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Sticky Everlasting Daisy, (Xerochrysum viscosum).                                                        Photo by C.Watson

 

Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network & Jacksons Creek EcoNetwork

Landcare eNews - April 2021


 

Welcome to the Landcare eNews for April 2021. 

I hope you enjoy this edition of the Landcare eNews, which is designed to keep you informed and up-to-date with all the Landcare-related news and information that may be of interest.

If you'd like to provide feedback or suggestions on the Landcare eNews, or if you have any content that you would like to have included in future eNews, please send your ideas and comments to udc.landcare.facilitator@gmail.com   

Thank you!



What's in this issue
 

  • COVID-19 Updates and links
  • Introduction as your new Landcare Facilitator
  • Upcoming Events
  • Landcare Stories
  • Grants
  • Landmate
  • Online Training and Workshops
  • Landcare & Other Resources
  • Interesting Articles/Reads & Activities
  • Other Environmental Organisations’ News

 



COVID-19 Updates and links


COVID-19 Update stay informed 

For information on current restriction levels go to the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria's Updated restrictions page. Current updates can also be found at  https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

COVID safety requirements – register your event 

COVID-19 is still with us and even though some restrictions have been eased, it is important that the Landcare community demonstrates best COVID safe practice and conforms to State regulations. All Victorian businesses must have a COVIDSafe Plan. In addition, Landcare groups organising public events must register their event with the Victorian Government. There is more information at: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/public-events

Hopefully this year we are able to continue meeting in person and to hold some wonderful events!

 



Subscribe Function

You can now automatically subscribe to this Landcare eNews, which will allow you to receive the Landcare eNews via email as soon as it's available.
The subscribe button is located here and at the bottom of this email.

Subscribe to eNews

Introduction as your new Landcare Facilitator



Hello to you all!

My name is Clare Watson and I would like to introduce myself as the new Landcare Facilitator for the Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network (UDCLN) and also supporting the Jacksons Creek EcoNetwork (JCEN) and their member groups.

I live in Seymour with my husband and our three children. I hold a degree in Conservation Ecology and I have a passion for all things wildlife. I also love getting out in nature for some bushwalking!

I have been a long time volunteer for the Seymour Bushland Park Committee (as well as a few other volunteer roles) and understand and appreciate all the hard work that goes into keeping volunteer groups afloat. I am very happy to be able to be a support person for the UDCLN and JCEN and their member groups, and am really looking forward to learning more about the groups and getting to know the people who keep them running!

I will be available all weekdays excluding Tuesdays at this point but I will be able to return your call/email if you do try to get in touch at any time!

Clare Watson
0409 142 110
udc.landcare.facilitator@gmail.com 

 

Upcoming Events



Pollinators workshop with Dr Mark Hall

The Upper Campaspe Landcare Network has partnered with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Western Sydney University to study the local native pollinating  species in the region.

Come along to the Malmsbury Town Hall on Thursday 8 April at 7.30pm to learn about  the project and how you can be involved.

Bookings are essential and only registered attendees will be granted access on the night due to Covid restrictions. 
To book, please email John.
 
                                    
 
 

Next Landcare Webinar

Find out how carbon footprint and natural capital schemes will underpin industry / sector sustainability strategy reporting, future investment and potential new markets.

Join the webinar on Thursday 8 April from 2pm-3pm to hear Adrian Ward, Nature Accounting for Nature Ltd, talk about the Landcare Benchmarking Project: Nature capital footprint for improving sustainability.

Subscribe to the Landcare Webinar Series just once, to receive notifications and access to all webinars. Then, watch your email inbox for links.
SUBSCRIBE HERE
 

Rabbit Control Workshop

Do you have a rabbit problem? Ashbourne Landcare are hosting a workshop with expert Tim Bloomfield to hear about ways to control rabbits on your property.

The workshop will be held on 10 April from 3pm-4pm at the Woodend Neighbourhood House.


