is by donating money to the Harcourt Progress Relief Fund or the Bendigo Bank Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
BlazeAid are establishing a local camp to assist with fencing and farm infrastructure opening next week (19th January) and will be looking for volunteers – follow the BlazeAid Facebook page to keep abreast of details.
Looking after yourself
These events can cause stress in those directly impacted and those supporting them. Please note Landcare members can access a free and confidential support program through Acacia Connection’s Employee Assistance Program as part of the DEECA Landcare Support Program if referred to by the Local Landcare Facilitator. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this service, please reach out to me via email. Services available including counselling, legal referral, dietician support and financial coaching.
2025 End of Year Retrospective
Posted on 22 December, 2025 by Hadley Cole
As the year draws to a close we clear our desks, hang up our boots, wash down the big red Connecting Country ute, and take a moment to think about what we have achieved this year. Like many environmental orgnisations 2025 has brought times of financial hardship and sadly the scaling back of staff and projects. Despite this the Connecting Country team, staff and volunteer committee members have rallied together and delivered numerous educational events attracting many community members from across the region, we continue to coordinate and deliver biodiversity monitoring through the engagement of volunteers and we partner with many local and regional organisations to deliver our events and projects.
Throughout the 2024/25 financial year we delivered 6 educational and community engagement events attracting around 350 people, supported 26 Landcare Groups, coordinated 192 bird surveys carried out by our dedicated volunteers and partnered with over 26 non-government and government organisations. For a small community not-for-profit organisation operating with less than a handful of part time staff and a volunteer committee we are proud of our achievements and remain dedicated to the work we do.
Connecting Country staff will be taking a break over the festive season. The office will be closed from Monday 22 December until Thursday 15 January 2026. Any inquiries made during this time will be responded to when we return to the office in January 2026.
We are so grateful to our donors, volunteers, and supporters! We wish you all a happy end of year and relaxing festive season.
Take some time to learn more about our achievements for the 2024/25 financial year in our annual report: 2024-25 Annual Report
Farewell Marie Jones after 17 years!
Posted on 11 December, 2025 by Hadley Cole
At Connecting Country’s 2025 AGM we wiped away a tear or two as we said farewell to Connecting Country stalwart and superstar Marie Jones. Marie has been involved with the organisation since its inception and has at one point or another held every single position on the executive committee, from Treasurer, to President, Secretary and all roles in between.
In 2007, Marie was instrumental in the creation of Connecting Country. Over the last 17 years she has worked tirelessly to ensure that Connecting Country is successful and sustainable. She has been involved in at least four sub-committees of the organisation including the Landcare Steering Group, where she provided hours of support and mentorship to the various staff that took up the role as the local Landcare Facilitator.
Marie began her volunteer career in the local community over thirty years ago! Throughout this time, she has guided many projects that will have a lasting impact on the local environment, heritage and people across the Chewton, Castlemaine and entire Mount Alexander region. She has been involved in many local community groups including, Golden Point Landcare, Post Office Hill Action Group, Friends of the Box Iron-bark Forests, just to name a few!
In 2024 Marie’s dedication to volunteering over the past three decades was recognised when she received the Joan Kirner Victorian Landcare Award. It was no surprise to the Connecting Country team when Marie’s name was called out. We all knew she was deserving of the award, we were thrilled that the rest of Victoria and the statewide Landcare community also recognised her contribution.
Photos above from left to right: The inception of Connecting Country. Fire & Biodiversity event (2014), Landcare Network Award (2017)
Marie is often the thread linking various community members and organisations within the Mount Alexander region together. She has a wonderful ability to bring people together and enable civil and respectful discussions around, what are at times, controversial topics. She is an exceptional grassroots environmental leader. She is the person people want to talk to about new ideas, about government funding, about issues groups may be having, about issues in the community, about working with other groups, about forming new committees or working on arising issues.
2017 Landcare Awards, Asha Bannon, Christine Brooke, Marie, Ian Higgins.
Perhaps one of Marie’s most outstanding achievements has been the work she put in behind the scenes to establish Connecting Country. Although its creation was a joint effort by many, everyone involved will attest that Marie was a driving force whose skills, knowledge and commitment were critical to its success. She was instrumental in engaging the widest range of stakeholders possible during the establishment process, particularly encouraging Landcare groups and their members to become involved, which they did. One of the defining things about Marie is that she takes a constructive and positive approach to any situation. She treats everyone as a person, with respect, no matter what disagreement or problem there is to work out.
