Open house on Forest Fire Management Vic activities – 18 October 2018
Posted on 9 October, 2018 by Frances
Talk to Forest Fire Management Victoria, share your local knowledge and learn more about what they do in Central Victoria
Forest Fire Management Victoria invites you to come and discuss their management activities including:
- The Joint Fuel Management Plan (previously Fire Operations Plan)
- Domestic firewood
- Planned burning and other fuel management activities
- State forest and crown land management
When: Thursday 18 October 2018 from 4.00 – 7.00 pm
Where: Ray Bradfield Room, Castlemaine VIC (next to Victory Park)
For further information visit https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au or email loddonmallee.plannedburning@delwp.vic.gov.au
Woodland birds of central Victoria with Chris Tzaros – 13 October 2018
Posted on 9 October, 2018 by Asha
Axe Creek Landcare invites you to:
Working with Nature — conserving woodland birds with special guest, Chris Tzaros (Birds, bush and beyond)
- Join Axe Creek Landcare for a visual extravaganza of award winning bird photography from wildlife ecologist Chris Tzaros.
- Learn about the habitat requirements of our woodland birds, why some are endangered and what conservation actions you can do to reverse local declines.
- Meet neighbours and people and network to develop ideas for future on-ground activities.
- Join optional local field trip for those interested in learning more in the field.
- Light lunch provided.
When: Saturday 13 October 2018 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm AEDT
Where: Emu Creek Hall, Cnr Emu Creek and Hargreaves Rd, Emu Creek (via Strathfieldsaye), VIC 3551
Bookings: click here
For more information please contact Adrian Martins on 0427 099 376.
Intrepid Landcare Leadership and Macedon Biodiversity Strategy
Posted on 3 October, 2018 by Tanya Loos
Krista Patterson-Majoor (former Connecting Country director) is now busy helping the beautiful natural environment and communities of our neighbours at the Macedon Ranges. Krista has notified us of two exciting opportunities:
Intrepid Landcare Leadership Course for young people
The Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network still have a number of places available for the Intrepid Landcare Leadership Retreat, to be held in Riddells Creek from Friday 26 October to Sunday 28 October 2018. This is a really great capacity building program for young people with an interest in the natural environment.
The retreat is open to 18 to 35 year olds. For further information, click here for the flier.
Applications close on 14 October 2018.
Have your say on the Draft Macedon Ranges Biodiversity Strategy
Been hiking at Hanging Rock? Or enjoyed the cool montane forests of Mount Macedon? Here is your opportunity to read and review the Draft Macedon Ranges Biodiversity Strategy, prepared by Krista.
The strategy establishes a shared vision between Macedon Ranges Shire Council, the community and other stakeholders for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity values across the shire. It identifies some policy and planning initiatives, as well as priorities for community engagement, on ground action and monitoring change.
The draft strategy is available at: http://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/About-Council/News/Have-Your-Say/Have-your-say-on-the-draft-Macedon-Ranges-Biodiversity-Strategy
Hard copies are available to view at all Macedon Ranges Shire Council administration centres. A summary document is available here.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council would like to know:
- Is the strategy guiding our activities in the right direction?
- Is the strategy feasible to implement and supported by our community and stakeholders?
You can have your say by sending a written submission to Macedon Ranges Shire Council, PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444 or email mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au.
Submissions close on Sunday 21 October 2018.
Prickly plants for wildlife on small properties
Posted on 3 October, 2018 by Jacqui
We are pleased to announce that due to high demand for our ‘Prickly plants for wildlife’ project, we’ve secured additional funding from the North Central Catchment Management Authority to extend the project. This time we’re able to include smaller project areas.
Our original Prickly plants project during 2017-18 generated a huge amount of interest from our local landholders. Unfortunately we couldn’t include everyone, but we were able to help nine landholders develop and implement management actions over 64 ha of private land. As well as strategic revegetation of native prickly plants, actions included protecting remnant vegetation, and weed and rabbit control.
