Connecting Country Supporter Survey Results are in!
Posted on 24 October, 2016 by Connecting Country
A big thank-you to all of the people who responded to our supporter survey. We appreciate the time taken to fill out this survey. These responses are helping us to shape our direction into the future.
Some interesting results (please note that there were 58 responses in total) include…
- Around half live in town or on less than 5 acre block (25)
- 76% are involved in landcare
- Ranking of our work (note that all facets were rated roughly even): 1. On-ground action, 2. Community engagement and education, 3. Monitoring, 4. Landcare support
- Top priorities for action: Habitat enhancement for local birds and other native species, Development of wildlife corridors, Environmental education, Vegetation management and restoration
- Lower priorities for action: Sustainable agriculture, Understanding fire ecology and impacts, Pest plant and animal control
- Preferred funding options: Government grants, Philanthropic organisations, Donations/Bequests
- Some encouraging comments:
- Keep up the great work!!
- You provide a vital connection for landcare groups and help with educating communities.
- I’m sure people would be prepared to pay for the field days and workshops, especially when lunch is provided too. Thank you for all the wonderful work you do.
- As an out-of-towner, I am inspired by your organisation. Keep up the good work.
- Keep up the great work, your input into the community really pays off.
- I like the way CC connects different networks, I am exceeding grateful for the work CC has undertaken on my property. It has given me an enormous boost.
- Although I am a city dweller, Connecting Country is becoming more important to me. I’m sure more city dwellers would become involved in CC activities if they were aware of the programme.
- You’ve all been doing a fantastic and wonderful job!!
- Thank you for the work that you already do.
- Thank you – wonderful team and great initiatives.
- The educational programs provided by CC have enhanced my understanding of the biodiversity of our local area and heightened my interest to find out more. Thankyou CC.
To view the full summary please click here .
Connecting Country is showing off!
Posted on 21 October, 2016 by Connecting Country
Come show your support for Connecting Country and have some fun as we head down Barker St in our high vis and workboots on. Connecting Country is running a float in this year’s Castlemaine Show parade on Friday 28th October 2016. We’d love it if you joined us to walk proudly down the street and celebrate our volunteers involved in Connecting Country.
We will be hooking the direct seeder up to our red ute and handing out acacia seeds for people to grow into habitat for local woodland birds. This fun event will be a great way to show what we do and who we do it with in the Castlemaine district.
We would love you to be involved! Contact Naomi by email at naomi@connectingcountry.org.au or call 5472 1594. Look forward to seeing you there!
Our direct seeder will be on show at the parade
19 October – Water Rats event – have you seen one or want to know more?
Posted on 19 October, 2016 by Connecting Country
The Bendigo Creek Platypus Project in partnership with the North Central Catchment Management Authority and the Waterwatch program are excited to extend an invitation to attend the upcoming Water Rat community information evening to be held on Wednesday 19 October 2016 at Bendigo Tafe, Charleston Road Campus.
Please click on flyer for more information about this event
While Geoff Williams from the Australian Platypus Conservancy is in town, he is trying to gather information about the Water Rat with a focus on current distribution.
If you have seen and know where there are Water Rats in our region, it would be great if you can please fill in the Water Rat Survey form, and return to our regional Waterwatch coordinator Cass Davis at cass.davis@nccma.vic.gov.au by Tuesday 18th October 2016. Cass will then pass them on to Geoff so he can include your information in his research.
Thursday 20th October 2016 – Newstead Landcare’s AGM and fire presentation
Posted on 17 October, 2016 by Connecting Country
Burnt out landscape in the Maldon area.
As the days warm up and the summer approaches, the thoughts of many who live out of town turn to the threat of bushfires. The things that we love about the bush can become sources of anxiety and fear in the hot, dry months. How do we protect ourselves from bushfire and still protect the plants and animals that make our area so special? Questions like these will be addressed at Newstead Landcare Group’s October presentation “Protecting from Bushfire, Protecting our Biodiversity” on Thursday the 20th of October 2016 at the Newstead Town Hall.
