Impact of Litter on Birds with Hannah Faraone
Posted on 10 September, 2026 by Hadley Cole
We are a week into Feathery Festival events and so far it’s been incredible to see the local enthusiasm for celebrating out local birds. The Guided Bird Walk and Plant Sale on Saturday 5th September was very popular with keen bird watches, from beginners through to experienced joining the walk around Campbells Creek. Many participants took home at least a handful of plants to add to their gardens for the birds who frequent their neighbourhood.
The Nature Journaling and Sticky Beak Property tour session on Sunday the 6th of September was also well attended. Curious participants spent time contemplating nature through drawing and others enjoyed a walk through a Moonlight Creek property that is being restored for bird habitat.
On Thursday 10th September Connecting Country and Birdlife Castlemaine host the Feathery Festival headline event, In the Company of Birds, which is sold out!
The final event to close the festival is hosted by Castlemaine Field Naturalist Club on Friday 11 September. Hannah Farone, researcher with Federation University, will present her project which focuses on gaining a stronger understanding of bird–litter interactions through a citizen-science based image collection study. Anthropogenic litter poses a significant global threat to birds by ingestion and entanglement. Hannah found some unexpected results, revealing a broader range of interactions than previously anticipated. The observed patterns between interactions, bird species, and litter characteristics provide management organisations with the first step to developing targeted strategies to mitigate the risks of anthropogenic litter to birdlife.
When: Friday 11 September, 7.30pm
Where: Castlemaine Uniting Church, 24 Lyttleton St. Castlemaine VIC
Cost: Free
The Feathery Festival is a collaboration involving partnerships between Connecting Country, Birdlife Castlemaine District, Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club and representatives from Landcare Groups in the Mount Alexander Region. It would not be possible without the valuable support from sponsors Brian D Newman Foundation and The Good Op Shop.
Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club
EXPLORING NATURE IN CENTRAL VICTORIA
2026 Feathery Festival 5 – 11 September
Posted on 2 September, 2026 by Hadley Cole
September is here and that means the 2026 Feathery Festival kicks off this Saturday 5 September! In recognition of National Threatened species day held annually on 7 September, Connecting Country is teaming up with Birdlife Castlemaine and Castlemaine Filed Naturalist Club to celebrate our local woodland birds and highlight the importance of their conservation. The biannual Feathery Festival had it’s debut in 2024, hosting a variety of wonderful events across the Mount Alexander Shire in honour of our local birds. This years’ program is full of exciting events offering a diversity of opportunities to learn about our local woodland birds.
Hopefully you already have the four events saved in your calendar, but in case you’ve missed them here’s a quick run down of what’s happening where.
Saturday 5 September: Bird Walk and Plant sale
Join Birdlife Castlemaine for a guided bird walk along the Campbells Creek trail followed by morning tea at Staks Cafe. A plant sale, offering bird habitat species from Newstead Natives will take place in foyer at the Good Op Shop from 10am-1pm alongside free information about Landcare in the region. For more info on this event – click here
When: 9am – 10.30am bird walk. 10am-1pm plant sale.
Where: Lewis Dr. Campbells Creek VIC
What to Bring: Appropriate foot wear for walking, clothing appropriate for the weather and a drink bottle.
Sunday 6 September: Sticky Beak Property Tour & Nature Journaling
Come along and for a sticky beak at a local property being restored for wildlife. While you visit, why not stay a while and try your hand at Nature Journaling! For more info. on this event – click here
Where: Happy Valley Road, Moonlight Creek VIC
When: Nature Journaling: 9.30 – 11.20am, Sticky Beak Property Tour: 11.30am – 3.00pm
What to Bring: sturdy foot wear, water bottle, snacks and appropriate clothing for the weather
Thursday 10 September: In the Company of Birds
An evening of art and conversation celebrating the birds in our lives facilitated by Weekend Birder: Kirsty Costa, (podcaster, and science educator) with special guest nature artists Kate Gorringe-Smith and Jane Rusden. Also featuring Nature Art Soundscapes weaving beautiful live art making with evocative musical soundscapes. For more info. on this event – click here
When: Doors open at 6.00pm – 8.30pm
Where: Castlemaine Goods Shed, 21 Kennedy St. Castlemaine VIC
Tickets – click here
Friday 11 September: Impact of litter on Birds, talk with Hannah Faraone
Anthropogenic litter poses a significant global threat to birds for example by ingestion and entanglement. Hannah Farone, researcher with Federation University, will tell us about her project to better understand bird–litter interactions through a citizen-science based image collection study. She found some unexpected interactions, revealing a broader range of interactions than previously anticipated. The observed patterns between interactions, bird species, and litter characteristics provide management organisations with the first step to developing targeted strategies to mitigate the risks of anthropogenic litter to birdlife.
