Bird of the month: Rose Robin

Posted on 25 May, 2026 by Hadley Cole

Article by Damian Kelly and Jane Rusden.

Beautiful rose breasted Red Robin. Photo by Damian Kelly.

When it’s cold and miserable in the depths of a Castlemaine winter, the sighting of a very beautiful Rose Robin is always a joy.

The Rose Robin is one of the the smallest of the Australian Robins. It also differs from most other robins as it is the most arboreal of the group. It prefers to forage for insects in the middle and upper layers of the forest unlike most other robins that often feed low and on the ground. They can be found in wet forests from the Otways all the way up to central Queensland.

It is possible to confuse the Rose Robin with the related Pink Robin at first glance as they can be found in similar habitats. The Rose Robin does not occur in Tasmania but the Pink Robin does. However, they have different shades of pink and the Rose Robin is grey on the head and neck whilst the Pink Robin is black. Pink Robin females have buff wing-bars compared to the whitish bars for the Rose Robin. Both species tend to inhabit similar habitats.

Rose Robin. Photo by Damian Kelly.

Generally breeding occurs between October and January, often in mountain areas. Nests are built by females, but both parents feed the young. Usually nests can be found 20 metres or higher in the tree canopy. The nest is cup-shaped and made of fibres and moss held together with spiders’ web. It is not uncommon for a pair to raise two or three clutches in a season. Close observation has shown that a pair will often return to the same nesting location and often the same tree year after year. Usually 2-3 eggs are laid.

After breeding, mountain populations descend to lower altitudes for the winter months. In cooler weather this species has been recorded around Castlemaine. Food consists of insects and other small arthropods, often caught on the wing. As they tend to inhabit denser tall forests they can be tricky to view. In the field often they can be picked up from their darting movements and trilling call.

The male and female appear quite different – the male has the distinctive rose breast with a dark grey head and neck whilst the female is much browner than the male with only a pale wash of pink on the breast.

Bird of the Month is a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we take a close look at one special local bird species. We are blessed to have the brilliant Jane Rusden and Damian Kelly from BirdLife Castlemaine District writing these! We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month, seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community.

Book Launch: Vagabond – the Story of Charles Sanger

Posted on 19 May, 2026 by Lori

A new edition of the Friends of Ironbark-Forests book, Vagabond, the Story of Charles Sanger will be launched by local author Robyn Annear at 12pm this Saturday (23 May) in the Castlemaine library foyer. The book was first written in 2008 by Bernard Slattery, Doug Ralph and Deirdre Slattery and published by Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests.

Due to continued interest in the book FOBIF decided on a new edition after the first one sold out. With a new cover and layout, the 2026 version fleshes out some of the stranger themes in the story and suggests that Sanger’s case was not an isolated one.

The Sanger story

The book is the story of a Fryerstown man, Charles Sanger (1880-1953).  ‘He was a dashing but elusive character. Journalists called him the Fryers Bushranger, but he never held up anyone with a gun, and the gun he did have never worked anyway.   He served time in jail, but was well liked by ordinary people. He was one of the last of the bush hermits, and his story is also the story of the changing bush, of a time lost in history, and of a quiet country community that looked after its own.’

When: Saturday 23 May 12 noon

Where: Castlemaine Library Foyer

Everyone is welcome at the launch and refreshments will be provided. Vagabond will be available for sale for $18 on the night and also available at Stonemans Bookroom and the Castlemaine Visitors Information Centre after the event.

You can find out more about the book and how to purchase it online on the FOBIF website.

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).

Bush Heritage Call Out for Volunteers to assist in Conservation of Reserves

Posted on 14 May, 2026 by Lori

Interested in occasional conservation work on a beautiful reserve?

Shingleback Lizard taken at the Dalyenong Reserves (now known as Yirat Gurrk) – John Van Tiggelen

Bush Heritage Australia is looking to establish a Whatsapp group of potential volunteers in the Castlemaine/Newstead/Maldon area to accompany the Reserve Manager to work on Bush Heritage Australias beautiful forest and heathland reserves in western Djaara Country.

