October 2016 edition North Central Chat
Posted on 12 October, 2016 by Connecting Country
Our Regional Landcare Coordinator, Tess Grieves sent through a link to the October 2016 edition of the North Central Chat to share. Inside you’ll find plenty of great news stories and courses coming up which may be of interest. CLICK HERE to view the newsletter.
Also see the 30 years of Landcare celebration event invitation HERE for those of you that may not have a copy yet. If you’re joining in the celebrations, please get your RSVP’s in to the North Central CMA: info@nccma.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5448 7124
Creating Wildlife Friendly Gardens – Workshop and Webpage
Posted on 10 October, 2016 by Connecting Country
You can create beauty and habitat in your yard with a wildlife friendly garden. For those interested in habitat restoration but find themselves living in town we have put together a list of useful resources with information about how to build habitat for wildlife into our suburban gardens. Visit our new “Wildlife Friendly Gardens” page of our resources section (click here) for information about attracting wildlife to your garden.
Habitat for animals is possible, even on a very small scale. All photos by Cassia Read
Cassia Read will be showcasing her wildlife friendly garden as part of Connecting Country’s Education Program and the Mount Alexander Sustainable Living Workshop Series on Saturday the 22nd of October 2016 at 10.30am (Please note this as a correction to starting time information published in the Midland Express on October 4th).
This workshop is also advertised as part of the Festival of Open Gardens official program. The Festival is celebrating it’s 25th year and showcases gardens across Castlemaine and district. We especially love the gardens with native species (of course) in the program such as 152 Hargraves St., Winters Flat primary School, and the Newstead Community Garden.
Connecting Country supporter survey – Have your say!
Posted on 3 October, 2016 by Connecting Country
Ahead of our AGM next Tuesday (11th October 2016), Connecting Country is encouraging people to be involved in shaping our future direction by filling out our Supporter Survey. To participate, please CLICK HERE. There are a relatively small number of questions, and will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
To find out more about the AGM, please see our earlier post or see our invitation below.
Mount Alexander Schools Landcare Days 2016
Posted on 28 September, 2016 by Asha
There were students as far as the eye could see; sorting through macro invertebrates, feeling the soil, looking for birds and building nests. Over three Tuesdays in September 2016, close to 380 Grade 5/6 students from 15 primary schools in the Mount Alexander region attended Connecting Country’s Schools Landcare Days. The idea developed at a Landcare Link-up last year, as a way to engage kids and their families with the environment around them. As all the locals know, we’ve had an amazing amount of wet weather lately, which meant that two out of three of our Schools Landcare Days were held at the Harcourt Leisure Centre, and one at Vaughan Springs on a rare sunny day.
Students learning about different soil types with Brendan Smith
The activities each day were designed to teach students about natural processes and cultural heritage, and to encourage them to think of ways they can apply this knowledge to look after their local area. The wonderful Patrick Wilson from Doxa Youth Camp in Malmsbury came to all of the days, and maintained an infectious energy for aquatic ecosystems and macro invertebrates. Brendan Smith from Parks Victora had students laughing and getting their hands dirty while he talked about the importance of soil structure and health. They also transferred some young grasses into trays for planting out later, which for some students meant ducking out of the warm Leisure Centre and braving the icy wind outside!
On August 30th Jida Gulbil kindly came along and discussed Dja Dja Wurrung culture with students, helped by his beautiful didgeridoo (or, as Jida joked, his “telescope to see the stars”). That day we were also treated to an activity run by students from Chewton Primary School. Supported by Naomi Raftery, Marie Jones, and Julie Holden; Jet, Scout, Max, Amara and Emma ran an activity looking at food webs and thinking about what happens if you take elements out of a food web.
Looking for aquatic macro invertebrates with Patrick Wilson
Our second Schools Landcare Day was held at Vaughan Springs, so Krista Patterson-Majoor was able to take students for a walk in the bush to learn about our local ecosystems and what has influenced the landscape we see today. Colin Lyons from Parks Victoria joined Krista to give his insights into the heritage aspects of the area. Meanwhile, Cathy McCallum and Graeme Harris from Baringhup Landcare were helping students to find and identify some mysterious bird cut-outs that were hidden in some very tricky places. In a quiet spot down the track, Asha Bannon and students were talking about Landcare and drawing soundscapes of what could be heard around them, which included lots of birds, lots of water, and lots of people!