When: 7.30pm
Where: Castlemaine Uniting Church, 24 Lyttleton St. Castlemaine VIC
The Feathery Festival is a collaboration involving partnerships between Connecting Country, Birdlife Castlemaine District, Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club and representatives from Landcare Groups in the Mount Alexander Region. It would not be possible without the valuable support from sponsors Brian D Newman Foundation and The Good Op Shop.
In the Company of Birds event with Weekend Birder Kirsty Costa & Guests
Posted on 26 August, 2026 by Hadley Cole
As part of the 2026 Feathery Festival, Connecting Country and Birdlife Castlemaine are teaming up to present, In the Company of Birds; an evening of art and conversation celebrating the birds in our lives. This very special event offers a hopeful and uplifting evening celebrating our local birds through a panel discussion hosted by science educator Kirsty Costa, Weekend Birder podcaster. Kirsty will be chatting with award winning nature artist Kate Gorringe-Smith and local artist and BirdLife Convener Jane Rusden, all of whom have a long history of advocating for nature conservation.
Following captivating panel discussions, Nature Art Soudscapes will perform, blending live music and art making to send you floating home in awe of our local birds.
Gather a bunch of your nature and art loving friends and book a table for 8 at only $60 per head, or an individual ticket for $65! Ticket price includes a delicious dinner provided by local restaurant Melody.
This is definitely an event not to miss! For more information and bookings – click here
Read on to learn more about the amazing panelists and musicians joining us for this wonderful event!
All profits from this event will go towards Connecting Country’s restoration projects.
Kirsty Costa has made a career of asking, “What’s that bird doing?” She is the host of Weekend Birder, one of Australia’s favourite science and nature podcasts, where she invites people to get to know the birds living around them. You’ll also find her speaking at festivals, leading bird walks, hosting workshops and popping up in national media.
Wherever she goes, Kirsty combines stories, science and everyday wonder to make the world feel a little more fascinating.
Weekend Birder invites you to get to know the birds around you through noticing, stories and science. It features conversations with scientists, birdwatchers and nature lovers. Practical guides and everyday observations reveal just how fascinating birds really are. Whether you already watch birds or are only beginning to notice them, Weekend Birder turns ordinary encounters into deeper relationships with birds and the living world.
Melbourne/Naarm-based contemporary printmaker Kate Gorringe-Smith works in 2D and 3D form and installation. Her art is intimately connected to the environment and explores ways to convey the rich and unique entanglement of site, plant, human and animal life. Kate’s work at BirdLife Australia in the 1990s instilled in her a great love of birds. Her work often references migratory shorebirds to illustrate the environmental connections that link us individually and globally.
In 2017 Kate launched The Overwintering Project: Mapping Sanctuary, an ongoing environmental art project uniting artists around Australia to raise awareness for migratory shorebirds and their wetland habitat. To date, the Project has involved over 300 artists, thirty exhibitions throughout Australia and raised $51,000 for BirdLife Australia.
Kate has been exhibiting her work for over three decades. Her work has been shortlisted in major art prizes around Australia. In 2025 she won the WAMA Environmental Art Award. She has exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Australia and internationally.