Tasks might include erosion mitigation, revegetation, weeding, fencing and basic infrastructure work.

How it will work: the Reserve Manager (who’s based in Castlemaine) will post a request from time to time seeking help on Reserve for a day. Volunteers (up to three, but typically one or two) would be picked up en-route and dropped home afterwards. The reserves are an hour’s drive west of Maldon.

Please note the work can be physically challenging, and volunteers may be selected based on experience. How many days you put your hand up for is up to you: even one or two a year is very welcome. You’d need to register as a volunteer with Bush Heritage and comply with BHA safety protocols.

Bush Heritage is a not-for-profit co-founded by Bob Brown: you can find out more about the organisation and the Djaara reserves here: Healthy Country Protected Forever | Bush Heritage Australia

Anyone interested please contact John van Tiggelen on john.vantiggelen@bushheritage.org.au or 0407 339915.

Life on the Wing – exhibition by Jane Rusden

Posted on 14 May, 2026 by Lori

Local artist, Jane Rusden, is no stranger to Connecting Country.  As well as being a fabulous artist, Jane is President of Birdlife Castlemaine District, hosts numerous bird walks and nature journaling adventures and collaborates with Damian Kelly to showcase birds of the Central Victorian Region through our Bird of the Month partnership.  Later in May, Jane is holding an exhibition of her artwork, focusing on birds and a few insects. Jane’s ‘Life on the Wing’ is an exhibition celebrating the resilience of wildlife in the face of adversity.

Image: Jane Rusden, “Female Gang Gang Cockatoo Foraging Geebung”, 2025,
Watercolour, graphite and charcoal on paper, 3.5 x 1.5 meters (detail)

Life on the Wing:  21 May – 8 June 2026

Opening: 5-7 pm Friday 22 May

Artpuff Studio, The Mill, 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine

Opening hours: Thurs – Sun 11 – 5 (+ public holidays 11-3)

Come along, bring a friend and soak up Jane’s incredible work!

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!

Bird of the Month: Boobook Owl

Posted on 23 April, 2026 by Lori

Bird of the Month is a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we take a closer look at a special local bird species . Thanks always to the brilliant Jane Rusden and Damian Kelly for these wonderful articles and fabulous photos. 

David Fleay, in his classic book ‘Nightwatchmen of Bush and Plain’ and the first comprehensive study of Australian Owls, Frogmouths and Owlet Nightjars, describes Boobook Owls as the most versatile of them all.  A small pretty owl with grey green eyes surrounded by a dark facial disc, they can be found in a wide variety of habitats from dry inland areas to coastal areas and wet mountain forests. If you have camped out, you have probably heard the characteristic two-syllable call “boobook”. From time to time our authors have heard them calling in Castlemaine and the bush around Campbells Creek, as well as observing them in the Castlemaine Botanic Gardens and Kalimna area.

The habitat range of the Boobook Owl extends to Papua-New Guinea, Indonesia and adjacent islands. Related species can be found in New Zealand and Norfolk Island. There are various sub-species with varying plumage patterns. Like the Silvereyes we wrote about last month, the Tasmanian sub-species migrates each year, island hopping across Bass Strait to spend winter away from the colder Tasmanian conditions.

Breeding sites are generally in tree hollows and often occurs later than other owl species such as the Powerful Owl, typically August to December. One to four eggs are laid, usually in a deep hollow, but occasionally on a cliff or in a cave. The white eggs sit on wood debris, which can stain brown patterns on the eggs.

Food includes insects, especially nocturnal beetles and moths, along with small rodents (such as mice), small marsupials, bats, birds, frogs and lizards. This reflects their adaption to a wide range of ecological niches across all of Australia and beyond.

Alas, populations are in decline, brought on by habitat loss, particularly the destruction of large trees with hollows, and poisoning due to the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs). To help Boobook’s, protecting habitat, large old trees and younger trees that will become large old trees over time, is vital. Probably the simplest way to protect birds such as the Boobook, along with other owl species, eagles, magpies, as well as other wildlife and even our much loved family pets, is to use alternatives to SGARs to control rats and mice. There are many options including humane traps, natural deterrents, physically blocking up access holes and reducing food availability by keeping areas clean.

