21 Oct 2012 – Free Campbells Creek Event
Posted on 17 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare Group has organised a Free Community Event for Saturday 21 October.
This is a family day for people to relax and enjoy themselves with a variety of activities and a chance to see hidden parts of the creek and celebrate the progress that has been made.
For more information click here.
Upcoming Connecting Country Events – Places Available
Posted on 16 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
It’s a busy time of year, with lots of things to do. Below is a selection of activities that you can get involved with through Connecting Country.
A few weeks ago, Connecting Country was pleased to announce a series of Eucalypt Identification Workshops, funded through the Bjarne K Dahl Trust (see earlier webpost – click here). The first of these workshops was held last Friday in Maldon, and was very well received. There are four sessions still remaining (including this Sunday in Newstead), each with a few places available. To reserve your spot, contact michael@connectingcountry.org.au or call (03) 5472 1594.
We were also pleased to announce that a Bird Identification Workshop will be hosted by our resident bird specialist, Dr Kerryn Herman, at the Castlemaine Botanic Gardens from 10am to early afternoon on Sunday 28th October (click here for earlier webpost). There is no cost for attendance and a light lunch will be provided. RSVPs are requested for catering purposes to kerryn@connectingcountry.org.au or (03) 5472-1594.
Connecting Country is holding its Annual General Meeting on the evening of Tuesday 23 October (click here for earlier webpost). We are very happy to announce that the guest speaker will be Sam White of Sidonia (http://www.sidoniahills.com.au/) who will be talking about his family-owned pasture-grazed beef farm business, his vision for the 2000 acre property and a bit about the projects that he has been undertaking with the support of Connecting Country. Supper to be provided. The meeting commences from 7pm at the Garden Room of the Buda Historic Homestead, 42 Hunter St, Castlemaine. Members and non-members are welcome.
Participants at the Maldon 2012 Eucalypt Identification workshop.
Our Invasive Species Submission
Posted on 16 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
The Victorian Government was requesting feedback on the Discussion Paper for its proposed Invasive Species Management Bill (click here for earlier Connecting Country web-post). As stated in the government’s media release, the legislation aims to modernise Victoria’s approach to the management of invasive species and provide greater flexibility to respond more effectively to biosecurity threats.
Connecting Country prepared and submitted a letter in response to this Discussion Paper. This letter can be viewed by clicking here. As always, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments (chris@connectingcountry.org.au).
Mount Alexander Shire’s Roadside Conservation Management Plan
Posted on 8 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
Mount Alexander Shire Council has now published the Roadside Conservation Management Plan, 2012-2017. Comments on the draft plan were invited in July and this final report is the result of the community consultation that took place.
As noted in the Plan, 46% of Mount Alexander region’s roadsides (1090 kilometres) have either high or medium conservation value. Roadsides are arguably our most significant biodiversity asset.
The report is a comprehensive document with chapters on the natural and functional values of roadsides as well as eighteen actions to guide Council’s roadside operations and protection works with associated costs and timing.
The Management Plan can be downloaded here.
Position Available – Crew Leader
Posted on 8 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
We are seeking a Crew Leader for Connecting Country’s new program – Connecting Landscapes across the Mount Alexander Region.
Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to make the natural world a better place? Do you want to get people involved in the solution?
If yes, then this could be the job for you.
Connecting Country is seeking a suitable candidate to lead its new environmental Works Crew. With funding from the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future Biodiversity Fund, Connecting Country is implementing a long term program to protect and enhance native vegetation at a number of sites across the Mount Alexander shire and immediate surrounds in central Victoria.
For more information on the program, and also for a copy of the position description including key selection criteria, click here. The role is a full time, fixed term position.
Applications with a curriculum vitae and addressing the Key Selection Criteria should be marked “Confidential – Connecting Landscapes Crew Leader” and be submitted to “Connecting Country, PO Box 437, Castlemaine, VIC, 3450” by Sunday 28th October 2012 or by email to jarrod@connectingcountry.org.au
For more information regarding the project and the position, contact Jarrod Coote on (03) 5472-1594 or email jarrod@connectingcountry.org.au
28 October 2012 – Bird Identification Workshop
Posted on 7 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
As a part of Connecting Country’s Threatened Woodland Bird Programme, we are holding a workshop to introduce interested community members to the experience of “birding”.
Many people are passionate about the birds on their land, but either don’t have the confidence to identify them or don’t really know where to start to learn the skills needed for bird identification. This workshop designed to provide a starting point, beginning with the basics of equipment and recording techniques, followed with an overview on how to identify groups of species and some individual birds; in particular those of conservation significance in the Mount Alexander region.
