We are pleased to have Ursula Dutkiewicz provide a talk on birdwatching specifically around Kororoit Creek in Brimbank, to help celebrate National Bird Week 2021.

Ursula is a local artist and photographer, and regularly joins the Friends of Kororoit Creek during their activities. Ursula will be providing an online talk about the local birds of Kororoit Creek, tips on how to identify them and the importance of creating habitat for birds in urban areas.

If you are a local who spends time walking along Kororoit Creek, we encourage you to join this webinar to learn more about your local birdlife!

When: Tuesday 19 October 2021, 6-7pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Register here
Cost: No Charge

Event image: Sacred Kingfisher at Kororoit Creek, by Ursula Dutkiewicz

Join us for an introductory workshop on building a climate resilient garden. Learn how you can implement permaculture practices to make your home garden climate proof all year round.

This workshop will cover the concept of climate resilience and the climate related stresses that you may experience when gardening in Melbourne.

The workshop will also explore the definition, ethics and principles behind permaculture and provide case studies of urban permaculture, highlighting range of strategies that can contribute to more resilience. 

Whether you're have small or larger garden spaces or if you're living in an owned or rental space, come along to the workshop to find ways to make your garden more climate resilient.

When: Saturday 23 October 2021, 10-12 pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Register here
Cost: No Charge

My Smart Garden Workshops
 

National Recycling Week is coming up!
8-14 November

Join the Aussie Backyard Bird Count  

Taking part in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count is easy! All you need to do is spend 20 minutes in your favourite outdoor space or backyard and record all the birds you see during that period. You can submit your results using the app or the web form. Every count helps!

Read more here

Download the Litter Stopper app  

Last month we encouraged you to complete a walk and litter clean-up with Clean Up Australia, and this month we are sharing an app that you can download to log your hard work. The Litter Stopper app, created by BeachPatrol, allows you to record information from your clean up activities. 

To help you enjoy your walk, Conservation Volunteers Australia have developed a Spotify Playlist to download and listen to on your clean up walks as a part of their #SeaToSource campaign.
 
For more information and to sign up, visit https://conservationvolunteers.com.au/step-out-the-door-and-step-up-for-the-world/ 

Community Group Governance Training

Get all the tips and tricks required to make your community group or organisation a success.

Brimbank City Council provides community governance training sessions plus ongoing access to a range of resources to assist with continued learning for community groups and small organisations in Brimbank if you are:

• a volunteer
• an employee for a not-for-profit community group, or
• interested in starting or joining a community group, such as a local club or committee

Parks Victoria Land Management Strategy

Parks Victoria is in the second stage of developing a Land Management Strategy to help manage and respond to the complex social, cultural and environmental changes we all face together, including:

• Increasing demand for new and diverse visitor experiences,
• Growing populations and increased pressure on parks,
• Environmental changes affecting parks, 
• Increased management partnerships including working alongside Traditional Owners.

Compost Product Discounts

Spring is a great time to get into the garden. Improve your soil by creating compost at home! Brimbank residents can purchase discounted compost bins and worm farms (up to 80%off RRP).  Click here to browse the products available, order and complete an online tutorial.

Solar for Business Program

The aim of this initiative is to reduce the upfront cost of the installation of an approved small-scale solar PV systems (up to 30kW). There are rebates available to cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of a rooftop solar system with a maximum of $3,500. All entities types, businesses who own their premises and those who rent can apply; including charities and not-for profit organisations, are eligible to participate.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be the owner of a business that employs at least one person, not including the business owner, and less than 20 people.
• Operate from premises that are non-residential.
• Operate from premises that are individually metered .
• Have not previously received a Solar for Business rebate.
• Have your system installed by a Solar Victoria approved solar retailer as detailed on Solar Victoria’s website.
• Install a solar system with a PV capacity size up to 30kW, and detailed on the Solar Victoria approved product list.   

Small Business Energy Saver Program

An initiative of Sustainability Victoria, Australian Energy Foundation (AEF) and the Victorian State Government. The initiative provides an incentive to small businesses that have 1 to 19 employees and operate from non-residential premises and are looking to increase their energy efficiency by upgrading equipment. Victorian small business can receive up to $2,000 in additional discounts for eligible upgrade activities such as:

• Replacing inefficient electric hot water systems.
• Replacing inefficient gas hot water systems.
• Upgrading to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners.
• Installing energy-efficient refrigerator display cabinets.
• Installing energy-efficient fridges and freezers.