Words by Jane Rusden and Damian Kelly.  Photos by Damian Kelly.

Bird of the month: Silvereye lateralis and All at Once SciArty installation at Castlemaine State Festival.

Posted on 30 March, 2026 by Lori

Bird of the Month is a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we take a closer look at a special local bird species thanks to the brilliant Jane Rusden and Damian Kelly.  This month they take us on an exploration of the migration habits of Silvereye lateralis, as beautifully detailed through art in the recent All at Once exhibition as part of the Castlemaine State Festival.

Life size model of Silvereye lateralis, in the All at Once installation, the Goods Shed, Castlemaine. Photo by Jane Rusden

Lately Damian and Jane have been working hard on researching the Tasmanian breeding race Silveryeye lateralis, and their incredible migration behaviour. As part of the Castlemaine State Festival, they have collaborated with an amazing group of fellow scientists and artists and helped build the All at Once installation, located in The Goods Shed, near Castlemaine railway station. The result is an artistic expression of the migration many Silvereyes make across Bass Strait and back each year.

 Silvereyes weigh a tiny 10grams, their wing span is 17cm and bill tip to tail tip only 15cm. There are life size models in the All at Once exhibit, if you like to see for yourself how small they are. Despite their petite size, many of the Tasmanian breeding Silvereyes migrate to South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and southern Queensland for the winter months, returning to Tasmanian in spring. You may see these Silvereyes in your garden in Castlemaine.

 The specific route these Silvereyes are using to cross Bass Strait and make their way to gardens in Castlemaine, is not entirely known. But it’s thought they fly from the northern eastern shore of Tasmania to Cape Liptrap and Wilson’s Promontory, via the Furneaux Group of islands. They probably partly use fat stores to fuel their journey, but also drop in to the islands to forage and rest.

The All at Once installation at the Goods Shed explores the migration habits of Silvereye latoralisJane Rusden)

 Some rough distances the Silveyes cover:

•  North east Tasmanian, cross Bass Strait to Wilson’s Promontory 240km.
• Wilson’s Promontory to Castlemaine 330km.
• Wilson’s Promontory to Brisbane 1800km.
• Maximum distance across ocean 50km.

 Just before the Silvereyes lateralis flock departs Wilson’s Promontory, they make a specific contact call which is thought to organise the flock whilst migrating. They prefer to leave an hour before dawn on dry days, but will also leave at night. Navigation is via the earths magnetic field, sun position and learned route finding. When they head out over the ocean from Wilson’s Promontory, they fly due south, which means at some point their course is corrected so they find the islands.

 So how do you know if you’re looking at a Silvereye lateralis? Unlike the other races of Silvereyes in Australia, their flanks are a buff or tan colour, harder to see is their pale or white colouring under their chin and around the vent area under the tail. Interestingly, bird banding showed the same pair of Silvereyes turning up in a Sydney garden 3 times in 4 years, so we know they return to places they have been before, year after year.

 The silver or white ring around the Sivereyes eye, is a ring of tiny white feathers. Isn’t that beautiful.

Living With Wildlife – an evening with Tanya Loos

Posted on 17 March, 2026 by Bonnie Humphreys

Bird walk with Birdlife Castlemaine at private property in Yapeen – Saturday 7 March 2026

Posted on 26 February, 2026 by Lori

BirdLife Castlemaine District holds monthly bird walks on the first Saturday morning of each month, and all ages and birding abilities are welcome. Walks last for about two hours.

The March bird walk will be on a very special private property belonging to Max Kay in Yapeen (near Guildford). As well as his role as Connecting Country’s Treasurer, Max has a strong commitment to restoring habitat on his historical farm property. With the help of Connecting Country and other groups, he has set aside areas to protect remnant vegetation, restore creekline and reintroduce understorey plants.  Over time these actions have improved habitat for birds and other animals.Private properties often give us a unique experience to see birds in areas that are less disturbed, so we’re hoping for some interesting birds. Possible sightings for the area include honeyeaters (Yellow-faced, White-plumed, Yellow-tufted and New Holland Honeyeater) and raptors (Whistling and Black Kite, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk). Thornbills, Pardalotes and many other local species are also possible.