On the last day, we had Aunty Julie and her students from Castlemaine Secondary College: Shakira, Grace, Cohen, Zeppelin, and Bailey. With help from the secondary students, the Grade 5/6s tried to match cards with seasonal events (e.g. “Wedge-tailed Eagles are breeding”) to the correct Dja Dja Wurrung season. This proved to be quite a challenge, but a great way to get everyone thinking. At the end of the day, all of the students had a nest to take home built at Nicole Howie’s birds nest activity. As Nicole said, it’s hard enough to make a nest with your hands, imagine how difficult it must be to make one with your beak while on the look out for predators.
A huge thank you to all of the amazing presenters who came along and gave it their all. The feedback from schools on the activities has all been extremely positive, and it was easy to see how engaged the students were with what they were learning. Thank you also to the teachers for being so supportive, the students for your patience and interest, and the Landcare members who came along to chat with schools and join in. Finally, we thank Nicole Howie for her hard work putting the days together.
The Mount Alexander School Landcare Days were made possible with funding from the North Central Catchment Management Authority Community Grants Program.
50 Years with Kaweka
Posted on 28 September, 2016 by Asha
The Friends of Kaweka Sanctuary invite you to an afternoon tea to celebrate our 50 years with Kaweka.
Kaweka Sanctuary was donated to the people of Castlemaine and in 1966 a public meeting formed a community management group. Come and help celebrate this milestone anniversary. All welcome!
When: Sunday 2nd October 2016, 2pm
Where: Corner of Hargraves and Turner Streets, Castlemaine
RSVP: For catering purposes, please contact Secretary Lyndell Green:
Email: lyndellgreen@me.com or Phone: 0448 190 444
Saturday 15 Oct 2016 – 30th Anniversary of Landcare Celebration event
Posted on 26 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
The North Central CMA Landcare team have asked Connecting Country to extend an invitation to our supporters and local Landcare group members to the ‘30th Anniversary of Landcare Celebration event’ on Saturday October 15 2016 in St Arnaud.
Please find the event details and RSVP information on the invite here. A hardcopy invitation is also on its way in the mail to each Landcare group contact.
Sunday 25 Sept 2016 – Final three Landcare Open Day events
Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
As part of Connecting Country’s Landcare Open Day several local Landcare and Friends groups are hosting public events. Here are the details of this weekend’s events to be held on Sunday the 25th September 2016, in Harcourt, Maldon, and Castlemaine.
Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group and Harcourt Valley Landcare Group
WHEN: Sunday 25th September, 9:30am-1pm
WHERE: Flora Reserve in Harcourt (off Binghams Rd behind the Harcourt recreational reserve)
DESCRIPTION: A flora walk followed by BBQ lunch
Barkers Creek Landcare Group after a working bee.
Tarrengower Cactus Control Group
Come and help get rid of cactus in the Maldon area on Sunday.
WHERE: Opposite Chapel’s winery on Seers Road, Welshman’s Reef. Follow the signs from the Maldon-Newstead Road.
WHEN: Sunday 25th September, 10:30 am – lunchtime
DESCRIPTION: Tarrangower Cactus Control Group will demonstrate the most effective ways to control Wheel Cactus. They’ll provide all the equipment and protective gear required, so just come along dressed in warm clothing and sturdy footwear and gets some hands-on experience at being a ‘cactus warrior’. The morning will start at 10:30am and finish with a delicious and friendly BBQ lunch. More information: www.cactuswarriors.org
Castlemaine Landcare
WHERE: Park on Montgomery St.
WHEN: Sunday 25 September, 10am with morning tea at 11.30am.
DESCRIPTION: Castkemaine Landcare have an exciting plan – do some weeding in the Montgomery St grasslands (see map below). There are some unique plants there, but also plenty of weeds that shouldn’t be there. We have chosen this site as it is well above creek level, so even if there is some rain it should be OK working conditions. Bring weeding tools, mattocks, brush cutters, gum boots and gloves.