Many woodlands in the Mount Alexander region have lost their understorey plants that provided essential protection from predators, food and nesting habitat for small birds and mammals. Prickly Plants for Wildlife on Small Properties will supply eligible landholders with valuable prickly understorey plants that will enhance existing native vegetation, and provide habitat for many small birds currently in decline including Diamond Firetail, Jacky Winter, Hooded Robin, Brown Treecreeper and Painted Button-quail.
Prickly plant species that help these little birds include Bushy Needlewood (Hakea decurrens), Tree Violet (Melicytus dentatus), Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa), and acacias such as Hedge Wattle (Acacia paradoxa) and Spreading Wattle (Acacia genistifolia).
Expressions of interest to participate will open soon for eligible landholders with native vegetation of a minimum area of one hectare (2.5 acres).
Many thanks to North Central Catchment Management Authority for their support.
Presentation by Wildlife Health Victoria: Surveillance – 12 October 2018
Posted on 3 October, 2018 by Tanya Loos
Our friends at the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club have invited another very interesting guest speaker to speak at their monthly meeting. October’s talk will be presented by Pam Whiteley, from Wildlife Health Victoria: Surveillance, which is hosted by the University of Melbourne.
Pam Whiteley is head of this very important initiative. Wildlife Health Victoria: Surveillance is a portal and conduit for landholders, wildlife carers and the community to report incidents and provide data on dead and dying wildlife. The Wildlife Health Victoria: Surveillance website is well worth a look and can be viewed here.

A very dead Musk Lorikeet was supplied as an illustration but I thought readers might enjoy this photo by Geoff Park of a very healthy individual!
Diseases of interest are many and varied. Some examples include the chytrid fungus that has devastated some frog species, and psittacine (beak and feather) circoviral disease in parrots and cockatoos, which is listed as a key threatening process for threatened parrots.
Pam has provided the following short bio:
With colleagues at the Melbourne Veterinary School of The University of Melbourne, Pam Whiteley established Wildlife Health Victoria: Surveillance (WHV: S) in 2008. Pam has worked in mixed vet practice, was the first Vet then Vet/Curator at Healesville Sanctuary, then worked at the US National Wildlife Health Center in Wisconsin, CSIRO Australian Animal Health Lab in Geelong and at the Victorian vet diagnostic lab. She is an active member of the Wildlife Disease Association and WHV: S was re-elected to Wildlife Health Australia’s Management Committee.
The meeting is on Friday 12 October 2018 and will commence at 7.30 pm at the Fellowship Room behind the Uniting Church on Lyttleton St, Castlemaine VIC (next door to the Castlemaine Art Museum). Everyone is welcome to attend and their is no cost for entry.
On the following day (Saturday 13 October) there will also be a club excursion to Porcupine Ridge to view spring wildflowers. The excursion will be led by Geraldine and Richard. As usual, it will depart at 1.30 pm sharp from the car park outside the U3A building on Duke St, Castlemaine (also known as the Octopus building – located opposite the Castle Motel). Bring along afternoon tea. Car pooling is likely to be available.
Please get in touch with the CFNC if you have any questions.
Nuggetty Land Protection Group book launch
Posted on 27 September, 2018 by Asha
Nuggetty Land Protection Group invites you to an afternoon celebrating the history of the area with the unveiling of a plaque marking the site of the Porcupine Flat School and the launch of ‘A History of Seventeen Central Victoria Schools’ followed by afternoon tea at ‘Crown Hill’.