Your walk leaders are Max Kay, Frances Howe and Bob Dawson.

ALL WELCOME!

Where: Max Kay’s property, 7281 Midland Hwy, Yapeen VIC, is located approx. 9.4 km from Castlemaine along the Midland Hwy (A300). Travel toward Guildford and Max’s driveway is on the right, approximately 260 m past the Vaughan Springs turnoff. There is a large white letterbox and a post with numbers 7281 attached. Drive down to the area in front of the house.   GPS: -37.13206, 144.17318. Google Maps Link is here.

When: Meet at 9:00 am.

Bring / wear: Water, snacks, binoculars, sunscreen, hat, long trousers and sturdy closed-in shoes (for snake protection).

More info: Jane Rusden 0448 900 896, Bob Dawson 0417 621 691

BirdLife Castlemaine works closely with Connecting Country, including supporting Connecting Country’s long-term woodland bird monitoring. New bird survey volunteers are needed to contribute to this valuable database. Please contact Connecting Country if you’re a birder and interested in helping.

For more information about BirdLife Castlemaine’s activities, please visit the Birdlife Castlemaine District website.

Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday 1st March 2026!

Posted on 26 February, 2026 by Lori

Together, we can make a big, positive impact on our environment – one piece of litter at a time!

Clean Up Australia Day is an annual nationwide event focused on empowering local communities to clean up, fix up and conserve the natural environment.

Registration for Clean Up Australia Day is free for communities and schools (businesses pay a small fee). Registration ensures groups are covered by the public liability insurance, and groups also receive a free Clean Up kit with all the materials required to host a safe and successful event.

Local Landcare and Friends groups of the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook region often host a Clean Up Australia Day event. Please see below a list of local events happening across our region or to find events happening near you – click here .

Campbells Creek and surrounds – Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare Group

Help to clean up rubbish along the creeks & trails, followed by a social morning tea.

Where: meet at the bus shelter next to Winters Flat Footbridge, opposite 61 Johnstone Street (Midland Highway), Castlemaine, and then spread to various locations to gather rubbish and return it to a skip at Winters Flat. e (for google map link: click here)

When: Sunday 1 March 2026,  8am-10am

What to bring: hats, gloves, sturdy clothing, enclosed boots/shoes, sun protection, a rake if you have one, your own water (and a friend).   Morning tea provided.

Expedition Pass Reservoir – Golden Point Landcare Group

Did you enjoy the Res this summer? Come along for the annual Clean Up event that keeps the Res clean and beautiful!

Where: Meet at Expedition Pass Reservoir (The Res), Golden Point Rd. Golden Point

When: Sunday 1 March 2026, 10.00 am

What to bring: Hats, sunscreen, sturdy footwear, water bottle, gloves and a friend!

Barkers Creek Reservoir – Harcourt

Did you enjoy the Res this summer? Come along for the annual Clean Up event that keeps the Res clean and beautiful!

Where: Meet at the toilet block at Barkers Creek Reservoir

When: Sunday 1 March 2026, 10.00 am

Rabbit Control Field Day – Book Now!

Posted on 23 February, 2026 by Bonnie Humphreys

Connecting Country in partnership with Guildford and Upper Loddon Landcare Group and the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) is pleased to present a Rabbit Control Field Day in Guildford.

Saturday 14 March 2026 – 9.30am to 1.30pm

Rabbits have been in our landscape now for over 100 years and we still have not managed to successfully control them. We do however have research into the best methods and the most successful techniques. Now is the best time of year to implement them.

February and March are a particularly good time of year to get on to rabbit control as natural food in the environment is low. Using a range of methods in the right order (‘integrated pest management’) and at the right time of year will ensure you the most success with the least effort.

VRAN have been working on identifying the most successful recipe for control and passing on their knowledge though workshops, practical demonstrations and providing educational resources. We are lucky enough to be able to bring them to Guildford to share this knowledge with you.