Marie has a saying “think globally, act locally”, which articulates that the actions we take in our own patch can have a ripple effect across communities at the regional, state, national and even global level. Marie’s ability to keep all the parts of an issue in perspective is a strength that makes her relatable to many people within the community.
The entire Connecting Country community greatly appreciates Marie’s contribution, and whilst she has stepped down from the Committee, we know she will stay well-connected through Landcare and other local pursuits. We hope that stepping away from the Connecting Country responsibilities will create more time for her and her partner John to spend time with family and friends and enjoy some well-deserved down time.
Words from current Connecting Country staff and committee members about Marie:
I had known Marie for many years but it was after a FOBIF walk on my farm at Yapeen in 2016 that Marie approached me to join the Committee of Connecting Country. I have always been impressed by Marie’s energy, enthusiasm, excellent communication skills and her involvement in community and environmental matters. She has been an invaluable member of the Connecting Country Committee and a joy to work with. – Max Kay, Connecting Country Treasurer
It has always been a joy to come to work and see Marie. She is always helpful, supportive and knows just how to handle every situation. She has a knack of knowing exactly what is going on and what is needed at the right time. She will be greatly missed. Thankyou for everything Marie! – Bonnie Humphreys, Connecting Country Landscape Restoration Coordinator
I first met Marie when we were members of regional committees with the North Central CMA, almost 20 years ago, and she subsequently got me involved in Connecting Country when we moved to Faraday. Marie’s passion for environmental enhancement and protection, is well known, as is her great concern and support for the well-being of our communities. Her dedication to everything she takes on is awe inspiring. It has been a great pleasure working with Marie at Connecting Country – great conversations, many problems to solve, many laughs to be had and all in a very positive and cheerful way. I’m hoping there will be many more opportunities to work with her in the future. Can we call catching up for coffee “working”? – Chris Brooke, Connecting Country Committee Member
When I started at Connecting Country, Marie went out of her way to make me feel welcome with a coffee and a local field guide. She has always shown and appreciation and respect for staff, quickly responding to any queries and never shying away from the challenging issues. Her involvement across many aspects of the community means she always brought valuable community voice into project planning and decision making. I will miss Marie on the Committee but I know it won’t be the last we see of her. – Lori Arthur Connecting Country Director/ Landcare Facilitator
When I first started with Connecting Country as the Landcare Facilitator in 2021, Marie immediately made sure I knew she was their to support me in my new role. Her knowledge of the local community is incredible! She passed on so much information of previous projects, events and partnerships between local groups and community members. Whenever I had a new idea, Marie was the first person I went to, and still do! Despite the fact that she has witnessed all the various conservation trends over her years, she always endorsed my ideas with enthusiasm and support. Marie’s diplomacy and community spirit will be greatly missed by all at Connecting Country. Hopefully she and John can now take a well earned rest! – Hadley Cole former Landcare Facilitator.
Bird of the month: Mistletoe Bird
Posted on 28 November, 2025 by Lori
Written by Damian Kelly and Jane Rusden.
Male Mistletoe Bird showing off it’s gorgeous red chest. Photo by Damian Kelly
The high squeaky call of the Mistletoe Bird (Dicaeum hirundinaceaum) is what often signals its presence. Then the search is on to find the tiny bird, keeping a look out for the males vibrant fire engine red splash on its chest and under tail coverts. Given its name, it is not surprising that the Mistletoe Bird specialises in mistletoe – a plant that parasitises other plants. Specialisation in one plant may sound a little restricting until you find that there are about 75 different species of mistletoe in Australia. Clearly lots of variety is around.
