Workshops, Field Days and Courses
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CSU Organisational Entrepreneurship Program – 1st March and 15th March
This program integrates entrepreneurial theory and research with practical business and management knowledge. It has been designed to develop, launch and grow innovative ideas and projects within organisations. This is for anyone who wants to learn how to influence and effect positive changes within their organisation. Sometimes referred to as "Intrapreneurship" this program is ideal for those with an entrepreneurial mindset or who have the innovative ideas, but often find barriers within their own organisation to bring those ideas or practices to fruition. Learn how to bring others on the journey in the most effective way. Participants may include people working in government agencies, small or family businesses, corporations or the not-for-profit sector.
How to create an Entrepreneurial Organisation – Friday 1st March Day two will see topics such as how to make your organisation more, entrepreneurial linking, entrepreneurial orientation and performance and entrepreneurial marketing and finance corporate venturing and accelerators covered in detail.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, Policy and the Community Capital Framework – Friday 15th March The final day will be spent looking at why entrepreneurial ecosystems matter, how to present business plans for a Corporate Entrepreneurship and initiative growth and harvesting strategies for entrepreneurial projects. The cost for the 3 day (9am-5pm) programme is $300 + GST($330). The full cost of the course is $1700 per participant, generously subsidised by the CSU Wangaratta Regional Study Centre and LaunchVic via Startup Shakeup. For more information please see here
Whorouly Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop – Sunday 3rd March
9-11.30am, 59 Whorouly Road, Whorouly (look for the Landcare signs). Join the Whorouly Landcare Group and their instructor Charlie Robinson as he takes you through the perils of pruning. Charlie will also provide tips and tricks to keep your fruit trees healthy and productive for many years. Queensland Fruit Fly information and QFF control products will also be available for purchase. This is a hands on session, bring your secateurs, gloves, hat and a chair. Egg and Bacon rolls, tea and coffee will be provided on arrival and a brief AGM will be conducted prior to the workshop (Formalities only-all positions have been filled).
This is a free event, but please register your attendance for catering purposes by calling Brian 0408 550 726 or Michaela 0417 675 191.
Managing Farm Water Supplies in Dry Times Workshop – Monday 4th March
6-8.30pm, 124 Chiltern Valley Rd, Rutherglen. The prevailing hot and dry conditions are challenging producers to provide a reliable water supply to their livestock. Ag Vic is inviting producers to a free evening workshop. This event will help attendees to examine their current farm water supplies and explore practical strategies to prepare for future livestock water requirements. To register contact Ian Gamble on 0437 362 620 or ian.gamble@ecodev.vic.gov.au. Hosted by Bethanga & Wises Creek-Talgarno Landcare Group.
Ovens River Research Symposium - Thursday 7th and Friday 8th March
10am – 5pm, Wangaratta. In partnership between La Trobe University, CSU and North East CMA learn about the special cultural and natural values of our heritage river.
Featuring presentations on the current research in hydrology, ecology, biodiversity and related fields in the Ovens River. Includes bus tour of the Lower Ovens River - Friday 8 March. Free event. Bookings essential. RSVP By 1 March. Click here for more information, or to register.
Youth Forest Symposium – Thursday 28th March
10am-4pm (registration from 9.15am), Footscray Community Arts Centre, Moreland St, Footscray. The Victorian Government in partnership with Traditional Owners is embarking on a major program to reform forest management and modernise the Victorian Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs). To guide this modernisation process the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) are seeking up to two youth delegates, aged between 12 and 25, to attend the upcoming Youth Forest Symposium.
This is a great opportunity for young people to share what they value about forests, how they use forests, and what they want to see from Victoria’s forests in the future. Please note, nominees must be associated with an organisation operating in Victoria.
Reasonable travel-related expenses for youth delegates to attend the symposium will be reimbursed. If required, one accompanying adult from your organisation may also attend the symposium as an observer. Please send your youth delegate nominations or any questions to Kaytsen Jama, Project Officer-Engagement by email to kaytsen.jama@delwp.vic.gov.au
Waterwatch Portal Training - Friday 29th March
Wodonga. The CMA will be running a training session on the Waterwatch Portal - more details coming soon. Email waterwatch@necma.vic.gov.au to register your interest in attending.
Park Stewardship Program
This year’s Parklands Volunteer Program is mixing it up to give people a taste of different environmental stewardship tasks. Working in a different park each week - from the urban to the wild and woolly - experience the ‘how to’ of caring for our bush parks and reserves.
For 2 hours on a Friday, join in as Parklands Rangers take you through a variety of practical park maintenance/improvement tasks like planting, weeding and removing tree guards. At the same time, you will learn about the local environment and how our local land managers and community groups are working to protect threatened species, improve habitat and link habitat corridors across the region.
