Our “new look” education events in 2016
Posted on 29 December, 2015 by Connecting Country
As 2015 draws to a close, many of us in the Connecting Country office have been thinking ahead. For the past six years, we have run a popular education program predominantly featuring a series of technical workshops and guest-speaker events. In 2016 we plan to continue with our education program – only this time a little differently….
Local birds, and particularly the ‘feathered five’, is our focus for 2016. The feathered five comprise the acrobatic Brown Treecreeper, the elegantly spotted Diamond Firetail, the post-sitting, tail-wagging Jacky Winter, the handsome Hooded Robin, and the mysterious ‘oooom-ing’ Painted Button-quail. Connecting Country has picked these five woodland birds as ambassadors for habitat restoration efforts across the region.
Our inaugural Feathered Five Festival will kick off the year on the 19th and 20th March 2016 – a two day celebration of bird-watching, walks and talks.
Then there will be biannual nest box checks, a ‘sticky beak’ tours of on-ground work projects, regular bird walks, landcare link-ups, and one of our favorite events, the Camp Out on the Mount.
In August, in partnership with the North Central Catchment Management Authority, we’re very pleased to host a Farm Expo which will cover diverse topics such as holistic grazing, water on farms, biodiversity in the paddock, and small farm diversification.
We’ll be celebrating Landcare week in September in a big way with our local grade five and six students at the ‘Mount Alexander Schools Landcare Day‘. We’ll also be supporting local groups to get involved in the Landcare Open Day.
In conjunction with the Castlemaine Festival of Gardens, in November we will be celebrating gardens too – wildlife friendly gardens. There will be workshops and resources made available as well as a inspiring open garden or two to explore.
In 2016 we’d also like to be more active in the press and on-line. Watch out for our monthly ‘Nature News’ articles in the Midland Express. We are developing some exciting and informative on-line videos for our Connecting Country vimeo page. And you can always keep in touch via our Connecting Country Facebook Page – do ‘like’ us!
More information about all of these activities will be available in the new year. The best way to stay informed is via the Connecting Country webpage and our regular emails and blogs. Alternatively you can contact Krista for more information on 5472-1594 or krista@connectingcountry.org.au. (NB: The office is closed from 25 December 2015 and re-opening on 4 January 2016.).
In the meantime we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable festive season, thanks for your support throughout 2015 – and don’t forget to top up your bird baths!!
A warm hello, a huge thanks and a Landcare Verse from Max
Posted on 23 December, 2015 by Connecting Country
A warm welcome to our new Landcare Facilitator: Asha Bannon
Local, Asha Bannon, is thrilled with the opportunity to support our local groups.
Connecting Country is pleased to announce that Asha Bannon will be taking on the Mount Alexander Region Landcare Facilitator Role from the beginning of 2016.
Asha is a local resident with a particular interest in wildlife conservation and community engagement. After completing a Bachelor of Environmental Science at Deakin she moved back to Mount Alexander Shire in order to study the local bird communities. Her Honours project focused on the relationships between birds and time-since-fire in Box-Ironbark ecosystems. Asha is a strong believer in the power of community groups when it comes to land management and conservation, and she is excited to be working with and supporting our local Landcare Groups.
Max says he is “thrilled to be passing the facilitator baton on to someone who I know is passionate about caring for the local environment, and the people that live in it”. The rest of us are thrilled too and we’re sure you’ll enjoy getting to know Asha over the coming months. You can contact Asha on asha@connectingcountry.org.au and 0418 428 721.
And a huge thanks and farewell to Max Schlachter
We’ll certainly miss Max’s willingness to ‘jump’ in and have a go at anything!
After a lot of consideration Max decided to finish his time in the Landcare Facilitator role at the end of this year. While a difficult decision to make, he felt that now is the right time for him to hand over the keyboard to a new person. Max shared that “it’s been a wonderful job to do and I’m very grateful for the time that I’ve had in the position”.
We are all very grateful for everything Max has brought to Landcare in the Mount Alexander Shire for the past four and a half years. His enthusiasm for community-based environmental work is hard to beat, as is his ability to really listen to groups and help them achieve what they want to achieve. Max has brought some exciting new ideas to region including the Camp-out at the Mount, Landcare Link-up Events, and Schools Education Events. He has supported all 30 of our local groups with projects ranging from Green Corps teams and the blackberry taskforce, to brochures about Chilean Needle Grass.