See Castlemaine Landcare’s website (CLICK HERE) or Facebook page (CLICK HERE) for more details.
Sunday 25 Sept 2016 – Cactus control working bee near Maldon
Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
Instruction on how to control wheel cactus will be followed up with practical experience on the ground.
Tony Kane from the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group has asked Connecting Country to spread the word that their next Cactus Field Day will be held on Sunday 25th September 2016. This event is also part of our Landcare Open Day program.
The location is opposite Chapel’s winery on Seers Road, Welshman’s Reef. Follow the signs from the Maldon-Newstead Road.
As per usual, the start is at 10.30 am, followed by a free community barbeque at 12.30pm.
Our Federal Member of Parliament, Lisa Chesters, has emailed to say that she will be coming along to help out. Lisa opened their 2014 cactus season and since then has taken a keen interest in the group.
Spring 2016 – CFNC Wednesday Wildflower Walks
Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
Scented Sundew, one of the many local species you’re likely to see on a walk with the Castlemaine Field Naturalists.
Each Spring, the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club hosts a series of Wednesday afternoon wildflower walks. With all of the rain over recent weeks and months, this is shaping up as being one of the best wildflower seasons in many years.
There are two more walks being held this year, both departing at 4pm sharp from the Octopus building car-park (Duke St, opposite the Castle Motel). Members and visitors are welcome.
Wednesday 28 September – Location: TBD. Leader: George Broadway
Wednesday 5 October – Location: TBD. Leaders: Peter and Rosemary Turner
Friday Sept 23rd 2016 – Newham Landcare talk about frogs
Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
A young tree frog pops up to say hello.
If you’ve wondered what all the noise is about following the recent rainfall, on Friday September 23rd 2016 the Newham and District Landcare Group will be hosting a talk about frogs by Richard Akers.
Richard will talk about the importance of frogs in the ecosystem, frog identification, sounds, the frog census and what we need to do to maintain a frog-friendly environment.
Learn also how to identify frogs in our area, what they sound like, the biology of frog life cycles, food chains, the impacts of fire 
and climate change and more.
The talk will be held at Newham Mechanics Institute Hall.
7pm drinks & nibblies
7.30 presentation
Supper to follow
RSVP appreciated: Helen Scott at orseda@bigpond.com or
0412 582 526
Maldon Open Landcare Day: Boneseed and birds
Posted on 19 September, 2016 by Tanya Loos
On the look out for birds. Photo by Jane Mitchell
As part of the Landcare Open Day events on 11 September 2016, the Nuggetty Land Protection Group and Maldon Urban Landcare Group (MULGA) joined with Connecting Country for a woodland bird walk and boneseed pull.
Despite the grey and glary day, we were treated to views of some thirty bird species as we walked from the Maldon Cemetery to the rock covered hillside known as The Common. We had some very experienced birdwatchers in attendance who spotted for the group some usually hard-to-see birds such as the Fan-tailed Cuckoo and the Shining Bronze-cuckoo. Small birds such as Striated Pardalotes, Thornbills and Grey Fantails were in great numbers, and the Scarlet Robin pairs we saw gave everyone great views, with or without binoculars. A Little Eagle soaring overhead went into a dramatic hunting dive at one point! Whilst walking the Common, many young Boneseed plants were located and pulled out, as were small Wheel Cactus. Luckily, staff from Parks Victoria have recently pulled out many of the larger Boneseed plants, as the flowering period has begun.
Small Boneseed plants were pulled along the way. Prevention is better than cure! Photo: Jane Mitchell
Jane Mitchell from Nuggetty Landcare shared some of the history of the Common, and Ian Grenda from MULGA gave a short talk on the weed known as Boneseed, and how to recognise its distinctive leaf. Ian also provided some samples of Bridal Creeper with a biological control known as ‘rust’ to take home for any home infestations.
Tanya, the Woodland Bird Project Coordinator from Connecting Country, explained that weeds such as Boneseed and Bridal Creeper grow prolifically and smother the leaf litter and branches where small birds such as Hooded Robins and Painted Button-quails nest and feed. This is one of the reasons why weed control is so very important for protecting Woodland Birds.
