20 Aug 2015 – Local Butterflies
Posted on 6 August, 2015 by Connecting Country
Julie Whitfield catching butterflies
Julie Whitfield of Bendigo is an environmental consultant with a passion for butterflies, and she will be guest speaker at Newstead Landcare’s next meeting, on Thursday 20 August 2015.
As a recipient of a prestigious Winston Churchill Fellowship, Julie recently had the opportunity to explore conservation projects for butterflies in the USA and the UK with the dream of bringing these models back to Victoria to apply with our local community groups. Julie will provide a presentation on these experiences and on the butterfly species likely to occur in the Newstead area, and their role in local ecosystems.
Mount Alexander Shire has a few populations of the extremely rare Eltham Copper Butterfly which has an extraordinary relationship with a particular ant species and Sweet Bursaria shrubs. Julie will introduce you to this marvel as well as to some of our more common local butterflies.
The Newstead Landcare group have extended an invitation for all interested people to attend the talk on Thursday 20 August from 8 pm at the Newstead Community Centre (gold coin donations appreciated). No need to book in – just come along, discover and be inspired!
Further tributes to Doug Ralph
Posted on 5 August, 2015 by Connecting Country
Photo by Beth Mellick.
For those that attended last week’s AGM of the Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forest (FOBIF), it commenced with a memorable photo-montage of the late great Doug Ralph. Doug was the founding president of both FOBIF and Connecting Country, and he is sorely missed. I’m sure that he would have had a wry smile following revelations from the guest speaker at the AGM that native Slime Moulds are spread throughout the local forests and woodlands. Bernard Slattery, a FOBIF committee member, wrote a moving tribute to his good friend Doug which was published in the June 2015 edition of ‘Park Watch’, the superb magazine of the Victorian National Parks Association. A scanned copy of this article is provided (click here).
He passing was also noted in the Victorian Parliament, with the following text taken from Hansard on 17 March 2015:
Mr BARBER (Northern Metropolitan)—I would like to memorialise the life and passing of Doug Ralph, a Castlemaine resident and dedicated Green. Doug’s family was part of Castlemaine since the gold rush, and Doug grew up in the area, as did his three children. He worked at various jobs over the years, including 12 years at the Castlemaine Bacon Company, but he also worked on developing part of the goldfields trail between Castlemaine and Daylesford. He was active in so many community affairs and environmental issues, from the Chewton progress association to the Mount Alexander diggings association, the South Castlemaine Kindergarten committee and the 1851 re-enactment committee. He was also involved in permaculture, Landcare, the environment and so many other areas.
We had a wonderful memorial event for Doug in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens the weekend before last, when hundreds of citizens came together and shared stories—some inspirational and some quite funny—about the impact Doug had had on their lives. It is clear that his passing has left a great gap in the community’s life. It was described as the falling of a great tree in the forest, but hopefully as the light comes in and the seeds he laid start to grow we will all rise up and fill the gap he has left.
Thank you to Bron Silver for providing the pictures for this blog, and for also making me aware that Wikipedia now has a ‘Doug Ralph’ page – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doug_Ralph.
Spot the “Yellow Hooded Planter”
Posted on 3 August, 2015 by Connecting Country
Rip lines across the landscape – all ready for the new trees and shrubs.
Saturday 25 July 2015 saw an enthusiastic crowd gather in a seasonally cold paddock in Walmer to take part in Connecting Country’s Community Planting Day.
The paddock underwent an amazing transformation. Bare rip lines were planted with fifteen hundred milk carton guards and native plants. 1,500!! What an amazing achievement. Thank you to all who came for the event.
Among the crowd, the recognisable “yellow hooded planter” could be seen, Very active in the planting season, she can be spotted most weekends undertaking one kind of native plant activity after another. Marie, you are a gem!
The mysterious Yellow Hooded Planter.
Local children’s author and artist Trace Balla came along and shared her story of how nature shapes and inspires her creativity. More than a few people would have come away keen to weave a basket out of sheoak or sedge as beautifully as Trace has done! Trace reminded us all of our inherent connection to nature, and the deeper reasons why we are doing what we can to restore nature’s balance.
Hand-woven baskets from Trace’s collection.