There will be a presentation in the morning, followed by a field trip and discussion on site. All located close to the centre of Guildford. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

We are also inviting local contractors who would like to be part of the event, to get in touch with us at info@connectingcountry.org.au This can be a great opportunity to introduce yourself to local landholders and Landcare representatives.

This event is free but registration is required for catering purposes.

Register: https://www.trybooking.com/DJJOI

Bird of the month: Swallows and Martins

Posted on 19 February, 2026 by Hadley Cole

Bird of the Month is a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we take a closer look at a special local bird species . Thanks always to the brilliant Jane Rusden and Damian Kelly for these wonderful articles and fabulous photos. Photos above (left to right): Fairy Martin and Welcome Swallow. By Damian Kelly.

Swallows and Martins are often observed at high speed, zipping around in summer skies, as they twist and turn in pursuit of flying insects. A delight to watch, but from a distance they are often tricky to differentiate as often more than one species can be seen together. In fact, there are four species in this region: 

All are members of the Hirundinidae family and they exclusively feed on the wing, catching a variety of flying insects. In flight they can be distinguished by their long pointed wings and small bills with wide gapes, to easily catch airborne insects. As aerial specialists they have quite weak feet adapted to perching rather than walking. They tend to be gregarious (hanging out in flocks) and often associate in multi-species groups when prey is abundant, as well as forming breeding colonies in season. Which can add to the complexity of identifying which species are present in a flock. Calls of all species are soft and not distinctive from a distance.  

White-backed Swallow. Photo by Damian Kelly.

Identifying the individual species at a distance relies on colour and feathers, particularly the tail. The White-backed is the easiest as it is the only one with a distinctive white and black pattern. But it is the least common in this region, preferring northern areas. 

Juvenile Welcome Swallow. Photo by Damian Kelly.

The Welcome Swallow is the most common and has a deeply forked tail with a very dark back and is rufous-brown around the throat and face. It is often seen in conjunction with the Fairy Martin. The Fairy Martin can be distinguished from the Welcome Swallow by its white rump and rufous-brown over the head but not the throat.  

 The two swallow species have deeply forked tails, where as the two Martin species have a shallow fork in their tails, which can be hard to see at times. 

Tree Martin. Photo by Damian Kelly.

Unlike the others, the Tree Martin is more often found in more timbered habitats. It lacks the rufous patterning and is pale beneath. As the name implies, it needs trees and other hollows for breeding. Also they mostly migrate north in the cooler months, where as with both Swallow species, some migrate north and some don’t which makes them partial migrants. 

 Welcome Swallows and Fairy Martins build mud nests (see photos), often located around bridges and buildings, unlike Tree Martins which generally nest in tree hollows. White-backed Swallows excavate horizontal tunnels in stream banks and mounds of earth. Needless to say, the species that build mud nests are often to be seen near water, although I have frequently seen them raiding puddles for just the right consistency of mud for their nests. 

Fairy Martin nests made of mud. They have the distinctive slightly drooping tunnel that leads into the nest chamber. Photo by Damian Kelly

Life with Birds: A collaboration with the Newstead Arts Hub and Castlemaine State Festival

Posted on 19 February, 2026 by Hadley Cole

There will be six events conducted in collaboration with the Newstead Arts Hub and the Castlemaine State Festival.

Carrie Tiffany by Eve Owen Jan 2025

Saturday 21 March | 11.00am – 2.00pm| Carrie Tiffany: Mateship with Birds Creative Writing Workshop

Carrie, a former park ranger, has twenty years’ experience as a researcher, writer, editor and teacher of creative writing. Her novel, Mateship with Birds, won the inaugural 2013 Stella Prize. Geoff Park will share an ‘in conversation’ with Carrie, before she leads a bird-themed Creative Writing Workshop. No writing experience is needed.

Workshop ticket: $100

Venue: Newstead Arts Hub

For more information and bookings – click here

Sunday 22 March | 11.00am – 2.00pm | Richard Weatherly: A brush with woodland birds Woskshop

Richard is an iconic Australian artist, conservationist and innovative farmer. With over fifty-five years of professional experience, Richard will draw on his acclaimed illustrated works, such as The Fairy-Wrens and A Brush with Birds, as he leads this workshop. Materials provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own.