Max leaves our local groups in a very good position for 2016 – thanks to his efforts we’ll have two Green Corp teams working with 23 different groups, a successful 20 million trees grant supporting four groups, three very exciting school education events and a landcare open day for Landcare Week engaging all groups in the shire. The other good news is that Max will still be living locally so is not disappearing; and no doubt you will still see him at Landcare and Connecting Country events in the future.
We’ll leave it to Max for the last word:
Max’s Landcare Verse
It’s hard giving up a job you love,
Even if there was no shove.
So just before I take my cue,
Here’s a verse to say “hooroo”.
Baynton Sidonia is a group
Whose seminars are of repute.
They’re bringing back the local flora,
Noted on by first explorers,
But not seen much in recent times –
That Banksia seed is hard to find.
Langley isn’t far away
A ‘stone’s throw’ as they sometimes say.
It’s there you’ll find the Jimmy Poulter,
A creek that has been finely altered.
Once a mess of woody weeds,
Now the home of native trees.
Just up the track in little Barfold,
Where Needle Grass has got a foothold,
Jan and Barb and all the rest
Are giving it their honest best.
They’ve done a trial, and bought a Squirt,
Even made a book of what they’ve learnt.
Metcalfe doesn’t have a shop,
But don’t go through without a stop.
Or else you’ll miss the beaut cascades –
A water park that nature made.
The houses there have a lovely trait,
Landcare signs on every gate.
Malmsbury boasts a sprawling common
That might have sat there all forgotten,
Until the likes of John and co.
Decided it should not be so.
Pathways, plantings and willow-free,
Is that a platypus I see?
Down the road to Taradale,
Famous for its lofty rails.
The Gorse has copped some hefty flack,
Ninety feet below the track.
Landcare here has waxed and waned,
So does the moon; we don’t complain.
ELMA’s home is Elphinstone,
The place that rock’n’roll calls home.
The members have some vision in them,
They’ve planted up an arboretum.
And now the pub is back, hooray!
Let’s all hope it stays that way.
Over the Calder to Sutton Grange
(you’ll notice that the rocks have changed)
They’ve got their planting down to an art,
From Pilchers Bridge to the Mt Alex Park.
On Tree Day no one else comes close
To planting half what they can boast.
Still amongst the granite tors,
A group that very rarely bores.
Apples, quarry’s, pines and oaks,
Stone Henge too, and that’s no joke.
High up on their list of goals:
“We’ll fix the bridge, then take the tolls”.
Just up the road, but not too far,
North Harcourt Sedgwick Landcare starts.
Of weeds and rabbits they’ve done fair share,
These pioneers of Vic Landcare.
Forty thousand trees in one weekend?
What can’t be done with help from friends.
Here the Bushlands deserve a mention,
Chewton’s very own invention
Glen and Cate, Karen and others,
All helping the land as it recovers.
Radiata is going out
And Bluebell Creeper is getting a rout.
Golden Pointers love Forest Creek,
From the Res down to the Monster Meet.
At 21 years they’ve seen a bit,
Smiling and working with plenty of grit.
The birth of democracy and killing of weeds
Are things that they combine with ease.
Post Office Hill was spared the fate
Of being sold for real estate.
Instead its history is preserved
By POHAG – now there’s a word!
Working close with Chewton’s young,
It’s hard to tell who has more fun.
Down the highway, down the road
Is Chewton Landcare’s own abode.
Whitehorse Gully is looking splendid,
Thanks to those that love and tend it.
Now Parks has groomed the infestation,
Wattle Gully is the new sensation.
Castlemaine Landcare doesn’t dally,
With the work at Happy Valley.
Powered up on bakery treats,
Volunteers can do such feats.
The blanket made of Gorse is gone,
And native plants have come right on.
Float downstream like a fallen leaf,
You’ll soon arrive in Campbells Creek.
A creek with Friends, and Landcare too,
Climb the gorge for a better view.
The word ‘persistence’ hardly begins
To capture the spirit of Mr Higgins.
Moving up the hill a fraction,
McKenzies Hill is full of action.
Nesting boxes now abound,
Where hollows once could not be found.
And what about the structure plan?
You’d better have a word with Jan.
Kalimna Park is right in town,
A lovely place to stroll around.
The Eltham Coppers flutter there,
Not knowing that they’re very rare
Its Friends are mighty loyal ones,
Forty years and still not done.
The folks that live in Barkers Creek
Are pretty jolly when they meet.
Working bee or social occasion,
Either way it’s a celebration.
But one thing really hits a nerve –
Naming rights to their reserve.
In Muckleford there’s Landcare too –
Where roads are straight and corners few.
They’re planting out to hold the water,
Calling roadside weeds to order.