In her work, Jane Rusden seeks to tap into our deep emotional spaces as humans, and draw links with the natural world of which we are a part, using birds both as a metaphor and tangible creatures. Her background in Zoology informs her art practice and how she paints and draws birds on paper, using watercolour, ink, pencil and charcoal. Bird watching and the bird survey work she does influences the species she paints.
Jane Rusden is interested in the connections between bird species and their habitat and she expresses these connections through her art materials and their interactions with water and paper. Given water brings life to our landscape and paper is an organic material.
Jane Rusden’s focus on resilience in adversity in nature and expressed through birds, is deeply influenced by bird surveys for BirdLife and Connecting Country, and her role as Convener of BirdLife Castlemaine District. Jane’s art is a celebration of hope, beauty and awe, and immersive delight and wonder of the natural world.
Nature Art Soundscapes are friends and musicians/artists Hilary Blackshaw (volin, guitar and vocals), Joel Bloom (lap steel guitar), Clara Schutz (cello) and Jane Rusden (live watercolour painting). The quartet celebrates their love and advocacy for local habitats and wildlife through weaving beautiful live art making projected on screen with evocative musical soundscapes.
Each performance explores the story, magic and wonder of local nature, offering audiences an open ended, immersive experience. Enjoy watching Jane’s painting slowly unfold while Joel, Hilary and Clara soothe your ears with a heartfelt improvised and composed soundscape.
A big Thank You to funders, supporters and partners that make this event possible; Brian D Newman Foundation, Birdlife Castlemaine, Weekend Birder, Castlemaine Goods Shed and Melody.
Celebrating large old trees walk – 6 September – Maldon
Posted on 19 August, 2026 by Lori
As part of the 60-year anniversary of Maldon becoming Australia’s first Notable Town, Maldon Urban Landcare is celebrating Maldon’s natural heritage. Join them to find out about some of the Eucalypts that have been growing since before European settlement.
The tour will visit approximately 40 pre-1852 Eucalypt trees at the Bill Woodfull Reserve, Maldon Primary School, Maldon Hospital, St Brigid’s Catholic Church and private properties. The estimated age of the trees visited is between 185 and 540 years. Information will also be provided about how to identify the four species of Box trees that grow in the Maldon area.
When: Sunday 6 September 2026, starting at 10am
Walk details: Meet at the Rotunda in the Shire Gardens, High St Maldon (next to the Visitor Information Centre). Approx. 2-3km, along footpaths, roadsides, gravel tracks, one short, steepish hill, for 1.5-2 hours. The walk will be cancelled in the case of steady rain.
Photo: Yellow Box at Bill Woodfull Reserve, Maldon (B. Phillips)
In the Company of Birds Thurs 10 September
Posted on 12 August, 2026 by Hadley Cole
As part of the 2026 Feathery Festival, Connecting Country and Birdlife Castlemaine are teaming up to present a very special event, In the Company of Birds; an evening of art and conversation celebrating the birds in our life.
The panel will be followed by a special immersive art and music experience that will leave you feeling uplifted. Nature Art Soundscapes features musicians Hilary Blackshaw (violin, guitar and vocals), Joel Bloom (lap steel guitar), Clara Schutz (cello) and artist Jane Rusden. Together they celebrate local woodland wildlife by weaving beautiful live art making with evocative musical soundscapes. For more information on Nature Art Soundscapes and what to expect -click here
We are fortunate to be hosting this very special event at Castlemaine Goods Shed, boasting amazing acoustics as well as hosting a licensed bar with drinks at bar prices.
Dinner is also included in your ticket price and will be catered by the delicious Middle Eastern offerings of local restaurant Melody.
Book yourself and a group of friends a table for this memorable evening.
When: Thursday 10 September, 6.30 – 8.30pm
Where: Castlemaine Goods Shed, 21 Kennedy St. Castlemaine VIC
Cost: Early Bird prices available now! Group booking (table for 8) $55 per head, Individual ticket $60 per head.
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DOEUO
All profits from this event will go towards Connecting Country’s restoration projects.
A big Thank You to funders, supporters and partners that make this event possible; Brian D Newman, Birdlife Castlemaine, Weekend Birder, Castlemaine Goods Shed and Melody.