The CFA’s Owen Goodings will speak about what we can do to manage fire and live with biodiversity.
“We are really excited to have Owen Gooding, a leading researcher on vegetation management and fire presenting at our October meeting. Owen is also the Vegetation Management Officer for the CFA, so he is very well placed to help us understand the issues” said Frances Cincotta, Newstead Landcare’s President.
The presentation will cover how to manage vegetation on your property, be it a small holding or larger bush block, to reduce the risk in case of fire and to retain native vegetation. “Owen will also be discussing ways to think about bushfire and native vegetation in the wider landscape and dispelling a few myths” Ms Cincotta added.
This presentation ties in with another important event about bushfire for residents of the Newstead and Maldon areas. Understanding Fire in our Landscape: A Community Conversation is a community event being held on the weekend of the 12-13 November 2016, in Newstead. For more details about this event; click here.
“In this Community Conversation fire in the Newstead-Maldon landscape will be discussed in detail – the history of fire, local ecology, and fire risk” said Chris Johnston, one of the organisers of the event. “There will be talks, displays, biodiversity walks, visits to the sites of past fires, and a chance to record your memories of local fires.” Supported by community and external experts, the weekend will be a chance to learn more and share ideas across our local communities about living with fire.
For more information or to book for this free event go to talkingfire.org or to the Facebook page Talking Fire.
Understanding Fire in our Landscape is supported by the Mount Alexander Shire Council 2016 Community Grants Program, Maldon & District Community Bank and the Norman Wettenhall Foundation.
Talking Fire – Maldon, Newstead and places in between
Posted on 17 October, 2016 by Connecting Country
Join a conversation to better understand fire in our local landscape at the Newstead Community Centre over the weekend of 12 and 13 November 2016. ‘Talking Fire’ will discuss what fire means for our local communities and the environment.
The aim of these workshops is to bring local expertise and knowledge together with outside experts in the field of fire behaviour and fire ecology, so that the community can talk about and better understand, plan for, and live with fire.
Some of the questions driving the conversation will be:
- What is the history of fire in our area?
- How have the landscape, community & fire policies changed?
- How can we protect what we value?
- How can we respond to fire risk, now & in the future?
You may have other questions, ideas or solutions.
‘Talking Fire’ are also seeking local knowledge and stories at this workshop. Do you have a “fire experience”, direct or indirect, to share? As a part of the weekend Gordon Dowell will be recording the stories and histories of locals. The Newstead CFA Auxiliary are among those we will be keen to hear from.
Maldon area; fire, ecology, people – can they all co-exist?
They hope that from the weekend our local landscape can be seen anew, through the eyes of scientists, fire experts and long lived locals alike, and through a wider, “landscape lens”, not just from a household or property viewpoint.
Whether you live in Newstead or Maldon town, or the bush and farmland surrounds, you’re invited along to ‘talk fire’. Come to any or all sessions. The event is free, but we need bookings to help our caterers, the Newstead Preschool and Mens’ Shed, provide enough for all.
Thanks to Mount Alexander Shire, Maldon & District Community Bank and Norman Wettenhall Foundation for supporting the event. Many more supporters are contributing in non-financial ways. See our website www.talkingfire.org for more information and to book.
Connecting Country’s 2016 AGM and Annual Report
Posted on 14 October, 2016 by Connecting Country
Connecting Country President, Brendan Sydes, addresses the 60 strong crowd.
We were thrilled with the strong turn out and great atmosphere for our 2016 Annual General Meeting on Tuesday the 11th of October 2016 at the Campbells Creek Community Centre. We are also excited to share our 2015-16 Annual Report. We are proud of our achievements in the past year, and this report provides an opportunity for us to celebrate them with our supporters. In the spirit of mindful resource use, we would encourage you to view the report in a digital format by clicking on the cover below. Huge thanks to Eliza Tree for the use of her painting titled Jarra Country on the cover and for bringing it along to the AGM for viewing.