Tanya talks about why weed control is important. Photo: Jane Mitchell
After our walk we were treated to a fantastic barbecue and sandwiches – thanks to Ian and Bev for cooking! Tanya then distributed a short survey about the values and threats of the bird habitats in the region. These surveys will be used to generate some project ideas for future funding opportunities in the region.
Thirty-five people attended, and many of these people had not previously been to a Landcare event. Many thanks to all those that helped organise this enjoyable and informative event!
Tues 11 October 2016 – CC’s AGM: An invitation to think big!
Posted on 15 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
Connecting Country members and supporters are encouraged to help us to think big on the evening of Tuesday 11th October 2016! We are holding our 2016 Annual General Meeting, and as part of this we have also invited six local experts to share their vision for the Mount Alexander landscape. Please join us as we work together to consider the future directions for Connecting Country. It’s also a great chance to catch up with Connecting Country staff, committee and other friends.
The AGM will be held at the Campbells Creek Community Centre (Elizabeth Street, Campbells Creek) with the formalities taking place from 6pm until 6.30pm. CLICK HERE to view a copy of the agenda.
If you are a Connecting Country member, then:
- You are entitled to vote on any and all relevant agenda items. If you are unable to make it to the AGM, but still wish to vote, then proxy forms are available. These must be received at least 24 hours before the AGM is held.
- You are also able to nominate to join the Connecting Country committee. If you are interested in applying to join the committee, you are encouraged to contact the current president – Brendan Sydes – to talk more about what is involved in being on the committee, and the opportunities that are available (president@connectingcountry.org.au). A copy of the CC committee nomination form can be downloaded (CLICK HERE).
Please contact Chris (chris@connectingcountry.org.au) if you are unsure if you are a member; if you’d like a proxy form; or if you’d like a copy of the 2015 AGM Minutes or 2015-16 Financial Statements to read before the meeting.
From 6.30pm until 7pm, a light meal will be provided including locally made vegetarian soups and bread, along with tea, coffee and other drinks. There are no costs for the meal, but gold coin donations are appreciated.
At 7pm, six local experts share their vision for the Mount Alexander landscape. Geoff Park, Beth Mellick, Ian Higgins, Paul Foreman, Carla Meurs and Ann-Marie Monda have five minutes each to provide their ‘think big’ vision, which explores the possibilities for this region into the future. This will be followed by group discussions around how we could turn these visions into a reality.
In the lead up to the AGM we are conducting a survey which will also help inform our future direction. To participate in this survey please CLICK HERE.
To ensure sufficient catering and seating, please RSVP to Naomi by email to naomi@connectingcountry.org.au or call 5472 1594.
Saturday 24 Sept 2016 – Launch of identification guide to local eucalypts
Posted on 14 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
Have you ever had trouble seeing the forest for the trees? That is probably because there has never before been an easy-to-use guide to identify the local tree species. But all this is about change. On Saturday 24 September, the Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forest (FOBIF) are launching their latest publication, Eucalypts of the Mount Alexander Region. Guest speaker, and the official launcher, will be Geoff Park, a well known local environmentalist and author of the Natural Newstead blog.
This 90 page guide by FOBIF members’ Bernard Slattery, Ern Perkins and Bronwyn Silver aims to help the beginner train the eye to see the differences between eucalypts – and to appreciate how spectacular they sometimes are. It presents the commonest species of the Mount Alexander Region, generously illustrated, and clearly described in plain language. Though firmly based on one local area (the forests and reserves around the town of Castlemaine – within the shire of Mount Alexander and immediate surrounds), it describes species common to the whole Box-Ironbark region of central Victoria, and would be useful to any enthusiast in that region, from Ararat to Chiltern.
For those that all ready have a copy of FOBIFs guide to mosses and lichens, this new publication is of the same high standard and with a broadly similar layout.
The publication of this book has been made possible by a generous grant from the Worrowing Fund through the Norman Wettenhall Foundation. Connecting Country has been a supporter of this publication from near its earliest days of development, and is thrilled with the final product. Other supporters have included the Castlemaine Field Naturalists’ Club.