Click here to register via email
 

Creating a Regenerative Farm Business with Mark Gardner 

If your farm is located within the watershed of Port Phillip or Westernport Bay and you are considering transitioning to a regenerative agriculture farming system, then this course is for you! This 3-week course aims to help you develop a profitable and family-friendly regenerative farm business. The course will help you understand the motivations behind your decisions, whilst helping you transition to a regenerative focused business suited to your landscape, supporting wellbeing, natural systems and profit.

Hear Mark Gardner's Talks in April and May. Mark Gardner is a Regenerative Agriculture advisor with Vanguard Business Services. He has extensive agricultural experience specialising in holistic farm & land management with family businesses to improve profitability and land health.


Session 1 | Thurs 22 April - The mindset of a Regenerative Business – how this influences profit and decision making.

Session 2 | Thurs 29 April - Designing your own Regenerative Business - Income, costs, profit, and risk. The importance of family wellbeing and developing your strategy.

Session 3 | Thurs 6 May - Looking ahead – Measuring what matters and exploring new income streams.
Each session will be run online via Zoom from 10.30am to-12.30pm.


For further information please email Joel at Bass Coast Landcare.
Registrations can be made by following this link.

 


Hill Slope Erosion Farm Walk

Strath Creek Landcare Group are holding a workshop on hill slope erosion processes and management to landholders.  This workshop will cover techniques, options and ideas for slope erosion with Kerri Goschnick from Agriculture Victoria.

The workshop will be held on 29 April from 9:30am to12noon.

For more information and to register for the event, please click here.

 





Photo and Video Competition

The Centre for Invasive Species has launched a Feral Photo and Video competition with prizes of outdoor cameras, books and trap devices.  Images which showcase invasive species such as pest animals, weed infestations, exotic insects and/or the damage these species cause can be submitted.

Entries close 30 April.

To see the competition rules and to apply, please click here.

 

SWIFT - State Wide Integrated Flora and Fauna Teams Seminars

SWIFT have been running quarterly seminars for over 15 years. These interactive sessions help connect researchers, land managers, government agencies and community groups and allow a platform to share stories.

The seminars are free and anyone with an interest is welcome to join in. The 2021 seminars will be held online.


To find out more, please click here.

The next SWIFT seminar listed for 2021:


Crossings for wildlife - 20 May
With an increased human footprint in our environment we will look at ways in which we can assist the movement of wildlife across roads, farmlands and within waterways.
 


Landcare Victoria Inc. Annual General Meeting

The 2021 Annual General Meeting of Landcare Victoria Inc. will be held on 21 May 2021 (other details to follow). Information about the AGM was circulated to member groups last week and is available on the Landcare Gateway, including an advance notice and call for nominations.
 



Grey Box Communities - Paddock Trees; Prime Real Estate

South West Goulburn Landcare are presenting an informative discussion on paddock trees and their significance as habitat trees. Ron Litjens will discuss the importance of paddock trees, who/what is using them and how we can protect them for the future.

This workshop will be held on 29 May from 10am to 12:30pm and registrations can be made here.

 


 
 

2021 National Landcare Conference
Early Bird Tickets Now On Sale!

The National Landcare Conference attracts delegates from around the world, and from rural, regional and urban communities in Australia - all with a common purpose: a vision to actively restore and protect the environment in their local community through sustainable land management and conservation activities. Due to COVID-19, we understand that some people may not travel to Sydney this year - so we will bring the conference to you! You can register as an in-person delegate attending the conference or as an online delegate (free registration). Early Bird tickets offering a substantial discount for in-person on sale until May 1, 2021. 
 
REGISTER HERE
 

Landcare Stories





Summer 2021 issue of Victorian Landcare magazine is available online
 


The Summer 2021 issue (#80) of the Victorian Landcare magazine has a focus on small farms and food production and is a great read!

To access the magazine online, please click the following link  Summer 2021 issue Victorian Landcare magazine

 

Landcare Australia – Landcare in Focus Magazine

Landcare in Focus is a full-colour magazine published twice a year and includes case studies and science-based articles focused on innovation in agricultural land management, excellence in sustainable farming, revegetation and habitat restoration, protection of waterways, community participation in Landcare projects including conservation and sustainable land management.

Click here to read the November 2020 issue of Landcare in Focus. 