This is invaluable experience for those interested in, or studying for, an environmental career; a great chance to clear your head and get some exercise, or just a good way to give back to our community. All tools and any specific safety equipment needed is supplied. You just need to BYO drinking water. For your safety, please wear covered shoes (preferably boots), long pants, long sleeves and a hat. Please register for the dates that suit you by searching Eventbrite, or for more information contact info@parklands-alburywodonga.org.au
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Opportunities to be Involved
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Repair Café – Saturday 2nd March
10am-1pm @ the SAC. The Sustainable Activity Centre (SAC) Repair Café is a free meeting place to bring along broken household items such as furniture, clothing, battery-operated appliances, scratched CDs-DVDs, books and bikes and learn how to fix them with the help of experienced, volunteer repairers. This month we’re featuring soldering and repairs to costume jewellery – re-threading beads, attaching clasps and the like. Maximum of 3 items per person per session. The Repair Café is proudly supported by Halve Waste. More information can be found here
Murray River Clean Up Paddle – Saturday 2nd March
9am-1pm, TBA. Come out before the heat of day and join a canoe based clean-up effort on the Murray River. Lead by Parklands rangers, this will be their first event for Clean Up Australia Day 2019. You will float downstream cleaning up as you go. Please plan to dress sun-smart and BYO drinks and lunch/snacks. Registrations are essential to ensure they have enough canoes and equipment. Start and end locations will be confirmed on booking. Booking and further information can be found here
Friends of Chiltern Mt Pilot NP Field Day – Saturday 2nd March
9am-3pm, Meet @ Chiltern Post Office. Join us for a day of activities in the park. Activities may include weeding, planting, maintenance of infrastructure, checking of nest boxes and more. All ages, levels of fitness and knowledge welcome. Contact Mick Webster on 0429 017 229 for more info and what to bring.
Lightning Trail Run – Sunday 3rd March
5-7pm, Kiewa River parklands, Killara. Fancy a 5km or 10km trail run on an ‘out and back’ course along the lightning fast Kiewa Track? The trail follows the Kiewa River through a shaded sanctuary to a point where it intersects the mighty Murray River. At the 5km mark there is a stunning view where these rivers collide to display a powerful wide berth of water.
It’s a flat and fast trail making it a great introduction to the sport of trail running for the local parkrunner and C2C participant. Opportunities also exists for regional talent to test themselves at a ferocious pace, in an attempt to claim an off road speed title.
For further information or to register, please see here
Clean Up For Turtles – Sunday 3rd March
8-10am, Lake Benalla Foreshore, meet at the BBQ area near the Benalla Library. Join Mad about Turtles Benalla as they host a Clean Up Australia day event at Lake Benalla. You can either bring a canoe and safety vest for a clean-up paddle on Lake Benalla or participate in a clean-up walk around the lake area. This is a free family friendly event (children must be supervised by a guardian). Please bring gloves, sun protection (hat, suitable clothing), enclosed shoes, water bottle, snacks, family and friends and if paddling, your own canoe and safety vest. Registration is required either on the day or via the CUA Day website here
For more information contact Benalla Rural City Council on 03 5760 2600 or reach out to helenrepacholi@hotmail.com
Wangaratta Clean Up! – Monday 4th March
6-7.30pm, Yarrunga Scout Hall, Wangaratta. Join the Rural City of Wangaratta Natural Resource Management Team to learn more about our wonderful native flora and fauna and clean up along the One Mile Creek for Clean Up Australia Day. Meet at the Yarrunga Scout Hall, Vincent Road Wangaratta. Free pizza supper and prizes up for grabs. BYO water bottle and gloves. Please RSVP online here
Seed Saving Skills Session – Tuesday 5th March
6.30-8pm, Sustainable Activity Centre (SAC). Come along to Seed Savers Albury-Wodonga’s first gathering of the year, where the focus will be on how to select, clean and store seed. They will cover tips on how to save seed (including those of your favourite tomato) for the best results, along with an opportunity to clean and deposit seed that you’ve collected. Plus there will be access to the seed bank. Feel free to bring along excess plants you have or a snack to share. Free for members, guests are welcome and asked to contribute $4 to help with our insurance costs. To find out more about Seed Savers Albury-Wodonga, please visit their website here
Wooragee Weekly Produce Market – Thursday 7th March
4-7pm, Wooragee Hall, Wooragee. Every Thursday to 4 April 2019, Wooragee Landcare Inc. is holding a weekly produce market. There will be stalls selling fruit and veggies, wine, tea, meat, cakes, bread, strawberries, soap and many other products. Dinner will be available to purchase - you can bring your own container or pay extra for a takeaway container. You can call in to buy your evening meal and wine to take home, or sit in the shady surrounds and eat your meal there. For more information please contact 0427 287 285 or woorageemarket@gmail.com
Park Stewardship Morning – Friday 8th March
9-11am. House Creek, Wodonga. Meet on House Creek in Gerard Moylan Park, Brockley St end. For 2 hours on a Friday, join in as Parklands Rangers take you through a variety of practical park maintenance/improvement tasks like planting, weeding and removing tree guards. At the same time, you will learn about the local environment and how our local land managers and community groups are working to protect threatened species, improve habitat and link habitat corridors across the region.