The close symbiosis, a situation where two species “use” each other and both benefit, between mistletoe and the Mistletoe Bird possibly demonstrates the most highly developed example of this phenomenon amongst Australian birds. This bird is a major vector for the dispersal of the seeds of the plant, spreading them to potential new host trees. Timing of breeding tends to coincide with flowering and fruiting and so assists with cross-pollination and seed germination. The unusual structure of the birds’ digestive system emphasises the degree of specialisation that has evolved. The berries pass through the alimentary canal, but the structure of the digestive system allows for berries to be shunted from the oesophagus to the intestine whilst insect food is diverted to the stomach. Mistletoe seeds are passed about 15-20 minutes after ingestion. It appears only the skin of the berry is removed revealing the very sticky coating, this ensures that a lot of the seeds actually stick to trees as the bird moves about. A completely different take on plant fertilisation. Why the Mistletoe Bird wants to spread seed for the mistletoe plant seems to be a mystery, but perhaps it’s because it harbours so many insects, which are a mainstay food source for the bird?
The distribution of Mistletoe Birds is all over Australia except for some of the drier desert areas, but not Tasmania, and it is resident on some Torres Strait islands. Habitat type does not seem to matter as long as there are mistletoes and with 75 species chances are good that they are present. They also eat a range of insects gathered from foliage.
Female Mistletoe Bird, she is grey rather than black and lacks the bright red chest. Photo by Damian Kelly
Nests are precariously suspended from the end of a twig in foliage. It is an enclosed pear shape and is made from lots of soft materials such as wool, woollen threads and such like, and is held together with spiders’ web. A clutch of 2-3 eggs is laid and both parents feed the young – initially only on insects but then also with berries.
A largely sedentary species, they remain in an area all year round although some altitudinal migration has been demonstrated in NSW and Victoria over winter. Banding studies have recorded 98% recovered within less than 10km of the banding site. The oldest bird recorded was over 9 years old which is a fair age for such a small bird.
Mistletoe often gets a bad rap, …except at this time of year when apparently, it’s good for kissing under! But before you think badly of this parasitic group of plants, perhaps think instead of the huge number of species each plant supports, including the beautiful Mistletoe Bird.
A male Mistletoe Bird and it’s poo of mistletoe berries stuck to a branch. Photo by Jane Rusden
Bird of the Month is a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we take a close look at one special local bird species. We are blessed to have the brilliant Jane Rusden and Damian Kelly from BirdLife Castlemaine District writing these! We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month, seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community.
Connecting Country AGM and new committee members
Posted on 25 November, 2025 by Hadley Cole
On Saturday 22 November we held our AGM at the Guildford Community Hall. It was a lovely day to get together and celebrate our achievements for the year. Connecting Country members and supporters enjoyed brief AGM formalities that were followed by a presentation from Dr. Barry Golding and a wonderful afternoon tea provided by the Guildford Store.
AGM attendees at the Guildford Community Hall. Photo by Lou Citroen.
Dr. Barry Golding took the opportunity to reflect on his book Six Peaks Speak, published in 2023. Dr. Golding spoke of the great amount of evidence that is recorded in Central Victoria demonstrating Dja Dja Wurrung occupation of this Country for millenia, and the importance of protecting artefacts and culture that still exist in the landscape. The ‘Six Peaks’ refers to Mounts Kooroocheang/Gurutjanga, Beckworth/Nyaninuk, Greenock/unknown, Tarrengower/Dharrang Gauwa, Alexander/Liyanganuk, and Franklin/Lalkambuk. In his book Golding shares the knowledge and history each mountain holds within their geology and writes of the importance of recognising and understanding the unsettling colonial history in the region.
This years’ AGM saw a changing of the guards as the committee farewelled long term committee member and one of the early advocates for Connecting Country Marie Jones. Outgoing president Brendan Sydes thanked and congratulated Marie for hear many years (almost two decades) of dedication to our grass roots community organisation. He noted her thorough understanding of how small, community organisations work and her diligence in knowing what needs to get done, and getting in there and getting it done. Marie’s natural approach to working with community and bringing people into the fold has been a foundation to the success of Connecting Country from the early beginnings. “You should be very proud of what you have achieved here” Brendan shared.
Marie Jones receiving Thank You gifts from Director Lori Arthur. Photo by Lou Citreon
The entire Connecting Country community will miss Marie dearly. She has been a stalwart in the organisation since inception and has always made herself available to staff and volunteers alike.