A big thank you again to all who came, first timers and the old hands. Your participation makes Connecting Country a real possibility.
Juliet Walsh, 2015 Community Planting Coordinator
This project has been supported by Connecting Country, through funding provided by the Australian Government.
Your property could be next! To find out if you are eligible for funding and other support towards habitat restoration on your property, call Jarrod or Bonnie of the Connecting Country team on 5472 1594.
A sea of new plantings – and soon to be woodland bird habitat.
Draft Castlemaine Community Plan – open for comment until 21 Aug 2015
Posted on 1 August, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Mount Alexander Shire Council has informed us that the final draft of the Castlemaine Community Plan is open for review. CLICK HERE to see a copy of the draft plan. Of particular relevance to Connecting Country is the section titled ‘In Balance with Nature’.
“Comments are invited on the draft before it is finalised and launched in a few months time. All feedback is requested to be submitted by Friday 21 August 2015.”
Feedback on the plan can be sent to s.jones@mountalexander.vic.gov.au (prior to 10 August 2015) and g.atkin@mountalexander.vic.gov.au (between 10 and 21 August 2015).
Note: This is Community Plan is a different document to the council’s Environment Strategy 2015-2015 that we have highlighted recently on this website. The Environment Strategy was adopted by the councillor’s at their meeting on 28 July, with some amendments. The amendments appear to increase the transparency of the review and evaluation process, and also increases opportunities for community contributions. Further details are available in the ‘Unconfirmed’ Minutes of the council meeting (CLICK HERE to go to relevant section of their website, or CLICK HERE for a direct copy of the unconfirmed minutes). At the time this blog went live, the final approved version of the Environment Strategy does not appear on their website.
Grant Program Open – 20 Million Trees
Posted on 31 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
A second round of the Australian Government’s ’20 Million Trees’ programme has just opened. Funding of between $20,000 and $100,000 is available to plant trees and associated native understorey species. According to the programme’s website:
“The 20 Million Trees Programme will support projects that involve the community in re-establishing native vegetation, provide habitat to support our threatened species, sequester carbon from the atmosphere and help to create greener spaces to improve the liveability of Australia’s cities and towns. Priority for Round Two will be given to projects with positive outcomes for threatened species and threatened ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act.”
For Round Two, applicants have the option to apply in the same application for up to three Green Army Teams to assist with the implementation of their 20 Million Trees Project. Guidelines and other key information is available online (CLICK HERE). Applications for Round 2 can be submitted from early August using the online form. Applications must be submitted by the closing time of 2.00pm AEST (Canberra time) 16 September 2015.
The application process is very detailed for these projects so make sure you have a look at the guidelines and other information first up. As always, please feel free to get in contact with Mount Alexander Region Landcare Facilitator, Max Schlachter, if you would like to discuss your project ideas (max@connectingcountry.org.au or phone 03 5472 1594).
Salinity Snapshot
Posted on 31 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Cass Davis, Regional Waterwatch Coordinator with the North Central CMA, has made us aware of the recently released ‘Salinity Snapshot Report. This report is an overview of the results of samples tested for salinity by volunteers from waterways across the state as part of Waterwatch Victoria’s Saltwatch Week event in May 2015. The sites tested within the Mount Alexander Shire and surrounds from the Campaspe and Loddon catchments gave overall readings ranging from fair to good (with one score of ‘excellent’). Decent results, but still with room for improvement! CLICK HERE for a copy of the report.
North Central CHAT – July 2015 available
Posted on 31 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Tess Grieves, the recently appointed Regional Landcare Coordinator with the North Central CMA, has told us of the highlights of this month’s edition of the ‘chat’:
- 2015-16 Community Grants Program NOW OPEN, closing COB August 14th
- Green Army Team have hit the ground in the Loddon Plains catchment
- Waterwatch salinity snapshot
- Upcoming events & conferences
It also includes a nice wrap-up of the successes of the 40,000 Trees planting day coordinated by the consortium of Barkers Creek Landcare groups.
CLICK HERE for a link to the July 2015 edition of the ‘chat’.