This is invaluable experience for those interested in, or studying for, an environmental career; a great chance to clear your head and get some exercise, or just a good way to give back to our community. All tools and any specific safety equipment needed is supplied. You just need to BYO drinking water. For your safety, please wear covered shoes (preferably boots), long pants, long sleeves and a hat. Please register here, or for more information contact info@parklands-alburywodonga.org.au
Kiewa Explorer Walk ‘n Talk – Wednesday 13th March
9.30-11.30am, Kiewa River Parklands. Meet at Kiewa River Parklands, off Murray Valley Highway at Killara. Join Parklands rangers to learn about the restoration plans post willow removal on the Kiewa River, and discover some of Ranger Danny’s special hidden places along the way. This is a free event, please register here.
Wooragee Weekly Produce Market – Thursday 14th March
4-7pm, Wooragee Hall, Wooragee. See 7th March listing for full event details.
Park Stewardship Morning – Friday 15th March
9-11am. Diamond Park, Wodonga. Meet on Wodonga Creek under the railway bridge, Diamond Park. For 2 hours on a Friday, join in as Parklands Rangers take you through a variety of practical park maintenance/improvement tasks like planting, weeding and removing tree guards. At the same time, you will learn about the local environment and how our local land managers and community groups are working to protect threatened species, improve habitat and link habitat corridors across the region. All tools and any specific safety equipment needed is supplied. You just need to BYO drinking water. For your safety, please wear covered shoes (preferably boots), long pants, long sleeves and a hat. Please register here,or for more information contact info@parklands-alburywodonga.org.au
Lucyvale Rail Trail Walk ‘n Talk – Sunday 17th March
9.30am-12.30pm. Lucyvale. Meet for a 9.30am start at The Needles carpark, Murray Valley Hwy, Lucyvale and join Parklands Rangers and local Rail Trail volunteers for an easy walk on the High Country Rail Trail. Find out about the challenges of the hands-on restoration of the trail and historic trestle bridges on this final stretch of the old rail line, as well as the triumphs of restoration efforts down the line. A must for anyone interested in getting involved, or just wanting to find out what’s happening on the line. All are welcome. To register for this free event please see here
Community Gardening in Willow Park – Sunday 17th March
8.30-9.15am, Wodonga. Join Friends of Willow Park for a morning of Community Gardening and a morning tea. Community gardening is having fun, connecting with nature, and joining others for a variety of gardening activities including planting, mulching and weeding. Meet in the Pearce St Carpark. Ring Jenni on 0410 074 900 if you can’t see where the group is working. Even if you can’t do the gardening just pop in to hear what the group are doing and what is planned.
Pollinator Pods and Belts (Create Your Own) – Monday 18th March
10am-1pm, Wanyarra Education Centre (next to Mokoan Cafe), Winton Wetlands. Have you ever wondered how you can increase beneficial pollinating insects on your farm and in your garden? Karen Thomas from Port Phillip and Westernport CMA and Karen Retra from Albury will share their knowledge at this workshop. Come along to learn about what an insectary is and how you can create one on your property in an area as small as a garden bed!
Morning tea and lunch is supplied. Optional tour of Winton Wetlands from 1-2pm with Ranger Dave. Please bring sturdy walking shoes, a drink and a hat if you are planning on doing the tour. Please RSVP/register by 15 March for catering purposes here or call Karen Brisbane on 03 5822 7734 or Sally Day on 0437 136 162. Please mention any dietary requirements when you RSVP. Organised by Greta Valley Landcare Group.
Author Talk with Lachlan Walter – Wednesday 20th March
6.30pm, Wangaratta Library. As part of the Wangaratta Library’s March into Sustainability month, hear Melbourne writer and critic Lachlan Walter speak on the topic of his debut science fiction/dystopian novel ‘The Rain Never Came’. The novel is set in a thirsty, drought-stricken Australia where the Eastern states have been evacuated to more appealing climates, yet a stubborn few resist the forced removal. To RSVP please email library@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5722 2366.
Wooragee Weekly Produce Market – Thursday 21st March
4-7pm, Wooragee Hall, Wooragee. See 7th March listing for full event details.
Harmony Day Harvest Walk ‘n Talk – Thursday 21st March
9-11am, Bhutanese Community Farm, Gateway Island Join the Bhutanese Community Farm Rangers for a guided walk, talk and morning tea. See the wide range of organic vegetables growing in this multicultural garden, find out how the garden plots work and what’s being harvested this autumn, and learn the secrets of negotiating our recent tricky seasons to grow a wide range of vegetables here on Gateway Island. Meet at the garden gate just off Lemke Rd., Gateway Island. Farm Rangers will escort you on the short walk across a paddock from there to the gardens. Please let us know you’re coming by registering online HERE.
Park Stewardship Morning – Friday 22nd March
9-11am, McFarlanes Hill West Wodonga. Meet on Ingrams Rd, off Felltimber Creek Rd, West Wodonga. For 2 hours on a Friday, join in as Parklands Rangers take you through a variety of practical park maintenance/improvement tasks like planting, weeding and removing tree guards. At the same time, you will learn about the local environment and how our local land managers and community groups are working to protect threatened species, improve habitat and link habitat corridors across the region. All tools and any specific safety equipment needed is supplied. You just need to BYO drinking water. For your safety, please wear covered shoes (preferably boots), long pants, long sleeves and a hat. Please register here, or for more information contact info@parklands-alburywodonga.org.au
Wooragee Weekly Produce Market – Thursday 28th March
4-7pm, Wooragee Hall, Wooragee. See 7th March listing for full event details.