Feathery Festival Guided Bird Walk Sat 5 September 2026
Posted on 10 August, 2026 by Hadley Cole
As part of the 2026 Feathery Festival, Connecting Country and Birdlife Castlemaine are teaming up to host a guided bird walk along Campbells Creek Trail. After decades of restoration by local group, Friends of Campbells Creek, a walk along the creek is now an iconic part of Castlemaine/ Campbells creek culture. Although you may have walked this trail many a time, perhaps you haven’t noticed the diverse bird life that now calls the creek line home. Birdlife Castlemaine volunteers will guide you on the walk noticing the various birds and, if needed, share some advice on birdwatching techniques. The walk will take around an hour and will meander at a slow pace as we stop to notice our feathered friends.
After the walk we will enjoy a lovely morning tea and cuppa provided by Stak’s cafe just outside The Good Op Shop. There will also be a plant sale courtesy of Newstead Natives where you can purchase bird-friendly habitat plants for your property or garden.
Morning tea has been thoughtfully donated by the amazing The Good Op Shop, always supporting grass roots nature events and activities.
No need to book just turn up ready to walk!
What: Guided Bird Walk & Plant Sale
When: Saturday 5 September, 9.00am – 10.30am
Where: Lewis Drive, Castlemaine, for map link – click here
What to Bring: Weather appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, binoculars, water and snacks
The Feathery Festival is a collaboration between local organisations Connecting Country, Birdlife Castlemaine District, Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club and representatives from Landcare Groups in the Mount Alexander Region. It would not be possible without the valuable support from sponsors Brian D Newman Foundation and The Good Op Shop.
2026 Feathery Festival: Nature Journaling and Sticky Beak Property Tour
Posted on 10 August, 2026 by Hadley Cole
To celebrate all things nature, Birdlife Castlemaine are hosting a Nature Journaling session and a Sticky Beak Property Tour on Sunday 6 September as part of the Feathery Festival 2026. This event offers the opportunity to visit a local property that is in the process of being restored for bird habitat, and if you feel the urge spend some time with local artist Jane Rusden learning the art of nature journaling (no experience necessary).
No bookings required.
The Feathery Festival is a collaboration between local organisations Connecting Country, Birdlife Castlemaine District, Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club and representatives from Landcare Groups in the Mount Alexander Region. It would not be possible without the valuable support from sponsors Brian D Newman Foundation and The Good Op Shop.
Golden Point Landcare Action Plan Forum – Sunday 9 August
Posted on 6 August, 2026 by Lori
Do you love Forest Creek and the Res? Are you keen to learn how you can help care for it and the surrounding area?
Golden Point Landcare have been working with Parks Victoria for over 30 years, caring for bushland around Golden Point Reservoir, along Forest Creek and throughout the catchment. They are hosting a forum and inviting people to come along and talk about what’s important to you regarding the area and how the Landcare group can work to improve the natural environments. Ideas captured at the forum will help the group revise their Action Plan.
You don’t need to live in Golden Point to be involved, we can all share in caring for these environments for all to enjoy.
When: Sunday 9 August 10am – 2pm
Where: Chewton Town Hall, Main Road Chewton.
2026 Feathery Festival 5 – 11 September
Posted on 6 August, 2026 by Hadley Cole
In celebration of our local Woodland Birds, Connecting Country, Birdlife Castlemaine and Castlemaine Field Naturalist Club are teaming up to present the biannual Feathery Festival!
After a successful inaugural festival in 2024, the biennial Feathery Festival is back in 2026 with a big program offering a diversity of opportunities to learn about our local woodland birds. The festival is centred around National Threatened Species Day (acknowledged annually on 7 September) and aims to raise awareness and celebrate our beautiful local woodland birds, many which are sadly threatened with extinction.
This years festival is shaping up to be one of a kind, with bird walks, a local property visit, panel discussion and the intertwining of nature and art. Call a friend, and a clear your diaries from the 5-11 September, you will be celebrating our wonderful feathered friends over four fantastic events!