Sunday 14 October 2018 from 2.30-4.30 pm
‘Crown Hill’, 186 Three Chain Road, Walmer, VIC 3463
(Vicroads RACV Country Directory: 44 C9; latitude 36.9604, longitude 144.1175)
- Parking available in Three Chain Road and at ‘Crown Hill’ – enter via the shearing shed gate
- Disabled parking also available
- Plaque unveiling at the adjacent Porcupine Flat School site
- Book launch to follow at ‘Crown Hill’
Enquiries: Jane Mitchell (0457 729 132 or jemitch517@gmail.com) or Sue Barnett (0417 368990 or sba56183@bigpond.net.au)
Those attending will have the opportunity to purchase a copy of ‘A History of Seventeen Central Victoria Schools: Baringhup, Baringhup East, Baringhup West, Bradford, Brokenback, Eastville, Gowar, Muckleford, Muckleford South, Neereman, Nuggetty, Porcupine Flat, Shelbourne, Shelbourne South, Tarrengower, Walmer, Walmer North’ by Ken James and Sue Barnett.
Please email Sue if you would like to reserve a copy of the book as it has a limited print run.
National Waterbug Blitz Workshop
Posted on 27 September, 2018 by Asha
Help monitor the health of waterways in the Mt Alexander region!
North Central Waterwatch, Castlemaine Landcare Group and the Friends of Campbells Creek are working together to engage local community members in monitoring the health of Forest Creek, Barkers Creek and Campbells Creek in the Mt Alexander region. They will be providing an introduction to and training in water quality monitoring and waterbug assessments to those citizen scientists wishing to join the program.
Water quality monitoring looks at the temperature, turbidity, salinity, nutrient and pH levels of water, to helps us understand how conditions change over time. Waterbugs (or macroinvertebrates) are excellent indicators of river health and one way we can measure the success of remediation work over time.
Join these groups, together with John Gooderham (freshwater ecologist and co-author of ‘The Waterbug Book’) for this accredited workshop. You will learn the Agreed Level Taxonomy (ALT) macroinvertebrate method of identifying waterbugs and how to use water quality monitoring equipment. They will demonstrate how we can use this information to assess creek health, and show you how you can be a citizen scientist.
Each year North Central Waterwatch, in partnership with Castlemaine Landcare Group and the Friends of Campbells Creek, will release an Annual River Health Snapshot Report. The report will highlight changes in ecosystem health of these waterways using data collected by citizen scientists.
North Central Waterwatch is hosting a registration day and training session on Campbells Creek – please come along!
Campbells Creek – National Waterbug Blitz
When: Tuesday 16 October 2018 from 10.00 am – 2.30 pm
Where: Campbells Creek Swimming Pool Reserve, Midland Highway, Campbells Creek VIC (across the road from Beards Hardware). A map will be provided following registration.
Cost: Free event, lunch is provided.
To register: Click here or call 03 5448 7124
Bring: If you have them, bring gumboots or waders, waterbug ALT guide, magnifying glasses, camera and smart phone.
Download the Waterbug App from your App store prior to the event.
Threatened fauna forum and our AGM – 10 November 2018
Posted on 20 September, 2018 by Tanya Loos
A date for your diary! Join Connecting Country for an afternoon/evening of science, food and fun.
Hear from two leading scientists and share a yummy vegetarian meal, incorporating our (famously short) AGM.
All welcome!
Threatened fauna forum and AGM
Saturday 10 November 2018 from 4.00 to 7.00 pm
Campbells Creek Community Centre (45 Elizabeth St, Campbells Creek VIC)
Our presenters are both wonderful supporters of Connecting Country. Andrew helped design both of our long term monitoring programs (woodland birds and nest boxes). Jess has incorporated the Connecting Country nest box data into her PhD on Brush-tailed Phascogales. Jess also assisted enormously in our 2018 nest box check.
Professor Andrew Bennett (La Trobe University & Arthur Rylah Institute): Connecting Country’s woodland bird data – trends and questions
PhD candidate Jess Lawton (La Trobe University): Results of Connecting Country’s Brush-tailed Phascogale monitoring
RSVP is essential if you wish to join us for dinner.
For more information and bookings email tanya@connectingcountry.org.au or phone 5472 1594.
To view our flyer for the event: click here
This threatened species forum is generously supported by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust via our Habitat Health Check project.