30th Women on Farms Gathering – 29th to 31st March
Warragul. In 2019 the 30th Women on Farms Gathering will be held at Warragul. Women farming the land, those interested in agriculture, the environment, food production, rural tourism and more are all encouraged to come along for an informative and fun weekend.
The theme of “Striding Forward” aims to highlight the role of rural women and the advances they are making in the farming sector. This event is open to women of all ages from all over Victoria, so why not gather a group of friends for the weekend or come on your own and enjoy the experience. For more information please see here
Tastes of the Garden – Friday 29th March
12-1pm, Bhutanese Community Farm, Gateway Island. Join the Bhutanese Community Farm Catering team as they offer lunch al fresco at the farm over three autumn Fridays. The team will be cooking fresh vegetarian curries and accompaniments featuring the vegetables and herbs grown on the farm throughout the year. Farm Rangers will also be there to answer questions about the Community Garden and show people around. Everyone is welcome. Why not bring a friend or some work colleagues down to experience a unique Friday lunch at minimal cost. Please book HERE to let us know you’re coming, and bring some cash (approx. $8/head) to purchase lunch on the day.
Wangaratta Sustainable Living Expo – Saturday 30th March
10.30am-1pm, Wangaratta Library. As part of the Wangaratta Library’s March into Sustainability month the Rural City of Wangaratta will be hosting a community based Sustainable Living Expo at the Library. Come along to meet, chat to and discover what our community groups are doing in the municipality in terms of improving sustainable living: everything from our natural environment, local produce & health, and things you can do at home to be more sustainable. There will also be a wicking bed workshop that shows how you can create veggie beds that use very little water, are self-watering and perfect for our hot, dry summers. For more info please email library@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5722 2366.
Murray Marathon Running Festival – Sunday 31st March
Noreuil Park, Albury. Celebrate the amazing bush parks and trails surrounding the iconic Murray River in Albury and Wodonga with a run to suit every age and ability. This single day Running Festival will be held on sealed trails, including kids events, fun runs, marathon and half marathon. For the serious runner, the MMRF attracts runners from all over NSW, Victoria and the ACT to compete for a coveted MMRF Finishers Medal. The MMRF offers distances including the Marathon, Half Marathon, 12k Fun Run, 6k Fun Run and a 2k kids superhero dress up run. All runs start and finish at the beautiful Noreuil Park – on the banks of the iconic Murray River. Registrations close 29th March. For more information or to register please see the Riverina Trails website
Walk the regional bush tracks and trails with the Border Bushwalking Club:
- 3rd March – Hotham to Falls Creek (Pretty Valley Pondage) Crossover details here
- 5th March – Club Night (New Members Information Night) details here
- 6th March – Wednesday After Work Kayaking details here
- 8th-10th March – Spion Kopje overnighter details here
- 13th March – Wednesday After Work Kayaking details here
- 16th March – Introduction to Falls Creek details here
- 17th March – Falls Creek Hammering details here
- 20th March – Wednesday After Work Kayaking details here
- 23rd March – Back Wall / Dickson’s Falls (Mt Buffalo) details here
- 25th-31st March – Great Ocean Walk details here
- 27th March – Wednesday After Work Kayaking details here
- 28th-31st March – Tali Karng (Gippsland) details here
- 29th-31st March – Easiest Bogong Overnight and West Peak Day Walk details here
- 2nd April – Club Night (Ice Age in the High Plains) details here
Beechworth Festival of Change – 1st to 4th April
The Beechworth Festival of Change is a not-for-profit community-driven event focused on building the skills, networks and know-how to create positive social and environmental change. It’s a week-long fiesta of events, creativity, conversations and connections focused on building the skills, networks, energy and ideas you need to generate change. We warmly invite people and organisations interested in creating a fair, just and sustainable future to come along for an inspiring week making connections, generating ideas and building the skills to create change.
It will feature 20 capacity building ‘how-shops’ covering topics such as getting community and individuals organised, excited and skilled at creating positive change. There will also be detailed sessions on group dynamics and governance, getting community organised, messaging and social media, resourcing change, decision making and many more. There will also be talks from local and international experts, a cross pollination program to build networks, fun events, a light projection event and a documentary screening. Prices vary for different events (from $0 up). For more information or to book please see the festival homepage here
North East Regional Sustainability Alliance (NERSA) meeting – Tuesday 2nd April
10am-12pm, Indigo Shire Offices, Beechworth. The North East Regional Sustainability Alliance (NERSA) is a network of community sustainability groups which acts collaboratively with communities, agencies and organisations across the region. Meetings are held every two months in Beechworth. Anyone is welcome to attend. For more information please see here
Mountainfilm on Tour – Thursday 4th April
6.30-8.30pm, Regent Cinemas, Albury. Mountainfilm travels year-round and worldwide with a selection of current and best-loved short films from the annual Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. One word sets Mountainfilm apart - HEART. These films feature a mix of adventure, environment and celebration of the human spirit. Mountainfilm is a festival of films, people, stories and ideas that celebrates indomitable spirit, educates and inspires audiences, and motivates individuals and communities to advance solutions for a liveable world. To book please see here, or for more information please see here.