We also saw the changing of committee roles with Brendan Sydes stepping down as president after 12 years and handing the reigns over to Stephen Oxley who has been sitting on the committee as a general member for the last 3 years. Cate Sinclair has stepped into the role of Secretary taking over from Marie after sitting on the committee as a general member for the previous 12 months. As it stands the new committee is;
President: Stephen Oxley
Vice President: Brendan Sydes
Secretary: Cate Sinclair
Treasurer: Max Kay
General members: Christine Brooke, Darren Tinker, Deirdre Slattery, Ben Welsh
We would would like to acknowledge new members Darren and Ben and returning member Deirdre and thank them for their willingness and commitment to Connecting Country. We look forward to achieving many more great outcomes for the environment together!
Connecting Country’s 2025 AGM was made possible due to the generous donation of community donors.
Connecting Country AGM with Dr Barry Golding
Posted on 13 November, 2025 by Hadley Cole
Join us for the Connecting Country 2025 AGM with special guest presenter Dr. Barry Golding on Saturday 22 November at the Guildford Community Hall.
Following brief AGM formalities, Dr. Barry Golding will give a presentation on the downstream implications of his book Six Peaks Speak, focussing on some of the broader implications and outcomes of his research for dealing with unsettling legacies and working with First Peoples on public and private land.
Dr Barry Golding AM is an Honorary Professor with Federation University in Ballarat. He self-describes as a ground-up, community-oriented, polymathic, place-based researcher and story teller. His degrees span four disciplines: geology, arts, environmental sciences and education. Barry has researched and published internationally about vocational, adult, community, First Nations and informal learning.
In 2023 Barry undertook a State Library Victoria Creative Fellowship, researching and writing a book, Six Peaks Speak: Unsettling legacies in southern Dja Dja Wurrung Country, published in 2024 with local geologist, Clive Willman and in close discussion with Dja Dja Wurrung people.His presentation on Saturday 22 November will focus on his learnings since the release of in 2024. It’s sure to be a fascinating discussion!
Presentations will be followed by a delicious afternoon tea.
When: Saturday 22 November 2025, 2.00 – 4.00pm
Where: Guildford Community Hall, 32 Fryers Street Guildford VIC
Cost: Free!
Please book for catering purposes – click here
Newstead Landcare AGM with guest presenter Tanya Loos
Posted on 7 November, 2025 by Hadley Cole
Our friends at Newstead Landcare are holding their AGM on Tuesday 11 November with guest presenter Tanya Loos!
Where: Newstead Community Centre, 9 Lyons St. Newstead VIC
When: Tuesday 11 November 2025
Cost: Gold coin donation appreciated
Tanya Loos will be talking about the joys and challenges of living with wildlife. A central Victorian local, Tanya is a field naturalist, author, and science communicator. Of Tanya’s latest book, Living with Wildlife, Dr Danielle Clode (award-winning author), said, “In a world of changing climates and decreasing natural habitat we all need to adapt to survive. Living with Wildlife provides a practical, accessible and engaging guide to sharing our spaces with the wildlife our homes have displaced. Filled with sensible, achievable tips for a safe and peaceful co-existence with a wide range of species, this book is an essential resource for all nature lovers who want to share their world with Australia’s remarkable wildlife.”
In Central Victoria we are lucky to be surrounded by native habitats and wildlife. We can either have a negative or positive impact on the wildlife that live in our backyards or make their way into our homes. Tanya gives real-world examples and practical tips to help manage issues such as birds hitting the window through fun and engaging stories. If you haven’t heard Tanya speak before (or even if you have!), this is one not to miss.
All welcome!
Supper will follow the talk, gold coin donations appreciated.
If you are interested in nominating for the committee, please email Secretary Patrick: patrickkavanagh@bigpond.com
Connecting Country AGM 2025 with special guest speaker, Professor Barry Golding
Posted on 6 November, 2025 by Lori
Please join us for our AGM with special guest speaker Professor Barry Golding – author of Six Peaks Speak, on Saturday 22 November 2025 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Professor Barry Golding
Dr Barry Golding AM is an Honorary Professor with Federation University in Ballarat. He self-describes as a ground-up, community-oriented, polymathic, place-based researcher and story teller. His degrees span four disciplines: geology, arts, environmental sciences and education. Barry has researched and published internationally about vocational, adult, community, First Nations and informal learning. In 2023 Barry undertook a State Library Victoria Creative Fellowship, researching and writing a book, Six Peaks Speak: Unsettling legacies in southern Dja Dja Wurrung Country, published in 2024 with local geologist, Clive Willman and in close discussion with Dja Dja Wurrung people.