To subscribe to the digital version of the Landcare in Focus magazine click here.

Content Submissions for Landcare in Focus

Submissions are welcomed from the Landcare community.  
For more information and submission guidelines, please click here.

Contact the editorial team with your article or idea by emailing digital@landcareaustralia.com.au

 

Landcare Group/Network News

Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network -
https://www.landcarevic.org.au/groups/portphillipwesternport/udcln/

Upper Deep Creek Landcare Facebook Page - 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community/Deep-Creek-Landcare-Lancefield-Romsey-Monegetta-1684279505119772/ 

Newham and District Landcare Group’s Newsletters - https://newhamlandcare.info/newsletters/
 
Riddells Creek Landcare - http://www.riddellscreeklandcare.org.au/
 
Jacksons Creek EcoNetwork - http://www.jcen.org.au/news
 
Deep Creek Landcare Group - http://www.deepcreeklandcare.org.au/news

 

Grants 



Electric Fencing Grants

Gallagher and Landcare Australia are offering the 2021 Gallagher Landcare Electric Fencing Grants. A total pool of $100,000 (ex-GST) of support is available for up to 12 groups or individuals to receive a 2021 Gallagher Landcare Electric Fencing Grant. Eligible applicants are invited to apply for an individual electric fencing project grant for up to $8,000 (ex-GST) for fencing materials – with costs to be determined in consultation with your local Gallagher Territory Manager. 

Grant submissions close on Friday 9 April 2021.

Click here to read more.

 
 

2021 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Landcare Australia are partnering for a fourth year to fund the 2021 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants for schools, kindergartens, childcare centres, Scouts, Girl Guides and youth groups. Grants are available for projects focusing on improving biodiversity, habitat restoration, environmental education and can be either direct-action projects (with an on-ground component) or indirect action projects (with an education component) or a mixture of both.

Information can be found on the FAQs page and other enquiries can be emailed to the grants team at grants@landcareaustralia.com.au 

For guidelines and criteria or to apply for a grant please click here

Applications close at 3pm on 30 April.
 


Farm Safety Rebate Scheme

The Victorian Government (through Agriculture Victoria) has provided an opportunity to improve safety outcomes on farms with the establishment of the Farm Safety Rebate Scheme. Rebates of up to $5,000 excluding GST are available with at least 50% co-contribution to assist eligible farm businesses within Victoria to invest in infrastructure and equipment to improve safety for farming families, workers and visitors to Victorian farms.
Applications open 25 February 2021 and close on 31 December 2021. Rebates are available until the closing date or when program funds are fully allocated, whichever is sooner. 


Click here to access the Rebate Scheme website.
 

Melbourne Water's Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways –  applications open 

Under the Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways program all activities funded under the Corridors of
Green and Community Grant Programs continue to be funded, with the increased flexibility of allowing you to apply and then start your activity at any time during the year.

Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways has a strong focus on innovation, liveability and collaboration across all areas of water management. It offers a flexible application process that allows you to apply for an incentive at any time during the year.

For Guidelines and more information on the Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways program:
go to:
  https://www.melbournewater.com.au/water-data-and-education/get-involved/apply-funding/LCLW-program

If you have not been part of the Melbourne Water incentives programs and would like to learn more, please
contact: incentives@melbournewater.com.au

 

Melbourne Water’s Stream Frontage Management Program

Melbourne Water’s Stream Frontage Management Program is for landowners with river or creek frontage who may be eligible for funding to help them manage their waterways. The program supports works that protect or enhance riverbanks, including revegetation, fencing and weed control.

Applicants can continue to apply for funding through the Stream Frontage Management Program until late 2021.

Click here for more information & to apply


 

Melbourne Water’s Rural Land Program

Melbourne Water’s Rural Land Program provides assistance and funding opportunities for landholders to undertake works that will keep soil and nutrients on their farm and out of waterways

Applicants can continue to apply for funding through the Rural Land Program until late 2021.