Wooragee Weekly Produce Market – Thursday 4th April
4-7pm, Wooragee Hall, Wooragee. See 7th March listing for full event details.
What’s Your Renewable Energy Future? Photo & Video Competition – Closes 5th April
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)(Hume region) and The Centre (Wangaratta) invite young people aged 18 years and under to enter their photo
and video competition, to give them an understanding of how young people view renewable energy and how they imagine this will shape their future lives. $800 in prizes are on offer, with 6 categories in the photo section and 3 in the video. For further information and application details please see here
Join the Our Native Garden Nursery Seed Collecting Crew
Are you out in that glorious bush exclaiming at the scents and colours of our wonderful wildflowers? Would you like to share this thrill in our native plants with others by joining our seed collecting team? Come collecting seed under the guidance of our intrepid Liz and Tony. For more information please contact Jill on 0419 732 390.
Join the North East Dung Beetle Project
A simplified Dung Beetle Monitoring survey form is now available for the North East Dung Beetle Project. Anyone who is monitoring dung beetles, or wants to, can contribute – including historic information from trap, adhoc or other survey methods. If anyone wants to be able to access and contribute data to the project, please register on the Biocollect site https://www.ala.org.au/biocollect/ Then navigate to the project here
Join the Albury Wodonga Community Nestbox Monitoring Program
Help recover the population of the iconic Squirrel Glider in our bush parks and reserves! WULN, Parklands and Council’s Environmental Lands team seek community help to monitor squirrel glider nestboxes in our local parks. Join the team to be allocated some boxes to monitor, learn to use our equipment to check nestboxes and record what you find. It’s simple! No climbing involved, 4 times per year, training in using the equipment, great fun to do with a friend, simply pick up the equipment, check your boxes and return. Register HERE
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Waterway funding available for flood impacted landholders - Expression of Interest extended to 12 March 2019
The North East CMA has announced assistance for landholders impacted by the 13 December 2018 flood event in north east Victoria. Landholders with rivers, creeks or streams that were impacted by the flood are invited to apply for funding for fencing, off-stream water points, revegetation, bank stabilisation and weed control.
The funding has been made available as part of the Waterway Incentives Program from the North East CMA. This program supports landholders and community groups to improve the condition and extent of riparian land along waterways and wetlands. The funding is provided through the Victorian Government’s $222 million investment over four years to improve the health of waterways and catchments through the Regional Riparian Action Plan.
The North East CMA will also be assessing damage to in-stream structures to determine what financial assistance may be available for repairs.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) period will run until Tuesday 12 March 2019. Click here for an application form and additional information on eligibility or call 1300 216 513.
Funding to Protect Biodiversity in the Kiewa Valley
Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups Inc are seeking landholders interested in undertaking action on their properties in the Kiewa Valley to protect biodiversity over the next three years to join their new project. This project will help with funding to assist landholders to undertake rabbit harbour destruction, woody weed control and revegetation in the project area to protect and improve biodiversity.
Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups Inc in partnership with the North East Catchment Management Authority have received funding from the Victorian Government’s Biodiversity Response Planning for a three year program to improve habitat and connectivity for threatened woodland birds and mammals of the Kiewa Valley.
Click here for more information and an expression of interest form or contact the Project Officer, Belinda Pearce, on 0400 880 872 or email: biodiversity@kiewacatchmentlandcare.org.au
Bill Borthwick Student Scholarships – Closes 1st March
The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) has established the annual scholarships for tertiary students to assist in the costs of research relating to public land in Victoria, including terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. Students must be enrolled in an Australian university in 2019 and undertaking an Honours, Masters or
PhD research project related to public land in Victoria. Relevant fields of study include natural sciences, humanities and social sciences, economics, law and politics. For further information or to download an application form please see here
Community Climate Change Adaptation (3CA) Grants Program – closes 31st March
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is delivering a small grants program to build resilience to climate change impacts through community-driven adaptation activities that address identified gaps and priorities in Victoria’s regions.
The 3CA Grants program will identify and support practical projects focused on adaptation activities with clear community benefit, foster partnerships between communities, local governments and regional stakeholders on adaptation, and generate and share lessons on good practice approaches to community adaptation. Approved projects must fall into either of 2 categories- building adaptive capacity or delivering adaptive action. Grants of between $25,000 to $75,000 will be awarded. For further information or to apply please see here
On-Farm Energy Efficiency Grants
Primary producers are invited to apply for an on-farm energy grant. The on-farm energy tier 1 grants are available to eligible primary producers until March 2020. You will need an on farm energy assessment, or an equivalent certified on-farm energy assessment conducted in the past 2 years, to access one of the grants in the Agriculture Investment Energy Plan. More information can be found here
Our Native Garden offer free native plants for schools and community groups
All you have to do is register your school or Landcare or community group with us and then whenever any teacher or parent from that school or community group member comes to the nursery to buy plants we will donate the same number of plants to their school or community group, to be picked up whenever convenient for the school or community group.