Pride of place, the Buloke grove,
Safely fenced from browsing foes.
Down the hill and down the map
Is Guildford Upper Loddon’s patch.
The group has members far and wide,
And utes with writing on the side.
The weeds that way will wilt with worry,
Just from catching sight of Maurie.
The Friends at Vaughan have more than springs,
They’ve got a slide that fairly zings.
Families flock to the leafy arbor,
Especially those with railway ardour.
And when you’re bored of these amusements,
Sit still; observe the leeches movements.
Sandy Creek’s without a hall,
But Landcare’s there for one and all.
The group’s seen plenty through the years,
Though nothing beats the one-eyed steer.
And a project name that really tickles –
‘Up the Creek Without a Prickle’.
Newstead Landcare loves its river,
And all the joys that it delivers.
They’ve got a plan for restoration
Of its natural vegetation.
But maybe what is best of all,
Knowledge shared in the local hall.
To some a MULGA is a tree,
But it means something else to me.
It’s Maldon Urban Landcare Group,
And like a tree it’s got strong roots.
With an eye on Maldon’s past,
The weeds are getting quite a blast.
Over the hill in Nuggetty,
Live members of the NLPG.
Land protection is their game,
But history too is in the frame.
Locals old and locals new,
Help each other to get through.
On the farm and at the river,
Baringhup Landcare’s on a winner.
Healthy soils for growing food,
And wildlife habitat renewed.
The local kids have played their part,
Every one knows how to plant.
Cactus Warriors are a special breed,
Of people fighting a Triffid weed.
There weapons take on many forms –
Needles, barbecues and market stalls.
But what keeps members coming back?
The chance to wear a sparkly hat!
Well that’s the lot, for now at least,
A better crowd you’ll never meet.
Goodbye, and thank you, it’s been a blast
From my very first day, to this, my last.
My numbers the same (0422 130 055), though it’s hard to rhyme,
Please give me a call any old time.
And please note down my email too –
mschlachter@outlook.com.au
Rrrrr – Rabbits, Restoration, Rushes and Riparian reading materials
Posted on 20 December, 2015 by Connecting Country
Over the past week or so, there has been a flurry of new documents available to read and use. All of them are relevant to the appreciation and restoration of the landscapes of the Mount Alexander Region and beyond.
Rushes of the Castlemaine District
In conjunction with the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club (CFNC), local botanist Ern Perkins has just released a guide to the rushes of the Castlemaine district. This is a fantastic easy-to-use key to all of the native and introduced Juncus species that you’re likely to encounter locally. This document is attached (CLICK HERE), and complements the many other local guides that Ern and other field nats have produced over the years. Some of the others brochures are available on the CFNC website (click here) – with more to be uploaded over the coming weeks and months.
National Standards for Ecological Restoration in Australia (final draft)
This (4th) version of the standards represents the views of 12 NGO partners and over 100 practitioner, research, conservation and agency commentators from around Australia. One of the coordinators of its development, Tein McDonald from SER Australia, states in her email to us that “(a)t a time when climate change looms large and willingness to counter it is increasing – these Standards are a crucial tool to encourage all Australians to reduce damage and repair ecosystems to the highest and best extent that we can.”
The final draft of this document is now publicly available for viewing (click here). It is open for comments through until 15 February 2016. The final version will be accompanied by an online interpretation that will be illustrated by examples. Both are scheduled to be launched on 15 March 2016.
Regional Riparian Action Plan
This is a new five-year plan to improve the health of Victoria’s rivers, wetlands and estuaries (click here). According to DELWP, the action plan outlines priority riparian management outcomes to be achieved across regional Victoria from 2015-16 to 2019-20, with these priorities informed by regional waterway strategies developed by the CMAs.
The action plan aims to accelerate on-ground riparian work, such as stock management fencing, revegetation, weed management and the provision of off-stream stock watering infrastructure. It also has new initiatives to improve the management of riparian land.
Rabbit Threat Abatement Plan – draft for feedback
The Australian Government’s Minister for the Environment has released the draft Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by rabbits for public comment. Also released is an associated background document. Further information is available from their website (click here). The public comment period closes on 16 March 2016.
North Central Chat for Nov/Dec 2015
Posted on 11 December, 2015 by Connecting Country
The North Central Chat is a regular newsletter covering Landcare and Waterwatch activities from the North Central CMA region. The combined November & December edition is now available on the CMA website, along with all past editions (CLICK HERE). Topics covered in this issue include:
- A report on the November 2015 ‘Chicks in the Sticks’ event
- Drone footage capturing Gorse removal – by the Castlemaine Landcare group!
