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.

Fancy seeing your photos at the next FOBIF exhibition?

Posted on 17 December, 2015 by Tanya Loos

Many of you will be familiar with the stunning photography exhibitions that are curated by the Friends of Box-Ironbark Forests (FOBIF), featuring intricate moss portraits, woodland birds and other flora and fauna of our beautiful area.  The theme of the next FOBIF photo exhibition is Trees in the Mount Alexander Region, and FOBIF are calling for potential photographers now.

TOGS in Castlemaine will host the exhibition in March 2016 and later in the year the Newstead Railway Arts Hub has kindly agreed host the same exhibition. Photos will be for sale to cover FOBIF costs.

The tree theme also allows photos of  close-ups of buds, nuts and flowers – and the fauna that live among the tree bark and foliage. For more information on submitting photos, and the guidelines click here.

We are excited at Connecting Country because March is also the month of the first Feathered Five Festival – a two day celebration of five very special woodland birds that live in our local forests. More on this soon….

This is a magnificent tree – which I think is a Manna Gum.  FOBIF members have kindly offered to assist in the correct identification of the trees for any submitted photos. Picture by Tanya Loos

Bush birds with Chris Tzaros – a memorable morning monitoring!

Posted on 11 December, 2015 by Tanya Loos

Last Saturday, 5 December 2015, over 25 of us were treated to a morning workshop with author and photographer, Chris Tzaros.  Chris is a wonderful presenter and ecologist, and his talk was a fantastic overview of the bush birds of the ‘Connecting Country landscape’. Chris likes to call them bush birds rather than woodland birds, because as he rightly pointed out, many of our so-called woodland birds are found in the area’s extensive Box Ironbark Forests.

I was also really amazed by Chris’s ability to mimic bird calls – no need to play the smartphone bird call app at all!

In a comprehensive presentation,  Chris pointed out that we have a particularly rich bird fauna in this area on account of being at the intersection of many different landscapes. There is the Loddon River and the surrounding plains, Cairn Curran and the open country, the dry forests of Sandon and Muckleford, Mount Alexander and the River Red gum plains of Sutton Grange and surrounds.  We also have quite good patches of bush left, which means that our declining woodland birds are faring a bit better here than in other more degraded areas. Chris gave us a great overview of the birds of this area, including a special focus on the feathered five – the five species selected as ambassadors for woodland birds in the region.

Chris has provided training for many bird monitoring programs around Victoria across a diverse range of landscapes and communities. The bird monitoring method is kept consistent by training each area across the state to use the standard 2 hectare 20 minute bird survey.  This is the methodology recommended by BirdLife Australia, and also the method we use to monitor birds for our seasonal surveys.

As Connecting Country’s woodland bird coordinator, I also introduced everyone to the eleven zones identified as priority habitat areas in the region for declining woodland birds, and directed participants to the Group Sites which are the starting point for our community monitoring program.  The link below takes you to the bird monitoring page which has both the Group Site maps and a birdwatchers kit (in PDF format) – with instructions on how to survey, how to submit data and so on:  all of which are available for download (click here).

After the presentations, we visited the Rise and Shine Reserve and carried out a 2 hectare 20 minute survey at the Rise and Shine Group survey site. We were delighted to see one of the feathered five – a Jacky Winter – nesting at the entrance to the reserve!

Chris was very impressed with everyone’s enthusiasm and the willingness  to start counting birds, both on their properties and in the surrounding areas.  We will be building on this energy in 2016, with monthly bird outings, a Feathered Five Festival (19-20 March) and a new program called Stewards for Woodland Birds. Watch this space!

For more information or to get involved, please telephone me (Tanya Loos) at the Connecting Country office on 5472 1594, or email tanya@connectingcountry.org.au

It was well over thirty degrees Celsius at the Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve – but we did see a few birds on our two hectare twenty minute survey. Pic by Kerrie Jennings.

Here a Jacky Winter stands above the nest, with feathers sleeked down and wings outstretched in an effort to stay cool. Thanks for the pic Kerrie!

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:

1. To increase the capacity and knowledge of farmers and fishers to productively and sustainably manage Australia’s natural resources.
2. 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.

Woodland Bird Monitoring Workshop with Chris Tzaros – 9 Dec 2015

Posted on 18 November, 2015 by Tanya Loos

On the first Saturday of December, join a small group of bird observers for a morning with ecologist and photographer Chris Tzaros. Chris shall take us through the ins and outs of monitoring woodland birds – with a special focus on the collection of data for Connecting Country and BirdLife Australia.

We are currently looking for volunteers to carry out regular bird surveys on both private and public land across the Mount Alexander region. In particular we are searching for the feathered five: the Jacky Winter, Painted Button-quail, Hooded Robin, Brown Treecreeper and Diamond Firetail. Attending this workshop would be a great first step in getting involved.

The workshop will cover:

• A background to bird identification and bird fauna of the Mount Alexander region.
• Bird monitoring methods of the monitoring project (including a practical component).
• The role of community volunteers in ecological monitoring projects.

Some experience in bird watching is desired, however we are open to any enthusiastic attendees! Be quick though – we have just a few places left.

When: Saturday 5th December 2015 , 9am-12pm  (followed by lunch until 1pm).

Where: Newstead Community Centre, Newstead.

RSVP: Essential! Contact Tanya Loos on 03 5472 1594 or by  email tanya@connectingcountry.org.au. Please detail any dietary requirements.

A male Red-capped Robin, by Chris Tzaros

 About Chris Tzaros: Chris is a wildlife ecologist and nature photographer for his company; Birds, Bush and Beyond. In 1997 he was awarded Young Australian of the Year in the Victorian environment category in recognition of his commitment to box-ironbark conservation and his dedicated work on threatened birds such as the Grey-Crowned Babbler and Swift Parrot. In 2005, Chris authored a comprehensive book on the Wildlife of Australia’s Box-Ironbark Country. Chris is also an accomplished bird photographer and has contributed many beautiful images to Connecting Country’s Woodland Birds Brochure.

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 29^th 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.

Geology of a Special Place – 14 November 2015

Posted on 7 November, 2015 by Connecting Country

Did you know that one side of the Muckleford Valley is older than the other side? And that the reason is a geological fault line running right through it? Have you ever seen the Muckleford Gorge, where the creek carves a ravine between the a basalt plateau and an upturned Ordovician seabed?

Muckleford is a place of special geological interest and the Muckleford Catchment Landcare group would like to take you on a guided tour with expert geologist Brian Cuffley to explore its unique land forms. Brian will use his special expertise to impart a deeper understanding of the place where we live.

Brian has worked as a mineral exploration geologist in various parts of Australia and overseas. He has also worked for the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission and the Soil Conservation Authority. He studied Environmental Management at LaTrobe University where the subject of his thesis was dryland salinity.

The tour will travel the valley, starting at Mount Gaspard in the north, taking in Chinaman’s Creek valley and conclude at Muckleford Gorge in the south.  Participants will be provided with explanatory maps to take home.

A couple of short walks are involved so it is advisable to wear solid shoes/boots, maybe sock protectors and of course bring a hat and water.

When: Saturday, November 14, 2015
Time: 1.30pm – 4 pm.
Where: Muckleford Community Centre, Muckleford-Walmer Road (south of the Castlemaine-Maldon Road).
Booking: Paul Hampton on 0408 566 909 or go to mucklefordlandcare.wordpress.com

Places are very limited so please let Paul know if you are attending. Click here to download a flyer.

The Muckleford Catchment Landcare will be conducting its AGM prior to the bus tour at 11.30am, followed by lunch. All interested community members are welcome to attend.