This is our special offer on ALL our plants at the nursery ALL YEAR: pay the retail price of $3.50 per tube and we donate 1 tube FREE to your revegetation or garden project. Send us an email or call or text Jill on 0419 732 390 telling us the name of your school or group and who is the contact person.
Recreational Fishing Grants
Small Grants (up to $5000) open all year round. This is the 16th year of the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Accounts operation, which sees funds derived from the sale of recreational fishing licences collected and invested into projects that improve recreational fishing across Victoria. For more information email rec.fishinggrants@vfa.vic.gov.au Apply here.
The R E Ross Trust Grants
The grants work around 4 impact areas. For Landcare groups the most relevant area is impact area D; the protection and preservation of Australian Flora and Fauna. Organisations must first submit an expression of interest for consideration by the Trustees and may then be invited to submit a full application. Applications are considered all year round. For more information go to: http://www.rosstrust.org.au/grants/apply-for-a-grant/
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Give Feedback, Comment or Nominate
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Draft Water Resource Plan for Northern Victoria Consultation - closes 4 March
The Victorian Government has prepared a draft Water Resource Plan for northern Victoria as part of the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. The Plan is titled Victoria’s North and Murray Water Resource Plan. The draft Plan outlines how we are meeting our Basin Plan requirements for the region, including an explanation of the region’s water resources, and our existing water management framework.
The Victorian Government is seeking community input and feedback to inform the final Water Resource Plan for northern Victoria. Your views and ideas are important and the Government welcomes input from anyone with an interest in water resource management in the Northern Victoria region. Read more
Better understanding youth engagement for invasive species management - Closes Sunday 31st March. Agriculture Victoria is supporting individuals, groups and organisations to engage young people in initiatives that reduce the impacts of invasive species on Victoria’s landscapes. They would like to know your thoughts on youth engagement in invasive species management. The findings from the survey will inform Agriculture Victoria’s upcoming youth engagement training workshop and grants program. The survey is open to people of all ages, from all sectors, and regardless of whether you’re attending the workshop or applying for a grant. Read more and take the survey
Kosciuszko Summit Precinct Walking Tracks Strategy Public consultation – Closes 11th March
The Kosciuszko Summit Precinct Walking Tracks Strategy is now available for review and comment. Public exhibition of the draft Kosciuszko Summit Precinct Walking Tracks Strategy provides an important opportunity for members of the community to have a say in the future management of Kosciuszko National Park. This strategy has been developed to assist National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to manage the existing walking tracks and trails located within the vicinity of Mount Kosciuszko, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, Guthega, Perisher, Crackenback and Sawpit Creek. The draft Kosciuszko summit precinct walking track strategy includes a proposal for the development of the Snowies Iconic Walk. The Snowies Iconic Walk project will deliver an exceptional multi-day walk across Australia's pristine alpine area, past glacial lakes, granite tors, alpine meadows and the summit of Australia's highest peak.
To download the draft strategy, or for information on where to view a hard copy, or make a submission please see here
Albury City Walkability Index Development Survey – Closes 31st March
This is your opportunity to participate in research on how walkable Albury is. This research will be used to develop a walkability index that is targeted to older Australians living in regional cities. This research is being undertaken by Charles Sturt University in partnership with AlburyCity. The main objectives of this research are to measure walkability for older people in Albury, to model and map walkability and to model the relationships between health status, walking and the built and natural environment. For more information, or to complete the approximately 10minute survey, please see the Albury City page here
Future of Our Forests (Victoria) Survey – Closes 31st March
The Victorian Government in partnership with Traditional Owners is embarking on a major program to reform our forest management and guide the modernisation of the Victorian Regional Forest Agreements. Victoria's public forests are valuable in their own right, and are important to the community. The connection that Victoria’s Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities' have with Country is core to their culture and wellbeing, as well as providing Victorian communities with a broad range of uses and values. The community is key to shaping the future management and use of our forests because public forests are for the community.
You are invited to answer this survey to provide your views on how forest management can be improved, and what you would like from forests into the future.
Climate Change and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan – Discussion Paper
The Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has released a climate change and the Murray–Darling Basin Plan discussion paper. The paper explains the impact of climate change across the Basin, explores how the current Basin Plan settings and various water management mechanisms are designed to adaptively manage climate change impacts and looks ahead to the objectives and implementation of a climate change research program for the MDBA. The discussion paper is available on the MDBA website here. To respond to the discussion paper, please email climatechange@mdba.gov.au (no closing date for submissions has yet been announced).