Click here for more information & to apply

 

Tips for Grant Applications

https://creative.vic.gov.au/showcase/top-tips-for-grant-applications
 
https://www.vic.gov.au/how-write-good-grant-application
 
https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/information-applicants/what-makes-good-grant-application

 

Landmate


Landmate crews now available!

After the suspension of the Landmate program in 2020 due to COVID-19, crews across the state are back.

Extra planning is required to ensure we stay COVIDSafe, and the Landmate team is working through these requirements.

Landmate works in partnership with environmental organisations to provide low cost labour on eligible projects throughout regional areas in Victoria. The service is delivered by Corrections Victoria.

If you have any environment projects needing Landmate crews, please do not hesitate to contact your local sites or Matthew.Menhennet@justice.vic.gov.au.Landmate program


Learn more about Landmate's projects

Online Training & Workshops



Grant Writing Training

Coastcare Victoria are delivering a series of free online workshops to our volunteer groups and organisations to assist you with planning projects and writing grant applications. Below is a form to register your interest in attending the Grant Writing workshop. Following this registration, you will receive further details on your selected workshop/s, including an MS Teams invite and instructions on how to join.

To register, click here.

 

Equiculture Online Course

Equiculture – short for equine permaculture – is a holistic horse property management program. This online course delivered by international renowned equiculture experts, Jane and Stuart Myers, encompasses sustainable farm and pasture management techniques designed with equine welfare and natural behaviour in mind.

The program is delivered digitally, with participants able to learn at their own pace.


Fifteen modules teach participants all about healthy soil and pasture, managing weeds, mud and erosion, property design and layouts as well as managing optimal equine health.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Melbourne Water are offering a $100 course discount for horse owners in the Macedon Ranges Shire which, makes the final cost $25. 


For more information click here

 

Landcare & Other Resources


Growing Carbon - Opportunities for Landholders

The Port Phillip and Westernport CMA (PPWCMA) is partnering with Yarra Valley Water, Melbourne Water and City West Water to deliver local revegetation projects that will provide carbon offsets for the water corporations, as well as other local environmental and social benefits.

The project will benefit landowners through improved biodiversity, healthier soils, building drought resilllience and water efficiency and improved aesthetics on their properties.

PPWCMA are seeking expressions of interest from landowners who are interested in supporting carbon planting projects on their properties. A link to the Growing Carbon Landowner fact sheet can be found here.


More information can be found at Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority | Growing Carbon (ppwcma.vic.gov.au)

 



Revegetation Plant Provenance Information Sheet


The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning  has released the Biodiversity Revegetation with Provenance Mixing for Climate Change Information Sheet that outlines the benefits, risks, and method for including climate-adjusted provenances within biodiversity plantings.

Click here for Biodiversity Revegetation with Provenance Mixing for Climate Change Information Sheet

 

Deer Control Strategy for Victoria

The Victorian Government has launched the Victorian Deer Control Strategy, Victoria’s first-ever deer management strategy. 
The strategy sets out a coordinated plan to control wild deer numbers and reduce the threat they pose to the environment, farming, public safety, and Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The strategy is being kick-started with a $1 million investment to manage the growing problem of deer in the outer northern and eastern suburbs of Melbourne through an outer suburban management plan that will be developed in partnership with local councils, Parks Victoria, and Traditional Owners. 

Click here for the Deer Control Strategy and for more information 

 

Farm Table AgLibrary

The Farm Table AgLibrary provides a one-stop online farming resource hub for the Australian agricultural industry. Containing pre-populated information toolkits, farmers from all across Australia and across different industry specialisations can browse relevant content from their desktop, phone or tablet.

"The Farm Table saves so much time; to have all the information in one reputable place and to know where to start looking rather than endless searching is an asset to the whole sector." - Aimee Snowden, Farmer, Tocumwal 

Click here to check out the Farm Table AgLibrary.

 

Ten Ways to Enhance Natural Assets on Farms

ANU’s Sustainable Farms initiative have released their newest publication Ten ways to improve the natural assets on a farm. The book highlights ten discrete projects that farmers can undertake to improve the health of natural assets on farms, such as dams, shelterbelts or riparian areas. Ten Ways shows how one small change on a farm can create new habitat for native animals while also leading to increased stock productivity, these changes don't have to be onerous or expensive - simply fencing a paddock tree or rocky outcrop can help protect these sensitive assets for the future.