It is hoped that the skills provided during the workshop will encourage and inspire participants to get involved with the community monitoring programme being developed by Connecting Country, as well as encourage participation in the Annual Bird Count, run by BirdLife Australia (previously BOCA) and locally coordinated by the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club in December.
The important information
When: Sunday 28th October 2012, from 10am until early afternoon (though could go longer for those participants who wish to go further afield to test their new skills)
Where: The Old Tearooms, Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. A map of the location is available here.
Who: The workshop is being run by Dr Kerryn Herman, Connecting Country’s Woodland Bird Programme coordinator. All interested persons are encouraged to come and “get their bird on”, however content will be directed towards an adult audience. Bring your own binoculars if you have them, and wear shoes and clothes suitable for walking around parts of the botanic gardens (potentially including the woodland area on the other side of the waterway).
A light lunch will be provided, so please RSVP for catering purposes: kerryn@connectingcountry.org.au, (03) 5472-1594.
To download a flier about this event click here. This workshop is run to coincide with National Bird Week
23 Oct – Connecting Country’s Annual General Meeting
Posted on 6 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
When: From 7pm, Tuesday 23rd October
Where: Garden Room, Buda Historic Homestead, 42 Hunter St, Castlemaine
Please join us in some wine and supper and celebrate our previous 12 months of Connecting Country. During the formalities of the AGM, we will be hearing from the President Marie Jones, receiving updates from the Treasurer Elvyne Hogan and electing the Committee of Management for next 12 months. The full AGM agenda can be downloaded here. The minutes from the previous AGM are available here.
In addition, we shall have special guest speakers – with the details on these to follow soon. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
If you are interested in being on the Connecting Country Committee of Management, or nominating someone else, the committee nomination form can be downloaded here. Completed forms must be posted to Secretary/Public Officer, Connecting Country Inc., PO Box 437, Castlemaine VIC 3450 by the 16 October 2012. Alternatively, a scanned copy can be emailed to the Secretary/Public Officer of Connecting Country (april.merrick@dahltrust.org.au). (NB: For those that received a copy of the nomination form in the mail, it has an incorrect return postal address on it – it should be PO Box 437 not 347. Please let us know if you’ve already posted it to 347).
It’s also time to renew your membership for the 2012-13 year! Although membership is free, existing Connecting Country members still need to renew their membership on an annual basis. New membership applications are also encouraged. In order to do this, the following documents can be downloaded:
- Individual membership application form – which can be posted back, or filled out on the night
- Individual membership renewal form – which can be posted or emailed back, or also filled out on the night
For AGM catering purposes, please RSVP to naomi@connectingcountry.org.au or call Naomi or Chris on 5472 1594 by Tuesday the 16th of October.
Sunday 7 Oct 2012 – Barkers Ck Local Action Plan Launch and BBQ
Posted on 4 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
A section of Barkers Creek that the Landcare Network is managing.
Barkers Creek Clean-up Project Officer, Michael Luke, in consultation with the Barkers Creek Landcare Network has developed a ‘Local Action Plan’ for Barkers Creek. Helpful feedback from the public was received during the draft period, for which Michael and the Network are very grateful.
To celebrate the successful development of the plan, the Network is hosting a launch event, consisting of a free community BBQ and ‘walk and talk’ session along an adjacent section of Barkers Creek. The launch is being held on Sunday October 7th from midday to 2pm at ‘Stanley Park’, located at High Street, Harcourt (opposite the BP service station). The BBQ is free and everyone is welcome. Non-alcoholic drinks will also be provided.
A PDF version of the Local Action Plan can be downloaded here. Copies of the Plan will be available for viewing at the launch.
For more information about the launch or the Action Plan, email michael@connectingcountry.org.au or call 5472 1594.
Be Natural Landcare Grants 2012
Posted on 3 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
There are 20 Be Natural Landcare Grants of up to $2,500 available for volunteer community groups to work on projects such as building local community gardens or creating indoor edible gardens within community centres, while aiming to get more volunteers involved across community oriented environmental projects.
The Be Natural Landcare Grants Program 2012 is open to all environmental groups including the Landcare Community across Australia (Landcare, Bushcare, Coastcare groups and “Friends of” groups), Junior Landcare projects and community groups that work on environmental issues in Australia. The grants are offered by Landcare Australia and the closing date for applications is 26 October, 2012.
Visit the Be Natural website for eligibility criteria and applications details.
Local Workshops for Volunteers and Community Groups
Posted on 3 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
Mount Alexander Shire Council has funded three workshops for volunteers and community groups. They are being organised by the Mount Alexander Volunteer Network and will be held in October and November this year. The three workshop topics are:
1. Working Together: Effective communication and good conflict resolution
Presenter: Sam Luxemburg
Sunday 14th October, 10 – 3pm, Ray Bradfield Room, Mostyn St, Castlemaine, $20 per session, light lunch provided.