1-2 Aug 2015 – Resuming the search for Swifties
Posted on 29 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Twice each year, Birdlife Australia encourages birdwatchers from across south-eastern mainland Australia to search for the threatened Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater. The first search was in mid-May this year. At this time (15 May 2015), Connecting Country’s Habitat for Bush Birds coordinator Tanya Loos led an excursion out to Columbine Creek. None were found, but a range of other interesting bird species were seen. Other locals went searching in the Muckleford area, but also came up empty-handed.
However, we weren’t alone here. Birdlife Australia informed us that the surveys across the country were largely unsuccessful – “The May 2015 survey resulted in low numbers of both species, with <150 Swift Parrots (compared to 1200 in May 2014) and 10 Regent Honeyeaters (compared to 24 in May 2014).” CLICK HERE to read their full report on the May 2015 surveys.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that these bird populations have gone into a catastrophic decline over the past 12 months. Each year, the Swift Parrots feed in a different part of south-eastern Australia depending upon the availability of food – and it can be a challenge to find where they are hiding out across such a massive area. It’s a bit like a game of hide-and-seek on a continental-scale.
This weekend – 1-2 August – is the second and final official search weekend for 2015. Connecting Country isn’t able to lead an excursion this weekend, but we encourage people to look for these two rarities in the local bushlands. Even if you don’t find any, send in a survey form to BirdLife so that they can build up a picture of where birds are not being found as well. (Survey forms are available here in WORD and PDF format; and further instructions from Birdlife are available HERE).
Good luck, and let us know how you go!
A botanist, an ecologist and a fire specialist
Posted on 23 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Earlier this week I had a taste of what happens when you get a botanist, an ecologist and a fire specialist looking at a local bush property. The conversation flowed from our relationship with fire, to fire behavior and ecology, to the response of local plants. Their different views were fascinating, but they did agree that it is possible to have biodiversity and to manage for fire risk.
On Sunday the 2nd of August 2015 from 10 am – 3.30 pm, you too can take part in, and learn from, this conversation at Connecting Country’s ‘Living with Fire and Wildlife‘ workshop.
The CFA’s Owen Goodings assures participants that there is a lot we can do to manage fire and have our biodiversity as well.
Facilitated by Chris Johnston, participants will hear the perspectives of three experts including Owen Goodings (CFA – Statewide Team Leader Vegetation Management), David Cheal (Fire Ecologist – ex-DEPI and now Federation University) and Julie Whitfield (Field Ecologist, ex-DEPI and now Amaryllis Environmental).
Andrew Skeoch’s property in Yandoit will be the ideal venue – a 110 acre bush block that will allow us to consider planning in relation to fire and biodiversity in a meaningful way. Through practical exercises on the day, you will be encouraged to consider how you can manage fire risk, and enhance biodiversity, on your own property.
The workshop costs $30 per person or $20 for Concession and Connecting Country members. Included is morning tea and lunch by C.A.K.E, session notes and handouts, and follow-up web-based resources. Transportation from Castlemaine is also available.
Register now as limited places remain. Click here to download a registration form, or contact Jules or Krista at Connecting Country for further information.
This workshop is the first of four in the Spring series which aim to give participants skills and knowledge on working with nature to improve biodiversity. The following workshops will cover identifying and enhancing biodiversity in the paddock (30 August), using exclusion fencing to restore habitat (13 September), and controlling weeds in restoration projects (25 October). Click here for more information on the workshop series. Discounts apply if you attend all four of our Spring Workshops.
Krista Patterson-Majoor, Community Engagement Coordinator
2015-16 Community Grants Program- North Central Victoria NOW OPEN
Posted on 20 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
The North Central Catchment Management Authority have just announced the opening of its ‘2015-16 Community Grants Program- North Central Victoria’. These grants are very similar to the ‘Victoria Landcare Grants’ that the North Central CMA has administered over the last few years. According to Regional Landcare Coordinator Tess Grieves:
“The program is proudly funded by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and the Victorian Government’s Victorian Landcare Grants. A total pool of approximately $250,000 to $280,000 funding is available and will be allocated through a competitive grants process. Funding is available for community groups, networks and individuals to complete on-ground works, community capacity building and/or demonstration trials on a range of natural resource management and sustainable agriculture issues.
