Plastic Free July

It’s Plastic Free July 

More and more people are growing their own food, baking bread and making their own pasta sauce as part of the ‘new normal’. It shows that even in times of change, there’s plenty of opportunity to keep working towards a Plastic Free Brimbank.
 
Join millions of people reducing their plastic waste by choosing to refuse single-use plastics. To find out more and to register go to Plastic Free July and come along to one of our Plastic Free themed events happening this month.

Help Shape Council’s Annual Budget 

Have Your Say - Draft Annual Budget 2020/21

Council has prepared a draft Annual Budget for the financial year commencing 1 July 2020 and ending 30 June 2021 and would like your feedback.

Council’s budget covers a range of important areas – including climate change emergency and integrated water management, waste minimisation and the conservation, management and restoration of Brimbank’s natural areas. 

Providing feedback gives you the opportunity to have your say on the matters that should be prioritised to help plan future spending needs in the community. 

How to Provide Feedback

• Fill out the online form here;
• Download a hard copy and email; or
• Send to: Draft Budget Consultation, Brimbank City Council, PO Box 70, Sunshine Vic 3020
• Submissions must be received by 5pm 22 July 2020

Award Nominations 

Nominations for the "We Are Brimbank Awards" are now open!

These awards celebrate the exceptional contributions, hard work and determination of organisations and groups making a positive difference in Brimbank.
We’re looking for groups, businesses, not-for-profits or any other organisations that should be recognised for their contribution to our proud community -  especially in the following category:

• Environment & Sustainability Award

Visit We Are Brimbank Awards for more information and to nominate.
Nominations close 5pm Wednesday 15 July 2020.
Awards will be presented at a We Are Brimbank event on Thursday 10 September 2020.

Grant opportunity

2020 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants now open

The Victorian Department of Environment, Land Water & Planning (DELWP) and Landcare Australia are partnering for a third year to fund these grants of up to $5,000 each (ex-GST). The grants are for schools (primary or secondary), kindergartens, childcare centres, Scouts or Girl Guides or youth groups, youth environmental volunteer groups and Junior Landcare groups in Victoria.

Applications are now open for grants that engage young Victorians in outdoor, hands-on, on-ground projects and environmental learning activities that provide both environmental and educational outcomes, as well as health and social benefits. Applications close on Friday, 31 July 2020 and projects must be completed by 14 May 2021.

My Smart Garden Competition

My Isolation Garden Photo Contest

During these times of isolation, once neglected veggie patches have been getting more love and attention than ever before. Many families have found the time to start a new garden from scratch. My Smart Garden want to celebrate these gardens you've created during lock-down.

Share an image of the garden you have created during isolation and enter My Smart Garden's photo contest to win a $50 gift voucher. 
 
Photos may be featured in My Smart Garden’s Instagram page and newsletter. Simply post a picture of your isolation garden on Instagram and tag @mysmartgarden with the hastag #msgisogarden in your caption. No Instagram? No worries, simply email the photo to contactus@mysmartgarden.org.au and be in the running!

Entries close Sunday July 12 with winner announced in the July My Smart Garden newsletter.

Recycle Right

Recycle Right campaign kicks off

The Recycle Right region-wide campaign continues this month asking people to make some simple changes to our recycling routines. The campaign aims to help increase awareness about what goes in our recycling bins. It is led by Sustainability Victoria and supported by local councils, including Brimbank City Council.
 
To help you out each week we’ll be sharing our top recycling right tips on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
 
For some tips about the most common items that can be recycled and to brush up on the do’s and don’ts of household recycling, visit Brimbank’s Recycling Services page and try our quiz and see how good you are!

An eco-awareness online mini-festival for families

Going Green 2020 

Online Seminar

Increasing Biodiversity in the Urban Landscape

As our urban footprint expands this seminar will look at what we can do to reduce impacts on biodiversity and restore habitat.

SWIFFT have been running quarterly seminars for over 10 years with increasing popularity. These interactive sessions help connect researchers, land managers, government agencies and community groups and provide a platform to share stories. Anyone with an interest is welcome to attend.

Online Workshop

Storing and Preserving your Garden Harvest

Online Workshop

Create a Habitat Garden - Back by popular demand!

Back by popular demand! Brimbank City Council is celebrating National Tree Day 2020 with a repeat session of our recent habitat gardening workshop. You'll learn how to attract birds, butterflies, reptiles and frogs to your yard. We'll also discuss native trees appropriate for small spaces.

Habitat gardens can provide a stepping stone for native birds and animals to move safely across highly urbanised areas. They can also be places of beauty and calm. If you missed our previous workshop - this event is for you. It's the perfect time to start designing and planting in your backyard. Even a small action can make a big difference!  

When: Saturday 1 August, 10:00am- 11:30am
Where: Details will be emailed to registered participants prior to event. Please register here at Eventbrite.
Cost: No Charge