2. Avoid Burn Out: from survive to thrive
Presenter: Clare Fountain
Monday 15th October, 6.30pm – 9pm, Senior Citizens Room, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine, $10 per session, light supper provided.
3. Good Communication: person-centred counselling skills
Presenter: Sam Luxemburg
Venue TBA, Castlemaine, 6 sessions Tuesday 9, 16, 23, 30 October, 13, 20 November, $60 for all sessions.
For more information and to a booking, phone the Mount Alexander Volunteer Network on 5472 4842 or email mavn@cch.org.au
Farm Tree and Landcare Association newsletter
Posted on 3 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
The latest Farm Tree and Landcare Association newsletter is now available. It includes information on the new Victorian Landcare License Plates, a range of funding opportunities and events, a discount offer for FTLA members (which includes all current Connecting Country members) and new resources. It can be downloaded here.
12 & 13 October 2012 – Castlemaine Rural Event
Posted on 1 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
The Norman Wettenhall Foundation and the Bjarne K Dahl Trust are presenting a Castlemaine Rural Event on the Friday 12th and Saturday 13th of October. The two days are packed full of activities including a Eucalypt identification session, a botanical illustration workshop, bird watching, dinner with guest speaker at Buda, and an historical talk by Raimond Gaita.
The full program including costs and registration details for the various activities is available here. There are a small number of spaces remaining. If you are interested in participating contact Beth Mellick on phone on 5472 1316, 0431 219 980 or email beth@nwf.org.au.
20 October 2012 – Indigenous Plant Use
Posted on 1 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
Dr. Beth Gott of Monash University will share her research findings in a special presentation about the indigenous cultures that have managed this land for thousands of generations. This is an opportunity to learn about the plants indigenous people used and how they used them, from food and medicine to ornaments and glue.
The evening will be held at the Baynton Hall, Baynton, and is hosted by the Baynton Sidonia Landcare Group. All are welcome to a BBQ at 6.30 pm which will be followed by the presentation which starts at 7.30 pm. Bookings are essential with RSVP’s required by Wednesday 17 October. Please note any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
This event is presented by the Baynton Sidonia Landcare Group with financial assistance from the North Central Catchment Management Authority and the Commonwealth Government Bushfire Recovery fund.
For more information and to RSVP contact Clare from the Baynton Sidonia Landcare Group on 5423 4152.
Native Grasses: Short Courses Now Open
Posted on 1 October, 2012 by Connecting Country
Would you like to improve your native grass identification skills? Are you interested in learning more about managing native grasses?
Expressions of interest are now being accepted by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) for two native grass identification short courses. The two-day courses are expected to be held in Bendigo during November 2012 and will cover identifying features, importance and ecology of Australian grasses.
One course will cater for professionals working in agriculture and natural resource management, with the other course tailored to farmers, Landcare members and Trust for Nature covenanters.
The interactive courses will be presented by local botanist and ecologist Paul Foreman and will involve lectures and hands-on experience in the laboratory, followed by a field trip.
Expressions of interest are required no later than Monday 15 October, 2012. Please note that expressions of interest will only be accepted from people living in the North Central CMA region. Places are strictly limited.
The courses are funded by the Australian Government’s Regional Landcare Facilitator project hosted by the North Central CMA, the Victorian Government’s Landcare Program and Trust for Nature.
For more information contact Communications Officer, North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124 or email: info@nccma.vic.gov.au
Back by popular demand – Eucalypt Identification Workshops
Posted on 26 September, 2012 by Connecting Country
Participants at a 2011 Eucalypt Identification workshop in the Botanical Gardens, Castlemaine
Following on from our booked out 2011 sessions, Connecting Country are pleased to announce another series of Eucalypt Identification Workshops, funded through the Bjarne K Dahl Trust.
In October and November 2012, Connecting Country shall be running workshops in five locations across the Mount Alexander Shire. The sessions aim to provide participants with the skills needed to identify some of the common eucalypt species to be found in the region, and to provide them with a greater understanding of the life history of this group of iconic Australian trees.
Presented by Greg Guy, a botanist and lecturer from Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE, there will be a classroom-based discussion on the biology and ecology of our local eucalypts, with a special emphasis on our rare and endangered species. This will be followed by a ‘walk and talk’ session to identify some local eucalypts in their natural habitat, and will conclude with a fun classroom-based session where all participants will learn to identify eucalypts on their own. Participants will be provided with a resource CD and also a copy of Leon Costermans ‘Trees of Victoria and Adjoining Areas’ – an excellent field guide containing descriptions and illustrations of the vast majority of eucalypt species found in south-eastern Australia.