Saturday 5 September: Bird Walk and Plant sale
Join Birdlife Castlemaine for a guided bird walk along the Campbells Creek trail followed by morning tea at Staks Cafe. A plant sale, offering bird habitat species from Newstead Natives will take place in foyer at the Good Op Shop from 10am-1pm alongside free information about Landcare in the region.
When: 9am – 10.30am bird walk. 10am-1pm plant sale.
Where: Lewis Dr. Campbells Creek
What to Bring: Appropriate foot wear for walking, clothing appropriate for the weather and a drink bottle.
Sunday 6 September: Sticky Beak Property Tour & Nature Journaling
Come along and for a sticky beak at a local property being restored for wildlife. While you visit, why not stay a while and try your hand at Nature Journaling!
Where: Happy Valley Road, Moonlight Creek
What to Bring: sturdy foot wear, water bottle, snacks and appropriate clothing for the weather
Thursday 10 September: In the Company of Birds
An evening of art and conversation celebrating the birds in our lives facilitated by Weekend Birder: Kirsty Costa, (podcaster, and science educator) with special guest nature artists Kate Gorringe-Smith and Jane Rusden. Also featuring Nature Art Soundscapes weaving beautiful live art making with evocative musical soundscapes.
When: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Where: Goods Shed, 21 Kennedy St. Castlemaine
Tickets – click here
Friday 11 September: Impact of Little on Birds, talk with Hannah Faraone
Hannah Farone from Federation University will discuss her research into the impact of litter on bird behaviour and survival.
When: 7.30pm
Where: Castlemaine Uniting Church
The Feathery Festival is a collaboration involving partnerships between local organisations including Connecting Country, Birdlife Castlemaine District, Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club and representatives from Landcare Groups in the Mount Alexander Region. It would not be possible without the valuable support from sponsors Brian D Newman Foundation and The Good Op Shop.
2026 National Tree Day with Harcourt Valley Landcare
Posted on 27 July, 2026 by Hadley Cole
On Sunday 26 July over 100 community members and Landcare volunteers came together to celebrate 2026 National Tree Day in Harcourt. It was a fantastic morning of activity for all ages with planting, nest box painting, badge making and water bug investigations. A total of 600 plants (trees, shrubs and grasses) were planted across the Harcourt Valley Landcare site that sits adjacent to Barkers Creek.
The January bushfires burnt through part of the site, damaging previous revegetation efforts and resulting in ash and debris falling into the creek. Over time the 600 plants will provide habitat for local fauna species as well as clean air and fresh creek water for everyone to enjoy!
The Harcourt Valley Landcare team had many hands-on deck (or shovels) to help out for the event and provided amazing support to participants who came down to get their hands dirty. The morning was also supported by members from other local Landcare groups including Taradale Landcare, Barkers Creek Landcare and Golden Point Landcare, who showed up with the know-how and enthusiasm it takes to coordinate a large planting event.
The Youth Advisory Group from Mount Alexander Shire Council, supporting Landcare groups and River Detective volunteers were also on hand to support the various kids activities, including nest box painting. These nest boxes will be installed throughout the fire affected landscape over coming months, providing valuable homes for wildlife whilst natural hollows develop. Wildlife Nestboxes, local Castlemaine business, also presented a talk on the importance of nest boxes for local fauna, particularly for the threatened Brush-tailed Phascogales. Castlemaine Rotary fired up the BBQ for all the hungry planters.
The Connecting Country team is so grateful to all involved in the event and we look forward to watching the plants grow over the coming years.
The swell of support for this years’ National Tree Day event was incredible with funders, community groups, Landcare and the general community all coming together to support Harcourt Valley Landcare and the restoration of the local landscape.
We extend a big thank you to the funders and partners of this very special event.
National Tree Day Community Planting Events – Sunday 26 July
Posted on 20 July, 2026 by Hadley Cole
National Tree Day 2026 is coming up this Sunday 26 July. Since its inception in 1996, Planet Ark’s National Tree Day has grown into Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event. More than just a day, it’s a nationwide movement that inspires Australians to get their hands dirty, connect with nature, and make a positive difference in their local communities.