Workshop ticket: $100

Venue: Newstead Arts Hub

For more information and bookings – click here

Monday 23 March | 7.30am- 12.30pm |  Lawrie Conole: The ‘Difficult’ Bird Search

The Newstead district is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) with sites identified as being internationally significant for the conservation of birds and other biodiversity. It is home to a suite of ‘difficult’ birds, those that are cryptic, declining and often just plain hard to find species that call our local bush home.

Lawrie will introduce you to some of these characters and their habits, including their distinctive songs. It will then be your mission, should you choose to accept it, to venture to a selection of local sites where, armed with some new skills and information, you’ll hopefully encounter some of them such as Speckled Warbler, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, Painted Button-quail, Hooded Robin, Spotted Quail-thrush, or even a Crested Bellbird.

Event ticket: $20

Venue: Newstead Arts Hub

For more information and bookings – click here

Wednesday 25th March | 7.00 – 9.00pm | Andrew Skeoch: The wild bird soundscapes of our woodlands

Learn the songs and calls of some of our rarer bird species! This immersive one-hour presentation will introduce the importance of sound for species ID, monitoring, and assessing the state of our local habitat. This will be followed by a session for those interested to share their observations of local birdlife/wildlife occurrences/movements, and to introduce a future project.

Andrew Skeoch is a professional wildlife sound recordist, acoustic ecologist and author of ‘Deep Listening to Nature’. He has given presentations to audiences ranging from festivals such as WOMADelaide’s Planet Talks to local communities, written for The Conversation, and presented radio features, keynote addresses and a TEDx talk.

Event ticket: Gold Coin Donation

Venue: Newstead Community Centre

For more information – click here

Thursday 26th March | 8am – 12.00pm | Patrick Kavanagh: The art and craft of bird photography

In this workshop, Patrick, an accomplished nature photographer with a special ‘focus’ on woodland birds of the Newstead district and their habitats, will offer personal tuition on photographic techniques and field craft. The workshop starts and ends at Newstead Art Hub and will involve gentle walking in an outdoor environment. BYO Camera.

Workshop Ticket: $100

Venue: Newstead Arts Hub

For more information and bookings – click here

Thursday 26th March | Exhibition opening John Wolseley and Geoff Park | 6.00pm

A joint exhibition of works to celebrate birds and the landscapes they inhabit. Open weekends from Saturday 14 March – Sunday 29 March or by appointment.

Geoff Park

John Wolesley

Friday 27th March | 6.00pm – 7.00pm)  | John Wolseley and Geoff Park in Conversation

Since moving to Australia in 1978, John Wolseley has immersed himself in the landscape, an approach which has given rise to a variety of different ways of collaborating with the land itself. His large scale works on paper, watercolours and installations are often based around scientific themes.

Geoff Park is an ecologist, wildlife photographer and field naturalist with a 60-year obsession with birds. Since 2008, with his Natural Newstead blog, Geoff has been documenting the nature of the Newstead district through writing and photography with a particular focus on birds.

Join them in conversation as they discuss their experiences of engaging with landscapes and the creatures that inhabit these places. An evening of sharing stories, ideas from their lives of observing, documenting and wondering about nature.

Event ticket: SOLD OUT (Join Waitlist)

Venue: Newstead Arts Hub

For more information and waitlist – click here

The proceeds from this diverse and rich program of events will be dedicated to a community designed, citizen science woodland bird conservation project in central Victoria, in partnership with the Wettenhall Environment Trust.

‘Intriguing invertebrates and concerning trends’ with Patrick Kavanagh

Posted on 11 February, 2026 by Lori

Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club are excited to have local entomologist Patrick Kavanagh launch their new “Butterflies of the Mount Alexander Region” brochure at their February Monthly Meeting.

Patrick has lived in a patch of box woodland at Strangways for 30 years. He uses macrophotography to discover the tiny invertebrate life that makes the local ecosystem work.

Following the brochure launch, Patrick will share some of the intriguing discoveries he’s made in his yard with a camera and an internet connection. He will also talk about some concerning trends in our invertebrate populations over the past few years and how these trends affect other species.