The workshops are being held from midday to 4pm in Maldon (Friday 12th October), Newstead (Sunday 21st October), Chewton (Sunday 28th October), Harcourt (Sunday 11th November), and Taradale (Sunday 18th November). The cost for attending the workshop is $15 per person ($10 for members of Connecting Country) and afternoon tea will be provided. The field session of the Maldon workshop has the added bonus of having guidance from Leon Costerman’s himself.
For more information click here. Bookings are essential as places are limited. To reserve your place, contact michael@connectingcountry.org.au or call 5472 1594. If you were on the waiting list from last year, we have your details and you will be contacted shortly.
New Edition of Chat
Posted on 26 September, 2012 by Connecting Country
The September edition of the North Central CMA newsletter ‘North Central chat’ (formerly known as Groundcover) is now available. The edition includes articles on the new Victorian weeds and pest animal legislation, the new Landcare is For Everyone (L.I.F.E.) campaign and a Native Grass ID Short Course.
10 October 2012 – Hear Don Watson reflect on “The Bush”
Posted on 25 September, 2012 by Connecting Country
Don Watson at his home in Woodend
Don Watson is currently completing a book on the Australian bush. He will be revealing some of his insights into the Australian landscape as a prelude to the Muckleford Catchment Landcare Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 10 October. Don’s presentation will commence at 6pm and will be accompanied with soup and refreshments.
This landmark event is being held at the Castlemaine Golf Club, Pyrenees Highway, Castlemaine. Members of the public are very welcome for the talk and soup prior to the AGM which will commence at 8.15pm.
To find out more about Don Watson click here.
For catering purposes Muckleford Landcare would appreciate a RSVP: mucklefordlandcare@gmail.com
Consultation Paper Released on Native Vegetation Clearing
Posted on 21 September, 2012 by Connecting Country
DSE has recently released a consultation paper entitled Future directions for native vegetation in Victoria: Review of Victoria’s native vegetation permitted clearing regulations. From an environmental, social and agricultural perspective, this report is important. Its overall context is a review of the current Victorian native vegetation policy. Specific attention is given to the efficiency and effectiveness of vegetation clearing regulations.
Stakeholders and the community are invited to provide feedback about:
- issues identified with the current permitted clearing regulations
- the four priority reforms and five supporting reforms proposed to address these issues
- Issues related to implementing the proposed reforms.
Details for submitting feedback are published here. The closing date for submissions is 19 October 2012.
Dinosaurs Discovered in Newstead
Posted on 20 September, 2012 by Connecting Country
A good crowd gathered at Newstead Community Centre on Sunday 9 September to hear palaeontologist Pat Rich from Monash University give a fascinating presentation on Victoria’s ‘polar dinosaurs’.
Pat’s talk described the work that she and her husband Tom have been involved in for many years and the types of dinosaurs that lived in Gondwana, when Victoria’s latitude was 70 degrees south. This was followed by a ‘show-and-tell’ session with some bones. Pat and Tom have been responsible for the discovery of virtually all of the dinosaur fossils in Victoria and they brought along some great examples of their discoveries. Apparently Australia is not a particularly fertile landscape for fossil hunters because of its geological stability and deeply eroded surface, but there are a few locations – Cape Otway and Western Queensland – where dinosaur bones are found. So far, there have been no complete skeletons found in Victoria – only tantalising bits and pieces. These are often matched up to complete skeletons from other parts of the world for identification.
It was interesting to learn that, like Landcare, none of their work would have been possible without the help of volunteers. Tom estimated that at least 50 years worth of volunteer hours have gone into their work. They have also received in-kind support from many organisations, including the use of helicopters, mining equipment and, most creatively, bamboo poles from the Royal Botanic Gardens! No doubt the potential for a company to have a dinosaur named after them (Qantasaurus) helps.
Connecting Country received a Foundation Project Grant for this project, which is part of the Victorian Government’s $12 million Victorian Local Landcare Facilitator Initiative to provide local Landcare support.
Landcare Bushdance a Blast
Posted on 18 September, 2012 by Connecting Country
The Mount Alexander Landcare Bushdance held on Saturday 8 September was a great night despite the inclement weather. The 90 or so attendees made the most of the music being played by James Rigby and Jane Thompson, with a band that included the diversely talented Ian Higgins on fiddle.
The dance was put on for the Landcarer community and everybody else as well. As it turned out, a large number of attendees fell into the ‘everybody else’ category. It was great to see so many fresh faces at a Landcare event, and hopefully it has made Landcare a bit more familiar to a new generation.
The Bushdance was kindly supported by North Central CMA, Madderns IGA, Sprout Bakery, Stoneman’s Bookroom and the Newstead Natives Nursery.
A big thank you to all those who helped out on the night and to Nikki Valentini from Castlemaine Abundance Kitchen Enterprise for the delicious soups.