Water workshop with Muckleford Catchment Landcare
Posted on 18 September, 2018 by Asha
Let the rain run in, not off – an introduction to landscape function on a farm in transition
Join Muckleford Catchment Landcare at a workshop on how water functions in our landscape, presented by Muckleford landowner and ecologist, Paul Foreman, and land planning consultant, David Griffith.
Do you have cleared paddocks and want them to be more healthy and productive from both farm and conservation perspectives? Have these experts answer your questions about how you want your property to work.
Date: Sunday 23 September 2018
Time: 10 am to 12 noon
Location: Paul’s property at 678 Lewis Road, Muckleford VIC
Parking behind the house. Morning tea provided.
Please RSVP to Beth via email or call on 0431 219 980.
Learn about landscape connectivity: science and practice
Posted on 18 September, 2018 by Asha
Newstead Landcare are hosting an interesting talk this Thursday.
Dr Jim Radford (Principal Research Fellow from the Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University) will talk about the science and practice of connecting landscapes, what works and what we should be aiming for in landscape restoration projects.
Jim will focus on the benefits of revegetation in restoring rural landscapes, guiding principles for landscape restoration, and priorities and guidelines to improve landscape connectivity.
Landscape connectivity: science and practice
Venue: Newstead Community Centre, 9 Lyons Street Newstead VIC
Date: Thursday 20 Sept 2018
Time: 8 pm to 9 pm followed by supper
A gold coin donation would be appreciated to help cover costs.
Fabulous fauna photos required for FOBIF exhibition
Posted on 13 September, 2018 by Tanya Loos
The theme of the next Friends of Box Ironbark Forests (FOBIF) photo exhibition is Creatures, and they are seeking entries now.
TOGS Cafe in Castlemaine will host the exhibition in November 2018.
So if you have a favourite photo/s of wildlife in our region send them along to FOBIF (info@fobif.org.au). Get cracking and select your fave pics: the closing date for the submission of photos is 1 October 2018.
Bronwyn Silver has kindly supplied some beautiful photos of local fauna for some inspiration.
For more info and the submission guidelines, see the FOBIF website here.
Baringhup Birds on Farms workshop – a great partnership event
Posted on 13 September, 2018 by Tanya Loos
On 9 September 2018 about forty people gathered on a beautiful property in Baringhup to learn about Birds on Farms. The day was a joint workshop by Connecting Country and Baringhup Landcare, and the participants ranged from Connecting Country regular workshop enthusiasts, bird survey volunteers, farmers from in and around the Baringhup area and Landcare members.
Two bird surveys were conducted down on the bird survey area. Curiously each survey recorded 13 birds, though each time the species composition was different! The surveys may be seen here and here. A few new species were recorded on the day – including the Grey Fantail.
Many thanks to Roy and Caroline Lovel for being such wonderful hosts, and all the many helpers on the day, especially Jackie Brown who helped Roy wash up all the bowls and cups!
Attendee Liz Burns wrote this wonderful summary of the day. Thanks Liz!
Birds On Farms workshop
As a long-term attender of Connecting Country’s field days, it was a pleasure to take up Tanya’s request for someone to write up today’s events. In fact, I could write a book with all the detailed notes that I’ve taken over the years.
As usual, this one hit the mark and maintained the usual high standard.
As a full-time biological farmer who relies upon our native birds for pest control and even some pollination services, and a keen lifelong observer of all the complex relationships in nature, this is a subject dear to my heart. It was even more heartening to meet other like-minded farmers with the added bonus of passionate protectors of very old trees.
To read Liz’s detailed notes of the speakers’ presentations click Birds-On-Farms-Field-Day-write-up
After lunch we did separate farm and birds walks: Roy led a group up to the top of the property, and Tanya and Chris conducted a bird survey on a lower restoration area.
I would like to see the Connecting Country model rolled out across the State, as the best value for money blending of agriculture, environment and Indigenous history, especially as 70% of the State is in private hands and the State does not manage Crown Land very well (in my opinion). If farmers could be helped with managing their land, incorporating environmental and cultural values, we could maximise biodiversity and future food production with a three-way partnership with farmers, environmentalists and Traditional owners.