National Carp Control Plan – National Carp Survey
The Fisheries Research & Development Corporation (FRDC) is inviting you to take part in an important three minute survey. The National Carp Control Plan needs your help to record where you have seen carp aggregating in high numbers to plan future carp control programs. FRDC is coordinating a large program of research and consultation to identify a smart, safe, effective and integrated suite of measures to control carp impacts. A key focus of this process will be to explore the potential use of biocontrol measures. For more information or to take the short survey please see here
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Resources and Inspiration
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Clean Up Australia Day Youth and School Clean Up Day – 1st March
Youth clean ups are a great demonstration of the incredible impact that the younger generation can have on our environment and communities. Any youth based groups are included- Schools, Universities and Tafe groups, Faith based groups, Scouts, sporting groups and any others. For more information or to register your group please see here
World Wildlife Day – 3rd March
World Wildlife Day (WWD) is an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that conservation provides to people. At the same time, the day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime and human induced reduction of species, which have wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts. This year WWD is focusing on marine species for the first time. For more information please see here
Clean Up Australia Day – 3rd March
From the vision of one man, almost 300,000 volunteers turned out on the first Clean Up Australia Day in 1990 and that involvement has steadily increased ever since. Since then Australians have devoted more than 33 million hours towards the environment through Clean Up Australia Day, removing the equivalent of more than 350,000 ute loads of rubbish. Lets continue in the footsteps of Ian Kiernan, AO, and make this year bigger than ever. More information, and clean ups near you can be found here
National Ground Water Awareness Week – 11th-17th March
The purpose of National Ground Water Awareness Week is to highlight the responsible management and use of groundwater and to raise awareness of the need to regularly monitor our groundwater for quality and sustainable rates of extraction. Approximately two percent of the earth's water occurs as groundwater. In Australia groundwater makes up approximately 17 per cent of accessible water and accounts for over 30 per cent of Australia's total water consumption. More information can be found here
International Day of Forests – Thursday 21st March
This global celebration of forests provides a platform to raise awareness of the importance of all types of woodlands and trees, and celebrate the ways in which they sustain and protect us. This year’s theme is ‘Forest’s and Education’. More information can be found here.
World Water Day – Friday 22nd March
Water is an essential building block of life. It is more than just essential to quench thirst or protect health; water is vital for creating jobs and supporting economic, social, and human development. The theme for World Water Day 2019 is ‘Leaving no one behind,’ which is the central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: as sustainable development progresses, everyone must benefit. For more information please see here.
Earth Hour – Saturday 30th March
Australia is home to some of the world’s most iconic and breathtaking natural landscapes and wildlife. But just like many of the natural wonders across our blue-green planet, we’re facing massive threats to our biodiversity due to climate change. That’s why millions of people in over 180 countries are switching off their lights for Earth Hour as a symbolic gesture to show the need for stronger climate action. More information and Earth Hour events can be found here.
Bushfire Season Preparation
Just a reminder that all landowners and farm managers have a legal responsibility for the safety of all people living, working and visiting their properties. Here are a few resources to update your plans, of prepare one if you haven’t done so already.
Your Bushfire Plan- The Basics
Bushfire Plan-Fire Ready Kit
Rural Fire Service Bushfire Survival Plan
CFA/VFF Harvest Guide
CFA Online Bushfire Safety Workshop
The CFA has launched an online version of its popular Bushfire Safety For Workers education workshop. The free interactive workshop is designed to support people who work in and travel through high-risk bushfire and grassfire areas. The workshop provides participants with fire safety advice to ensure they remain safe during the summer months, stepping through a range of interactive learning experiences across risk, preparing to travel, driving during a fire, and surviving a bushfire. More information can be found on the CFA website here
SWIFFT Video Conferences
State Wide Integrated Flora and Fauna Teams (SWIFFT) have been running quarterly video conferences for over 10 years with increasing popularity. These conferences help connect researchers, land managers, government agencies and community groups and allow a platform for the group to share their stories. Anyone is welcome to attend SWIFFT video conferences. Video conference meetings are held four times a year, each with a different theme. For more information please see the SWIFFT website here The topics and dates for this year are:
26 April - Native Bees, Wasps and Ants
26 July - People for Nature and
24 October - Community Conservation in action
National Volunteer Guide
The new free and comprehensive National Volunteer Guide resources by Not for Profit Law are useful tools for management and committee members or directors of not-for-profit organisations to help them best recruit and manage their volunteers. The resources cover various topics including recruiting and legal issues, including a series of webinars, and can be found here
Burraja Cultural Centre Programs
Based on the success of the youth involvement program, the Burraja Cultural Centre is keen to offer schools culturally based programs and activities to assist schools in delivering Aboriginal based curriculum that supports the Marrung Aboriginal Education plan. We have successfully delivered over 150 school based activities to students ranging from primary school to year 12. Activities can be tailored to suit the needs of the students.
Barraja Programs enable students to engage in hands on activities that produce an end product, such as a painting, a traditional implement or a skill that they can then take home with them. Activities can include Aboriginal land management concepts, cultural resource knowledge-food, medicines or materials, Aboriginal art design, excursions to cultural sites and cultural landscapes and tours of Burraja Cultural Centre.