- Cool Cows Workshop
- Engaging the next Generation of Landcarers
- River Detectives Program 2016 registrations now open
- Events and Grant Funding opportunities
Count the Cactus, Throw the Cactus, Pin the Fruit on the Cactus
Posted on 3 December, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) is an very successful community group by any measure.
They have an active committee, they have excellent turnouts for their monthly working bees, and they are making steady progress towards their goal. And when they celebrated their 10th birthday on the weekend (29 Nov 2015), it was clear that they have also maintained their sense of humour – and their costume wardrobe.
Party games included ‘throw cactus fruit into a bucket using a pairs of tongs’ (the fruits have needle-like spines), ‘pin a cactus fruit (made of paper) on to a cactus plant’, ‘guess the number of cactus plants in a bucket’ (107) and ‘guess how many seeds in one cactus fruit’ (398 seeds!). In a truly remarkable turn of events, Helen Whiteman, a regular volunteer at cactus field days, won both guessing competitions. Maldon’s cactus savant?
Congratulations to the TCCG committee and members for reaching the ten year mark and for all of their effort they have put into controlling Wheel Cactus in our region.
The group is increasingly trying raise awareness about the threat that Wheel Cactus poses beyond their own backyard. Plants are being reported further and further from the Tarrangower ranges in all directions, as far south as Guildford. It is an issue for land manager across our region to be aware of and to act quickly on if they spot a Wheel Cactus plant in their area. More information on the group and on Wheel Cactus control can be found at www.cactuswarriors.org.
The group can also be contacted through their email – info@cactuswarriors.org.
Cactus Warriors one and all.
A birthday party must have candles.
The beautiful cake.
Founding members of the group cut the cake.
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Christine Henderson congratulates the group.
Parks Victoria has been a long-term supporter of the group.
Cheryl Kane ready to blindfold the next contestant.
The large picnic shelter at Butts Reserve, Mt Tarrangower.
Councillor Sharon Telford and Noel Muller spot the mayor!
Tony Kane retrieving cactus fruit that missed the bucket.
It’s just not cricket.
All Good Things Must Come to an End…
Posted on 30 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
2015 Works Crew L to R with crew leader Alex, Lauren, Jason and Ned
Works Crew 2015 – Thanks to Ned, Lauren and Jason
Each year, we employ our own Works Crew as part of the Connecting Landscapes program. The Crew assists land holders with the on-ground works agreed upon in their project management plan. The crew also receive formal and on-the-job training and experience.
Lauren, Ned and Jason finished up at the end of October 2015 after completing all planned project activities successfully. All outcomes were delivered on time, within budget and more important – injury free! It is so nice to work with people who are passionate about what they are doing and are willing to learn from one another. In that regards Connecting Country has been very fortunate over the last three years. The dedication and commitment all crew members have shown is commendable and no doubt they will get far in future careers – whichever way they want go.
The 2015 Crew commenced in April at the onset of cooler weather with the more strenuous activity of fence building. A lot of our restoration activities took place this year in the Muckleford Valley, where stock exclusion fences were installed along the Muckleford Creek and its tributaries. Besides conventional stock fences, the crew installed a large electric fence system spanning over 8 kilometres. This fence contained more than 35 kilometres of wire!
On the flanks of Mount Alexander we constructed a challenging fence in very steep terrain to protect direct seeding from stock. As vehicle access was limited, we had to drag up materials with ropes. The views were truly spectacular though; on clear days we could see all the way to the Colbinabbin Range, Mt Ida and Mt Macedon.
This year, we adopted a different way of tube stock planting by using a motorised earth auger to create a larger and deeper hole for easier root penetration and capturing more moisture. Hopefully this will lead to a higher growth and plant survival rates.
The Works Crew works program finished up nicely with seed collecting, woody weed control, rabbit fumigation and some exotic tree felling.
Connecting Country offers the opportunity to be part of our works crew every year to a new group of local people. Positions for the 2016 Works Crew will be advertised over this summer via the Connecting Country website and local newspapers.
Jason installing a gate fitting kit with a petrol-powered drill
Lauren only builds straight fences
Ned clears a fenceline
Images from Shane Carey
Greening the Blue Hills
Posted on 30 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
Landholders in the Blue Hills, Tusker Patterson and Kerri Peacoulakis, are involved in Connecting Country’s Habitat for Bush Bird’s project. Here Kerri shares their inspiring story…
Tusker and I purchased our property over 3 years ago and it has been a great journey ever since. We own just over 40 hectares opposite the Blue Hills. More then half of our property is cleared land with an amazing erosion gully running through the centre of the property. The land use to used for grazing sheep. Our goals since purchasing the property are – one, build our family home. Two, encourage the bird life down from the Blue Hills and three planting out the erosion gully to help prevent it from eroding any further. Which in turn will help encouraging the bird life. Among many other things.