Observations. Members and visitors are invited to share their recent interesting observations at the start of the meeting.  Please email any photos as uncropped JPEG file(s) and supporting notes to Jill Williams (jilliwill33@gmail.com) by noon on the day of the meeting.

When: Friday 13 February 7.30pm

Where: Uniting Church Hall, Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine

All welcome.

Following the meeting, the ‘Butterflies of Mount Alexander Region’ will be available to purchase at the Castlemaine Information Centre and the Made in Castlemaine stall at the Vintage Bazaar (Mill Complex).

Photo:  Belid Weevil Photo by Patrick Kavanagh

Bird of the Month: Supporting birdlife through extreme weather

Posted on 16 January, 2026 by Lori

Bird of the Month is a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we usually take a close look at one special local bird species but this month is a special edition focusing on how to support birds through extreme weather events such as heat waves and after bushfires. Thanks always to the brilliant Jane Rusden and Damian Kelly from BirdLife Castlemaine District for this topical article. 

The importance of birdbaths in hot weather.

White-eared Honeyeater enjoying a bath, a bold species that will dive in, regardless of what other small birds are trying to drink and bathe. Photo by Jane Rusden

In our hot climate the availability of shade and water is crucial for birds. The simple action of providing a reliable water supply will encourage birds to use your garden. As well as providing enjoyment and connection to nature, you will be aiding the survival of species.  There is nothing quite like watching a group of birds drinking and splashing in a water bowl. And you might be surprised what species turn up, even in an urban garden. Not only that, you will learn a lot about bird behaviour.

Some species, for example White-browed Scrubwrens and Pardalotes, are very cautious and will lurk in foliage before alighting on the edge of the water. Others such as honeyeaters will just barge in and splash away. To attract the cautious ones you need foliage close by.

Eastern Spinebill likes deeper bowls – maybe something to do with length of bill? Photo by Damian Kelly

So, what do you need to do? Some simple ideas that I have found useful:

• Place water sources close to foliage and shade, not out in the open as some birds are very wary.
• Have it off the ground to limit cat and fox access.
• Provide a variety of different types of bowls – some birds like it shallow, others prefer deeper options.
• And of course keep them clean.

Just after I wrote the above, fires descended on the Mount Alexander Shire. Having lived through the 2009 fires near Kinglake, where our bush block survived untouched due to a wind change, I can say that water was critical for the birds in the aftermath of the fires. Our house and surrounds experienced a sharp increase in the range and numbers of bird species – all fire survivors who moved from the burnt zone to our block. We added more bird baths and experienced a remarkable range of birds, plus diverse species, in the water at the same time (see Rufous Whistler and White-naped Honeyeater image). Interestingly, some species  – like the Grey Shrike-thrush and Eastern Spinebill – stayed on and nested successfully later in the year right next to house, where they had not before.

Rufous Whistler and White-naped Honeyeater will happily share the same bowl. Photo by Damian Kelly

Similar changes have been observed in the last few days at water bowls in and around Castlemaine. So make sure you always keep a good supply of fresh water available. It will always be utilised by the birds.

White-browed Scrubwrens are one of the lurkers and don’t hang around long. Photo by Damian Kelly.

Make Your Passion Your Day Job – study Conservation and Ecosystem Management at Bendigo TAFE

Posted on 16 January, 2026 by Lori

Bendigo TAFE is currently recruiting students for their Conservation and Ecosystem Management courses in 2026 starting in March.

The Certificate III Conservation and Ecosystem Management provides students with the opportunity to obtain various certificates used in gaining employment or furthering job positions in the environmental field. You will complete your Farm Chemical Users Certificate (first step in the ACUP process) and Operate and Maintain Chainsaws certification. You will gain skills in fencing, operate machinery, learn about local plants and their cultural uses, survey pest animals, conduct site inspections, implement vegetation works and propagation. You will also learn about geology and soils, sampling and testing water and identifying fauna. By completing the course and gaining the certificate, students are in a good position for employment with places like Project Fire Fighter (DEECA), Councils Parks and Gardens or with Bushland Contractors and many others.