Over the past three decades, volunteers have contributed more than 10 million hours to planting trees, restoring habitat, and taking part in environmental activities that foster a deeper understanding of the natural world.
The Mount Alexander region hosts a number of regular community planting days for National Tree Day. This year being no exception! If you’re wondering where you can go this Sunday to plant a tree (or shrub or grass), check out the information below.
North Harcourt Sedgwick Landcare Group
The group will be planting at Sedgwick Bushland Reserve, as part of their Love Your Creek project, aiming to create a demonstration of creek-line care. They will plant 500 indigenous seedlings to diversify the mid and ground storey flora, stabilise the stream bank and broaden the creek corridor.
When: 9.00am-1.00pm
Where: Sedgewick Bushland Reserve, Boyd Lane, Sedgwick VIC
What to Bring: Sturdy footwear, wet weather gear, water bottle and any preferred gardening tools. Morning tea and BBQ lunch provided.
Castlemaine Landcare – Forest Creek
Join Castlemaine Landcare in continuing to establish the Indigenous Food and Fibre site along Forest Creek.
When: 9:30am
Where: Leaving Castlemaine, cross the creek and turn left opposite McGrath St onto an un-named road. Follow it around to the right and up the hill. Park on the grass and walk down to creek level. Phone Christine on 0418 325 350 if lost.
What to bring: Bring a planting tool if you can (or use one from the group) and bring a friend!
What to Wear: Wear gloves and stout footwear.
PLEASE RSVP to CLGVolunteers99@gmail.com and compose a short email.
Friends of Campbells Creek
This year Friends of Campbells Creek will be celebrating National Tree Day with a planting to support local wildlife, especially the platypus. This year’s National Tree Day is funded through Platypatch, a collaborative, statewide waterway project focused on improving the habitat of Platypus at 14 locations across Victori, including Cambells Creek. a project that aims to improve habitat values for platypus in Campbells Creek.
When: 10:00 am onwards
Where: Meeting site off Diamond Gully Rd. Campbells Creek (google map). It is a 180m walk into the site so please allow yourself 5-10 minutes to walk into the site.
What to bring: Your own drinking water and if you can, pliers, wire cutters, a hammer, pick or mattock to augment our supplies of tools.
What to Wear: Gardening/leather gloves, hat, and wear sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for the weather. Gumboots might come in handy!
PLEASE RSVP to info@focc.org.au with the subject line “Catering for NTD” and specify how many people will be attending and which, if any, have dietary requirements. We always cater for vegetarian and gluten intolerance, but it’s good to know what you need.
For more information, including detailed map of how to walk into site, head over to Friends of Campbells Creek website – click here
National Tree Day Community Planting hosted by Connecting Country & Harcourt Valley Landcare Group
Since 2023 Connecting Country has hosted a community planting day event in partnership with a local Landcare Group. This year we are teaming up with Harcourt Valley Landcare Group to restore habitat for flora and fauna across one of the groups longstanding work sites on Sunday 26 July.
When: 10.00am to 12.00pm
Where: Barkers Creek at Harcourt. Park just north of the playground along High Street and follow the signs across tollgate bridge and to the picnic ground (google map).
What to Bring: Gloves, hat, and wear sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for the weather and drink bottle. Gumboots might come in handy!
A free BBQ lunch will be provided by Rotary Castlemaine.
There will be kids nature-based activities including water bug investigations and painting next boxes.
For more info – click here
This event is bring delivered in partnership with Harcourt Valley Landcare, Mount Alexander Youth Advisory Group, Taradale Landcare, Golden Point Landcare, Castlemaine Rotary, and Mount Alexander Shire Council.
The planting day is funded by: Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation, North Central CMA, The Good Op Shop and Mount Alexander Shire Council
Bree and Samuel 2024 National Tree Day.