It was Tusker’s mum (Jane Mitchell) whom came to us with this amazing bird project proposal and encouraged us to move forward with the project. After meeting with the lovely Tanya Loos how could we not sign. Her enthusiasm and excitement was very encouraging.
We are now a few months in to the project and a lot has been happening. We have had over 8 hectares of direct seeding. Close to 1000 trees, shrubs and grasses have already been planted and many more to come. Thanks to our amazing family’s for helping us with the planting. Since no sheep have been on the property since we purchased the land a lot of re-vegetation has started to happen.
I have been lucky enough to see 3 of the 5 feathered five in close proximity to our property, include the Hooded Robin, Brown Treecreeper and the Jacky Winter. We are both very excited to see the property evolve and grow over the coming years and know that we are doing our little bit to help.
Above: Before the project started, Below: The site today. Photos by Kerri Peacoulakis
Two Grant Opportunities for Sustainable Ag and Volunteers Due Soon!
Posted on 30 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
There are two grant opportunities currently available which are due in the next week – so you need to act now if you are interested.
Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Round 2015-16
This new grant programme has been announced by the Australian Government called ‘Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Round 2015-16’. Grants of between $5,500 and $55,000 (GST inclusive) are available.
The programme objective are:
- To increase the capacity and knowledge of farmers and fishers to productively and sustainably manage Australia’s natural resources.
- The adoption of appropriate management practices that will increase the production or improve product quality while maintaining or enhancing the natural resource base.
A range of activities may be eligible, including:
- field days workshops, conferences
- demonstration events or workshops
- training or skill development sessions
- community information or education sessions
- development of decision-making tools
- development of new information channels within the current knowledge system
- conducting surveys.
Being a new programme, it is particularly important to have a good read of the guidelines and FAQ’s. Click here for the application, guidelines, and FAQ’s.
Applications close 2.00pm, Monday 7 December 2015
Strengthening Communities – Volunteer Grants 2015
The Australian Government is inviting organisations to apply for Volunteer Grants through an open process under the Strengthening Communities – Volunteering sub-activity. Funding is expected to be offered to around 5,700 organisations as a result of this process, with grants to be paid by 30 June 2016.
Volunteer Grants enable community organisations to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to purchase small equipment items to assist their volunteers, assist with the reimbursement of fuel costs incurred by volunteers (and transport costs for volunteers with disability who are unable to drive), and contribute towards the cost of training courses and background screening checks for volunteers.
Click here for more information and to download an application form.
Applications close at 2:00pm, Wednesday 9 December 2015
Make Your Passion Your Day Job
Posted on 30 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
Bendigo TAFE is currently recruiting for 2016 students in their Conservation and Land Management courses.
The Certificate III Conservation and Land Management provides students with the opportunity to obtain various certificates used in gaining employment or furthering job positions. You will be able to complete your Farm Chemical Users Certificate (first step in the ACUP process), Operate and Maintain Chainsaws certification. You will gain skills in fencing, operate machinery, provide information on plants and their culture, survey pest animals, conduct site inspections, implement vegetation works and maintain natural areas. We also have sample soils and interpret results, sampling and testing water and recognise fauna. By completing the course or just gaining your certificates students are in a good position for employment with places like Project Fire Fighter (DELWP, Parks Victoria), Councils Parks and Gardens or with Pest Contractors.
Certificate IV Conservation and Land Management provides students with industry experience gained on field trips, and camps. Students are taken in to the field to conduct real life surveys and monitoring with industry partnerships such as Birdlife Australia, North Central Catchment Authority, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and local Landcare Groups and Conservation Management Networks. You will get your Farm Chemical Users Certificate as well as practical experience in revegetation, fencing and pest control. Students learn to monitor biodiversity both Flora and Fauna. Producing maps and using GPS units is used in many different projects throughout the year. Other units that are taught are Develop Interpretive Activities, Support Group and Community Changes in Resource Management as well as Report on a place of potential cultural heritage. With the completion of Certificate IV CLM you will have automatic entry in to the Environmental Education courses at La Trobe University. There are various employment opportunities as well.