As usual, the catering, the company and weather was of the highest standard.
Grateful thanks must go to Connecting Country and all involved, but in particular Tanya Loos for yet another fascinating and informative day.
Liz Burns, Trewella Farm, Musk
Please scroll through the following gallery of photos from the day.
Biodiversity Response Planning: a new Connecting Country project
Posted on 13 September, 2018 by Tanya Loos
Biodiversity Response Planning projects announced
Over the six months, a diverse array of government, Traditional Owner and community organisations from across Victoria came together to participate in an intense Biodiversity Response Planning process. Connecting Country was one of these organisations!
After a lot of hard work, 89 new projects were just announced by the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP, including 85 projects for on-ground biodiversity action worth $33.67 million. These projects are part of the government’s investment to implement Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037 and will be delivered by various stakeholders over the next three years.
Connecting Country is excited to announce that our proposed project was selected for funding.
For the full list of successful projects visit: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/biodiversity-response-planning
Our project: Remnant rescue – restoring woodland bird habitat in central Victoria
We know that much of central Victoria’s native woodland has been heavily disturbed by a long history of mining, clearing, woodcutting, grazing, and changes in fire and water regimes. The Box-Ironbark landscape contains provides habitat for many threatened species including the threatened Temperate Woodland Bird Community. Scientific studies demonstrate an alarming acceleration in the decline of most species within this community over recent years. Habitat loss is the single greatest threat to woodland birds, and exacerbates other threats, such as predation by cats and foxes, and prolonged drought. Many of the remaining woodlands lack complexity and are missing the key understorey species that provide food, nesting sites and protection from predators for woodland birds and other animals.
Within the Mount Alexander region, large areas of remnant woodlands and priority habitat exist on private land. Through our work, Connecting Country has identified numerous private landholders with the interest, enthusiasm and capacity to protect and restore woodland habitat on their land, but require guidance and practical assistance.
This project restores habitat for the Temperate Woodland Bird Community by focusing on weeds and rabbit control to promote natural regeneration of native species. We’ll supplement this by strategic revegetation with key missing understorey plants to increase species diversity and community complexity. The project targets 60 ha of priority areas of potential habitat on private land, engaging landholders to develop appropriate management actions tailored for their properties. We’ll also implement weed and rabbit control on 40 ha of complementary areas of public land.
Connecting Country is proud to oversee the project in collaboration with our project partners: local landholders, Dja Dja Wurrung, Trust for Nature, Parks Victoria and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
‘Future-proof your restoration’ seminars
Posted on 6 September, 2018 by Tanya Loos
The recent ‘Future-proof your restoration’ seminars brought the local community together with relevant experts to discuss and share the issues we face in landscape restoration, especially the challenge of our changing climate. Seminar one (Friday 24 August 2018) explored ‘Weeds to watch’. Seminar two (Friday 31 August 2018) addressed ‘Planting for the future’.
Our excellent guest speakers shared a wealth of knowledge and experience, and their expertise was warmly received by an enthusiastic audience at both events.
Thank you to everyone who helped make these seminars successful, including our presenters, the Landcare Steering Group, and volunteers who helped behind the scenes. The seminars were funded by the North Central Catchment Management Authority, through the Victorian Landcare Program, and organised by Asha Bannon, Connecting Country’s Landcare Facilitator.
Read on for short summaries of each event, and click on the presentation titles to download a copy of the slides. Keep an eye out for another blog post coming soon, with links to copies of the resources we had available at the events.