The book’s cost is $10 and people buying it at the launch will receive a selection of free tree-related bookmarks and a FOBIF fungi poster. Proceedings will start at 10.30am in the Castlemaine library foyer. Refreshments will be served. No RSVPs required, and everyone is welcome.
Sunday 18th September 2016 – Muckleford Landcare Open Day event
Posted on 12 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
As part of Connecting Country’s Landcare Open Day several local Landcare and Friends groups are hosting public events. Here are the details of this weekend’s event to be held this Sunday the 18th September 2016, in Muckleford.
Muckleford Catchment Landcare
A bundle of fun, sweet sugar gliders at home in their nestbox.
WHERE: starting at the Muckleford Community Centre, then onto Walmer Conservation Reserve
WHEN: Sunday 18th September, 10am -12.30pm
DESCRIPTION: Muckleford Landcare is happy to invite you to attend a “Public Reserves Bus Tour and Field Day” on Sunday 18th September. There are a number of ‘mysterious’ and interesting parcels of public land in Muckleford that are termed public reserves – some are hidden away and this short bus tour will allow participants to find out about their story. The tour will end up at the Walmer Conservation Reserve at midday where we will work with local fauna expert expert, Miles Geldard, to check the wildlife nest boxes.
A free BBQ lunch is provided. Please RSVP to bethmellick@gmail.com or text 0431 219 980.
A Connecting Country nest box in the field
Sunday 11th September 2016 – Three Landcare Open Day events
Posted on 7 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
Join in on the fun at one of this weekends Landcare Open Days held across the shire.
Over the next few weekends in September, several local Landcare and Friends groups will be holding public events as part of Connecting Country’s Landcare Open Day. Here are the details of three events to be held this Sunday the 11th September 2016, in Sutton Grange, Chewton, and Maldon .
While everyone is always welcome to attend the regular working bees run by their local groups, these events will be specifically suitable for families and people new to Landcare. For further details on all events, including those to be held the following weekend, visit our landcare webpage. This page will be updated as new events are added. If you have any questions, contact Asha on 5472 1594 or asha@connectingcountry.org.au.
Sutton Grange Landcare
WHERE: 893 Coliban Park Road, Sutton Grange
WHEN: Sunday 11th September 2016, 10:30am – 3pm
DESCRIPTION: Tree planting in Sutton Grange
Sutton Grange Landcare Group in conjunction with Connecting Country are participating in the Federal Government 20 million trees program by planting approximately 200 trees at Mike Abramowski’s property. We would like to make this an enjoyable group/family get together and plant a few trees. A BBQ and refreshments will be provided. If you can provide an hour or more of your time on this day, please RSVP to sglg@live.com as soon as possible. Further details will be provided once Sutton Grange Landcare has confirmed numbers.
This project is supported by the 20 Million Trees Programme, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme
Post Office Hill Action Group, Chewton Primary School, Chewton Landcare and, Golden Point Landcare
WHERE: Railway Street, Chewton (between Hunter Street and the railway line)
WHEN: Sunday 11th September 2016, 1.30 p.m.
DESCRIPTION: Discover the secrets of Chewton’s Post Office Hill
A free fun family orienteering event to celebrate the Landcare Open Day. Join Post Office Hill Action Group, Chewton Primary School, Chewton Landcare and Golden Point Landcare for this event followed by afternoon tea in the school grounds. Information about the groups and their activities, plant giveaways and prizes for the most interesting “discoveries”!! Register on the day at 1.30 p.m. at Chewton Primary School. For more details contact Jennifer Pryce; 0423 900 590 or j.pryce@bigpond.com
Maldon Urban Landcare Group (Mulga) and Nuggetty Landcare Group
Tanya leads a group of keen birdwatchers through the basics of how to watch and ID birds through behaviour, habitat and appearance
WHERE: Meet at the Maldon Cemetery, Maldon-Shelbourne Rd, Maldon
WHEN: Sunday 11th September 2016, 10am to 1pm
DESCRIPTION: Woodland birds and boneseed weed walk and talk
Join Tanya Loos, the Woodland Birds Project Coordinator at Connecting Country, in a walk along Back Cemetery Rd. and onto the area known as ‘The Commons’, observing the habitat for birds, and pulling out small bone seed plants along the way. BBQ lunch provided. For more details contact Bev Phillips; 0407 770 350 or phillips1bev@gmail.com
Friday 9th Sept 2016 – Australian Ants in roadside and remnants
Posted on 4 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
The guest speaker for the next Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club on Friday 9th September is Ballarat-based entomologist Peter Muller. Peter’s presentation will be about the great variety of interesting ants that occur in the local area and beyond. Peter has provided the following text about himself and the talk:
Early life; lived, trained/educated/qualified in agriculture. Changed direction and pursued a career in natural land management. Worked for various environmental organisation, Parks Victoria and Conservation and land management, and the various forms that it has morphed into over the years. Have gained substantial land management experience in a variety disciplines and responsibilities. Over 30 years have worked in conservation in most areas in Victoria.