There are three grant types available:
- Maintenance (up to $500/group or network) and Start-up Grants (up to $500/group or $1,000/network) for groups and networks
- Project Grants (up to $10,000) for individuals, groups or networks
- Landcare Network Grants (up to $15,000) for Landcare network.
*Groups and networks that receive a Project Grant or Landcare Network Grant cannot also receive a Maintenance or Start-Up grant. However groups and networks are encouraged to apply for both.
Please take some time to read through the Guidelines thoroughly to ensure your project meets the eligibility criteria and compliance with legislation.
If you don’t receive a hard-copy or wish to download further copies of the information, all 2015-16 Community Grants Program documentation can be downloaded from the North Central CMA website on the Landcare Tab at: http://www.nccma.vic.gov.au/Land/Landcare/Grants/index.aspx
Timelines: For projects involving on ground works, the online mapping service available to assist with creating your projects maps (see page 9 of the Guidelines) will be available from Monday 20th July. Applications close 5.00 pm Friday 14 August 2015.
They should be submitted via:
Email: landcare@nccma.vic.gov.au
Post: North Central CMA, PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551.
For further assistance in completing your application form please contact the North Central CMA by emailing landcare@nccma.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5448 7124.”
Tess will be at Connecting Country’s Landcare Link-up meeting this Wednesday 22nd July to talk about the grants.
From Max Schlachter, Mount Alexander Landcare Facilitator, 20 July 2015.
26 July 2015 – Wheel Cactus Field Day in Historic Reserve
Posted on 20 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
The next field day of the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group will be held in the Maldon Historic Park at the back of Mount Tarrengower. Lee Mead from the group has asked us to distribute the following message:
Major infestation of Wheel Cactus – soon to be removed!
“Thanks to our generous sponsors, the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group is continuing to eradicate Wheel Cactus from our local public lands. These sponsors include the North Central Catchment Management Authority, Parks Victoria, Mount Alexander Shire Council and Connecting Country. This month we’ll be killing cactus plants at the foot of Mount Tarrangower behind the township of Maldon. We hold Community Field Days on the last Sunday of each month from April to November and take a rest during the hot summer months.
Our group would also like to express their gratitude to the volunteers who continue to support our war on Wheel Cactus. However, we can never have too many hands to help us to control the spread of this noxious weed, and warmly welcome any new interested folk. Please join us at our next Community Field Day on Sunday 26th July, and enjoy destroying some Wheel Cactus in the picturesque Maldon Historic Reserve. We’ll demonstrate how to dig and inject the plants and provide all the equipment. All you need is some sturdy boots and warm clothing.
To get there, follow Bridgewater Road north out of Maldon and turn left at Waterson’s Road. Only a couple of kms further along turn left again into Back Mount Road. The route will be well signposted from Waterson’s Road. The morning’s activities begin at 10:30am and end with a delicious free BBQ lunch and friendly chat. If you have any queries please contact Ian on 0412 015 807 or contact the committee via our website at www.cactuswarriors.org“.
CLICK HERE to download a copy of their flyer for this field day. Connecting Country is a long-time supporter of this group, who are doing such amazing work to help slow, stop and reverse the spread of this insidious weed across the Mount Alexander region.
Cactus Warriors at the Maldon Easter Parade
Native Vegetation Clearing Regulations under review
Posted on 18 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
In the second half of 2012, the State government proposed new regulations to streamline the process (by reducing ‘red tape’) for people or organisations wishing to clear native vegetation in Victoria. Along with many other groups, Connecting Country made a submission during the public consultation process which expressed concern about the proposed changes. The changes seemed to be a retrograde step in the management and protection of the environment, and threatened to undermine the efforts of Connecting Country to restore natural landscapes in the Mount Alexander region.
With some modifications, these regulations were implemented and are currently operational.
The current State government is now undertaking a review of the Native Vegetation Permitted Clearing Regulations to ensure they sensibly protect sensitive native vegetation. The terms of reference for this review are available on the Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning website (CLICK HERE).
As outlined on DEWLP’s website, a series of stakeholder consultations are being held across the state over the coming days and weeks as part of this review. The nearest to the Mount Alexander Region is in Bendigo on Wednesday 22nd July 2015 from 10.30am through until 12.30pm. Their website also states, “Registration is required to attend these sessions. To register please email nativevegetation.review@delwp.vic.gov.au and include your name, the organisation you represent (if relevant) and which session you would like to attend. Once your registration is confirmed, you will be sent an email which will include venue details and confirmed session times.”