Weeds to watch
David started us off by talking about the ecology of weeds, and how they affect us and the environment. He gave useful advice about the most strategic ways to manage weeds effectively. David encouraged us to look at ‘absences’ of weeds on our properties and project areas, to learn to appreciate what we have achieved rather than be overwhelmed by the weeds we have yet to control. John then shared information about grassy weeds – those that are a problem now, and those that are likely to become a bigger issue with climate change. He stressed the importance of early detection and eradication of new and emerging weeds, plus better practices to reduce their spread in the first place. For details see:
- David Cheal – ‘Weed attack strategies and plans’
- John Morgan (LaTrobe University) – ‘Perennial grass weeds that will threaten nature’
Planting for the future
The three presentations were very different and complemented each other beautifully! Jeroen spoke passionately about the urgent need for large-scale landscape restoration, based on his work on Bush Heritage properties in the Wedderburn and St Arnaud area – particularly the Nardoo Hills. Sacha clearly outlined a practical way to approach revegetation that buffers the changing climate, and uses scientific monitoring to guide us in that approach. Brian took us down to the square metre level as he recounted the tale of the restoration of an urban waterway, and the return of bush birds such as Brown Thornbills to the Merri Creek. Brian also talked about the struggle many of us face when it comes to accepting and adapting to the new approaches needed to future-proof our restoration.
For details see:
- Jeroen VanVeen (Bush Heritage) – ‘Woodland stress: signs of times to come?’
- Sacha Jellinek (Greening Australia) – ‘Developing guidelines for Climate Future Plots in Victoria’
- Brian Bainbridge (Merri Creek Management Committee) – ‘Taking actions from modelling to reality’
Welcome to our new project officer: Jacqui Slingo
Posted on 6 September, 2018 by Frances
It is with great pleasure that Connecting Country announces Jacqui Slingo has joined Connecting Country as a project officer managing our on-ground works program. Welcome Jacqui!
Jacqui is thrilled to be working alongside and supporting a community dedicated to improving and enhancing native vegetation in the Mount Alexander region. She officially started with the team this week after a handover from our botanist Bonnie Humphreys, who is on maternity leave.
Jacqui has previously worked in the Mount Alexander region supporting private land conservation. Her experience includes numerous vegetation and wildlife monitoring projects throughout south-eastern Australia.
Jacqui is excited to return to the region with a view to live here long-term. She enjoys cooking from her garden when she can, yoga and appreciating new places to enjoy in the bush.
Please get in touch with Jacqui if you need advice on managing your property or have any questions about our current on-ground works projects. Jacqui is available from Monday to Thursday and her email address is jacqui@connectingcountry.org.au

Jacqui takes in the Baringhup landscape scenery from a granite rock at the recent Birds on Farms workshop (photo by Frances Howe).
Nature play service for Castlemaine area
Posted on 5 September, 2018 by Tanya Loos
Tiffany Inglis has been in touch with Connecting Country and asked if we could share information about a project that will benefit the young children of the area and encourage the next generation of environmental protectors!
‘Nature-play service for Castlemaine and surrounds’ is a finalist in the state government’s ‘Pick My Project’ funding program.
It relies on local people to vote online for projects they would like to see in their local community. If successful, the Nature-play service will help schools, kindergartens and childcare centres to spend more time learning and playing in the bush.
Jump online and register for your favourite projects, and please consider the Nature-play service as one.
Click here to visit the website and register.
Voting ends 17 September 2018.
Celebrate Landcare Month!
Posted on 30 August, 2018 by Asha
September 2018 is Landcare Month! With Spring here at last, it’s the perfect time to get outside, get your hands dirty, and connect with other community members. We have 30 groups in the Mount Alexander region alone, so it’s easy to find an event or working bee that’s near you and suits your interests.
Visit http://connectingcountry.org.au/events/ to find Landcare events happening near you in September, or contact asha@connectingcountry.org.au for more information.
Castlemaine Bird Walks – a recommended resource
Posted on 29 August, 2018 by Tanya Loos
In April 2018, local birder and photographer Damian Kelly published the wonderful book Castlemaine Bird Walks: A guide to walks and birds in the Castlemaine district. The book has been warmly received by the local community, selling over 500 copies, and is now in its third reprint.
As our supporters know, we’re very much into birds here at Connecting Country. Hence we thought it timely to review this useful resource for our bird survey volunteers, or anyone interested in local birds.