Burraja tours and activities are open to all students and staff. Programs can be delivered onsite at the Burraja Cultural Centre, at your school or at a nominated cultural site within the Albury Wodonga region. Half or full day programs are available, please contact Burraja for prices or with any enquires by contacting the Burraja programs co-ordinator Richard McTernan by phone on 02 6022 8888 or Richard.mcternan@gatewayhealth.org.au
Victorians Volunteering for Nature - Environmental Volunteering Plan
To download or read the Environmental Volunteering Plan (and the Plan summary) go to https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/home/victorians-volunteering-for-nature or for further information on the plan please email environmental.volunteering@delwp.vic.gov.au
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Community volunteers caring for a park near you…
Wodonga Urban Landcare sub-groups:
Friends of Whenby Grange
Friends of John Potter Park
Friends of the WREN Baranduda
Friends of Federation Hill
Clyde Cameron Reserve Group
Friends of Lou Lieberman Park
Friends of Felltimber Creek
Friends of the Ridge Reserves (Susan Campbell and Kent McKoy)
Friends of Four Ways (Melrose/Yarralumla/Pearce/Felltimber)
Friends of David Winterbottom Reserve
Turtles Albury-Wodonga (Belvoir Park and beyond)
Members and Associates of the Network:
Friends of Willow Park
The Bhutanese Community Farm
Our Native Garden Nursery
Baranduda Landcare Group
Bonegilla Rail Trail Advisory Group
Parklands Albury Wodonga
Huon Creek Landcare
Leneva Castle Creek Landcare Group
Australian Native Plant Society Albury Wodonga
Watch out for on-ground works, community events and activities associated with these programs and projects…
Ongoing Programs in the Community:
Gardens for Wildlife Albury Wodonga – with the support of Wodonga Council and the Victorian Government
Local Education Network for Sustainability – in partnership with the SAC.
Threatened Species Nestbox Monitoring – in partnership with Parklands Albury Wodonga
Community led On-ground Projects for 2019:
- Restoring Habitat Linkages – with the support of the Victorian Government, Wodonga Council and the Landmates program
- Wodonga Waterways Restoration and Community Engagement – with the support of the Victorian Government
- Start-up support for new Landcare volunteer groups – with the support of Wodonga Council
- Park Improvements in David Winterbottom Park, Susan Campbell and Kent McKoy Reserves – with the support of Wodonga Council
- Interpretive Signage in Clyde Cameron reserve – with the support of Wodonga Council
- Community Planting mornings – supported by the Victorian Government
- Walk ‘n Talk program showcasing environmental protection and restoration in the region – supported by the Victorian Government
For information on any of these programs and projects please contact WULN: wodonglandcare@gmail.com
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Restoring Habitat Linkages – 2018-2020
What: A three year project to improve the quality of riparian habitat in 3 key sites, including
• Removal of woody weeds in targeted areas including contract removal of trees and cut and paint weeding by the Landmates team and community volunteers.
• Revegetation planting by WULN member groups and community volunteers.
• Community engagement activities including nestbox monitoring, G4W events, community planting and weeding field days.
Where:
• House Creek between Yarralumla Drive and Huon Creek Rd, linking Whenby Grange WRENs to downstream areas restored by WULN member groups (Clyde Cameron Reserve Group, Friends of Willow Park).
• Huon Creek through David Winterbottom Park, extending the restored areas downstream of the junction between House and Huon Creeks. • Felltimber Creek between Lambourn Drive and Felltimber Creek Rd, extending high quality bush from Swainsona Reserve/McFarlanes Hill further down into Wodonga.
How: WULN received $50,000 over three years from the Victorian Government (DELWP) through the Biodiversity On-Ground Action program Threatened Species Initiative. David Winterbottom Park group and Friends of Felltimber Creek are supporting the project implementation on their sites. Parklands Albury Wodonga have been contracted to undertake spraying of blackberries and smaller weeds and follow-up spraying of regrowth. WULN is working in partnership with Wodonga Council to get the best possible value from these funds and utilising the Victorian Landmates Program to undertake manual woody weeding in the target areas. Council is providing support with removal of woody weed debris, and materials, staff time and equipment for community planting events.
Restoring Habitat Linkages Progress: Site walks were held in 2018 to assess the work required on Huon, House and Felltimber Creek, and ‘before’ photos taken. Permits for Works on Waterways were secured. House Creek and Felltimber Creek neighbours have been informed of the works in progress and planned via letterbox drop, email and social media.
Weed removal works are well underway, with the Landmates team clearing substantial sections of all three sites by hand. Only invasive species are being targeted. Huge piles of invasive Black willow have been removed by Council, with more to be removed once equipment is available. Blackberry and other woody weeds have been sprayed, with one follow-up treatment on all sites. Mechanical weed removal work in David Winterbottom Park has been completed and the group are actively restoring the treated area.
5000 plants were planted through school and community planting events, and by the Landmates team, in winter/spring 2018. The first community planting event was held on House Creek in August 2018, while member group volunteers were steadily planting into project areas behind the scenes. Further planting will be undertaken in 2019 following removal of all woody weeds.
Community engagement events have included Nestbox Monitoring field days led by Parklands Albury Wodonga, spotlighting for threatened species, Student Biodiversity Days, and Gardens for Wildlife activities. More events will be held throughout 2019.
There are many opportunities for people to be involved in this project, from letterbox drops to active weeding and planting. Community members, businesses or organisations wishing to be involved in the restoration efforts are welcome to contact us: wodongalandcare@gmail.com
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Habitat Detectives on restoration area, House Creek, August 2018
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