Australian Bird Index launched
Posted on 17 July, 2015 by Tanya Loos
On Wednesday (15 July 2015), BirdLife Australia launched the Australian Bird Index. This ground-breaking research measures the health of Australia’s terrestrial bird populations. For the first time, vast quantities of data collected by volunteers and researchers have been analyzed to produce indices that help track Australia’s current state of biodiversity.
Just as the Consumer Price Index is a useful tool to evaluate the nation’s economy, The Australian Bird Index is a tool to quantify the overall health of the environment – using birds as the barometer.
The Bird Index has come about thanks to 15 years of citizen science data collection: comprising 14 million records and 900,000 surveys from across Australia – including many from the Mount Alexander region.
A Purple-crowned Lorikeet by Chris Tzaros – pic from Connecting Country’s Woodland Bird Brochure
Now that Connecting Country is an affiliated organization with BirdLife Australia, both the data we collect for our long term monitoring program, and the data you submit, will be shared with BirdLife to assist in this important work.
So how are we faring? In order to make sense of the data, the Australian Bird Index breaks Australia up into nine regions: for example, the Mount Alexander Shire occurs entirely within the South-east Mainland region. In the South-east Mainland, dry woodland and forest dependent parrots are showing distinct downward trends over the last 13 years. These species include Purple-crowned, Musk and Little Lorikeets, Crimson Rosella and Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo.
But we see Crimson Rosellas all the time, I hear you say – this is the tricky thing about analyzing the data over a large area – in some areas the rosellas may actually be steady or even increasing, whereas across other areas, rosellas are dropping out of the picture entirely. As such, BirdLife researchers plan to carry out further research for the comprehensive State of Australia’s Birds report planned for early release in 2016. For more on the Australian Bird Index and the upcoming report: see here
The Australian Bird Index can tell us that the Purple-crowned Lorikeet has declined markedly, but not why this beautiful little bird has been reported as declining. Again – further research is required to tease out some answers. My guess is that the changing weather patterns are playing havoc with the flowering of the eucalypts that these tiny blossom nomads rely upon.
Geoff Park has recently posted some stunning photos of the Purple-crowned Lorikeet (click here) and it is great to hear that readers of his blog have reported seeing this species in good numbers.
Report from Tanya Loos, Habitat for Bush Birds Coordinator
27 July 2015 – FOBIF to embrace Slime Moulds
Posted on 16 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
’Slime Mould’ will be the subject at Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests (FOBIF) meeting in July.
The guest speaker at this year’s FOBIF Annual General Meeting will be the Tasmanian naturalist, author and photographer, Sarah Lloyd. She has recently published a remarkable book, Where the slime mould creeps. 
Sarah started exploring the little-known world of Myxomycetes (also known as plasmodial or acellular slime moulds) in the wet eucalypt forest that surrounds her home at Birralee in central north Tasmania. By 2015 Sarah had amassed over one thousand collections representing some 110 different species.
Myxomycetes are unlike any other organisms. They have two animal-like stages that move about to feed, followed by a spore-bearing stage, many of which are exquisite. Sarah will talk about her work and show images of common, rare and ‘new’ species and the various stages in the lives of these truly remarkable organisms.
The meeting will be held on Monday July 27 at 7.30 pm at the Ray Bradfield Rooms, beside Victory Park, Castlemaine. Everyone is welcome.
16 August 2015 – Media Training Workshop in Castlemaine
Posted on 15 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Castlemaine Community House (CCH) is hosting a workshop in mid-August called Speak up for your cause: a media training workshop.
This inexpensive course will be run by experienced journalist Michael Gillies Smith, who has recently been a Red Cross spokesperson. The workshop will cover media releases, media interviews and the power of positivity. Further details are available in the attached flyer (CLICK HERE).
When: Sunday 16 August, 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Where: Castlemaine Community House, 65 Templeton Street, Castlemaine
Cost: $15, $10 concessions
You can book through CCH either online (follow this LINK, then click on the circular green symbol at the bottom of the page), by calling (5472-4842) or pop into 65 Templeton St, Castlemaine.