2026 Landcare Link-up: The Adaptation Game (TAG) Session
Posted on 22 June, 2026 by Hadley Cole
On Saturday 20 June, Landcare Group representatives from around the Mount Alexander Region came together for the annual Landcare Link-up event. This year Connecting Country teamed up with Mount Alexander Shire Council to present facilitated sessions of The Adaptation Game, a tabletop game designed to prepare residents for impacts of nature disasters and climate change. According to Mount Alexander Shire Council; “The Adaptation Game is based on scientific evidence about how climate change will affect Mount Alexander Shire specifically, exploring practical ways to adapt and contribute to community resilience, as well as understand the projects and programs already being implemented by council and community.”
The game was developed to be adapted to local councils across Victoria, providing opportunity for residents and local councils to reflect on individual and community preparedness under predicted conditions of climate change. For a more detailed description of the game head over to the Mount Alexander Shire Council website – click here
Saturday’s Landare Link-up saw representatives from Guildford Upper Loddon, Golden Point, Barringhup, Castlemaine, and Maldon Urban Landcare Groups, as well as Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club, come together and play the game alongside Connecting Country staff. Participants were allocated to two groups and each played a round of the game. Each group was facilitated by trained facilitators, Darren Tinker (Connecting Country Committee Member) and Brendan Garrett (Mount Alexander Shire Council Climate Change Coordinator).
The game involves various scenarios based on scientific evidence and predictions such as a bushfire, storm, or flood. The bushfire scenario was very close to home and the predictions reflected actual events. This encouraged much discussion around what participants did and didn’t do during the January 9 fires, and how prepared people felt when responding to evacuation warnings. A total of four rounds can be played in the game and, depending on the participants, each round can take up to an hour or more. The nature of the game offers structured scenarios that encourage conversation and reflection on preparedness, connections within the community (such as Landcare), and the amount of community and individual energy input required for responding to natural disasters and climate change.
Landcare representatives and Connecting Country staff enjoyed participating in the game and showed an interest to be part of future sessions.
Connecting Country’s Mount Alexander region Landcare Facilitator Lori Arthur reflected “It was great to have Landcare representatives come together and share ideas, lessons and reflections on their preparedness for potential natural disasters and changes in climatic conditions. It was evident how knowledgeable Landcare members are in understanding the landscape, how climate change risks may play out and what actions community can take, both as individuals and as a collective whole”
The 2026 Landcare Link-up was made possible thanks to funding from the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation and DEECA and supported by Mount Alexander Shire Council.
National Tree Day 2026 – Sunday 26 July 10am to 12 pm
Posted on 9 June, 2026 by Bonnie Humphreys
Connecting Country and Harcourt Valley Landcare Group invite you to a National Tree Day Planting on Sunday 26 July 10am to 12pm.
We will be planting a mix of grasses and shrubs along Barkers Creek at Harcourt (just north of the playground) to help create habitat and restore vegetation to this area.
There will be activities for the whole family, with nest box painting, water-watch bug identification, a wren garden demonstration, colouring and more.
A free BBQ lunch will be provided by Rotary Castlemaine.
When: Sunday 26 July from 10am to 12 pm
Where: Barkers Creek at Harcourt. Park just north of the playground along High Street and follow the signs across tollgate bridge and to the picnic ground. – See Map
Please bring: Your own drinking water and your favourite planting tools.
Wear: gardening/leather gloves, hat, and wear sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for the weather. Gumboots might come in handy!
This event offers an opportunity for the Mount Alexander community to come together and support Harcourt to restore and enhance our local biodiversity. All welcome!
A big thank-you to the event sponsors – Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation, The Good Op-shop, North Central Catchment Management Authority and Mount Alexander Shire Council.
last years planting @ Campbells Creek
Reconciliation Week 2026 in the Mount Alexander Region
Posted on 18 May, 2026 by Lori
Reconciliation Week follows Sorry Day (26 May) running from May 27 to June 3 each year. This years theme, All In for Reconciliation, is a reminder that it’s the responsibility for all people who call this beautiful continent home to learn the shared histories of this land and contribute to building cultures that can celebrate the leadership of First Peoples and support their self determination.