Castlemaine Bird Walks is a comprehensive guide to walking and birding in the Castlemaine district. There are over 200 pages covering more than 40 walking sites plus a section on ephemeral swamps. For each walk, information includes a site description, how to get there, walking guide, distance and difficulty, detailed map, likely birds, and site notes.
The Forest Creek at Golden Point site (on page 35) has been surveyed four times a year since 2010 as part of Connecting Country’s long term monitoring program, so I’m very familiar with the site and the birds there. It was great to read the history of the site, as well as accurate descriptions of the habitat of this wonderfully revegetated site. I was thrilled to see a photo of the Olive Whistler at the site, as Jane Rusden and I spotted that highly unusual sighting!
The photos are very natural and show birds as you would see them in the field, with a lot of habitat context and natural light, providing a useful identification tool. Damian has used these to great effect in a section called ‘Birds and how to identify them’. Thornbills, robins, and honeyeaters are covered comprehensively.
This is a book written by a birdwatcher for birdwatchers! The section ‘Bird watching – tricks of the trade’ provides some helpful hints about time of day, weather, and other phenomena such as flowering and thermals.
What about data?! I was glad to see the book covers data collection in two sections: ‘Contributing to our knowledge of birds’ and ‘Record keeping’. Here Damian lists eBird and Birdata as useful tools, and highlights the benefits of collecting data for conservation purposes. On the companion website to the book, the ins and outs of exploring and recording data on both these sites is described clearly.

This wonderful photo of a Rufous Whistler cooling off on a hot day is on Damian’s excellent companion website.
A short and informative section on ‘Gardens and birds’ is at the end of the book, which Damian has updated and extended on the companion website.
I have not had a chance to test-run any of the walks, but they look accurate and easy to interpret. Local birder Chris Timewell played a considerable role in assisting Damian in the site selection and creation of the maps.
Castlemaine Bird Walks also has an ‘accessibility guide’, which describes in detail which walks are suitable for those with limited mobility, or who use an electric scooter.
Damian has already been a walk leader for Friends of Box Ironbark Forests on a very enjoyable outing to Gower.
In short, whether you are an experienced birdwatcher, or a total beginner this book is ideal. It is chock-full of helpful hints, beautifully illustrated and is an essential item for your bookshelf. For those electronically minded, subscribe to the blog of the Castlemaine bird walks companion website for updates and more great photos.
The book is available at Stonemans Bookroom, and the Castlemaine Visitors Centre, as well as online via this link.
Congratulations to Damian for this wonderful contribution to the birding community of Castlemaine!
Free training for Landcarers and friends
Posted on 28 August, 2018 by Asha
Connecting Country has funding to provide free training to our local Landcare and Friends groups, to arm them with some of the essential skills needed to continue their great work into the future. Priority will be given to current Landcare members. However, you’re also welcome to apply if you are volunteering in the environment space, doing conservation work on your land, or are potentially interested in joining a Landcare group.
The deadline to express your interest is this Friday 31 August 2018. CLICK HERE to download the expression of interest form.
This informative training is tailored to Landcarers needs, and will be presented clearly and concisely by an experienced trainer. Training will cover:
Governance
- How to run an efficient, effective, and fun meeting.
- How to achieve your group’s goals.
- What are you responsible and liable for?
Finance essentials
- How to manage your group’s finances, reports, and budget.
- How to prepare invoices/tax invoices.
- Understanding GST (for groups registered and not registered).
- Using reports for decision-making.
First aid
Option of either:
- Level II First Aid training (#HLTAID003 Provide First Aid).
- CPR refresher course (#HLTAID001 Provide Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation).
If you have any questions, please email asha@connectingcountry.org.au or call 5472 1594 and ask for Asha.
Telephone troubles
Posted on 28 August, 2018 by Asha
We are having trouble receiving phone calls in the office today, so our apologies if you have been trying to get in touch. Please send us as email if it’s urgent, or try calling again tomorrow. Thanks for your understanding.