Nest mound of Rhytidoponera spp. Photo by Peter Muller.
For the last 15 years, until recently retired, I have worked in environmental education with Ballarat/Federation University, a challenging but rewarding profession. Now with a bit of time on my hands, I am devoting some of it researching ants and, hopefully, to answering some question about ants that I have had for many years. I hope, along the way, I can add a little bit to our environmental knowledge, and add value to natural areas particularly, roadside and remnants.
I live at Enfield south of Ballarat, and have three daughters in various parts of the world.
Peter will also lead the club’s excursion on the following day, which will be a search for nests of sugar ants and other ants. The following link provides some further information to assist with ant nest identification during the excursion (CLICK HERE).
Peter’s presentation will commence from 7.30pm in the Fellowship Room behind the Castlemaine Uniting Church (on Lyttleton St, next door to the Art Gallery and Museum) on Friday 9 September. The excursion will depart from the Octopus building car-park on Duke St (opposite the Castle Motel) at 1.30pm sharp on Saturday 10 September. Members and visitors are welcome to attend both, and there is no cost for attendance.
Celebrating Mount Alexander Landcare with the Landcare Open Day events
Posted on 29 August, 2016 by Connecting Country
Over the next few weekends in September, several groups will be holding public events for Connecting Country’s Landcare Open Day. While everyone is always welcome to attend the regular working bees run by their local groups, these events will be specifically suitable for families and people new to Landcare.
Archer helping out at a local landcare event in readiness for the upcoming Landcare Open Day events.
Maldon Urban Landcare and Nuggetty Landcare are banding together to run a bird walk with Tanya Loos. Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group and Harcourt Valley Landcare Group are holding a flora walk to look for some of the exciting plants that are starting to flower. Golden Point Landcare, Post Office Hill Action Group, and Chewton Landcare are all joining forces for an afternoon of orienteering, and the Tarrengower Cactus Control Group will be holding a community field day where you can learn how to control Wheel Cactus. For more details on these and other Landcare Open Day events, CLICK HERE or contact asha@connectingcountry.org.au.
Landcare in the Mount Alexander region has been incredibly busy in the past year. Our biannual Landcare Link-ups provide opportunities for landcare members to share stories and experiences. Two Green Army teams have been working on numerous projects, with a third team just started. Funding through the Federal Government’s 20 Million Trees Programme has created opportunities for four local groups to begin planting 6300 plants.
We are also very excited about the Mount Alexander Schools Landcare Days coming up. Grade five and six students from all local primary schools will attend a day of environmental-based activities at Vaughan Springs, hopefully fostering a new generation of Landcarers.
For more information about Landcare in this region and to find out how you can get involved, visit: http://connectingcountry.org.au/landcare/
Sustainable and Biodiverse Farm Field Day makes a splash
Posted on 25 August, 2016 by Connecting Country
Friday the 19th August 2016 was forecast to be wet in Sutton Grange, and it really was! However, around sixty local people braved the weather to attend the morning session at our recent Field Day at the Holy Goat Cheese farm.
Participants see sustainable dairying in action at the Holy Goat Cheese farm.