The booklet is underpinned by two decades of biodiversity research on farms and represents the long term knowledge collaboration between farmers undertaking changes to their management practices, and ANU ecologists, based in regional areas, who have been supporting farmers' observations with science.

Click here for a digital version of the booklet

To find out where to collect a copy in your local area, or to request a hard copy please click here.

 

Resources on Victorian Landcare Gateway

The Victorian Landcare Gateway offers a vast array of useful and relevant resources to Landcarers - individuals, groups and networks where you can search for resources by focus area, Landcare audience or a general search.

Click here to find Landcare Resources 

 

Interesting Articles/Reads & Activities 


Creek Stories


The Project, Creek Stories tells the stories of our creeks, and the people looking after them.

We often forget creeks. We know the roads and the towns, and can see the hills and ranges, but the creeks get lost in the landscape.

The creeks are there though, following the fall of the land, and sculpting it over millennia. Their condition is a litmus test of how we care for the land - if the land is in good condition, the creeks will be happy and healthy.

Creek Stories is a project of the community environment groups of Gisborne, Riddells Creek and Macedon, managed by Riddells Creek Landcare, with funding from Macedon Ranges Shire Council, plus lots of volunteer time. All the creeks profiled here are at the top of the Maribyrnong River, mostly in the Jacksons Creek Catchment, and one in the Deep Creek catchment.​

For people new to the area, this is an introduction to creeks. For people who have lived here a while, this is a chance to meet some of the people looking after the creeks in our bit of country.​

Click here to read the stories and for more information
 


                       
                          


Junior Landcare’s Learning Centre - Learning Activities for Children of all Ages
 
Junior Landcare’s new Learning Centre has learning activities developed by education professionals to help children be aware, empowered and active in caring for their local environment.

The Learning Centre has activity sheets available on Landcare Australia's website, there are currently 19 activities for educators and groups of Junior Landcare. These activities include 30-minute activities aligned to the school curriculum, Step-by-step instructions with background information, useful links and resources for further information, did you know? Section with useful tips and you can share your experiences with the online Junior Landcare community.


Click here to access these activity sheets 


What's Happening in the Habitat?

A wonderful activity for little (and big) kids to investigate which animals share their habitat with people in your community.

To access this activity and it's resources, click here.

 

Victorian National Parks Association: Nature at Home

The Victorian National Parks Association has produced some activities, ideas and resources to help you connect with and care for nature while staying at home.

Click here to view these activities and resources 

 

Other Environmental Organisations’ News




Macedon Ranges Shire Council - Environmental Events: https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Live-Work/Environment/Environment-Groups-Events/Environment-Events

Hume City Council – Workshops & Events: https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Waste_amp_Environment/Environment/Live_Green_-_Get_Involved


Mitchell Shire Council - natural environment https://www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/services/protecting-our-natural-environment  

Port Phillip & Westernport CMA - News:https://www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au/news/

Port Phillip & Westernport CMA - Events: https://www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au/events/

Melbourne Water - News: https://www.melbournewater.com.au/what-we-are-doing/news

Melbourne Water - Events: https://www.melbournewater.com.au/what-we-are-doing/events

Landcare Australia -Landcare In Focus: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/resources/publications/landcare-in-focus/

Agriculture Victoria Newsletters: 
Newsletters | Support and resources | Agriculture Victoria

Connecting Country News:  https://connectingcountry.org.au/news-events/

Landcare Victoria Inc.’s News:  LVI News - March 2021 - Landcare Victoria Incorporated (LVI)




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Past issues of the Landcare eNews

If you would like to read previous months issues of the UDCLN Landcare eNews you can find them on the Upper Deep Creek Landcare Networks page on the Landcare Gateway.

Click here to read a past issue of the Landcare eNews
 

Share your stories, news or photos!

If you would like to share photos, events, updates and projects through eNews. Please email through your submissions to udc.landcare.facilitator@gmail.com

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Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network, 2020


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