The Diploma in Conservation and Land Management provides students with the opportunity to undertake a blend of class room based study with participation in a range of industry projects and field trips as part of their training.
If considering the Diploma does any of the following apply to you? If so you can apply directly, vet–fee help is available (Diploma only).
- Completed previous studies, or
- Relevant industry skills and experience, or
- Just about to finish your undergraduate degree.
There is also an option for part time study (completion over 2 years) or complete the course in 7 months (Full Cert III) to 1 year (Cert IV and Diploma). There is also the Advanced Diploma (new in 2016).
Please phone Terri Williams at Bendigo TAFE on 54341743 to discuss these opportunities further.
The Only Twitcher in the Village
Posted on 25 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
Sean described his younger self as ‘the only twitcher in the village’.
Sean Dooley may have been seen as ‘uncool’ when he was the only birdwatching kid at school… but he is definitely very cool, and rather hilarious, these days. We all enjoyed his tales of birding adventures as he discussed ‘why every kid needs a swamp and every swamp needs a kid’ at Connecting Country’s AGM held on Tuesday 24 October 2015.
It was a delightful evening, with tasty hot soup, lots of catch-ups and discussion between CC members and supporters, and much laughter thanks to Sean.
From the AGM itself, the CC committee elected for 2015-16 comprises:
- Brendan Sydes (president)
- Marie Jones (secretary)
- April Merrick (treasurer)
- Saide Gray, Malcolm Trainor, Deborah Wardle, Jenni Thomas (general committee members).
Special tribute was paid to Paul Hampton who has stepped back from the committee after a contribution of more than 5 years. We currently have one vacancy on the committee, which will be discussed at the next CC committee meeting.
Tanya (standing on right) is running our new Stewards for Woodland Birds project
We were also proud to launch our new “Stewards for Woodland Birds” project funded through the Helen McPherson Smith Trust Foundation. As part of this project, we are looking forward to working more closely with the Landcare groups and other community members in our eleven priority zones to help woodland birds to thrive. More on this exciting new project soon!
For those that couldn’t attend, our 2015 Annual Report is available HERE. Please let us know if you’re interested in further details about any of the stories within it. A short video highlighting some of our achievements was also shown on the night and is available for viewing HERE.
Missed the 2015 Landcare Forum? See It Here
Posted on 24 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Mount Alexander Landcare Forum took place back in June this year, but it’s not too late to benefit from hearing what the presenters had to say (and sing) on the day.
Local videographer Jim Coad (Starfish Video) filmed each presenter at the forum and these have now been made available online via ‘Vimeo’. There are four videos from the Forum, covering the topics:
- Agroforestry & Landcare – Adapting farms for the future with…forestry – Ben Boxshall
- Applying Traditional Fire Knowledge to Pasture Management – Paul Foreman
- Saving the Silver Banksias of Baynton Sidonia – Clare Claydon
- The Lake Bolac Eel Festival & Healing Walk – Una Allendar & Brett Clarke
Each video goes for 30 – 40 minutes so you might not want to sit and watch them through. I would suggest turning up the volume and having a listen while you do the ironing – or something like that!
Click on the titles of the videos in the text above to view them on Vimeo.
A big thank you to Jim for his filming and editing, and to the North Central CMA for making the Forum possible.
Volunteer Grants 2015 are OPEN
Posted on 18 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Australian Government is inviting organisations to apply for Volunteer Grants through an open process under the Strengthening Communities – Volunteering sub-activity. Funding is expected to be offered to around 5,700 organisations as a result of this process, with grants to be paid by 30 June 2016.
Volunteer Grants enable community organisations to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to purchase small equipment items to assist their volunteers, assist with the reimbursement of fuel costs incurred by volunteers (and transport costs for volunteers with disability who are unable to drive), and contribute towards the cost of training courses and background screening checks for volunteers.
Click here for more information and to download an application form.
Applications close at 2:00pm, Wednesday 9 December 2015
Party Like A Cactus Warrior
Posted on 16 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
It’s 10 years since the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group was officially formed.
On Sunday 29th November, instead of the usual field day, they’re holding a party to thank all of those who have volunteered and supported the group during that time.
Committee member Lee Mead says:
“We would like to invite all previous and current volunteers to help us celebrate all our achievements over the past 10 years. We’re planning a gourmet BBQ, and there’ll be cakes, games and prizes, of course.
Please join us at The Butts Reserve, Mt. Tarrangower Rd, Maldon, from 11:30am.
All you need to bring is a chair and your cold drink of choice.”
In my experience, the Cactus Warriors are never short of three things – humor, creativity and sausages. Hopefully all three will be on display at their birthday party!