Reconciliation Week events and Sorry Day in Mount Alexander region – at the foothills of Liyanganyuk Banyul – are coordinated by Friends of Nalderun in partnership with Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation, Mount Alexander Shire Council and a diverse range of local organisations. There is a large vary of activities and events to learn more and get involved including Sorry Day commemorations, school sessions and film screenings.
Included this year is a special event in Guildford on Sunday 31 May, Guildford Biyal (Red Gum) Honouring Day celebrating the Guildford Big Tree. The day will include a Welcome to Country, Djaara Women’s dancers, launch of the Reconciliation Seat (crafted with timber from the fallen limb of the big Biyal), free BBQ, music, First Nations stalls and more!
Check out the range of activities on the Reconciliation Week Brochure 2026_Mount Alexander Region (Digital Brochure).
Free Mental Health First Aid Course Fri 22 & 29 May 2026
Posted on 30 April, 2026 by Hadley Cole
As part of our Drought Resilience Project, Connecting Country is offering the Mental Health First Aid Course for Landcare and community members at no cost. The course runs across two full days, Friday 22 May and Friday 29 May from 9.30am – 4.30pm at the Uniting Church in Castlemaine.
This course is a great opportunity for Landcare and community members to develop skills in providing initial support for another adult experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional support is provided or the crisis is resolved.
As we have seen in various climate disaster events over the years and most recently in response to the January 9 fires, Landcare and grass roots community organisations are often called upon to help coordinate and support community in the aftermath of disasters. Considering this, the Mental Health First Aid offers an opportunity for Landcare members to respond with confidence and base level knowledge when supporting community members who have experienced trauma.
For more info and bookings – click here
Talking Wildlife with Tanya Loos Weds 29 April
Posted on 23 April, 2026 by Hadley Cole
Join us on Wednesday 29 April 2026 for a fun and informing evening of discussions with Tanya Loos on supporting wildlife in extreme weather.
The talk will be hosted by Castlemaine local Dave Stephens, who is known for his long bike rides across the Australian landscape (Wilsons Promontory to Darwin!) to raise money for endometriosis, and is sure to have lots wildlife related stories from his adventures.
Tanya Loos is a nature writer, field naturalist and author of Living with Wildlife: a guide for our homes and backyards, which was published in 2024. Tanya explains herself as being a “mad keen naturalist since I was six or so – with Gerald Durrell and David Attenborough my biggest influences as both naturalist and writer.”
Tanya is also known for her book Daylesford Nature Diary: six seasons in the foothill forests. This book is a collection of nature diary articles, set to a specially devised local calendar, and illustrated beautifully throughout by Anne Mason. It also features photos kindly donated by naturalists across Victoria. She has also made numerous appearances at various events across Central Victoria, as well as local and ABC radio.
We are looking forward to chatting with Tanya and learning about some of the ways we can support our local wildlife in extreme weather such as, fire, flood, storms and drought.
Come along bring a friend and enjoy some pizza and drinks at the wonderful Shedshaker Taproom.
When: Wednesday 29 April, 5.30 – 7.30pm
Where: Shedshaker Taproom, The Mill, 9 Walker Street Castlemaine VIC
Cost: Free!
Fencing Field Day: Friday 27 March
Posted on 5 March, 2026 by Bonnie Humphreys
Connecting Country is pleased to be presenting a Fencing Field Day.
Whether you are looking to learn how to fix or maintain your own fences for stock, or build exclusion fences for vegetation, or maybe looking to volunteer to help others build fences, this is the workshop for you.
Working with an experienced local fencer and farmer, this workshop will give participants a practical and hands-on education on aspects of building farm and environmental fencing. There are also opportunities to learn how to retrofit farm fencing to exclude rabbits, or other pest species.
The day will be held at a property in Harcourt where participants will learn from start to finish how to construct a fence, with insights into all those little time saving tricks that experience brings.
Lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.
When: Friday 27 March 9.30 am to 2.30 pm
Where: Harcourt (Venue information provided after booking)
Tickets only $30 Register here
This workshop is funded with support from the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation.
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