Certificate IV Conservation and Ecosystem Management provides students with industry experience gained on field trips and camps. Students are taken into the field to conduct real life surveys and monitoring with industry partnerships such as Bush Heritage, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and local Landcare Groups and Conservation Management Networks. You will get practical experience in areas like revegetation and pest control and learn to monitor biodiversity.  With the completion of Certificate IV CEM you will gain automatic entry into the Environmental Education course at La Trobe University as well as open up various employment opportunities.

Please contact Terri Williams on twilliams@bendigotafe.edu.au or phone 54341743 to discuss these opportunities further. You can also go to Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management on the Bendigo TAFE Website.

Support for bushfire recovery in Harcourt and surrounds

Posted on 14 January, 2026 by Lori

Connecting Country Committee and staff are saddened by the damage caused by the Ravenswood South bushfire and our hearts go out to all those affected.  We hurt for our friends at Harcourt Valley Landcare, North Harcourt & Sedgwick Landcare and Sutton Grange Landcare and the many years dedicated to caring for the local environment that has been damaged.    We are dedicated to working with these communities in their land and environmental recovery needs and have had many offers from fellow Landcare Groups also wanting to help.

Connecting Country is collaborating with Castlemaine Community House, Harcourt Valley Community House,  Harcourt Progress Association, Castlemaine Community Investment Co-operative, Castlemaine Lions Club, local Landcare groups and others to coordinate a volunteer and equipment register to help longer-term bushfire recovery.  People or organisations/groups can register their skills, time and useful equipment. These could be used in activities including clean up, workshops on insurance claims, fencing, repairs, re-vegetation, technology, rebuilding, or fundraising.

We are working with organisations in Harcourt to match resident’s needs to offers. This will co-ordinate help through a trusted local, reducing stress for affected people.  This is a volunteer matching service, not an emergency response.

The form to register is here:  Needs & Offers (Volunteer & Equipment) Register – Castlemaine Community House

Immediate response needs (food, shelter, clothing, agistment, etc) are being dealt with through Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Recovery Centre in the Town Hall from 12th to 19th January.   The best way to support at present is by donating money to the Harcourt Progress Relief Fund or the Bendigo Bank Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

BlazeAid are establishing a local camp to assist with fencing and farm infrastructure opening next week (19th January) and will be looking for volunteers – follow the BlazeAid Facebook page to keep abreast of details.

Looking after yourself

These events can cause stress in those directly impacted and those supporting them. Please note Landcare members can access a free and confidential support program through Acacia Connection’s Employee Assistance Program as part of the DEECA Landcare Support Program if referred to by the Local Landcare Facilitator.  If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this service, please reach out to me via email.  Services available including counselling, legal referral, dietician support and financial coaching.

2025 End of Year Retrospective

Posted on 22 December, 2025 by Hadley Cole

As the year draws to a close we clear our desks, hang up our boots, wash down the big red Connecting Country ute, and take a moment to think about what we have achieved this year. Like many environmental orgnisations 2025 has brought times of financial hardship and sadly the scaling back of staff and projects. Despite this the Connecting Country team, staff and volunteer committee members have rallied together and delivered numerous educational events attracting many community members from across the region, we continue to coordinate and deliver biodiversity monitoring through the engagement of volunteers and we partner with many local and regional organisations to deliver our events and projects.

Throughout the 2024/25 financial year we delivered 6 educational and community engagement events attracting around 350 people, supported 26 Landcare Groups, coordinated 192 bird surveys carried out by our dedicated volunteers and partnered with over 26 non-government and government organisations. For a small community not-for-profit organisation operating with less than a handful of part time staff and a volunteer committee we are proud of our achievements and remain dedicated to the work we do.

Connecting Country staff will be taking a break over the festive season. The office will be closed from Monday 22 December until Thursday 15 January 2026. Any inquiries made during this time will be responded to when we return to the office in January 2026.

We are so grateful to our donors, volunteers, and supporters! We wish you all a happy end of year and relaxing festive season.

Take some time to learn more about our achievements for the 2024/25 financial year in our annual report: 2024-25 Annual Report