You can learn more about the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group and the impacts of Wheel Cactus at the group’s website – http://www.cactuswarriors.org
How to Create Frog Friendly Habitats
Posted on 16 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
Renowned local ecologists, Elaine Bayes and Damien Cook have produced two terrific youtube videos:’Frogs and their Calls’ and ‘Frogs and their Habitats’. The information is well presented and relevant to our local area. Each goes for about 30 minutes. Click on each image below to view:
Draft MASC Climate Change Action Plan 2015-2019 – Open for Feedback
Posted on 11 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Mount Alexander Shire Council has just released the first draft of their Climate Change Action Plan 2015-2019 for public comment. The written public comment period runs for four weeks from Tuesday 10 November 2015 to Tuesday 8 December 2015. Further details are available on their website (click here) and a copy of the draft plan can be downloaded here (click here).
During the written comment period, Council officers will be available for a series of half hour meetings on Monday 30 November to discuss the draft. To book a meeting, the council has requested that people and groups contact Dallas Giles, Healthy Environments Administration Officer, on d.giles@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or call 03 5471 1700.
As stated on their website, once the community input has been considered, a more developed draft will be released for final consideration by the community in early 2016.
Swift Parrots in the news
Posted on 10 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
A few Connecting Country members alerted us to a recent segment on the ABC science program, Catalyst, about the plight of Swift Parrots.
Swift Parrots are one of the iconic species of the Box-Ironbark region. The Mount Alexander shire and surrounds is one of its favoured mainland foraging locations, and its particularly well known from the forests of Muckleford. Local naturalist Deb Worland has released a short documentary video about the species – The Swift Parrots of Muckleford – and its often a focus of Natural Newstead blogs (click here). On the mainland, it’s a migratory visitor during the winter months for non-breeding activities only.
All Swift Parrot breeding activity occurs in Tasmania during the spring-summer months, and this is where the Catalyst story focuses. There is concern that the species could disappear entirely within 16 or so years without dramatic intervention. While habitat loss, fragmentation and a scarcity of suitable hollow trees for nesting have long been known as threatening processes for the Swift Parrot, this program introduces a new threat. I won’t give away the unexpected twist here, but I encourage you to watch the story online (click here for the Catalyst website). (NB: However, it is worth noting that this is new threat is not relevant to the mainland foraging grounds of the Swift Parrot).
2015 Sustainable Agriculture Grants Open
Posted on 10 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Federal Government has announced a grant program to increase agricultural industry capacity and support the adoption of productive and sustainable practices. Grants available from the National Landcare Programme Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Round 2015-16 range between $5500 and $55,000 (GST inclusive). A range of activities may be eligible, including:
- field days workshops, conferences
- demonstration events or workshops
- training or skill development sessions
- community information or education sessions
- development of decision-making tools
- development of new information channels within the current knowledge system
- conducting surveys.
This small grants round supports the implementation of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper. Applications are invited from a range of entities, including farming systems groups, community groups and individuals to undertake projects across a variety of agricultural industries, across a variety of agricultural industries, including cropping, livestock, dairy, horticulture, pastoral, aquaculture and fisheries. The application process closes at 2.00pm (AEDT) on Monday 7 December 2015. Further information is available on their website (www.nrm.gov.au/agsmallgrants).
Thank You to the Green Army Team Members
Posted on 9 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
The team, from L to R: Kate Tellefson, Lucas Teasdale, Mark Woods, Kieran Douglas, Luke Archer, Chris Kelly. Absent: Julian Gatt-Menting, Ethan Hamilton-Keane, Kelsey Walsh, Aaron Dole, Ryan Gentle.
The Green Army team that has been working on Landcare projects in the Mount Alexander Shire and elsewhere across the North Central region over past six months finished up with a farewell BBQ on the 5th November 2015.
The BBQ was attended by Glen Terry from Manpower, who were the service providers for the project. Glen handed out certificates to each of the participants and congratulated everyone involved on the success of the project.
Under the supervision of Mark Woods, the team worked on a range of Landcare projects which included building fences, protecting heritage sites, wheel cactus injecting, drilling pines on Mount Alexander, tackling weeds on Barkers Creek and much more . Their help has been greatly appreciated.
Mark was such an excellent team leader that he has already been asked to lead another team further south, but being a Bendigonian we’re hoping he will return to our part of the world soon.
A big thank you must go to Anthony Gallacher from the Loddon Plains Landcare Network who coordinated the sixth month project.