Six Peaks Speak tells the unique stories and continuing legacies of the ancient mountains in the Central Victorian region from a multidisciplinary perspective. The book bears witness to ‘unsettling’ changes over the past 200 years, as viewed from the perspective of the peaks (including Dharrang Gauwa – Mount Tarrengower and Liyanganyuk banyul – Mount Alexander) that stand sentinel over an ancient volcanic landscape and its immense natural and cultural significance.
When: Saturday 22 November 2025 at 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Where: Guildford Community Hall, 30 Fryers St Guildford VIC
Cost: Free!
Delicious afternoon tea provided.
Everyone is welcome! For catering and logistical purposes, please register your attendance – click here
Dr. Barry Golding will present after brief AGM formalities.
AGM formalities
The following Connecting Country AGM 2025 documents are available to download:
Please note only current Connecting Country members can vote in the AGM. To become a member – click here
For more information please email info@connectingcountry.org.au or phone 0493 362 394
Nominate for the Committee of Management
Want to be more involved with Connecting Country? Why not consider becoming a committee member. We are actively looking for new committee members to broaden the skills of our Committee. The positions require 2 hours per month to attend committee meeting plus small amounts of reading or work time as required to keep the organisation rolling. If this sounds like you, please complete a nomination form or contact our office to discuss via info@connectingcountry.org.au.
The 2025 AGM is kindly sponsored by local community donors.
If you would like to donate to Connecting Country’s cause in promoting local conservation action and restoring landscapes, head over to our Give Now donation page – click here
Seeding Our Future Project 2024/25
Posted on 30 October, 2025 by Hadley Cole
Back in November 2024, Connecting Country kicked of the Seeding Our Future project funded through the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants. The scope of the project wass to help protect and conserve locally rare and threatened plant species through a series of educational workshops that build knowledge and skills within our local community.
Indigenous seed security is a concern for many in the natural resource management sector. With increased fragmentation of landscapes and the changes in weather patterns and climate due to global heating, the future of many plant species is under threat. Grand scale restoration works are needed and programs such as the Victoria Governments Bushbank program require huge quantities of seed to meet restoration targets. Seeding Victoria are working with project partners Cassinia Environmental and the Natural Resources Conservation Trust to raise awareness of seed security and provide training and resources to aspiring seed collectors to increase seed supply and availability.
The Seeding Our Future project compliments the work Seeding Victoria and partners are undertaking to raise the importance of seed conservation. Considering this, for the first workshop we hosted in November 2024 we partnered with Seeding Victoria in a Seed Collection Workshop at the Botanical Gardens in Castlemaine. The workshop was sold out with keen participants coming along from as far away as Reservoir!
Dan Frost from Seeding Victoria talked us through the basics of seed collection including the equipment needed, permits required and the various collection processes for different indigenous plant species. After a morning in the classroom, we went for a walk through the Botanical gardens and up to the bush land reserve behind the gardens to explore which local plants are currently flowering, seeding or close to seeding and how you might approach collecting and storing their seed.
Dan talked us through the adapted seed collection techniques for various plant families including some grasses, daisies, acacias, eucalypts, bottle brushes, and cone producing plants.
November until late summer is some of the best times for seed collection in the local area, so for aspiring seed collectors this was the perfect time to build a knowledge base and learn about the permits required before getting out there to collect!
Participants reported that they thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. A big thank you to Dan and Robert from Seeding Victoria for sharing their deep knowledge of local seed. We hope to see the future of seed collecting secured and many of our local plant species conserved and protected.
Below photo shows Dan Frost from Seeding Victoria presenting on various collection techniques to a very engaged audience. All photos in this post by Carmen Bunting.
Nature Art Soundscapes presents The Feathered Five!
Posted on 30 October, 2025 by Lori
A truly special, immersive art and music event, celebrating some of our treasured local woodland birds.
Nature Art Soundscapes are musicians Hilary Blackshaw (violin, guitar and vocals), Joel Bloom (lap steel guitar), Clara Schutz (cello) and artist Jane Rusden. The quartet celebrates local woodland wildlife through weaving beautiful live art making with evocative musical soundscapes.
Audiences are invited to immerse themselves in the magic and wonder of local nature, through gentle relaxation (BYO cushions, blankets and/or PJs – we seriously don’t mind!), or you are welcome to bring your own art supplies and draw along with Jane.