The general business part of the AGM saw the election of our volunteer Committee of Management members. Brendan Sydes was re-elected as president, Deb Wardle – Vice President, Marie Jones – Treasurer, Jenni Thomas – Secretary. Max Kay, Malcolm Trainor, and Saide Gray return as general committee members.
Following a light meal, we heard from six local experts about their vision for the Mount Alexander region. Kath Coff gave an indigenous perspective, Ian Higgins spoke about vegetation management, Beth Mellick gave an insight into the history of Connecting Country and our relationship with the Norman Wettenhall Foundation, Paul Foreman spoke about keeping water in the landscape, Carla Meurs shared the benefits of vegetation for wildlife on her farm and Geoff Park talked about, you guessed it, birds!
L-R: Paul Foreman, Kath Coff, Beth Mellick, Carla Meurs, Ian Higgins, Eliza Tree and Brendan Sydes.
We all then broke into working groups according to their area of interest and discussed how Connecting Country could achieve their vision. Connecting Country staff and committee now have the task of collating all the feedback from the night and our supporter survey and deciding on our future directions. A huge thank-you to everyone who attended and gave their time, energy and ideas. We really appreciate the feedback and support from attendees and our community in general. We will be provide regular updates as we progress through this process.
If you missed out on our AGM, 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. This survey will remain open until Sunday the 16th of October 2016. We have had a great response so far and we thank everyone for their very valuable input.
Eliza Tree describes her amazing creation. Jaara Country
Our multi-talented staff team in action.
Kath Coff inspires the crowd with her vision.
Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park survey – what are your thoughts?
Posted on 13 October, 2016 by Connecting Country
Parks Victoria is currently reviewing the Heritage Action Plan for the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park and Jade Harris from Parks Victoria has asked Connecting Country to share details of their community survey.
Parks Victoria want to know about the places people value within the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, find out about issues of concern and get your ideas about other themes, stories or aspects of the park that could be shared with visitors.
You can provide your feedback and ideas via an online survey that will remain open until Wednesday 30th November 2016.
Please fill out the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CastlemaineDiggings. It should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
The results of the survey will provide baseline data for Parks Victoria to identify strengths and gaps in our current themes, stories and practices in relation to the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. It will also enable us to report on improvements, achievements and initiatives and better plan for the future of the park to enhance visitor’s experiences.
Note: The survey is conducted by Context and information is treated confidentially. The survey does not seek to collect personal information or identify any individual, although if you want to be kept informed about planning for the future of this park, you can leave your contact details at the end of the survey.
8 Nov 2016 – Landowners looking after Grasslands Workshop
Posted on 12 October, 2016 by Connecting Country
The Landowners looking after Grasslands – Field Day on the Plains has been rescheduled to Tuesday November 8th 2016, 10.00am to 2.30pm because of the wet roads.
Join the Northern Plains Conservation Management Network, Trust for Nature and Dr David Baker-Gabb, renowned expert on Plains-wanderer, in launching Managing Native Grasslands for Plains Wanderers Field Guide. Hear from Dan Harley, Threatened Species Biologist with Zoos Victoria, about their Fighting Extinction Programme and the plan to start captive-breeding Plains-wanderers in 2017. Accompany Paul Foreman, grassland ecologist for a walk across Andy & Judy McGillivray’s property, and learn how to survey for threatened grassland flora species such as the nationally listed Swainson-peas.
WHEN: Tuesday November 8th 2016, 10.00am to 2.30pm
WHERE: Andy & Judy McGillivray’s, McIntyre Rd, off Roslynmead Rd, Torrumbarry. Vic Roads Reference: 30J2 & 31A2 .
Morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea will be provided. Please wear sturdy walking shoes, bring a camp chair, sunhat, binoculars, warm coat, sunscreen and a bottle of water.
RSVP is essential to the North Central CMA by 5 pm Thursday 3rd November on (03) 5448 7124 or email info@nccma.vic.gov.au
Please poster here for location details.
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.