25 July 2015 – Birds, Habitats and Environmental Change
Posted on 15 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Back in late May, we distributed a blog about an education series being coordinated by La Trobe University in Bendigo, that combines Art with natural environments. The final field trip is coming up soon and is being run by well-known ecologists Geoff Park (of Natural Newstead fame) and Chris Tzaros (author of Wildlife of the Box Ironbark Country, amongst other activities). Some spaces are still available.
The flyer from La Trobe Uni says, “Chris and Geoff will be taking us through the Ironbark forest around Crusoe Reservoir [in Bendigo] examining the different kinds of habitat and the changes in species distribution that have been occurring under climate change.”
If you are interested in attending, the attached flyer has further details (CLICK HERE). You will need to contact La Trobe Uni to register (phone 03 5444-7917; email: Melissa.scott@latrobe.edu.au or through www.latrobe.edu.au/art-institute).
Claire Reports on the Landcare Forum
Posted on 14 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Claire
Claire Collie attended the Mount Alexander Landcare Forum on 19th June 2015 and has very kindly written this short summary of topics covered. Claire lives in Yandoit Hills and is a researcher with the Landscape & Environmental Sociology Group at the University of Melbourne . She is currently coordinating the Moolort Mapping Project with the Moolort Landcare group.
“The Mount Alexander Landcare Forum provided a great opportunity to hear the projects and stories of a range of different people involved in conservation and beyond. Heralded as a ‘new ideas’ forum, the evening provided the space for conversations to start around ‘next practice’; as most of us are already doing our best.
Brett Clarke sings one of his own songs at the forum.
The evening began with Gunditjmara man Brett Clarke on guitar, singing a traditional lullaby to help us get in the mood. Four presentations followed with well-earned intermissions of hearty food cooked by the Castlemaine Abundance Kitchen Enterprise (CAKE). First up was Ben Boxshall discussing the role that farm forestry can play in Landcare. He began his talk with a contentious statement which I’m sure got a lot of us thinking: “our chosen production systems under-exploit our natural resources”. We were presented the benefits of farm forestry for various products (honey, fence posts, shitake mushrooms, firewood), as well as the potential conservation outcomes.
After that we had Paul Foreman present an illuminating case study on Indigenous fire management in north-east Victoria. The thought of pulling the community together for ‘burning field days’ has definitely got me thinking. Maps of the extent of Victoria’s precious grasslands were presented; with Paul’s searching through historical maps and local histories extending their range from their commonly known EVC distribution. He offered a worthy addition to Ben’s farm forestry enthusiasm: try and avoid planting trees in grasslands.
After this, we had Clare Claydon and her 500 gram bag of painstakingly collected Silver Banksia seeds which was passed around in awe. She discussed the Baynton Sidonia Landcare project to save the Silver Banksia which started ten years ago. We learnt all the techniques of proper planting to assist their survival, and saw photos of their precarious cliff-face habitat as well as a paddock of natural regeneration and dozens of photos of their hard work planting them out.
Lastly, we listened to Una Allender and Brett Clarke speak about the Lake Bolac Eel festival and the associated Healing Walk. I think most of us put the date in our diary for next year in the hope of seeing the giant brolga puppets at the twilight celebration. We ended the night as we had started it; with a lullaby. But this time we all sang together, as Brett had generously shared the lyrics. It was a wonderful evening which most certainly has started conversations around these new ideas and novel practices.”
A remnant Silver Banksia discovered growing on the steep slope of a creek on private property. Trees like this provide an important source of seed for the Baynton Sidonia Landcare group’s Banksia project.
25 July 2015 – Book-lovers’ Planting Day with Connecting Country
Posted on 13 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
CONNECTING COUNTRY’S BOOK LOVERS’ PLANTING DAY
Saturday 25 JULY 2015, 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Connecting Country, with the support of Castlemaine Library, is helping to revegetate the Walmer area, providing native habitat for both flora and fauna. This year’s Community Planting is book themed so we are inviting everyone who enjoys a good read – from the occasional reader to the regular book worm – and whatever your age or interest in the printed page, to come along to the 
planting day and meet other people who share a love of books and of nature. Young readers are more than welcome to come along too. We are very happy to have award winning local children’s author Trace Balla on hand, who will talk about the role of nature in her life, and as a bedrock for her creativity.