Connecting Country is waiting to hear the outcome of our joint application to have two more teams working on Landcare projects in the Mount Alexander Shire throughout 2016.
Upcoming biodiversity events in November
Posted on 6 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
Here’s a selection of opportunities to learn and get involved in various biodiversity activities over the next few weeks.
Great Victorian Koala Count on Saturday 7 November 2015
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is hosting the Great Victorian Koala Count, and they’d love the community to get involved. They are after citizen scientists (aka Koala counters) to contribute to this project, improving our knowledge of Koalas and where they are located in Victoria. All you need to do is undertake a walk with family or friends and tell DELWP where you did and didn’t see Koalas. To take part in the count, register online (click here) and then download the Great Victorian Koala Count smartphone app to record your findings on the day.
Butterfly Conservation talk on Friday 13 November 2015, and field day on Sat 14 Nov
The guest speaker for November’s Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club meeting is local ecologist Julie Whitfield. The presentation commences from 7.30pm (13 Nov) in the chapel behind the Uniting Church on Lyttleton St. Julie says, “I will discuss with the group the rare and threatened butterfly species of the region, with a particular focus on the Eltham Copper Butterfly conservation works of the past, I will also discuss briefly my travels overseas to learn about butterfly conservation programs.”. All are welcome to attend, and there is no cost for entry.
Julie Whitfield – Presenting at Connecting Country’s Fire and Biodiversity workshop earlier in 2015.
On the following day (14 Nov), Julie will also lead a field excursion, focusing on how to conduct a survey for Eltham Copper Butterflies and areas to target within Kalimna park. She will provide data sheets and maps for future surveys. Again, everyone is welcome. Meet at the car-park for the Kalimna Park rotunda at 1.40pm (at the southern end of park, along Kalimna Tourist Rd).
Contact Max for further details (mschlachter@outlook.com.au).
Waterbug Workshop on Friday 20 November 2015
The North Central CMA is running a workshop for people with a particular interest in becoming a Community Volunteer Waterbug Monitors. This a long-running program to monitor waterway health. If this is something you would be interested in then this workshop is for you! It is being held at Baringhup, along the Loddon River. Further info is available in the flyer attached (click here), or fill in the Expression of Interest form (click here) and send it back to the North Central CMA info@nccma.vic.gov.au or call 035448 7124 to register before Thursday 12 November 2015.
Eucalypt Symposium on Friday March 18, 2016
The Bjarne K Dahl Trust and the Royal Society of Victoria are presenting a one day symposium, ‘Conserving Eucalypts – The How and the Why’, highlighting eucalypt diversity and conservation. It aims to provide scientific insights to the future of Australian forests, woodlands and biota and to engage scientists, forest managers and anyone interested in the response of eucalypt forests and woodlands to environmental threats. For more details, and to register, see the symposium website (Click here).
And some of the others….
Plus, there are the multitude of other events coming up that we’ve highlighted previously, including the rabbit control field day in Metcalfe on 22 November (click here), the Future Directions Conference: Food and Fibre Production and Environment being held in Bendigo on the 18th November (click here), and Andrew Skeoch’s Nature Sound Recording Workshop for Beginners being held in Newstead on 28-29 November (click here).
Position Vacant – Mount Alexander Landcare Facilitator
Posted on 4 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
Many of you will have heard that the Mount Alexander Landcare Facilitator, Max Schlachter, has decided to resign to pursue other opportunities. As Max said in his recent Landcare newsletter “It was a very difficult decision to make, but I think that now is the right time for me to hand over the keyboard to a new person. It’s been a wonderful job to do and I’m very grateful for the time that I’ve had in the position.”. Max will finish in the role at the end of 2015. Connecting Country thank him for his valued contributions to the role over the past 3-4 years.
We are sad to see Max go, but also it’s an exciting time for a new person to take on this important and full-filling role. Connecting Country has a contract from DELWP to host this part-time role (0.6 FTE) through until 30 June 2016, and there is a good probability that this contract will be extended.
If you are interested in applying for this role, or know someone else who might be, a copy of the Position Description can be downloaded (CLICK HERE). This contains more information about Connecting Country, the Landcare Facilitator role and its requirements.
Applications are due by 8pm Sunday 22 November 2015, and should include a brief cover letter, a resume and a short response to the Selection Criteria. Applications are to be sent to info@connectingcountry.org.au or by post to Connecting Country, Landcare Facilitator Position – Confidential, PO Box 437, Castlemaine, VIC 3450.
If you have any questions about the role, contact Chris Timewell at the email address above, or call 03 5472 1594 during business hours.