When: Saturday 22 November 7-9pm
Where: Wesley Hill Hall, 149 Pyranees Highway, Castlemaine
Tickets: Adults $20, children (under 18) free. Book here or available at the door.
All proceeds generated from this performance will be donated to Connecting Country Castlemaine to assist their woodland bird monitoring project.
Bird of the Month: Grey Fantail
Posted on 20 October, 2025 by Lori
Words by Damian Kelly and Jane Rusden. Photos by Damian Kelly
Always a delight to watch, the Grey Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa) swishes its tail around directing insects into easier catching distance. And then there’s their tinkling call, often heard before the bird is seen. Luckily for us bird watchers, Grey Fantails can be very curious, which means they come much closer to us than many other species. They do have rather a disapproving look on their tiny faces, characterised by their drawn down white eyebrows.
A confiding and widespread species, the Grey Fantail can be found all along the wetter eastern and western areas of Australia and occasionally spreading into drier areas inland. Tasmania, New Zealand and other islands also have populations of this species.
Nest of a Grey Fantail (Damian Kelly)
Urban gardens are also utilised and here in Castlemaine, in our garden near the centre of town, a pair of Grey Fantails has successfully fledged young for the last two years. The nest is concealed in dense vegetation right next to a garden path, but human traffic does not seem to concern them. Whenever I walk past, a beady eye is watching me, but the bird never leaves the nest. Two young were raised each time which is quite a feat given the tiny size of the nest. Built from small twigs, grass and hairs and held together with spiders’ webs, the nest is a beautiful construction. The nest from two years ago was simply refurbished with more web prior to the second season of breeding (see photo).
Although not fully understood, the movements of Grey Fantails are a mixed bag. In some areas populations are partly or fully sedentary, whilst in other areas migration takes place. Movements can be driven by food availability and temperature. There seems to be a whole east coast movement of birds. All in all, a mixed bag of movements. I can report that the birds who breed in our garden are not present over winter but have returned now as spring advances.
Some of the Tasmanian birds migrate to the mainland over winter. Groups of Grey Fantails have been regularly recorded moving across King and Flinders Islands on the way to the mainland. There are probably some altitudinal movements, but this is often confused by other movements occurring. At times small groups up to 30 birds can be seen moving through areas.
Feeding tends to be arboreal, often catching prey in flight, although they will also feed on the ground. Food consists mainly of insects, but they occasionally take fruit or seeds. Often associated with mixed feeding flocks moving through vegetation.
Grey Fantail utilising prickly cover of Gorse, (an invasive weed), with its tail characteristically fanned. Photo by Damian Kelly.
Bird of the Month is a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we take a close look at one special local bird species. We are blessed to have the brilliant Jane Rusden and Damian Kelly from BirdLife Castlemaine District writing these! We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month, seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community.
Great Southern Bioblitz – Castlemaine Region 24-27 October
Posted on 16 October, 2025 by Lori
It’s the beginning of October and so wonderful to see the new growth and increasing activity in bushlands and gardens after so many months of challenging conditions. Trees, shrubs and other understorey plants are putting out new leaves and foliage, and canopies are becoming denser. Birds are calling and nesting. Frogs are croaking. Thankfully insects are about again, albeit not in good numbers yet, but Painted Ladies and some day moths are about. And we are already being treated with the bright colours of Myrnong, Waxlips, Leopard orchids and Caladenias, with scattered clusters of emerging leaves promising Helmet and Gnat orchids.
Hopefully while all of this is happening those of you who live in or visit the Mount Alexander Shire will be getting ready for the Great Southern Bioblitz 2025,which runs from midnight October 23 to midnight October 27. This is your opportunity to join other citizen scientists to help build the scientific databases that increase the knowledge and understanding of our bushlands and their biodiversity. These annual Bioblitz surveys collect vast amounts of data on species and distribution that would otherwise be unavailable.
The Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club are again hosting a count in this region and they’d love your contributions! If you can contribute, all you need is a camera or phone and enthusiasm!
You’ll find lots of information, including deadlines, tips on uploading your images to iNaturalist, the online global databank for observations of biodiversity and more on the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club Great Southern Bioblitz webpage.
Images: Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club