You will need to register for the planting by contacting Jules@connectingcountry.org.au.
- As vegetarian lunch and drinks will be provided please indicate if you have any dietary requirements such as gluten free.
- If you wish to come on the mini bus (seats limited) please advise on registering and we will try and get you a seat.
- We will provide the tools but you might want to bring your own gloves.
We encourage car pooling!
The planting site is on the Muckleford-Walmer Road, corner of Carpenter Lane. Entrance to the paddock is via the gate on Carpenter Lane.
Parking will be roadside on either Muckleford-Walmer Rd, or Carpenter Lane. The site will be fully sign posted. Visit the google-maps link (CLICK HERE) or see the satellite photo below.
22 July 2015 – Meet Tess at the Landcare Link-up
Posted on 8 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Representatives from Landcare and Friends groups across the Mount Alexander Region are invited to attend a Landcare Link-up meeting in Castlemaine on Wednesday 22nd July 2015.
New Regional Landcare Coordinator for the North Central Catchment Tess Grieves, with a turtle.
The meeting has been organized to get input from groups on the key tasks for the Mount Alexander Landcare Facilitator over the coming years. This is the role undertaken by Connecting Country staff member Max Schlachter.
The State government has committed to continuing the program (now called the ‘Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program’) for another 4 years and this requires the development of a ‘Program Delivery Plan’ which sets out the key tasks of the facilitator for the next 4 years.
The Landcare Link-up meeting will also be used to introduce our new Regional Landcare Coordinator, Tess Grieves.
Tess has been working at the North Central CMA for the past four and a half years on a number of large-scale NRM projects (e.g. Loddon River, Gunbower Forest) and has coordinated all the community engagement activities and community grants for these projects. Tess has a Bachelor of Arts – Nature Tourism and has also completed a Graduate Certificate of Outdoor and Environmental Education and a Graduate Certificate in River Health Management. She is also a Mount Alexander Shire local having grown up in Elphinstone and gone to high school in Castlemaine.
Tess began the role this week and has kindly agreed to come down for the meeting to introduce herself and tell us about changes to this year’s Victorian Landcare Grants. Tess will be able to answer questions about the the grants and the application process, which are due to open prior to the Link-up meeting.
The meeting will be on Wednesday 22nd July at the Ray Bradfield Room, Castlemaine. It will begin with soup and bread at 6:30pm and be done by 8:30pm at the latest.
Two representatives from each group are invited to attend, but we can fit more if you have extras. It would be wonderful to get at least one representative from every group there.
Please RSVP for catering by Friday 17th July to Max (max@connectingcountry.org.au, 5472 1594).
Click here to download a PDF flyer.
Mount Alexander Council Environment Strategy 2015-2025 – 2nd draft available
Posted on 3 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Mount Alexander Shire Council has released the second draft of their Environment Strategy 2015-2025. We are appreciative that the community has been given further opportunities to provide feedback on this important document before it is considered and approved by the councilors in late July 2015. Follow the link HERE to go to the council website, which has the document available for download.
From our quick initial review of the revised Strategy, it appears that items raised by Connecting Country in regard to the first draft have been addressed in some way. (To compare the two draft Strategies, the first draft is still available on the earlier Connecting Country web-post – click here).
The Council have invited community members and organizations to pre-book a timeslot to meet with staff and discuss the revised strategy. Sessions are available between 3.00pm and 7.00pm on Thursday 9 July. To book your session with Council staff, contact Dallas Giles, Healthy Environments Administration Officer, on 5471 1768 or via email (d.giles@mountalexander.vic.gov.au). Sessions will be held at the Ray Bradfield Rooms, between the Maxi IGA carpark and Victory Park, Castlemaine.
Representatives of Connecting Country have made a booking to meet with council staff on this day. If you have suggestions about feedback that Connecting Country as an organization should provide about the revised draft strategy, please let us know (info@connectingcountry.org.au). However, if you have particular strong feelings about the document or if your suggestions are not directly relevant to Connecting Country, we would also encourage you to pass this directly to council through their feedback process. It is our understanding that 9 July is the last day for feedback.