Participants listening to Ian Higgins explaining biodiversity values at the Holy Goat Cheese farm in Sutton Grange
Whilst on the farm, these hardy souls learnt about sustainable property management, goat farming and cheese production with Carla Meurs and Ann-Marie Monda. They also explored the values of biodiversity, birds and cultural heritage with Ian Higgins from Campbells Creek Landcare group, Tanya Loos from Connecting Country, and Gerry Gill from La Trobe University.
People were revived at lunch time in the warm and dry Sutton Grange Hall with hot drinks and delicious food from Growing Abundance.
The morning group were joined by an extra crowd of around thirty people who enjoyed the afternoon session listening to six local producers – Katie Finlay (Mount Alexander Fruit Gardens), Mandy Jean (Guildford Winery), John Cable (JCBee Honey), Ben Boxshall (Farm Forest Growers of Victoria), Sam White (Sidonia Road Organics), and Clare de Kok (Pig in a Box) – talk about viability, sustainability and biodiversity on their farms.
To quote one participant: “Thanks for putting together such a great and inspiring day. It was really beyond expectation and I got a lot out of it.”
A huge thanks to all the presenters and participants for their good will and endurance in attending this event. It is amazing how much can be gained from other farmers and producers sharing their experiences and knowledge.
Thanks also to Mandy Coulson and the North Central Catchment Management Authority for their support in planning and running the day. This event was part our Connecting Landscapes Education Program with funding from the Australian Government.
19 August 2016 – Sustainable and Biodiverse Farms Field Day
Posted on 21 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
Enjoy an informative tour of the Sutton Grange Organic Farm with Holy Goat Cheese owners Anna-Marie Monda and Carla Meurs.
Making a dream of a sustainable and biodiverse farm a reality is hard work, but some of the region’s most successful producers are here to help. Connecting Country and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) are bringing successful farmers together for a Farm Field Day on 19 August.
North Central CMA regional Landcare Facilitator Mandy Coulson said the field day is about learning from others and fully understanding the journey from idea to marketplace.
“It will be an opportunity to learn about local produce and the various journeys people are experiencing as they work towards achieving integrated sustainable land systems in the southern part of the region,” she said.
Carla Meurs and Anna-Marie Monda (Holy Goat Cheese), Katie Finlay (Mount Alexander Fruit Gardens), Mandy Jean (Guildford Winery), John Cable (JCBee Honey), Ben Boxshall (Farm Forest Growers of Victoria), Sam White (Sidonia Road Organics), and Clare de Kok (Pig in a Box) will tell their stories of innovation, diversification and value adding.
“Over 200 landholders in the Mount Alexander Region have worked with Connecting Country to improve the sustainability and biodiversity of their properties,” Connecting Country’s Krista Patterson-Majoor said. “We are thrilled to provide this opportunity to see one of these inspiring farms in action and to learn from other local producers.”
The field day will be held at the Sutton Grange Community Hall and nearby Sutton Grange Organic Farm, the home of Holy Goat Cheese. The event is free and supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and by Connecting Country, through funding from the Australian Government.
Click here to download a flyer and agenda for the day.
RSVP is essential by 8 August on info@nccma.vic.gov.au or 03 5448 7124.
Inspiring Woman in Agriculture Short Course 2016
Posted on 21 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has opened expressions of interest for its popular Inspiring Women in Agriculture short course. The course is delivered over four days in Bendigo, covering everything from networking, marketing and planning, to achieving balance and making money.
“If you have a passion for agriculture and are keen to take your farm business to the next level, learn new skills, build your networks and be inspired, then this is the course for you,” North Central CMA Regional Landcare Facilitator Mandy Coulson said.
Former course participants have used the skills gained at the course to reinvigorate their farming enterprises, or start new ones. “The Inspiring Women in Agriculture short course showed me that it was important to take ownership of our plan, see that it was flexible and change it as necessary,” pork producer Clare de Kok said.
The Inspiring Women in Agriculture short course will be run from 9am to 4pm on 1, 2 and 15 September 2016 and 20 October 2016, for a cost of $375. CLICK HERE to view the flyer. For further information or to submit an EOI, visit the North Central CMA website or phone (03) 5448 7124. EOIs close 5pm Monday 1 August 2016.
The course is supported by the North Central CMA, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme in partnership with Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, Inspiring Excellence and Cynthia Mahoney and Associates.