Posted 17/8/11

 

FriendsNet

 

Victorian Environmental Friends Network 

 

Events, Activities, Information, Awards (See also FriendsNET August 2011 Newsletter)

 

Box Ironbark Woodland: How much fire is enough?

6.30pm soup, 7pm start Thursday 25 August 2011

Campbells Creek Community Centre.

 

Land managers of Box-Ironbark forests today have the difficult role of protecting plant and animal life as well as people and property. Doing this well depends on detailed knowledge of the bush which is often lacking.  Arn Tolsma, Senior Scientist in Community Ecology from the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research will explore what we know about the fire history of the local area, both Aboriginal and European.  Join Connecting Country for an interesting evening, and a nice feed of locally-sourced produce.

RSVP essential. Free entry and supper.

 

Information: Krista Patterson-Majoor krista@connectingcountry.org.au 5472 1594

 

Regent Honeyeater Project - 2011 planting weekends

 

Saturday and Sunday, 20 & 21 August 2011
Saturday and Sunday, 3 & 4 September 2011
Saturday and Sunday, 17 & 18 September 2011

 

In the Benalla area.

 

Information: "Ray Thomas For The Regent Honeyeater" raydavidthomas@hotmail.com 5761 1515 http://www.regent.org.au

 

Whitehorse Community Indigenous Plants Project (WCIPP)

Friday visits to Parklands: These visits take place on the last Friday of every second month.

 

 26 August 2011 Yarran Dheran, Ashburton Drive, Mitcham (Visitor Centre) Melway 49B6
 28 October 2011 Cootamundra Walk, Bell Street, Blackburn Melway 48A8

 

We look at how plant communities exist naturally and identify plants. We collect plant parts for propagation, where appropriate. We weed as we walk and also pick up rubbish (bring plastic bags).

 

Meet at 10:00am at the nominated reserve. Morning tea concludes the activity at around midday.

 

Information: Nursery Co-ordinator, Liz Henry 9890 4542.

 

Grampians Wildlife Arts Festival

Tuesday 30 August to Sunday 4 September 2011

 

Presented by Grampians Wildlife Arts Society, Halls Gap

 

The Grampians Wildlife Arts Festival is a workshop-based event for artists and lovers of art to experience and study Australia’s unique environment, its plants and inhabitants with unprecedented intimacy.

 

Visit www.gwas.org.au for details or LIKE us on Facebook to receive regular updates, information about flora and fauna and special artists’ tips.

 

Broglas - endangered icon of the plains

10am for 10:15am - 3pm Wednesday, 31 August 2011

 

Grimwade Room, South West Healthcare, Hamilton Hwy, Lismore

 

Learn about the endangered brolga and how you can help. Find out what they need to survive and hatch chicks. Hear expert speakers, plus look for brolgas in the wild.

 

Speakers

Free but Limited places. Lunch provided. RSVP required.

 

Register by Thursday 25 August - don't forget raincoat, sturdy shoes, binoculars

 

Information: Anna, Greening Australia 5231 6913 acarrucan@gavic.org.au

 

14th Annual Wimmera Biodiversity Seminar - Biodiversity Conservation: Past, Present and Future

8.45am Thursday, 1 September 2011

 

Natimuk Soldiers Memorial Hall.

 

Focusing on changing aspects and trends in conservation including technologies, priorities, policy, management, etc; and as usual will include an impressive list of speakers, meals, tour, exhibits etc.

 

Registration closes Friday 26 August 2011. Forms available from adamb@tfn.org.au

 

Early Information: 5362 0792

 

14th VEFN Biennial Conference "A Golden Opportunity: Friends Groups and Landcare together"

Friday to Sunday, 2-4 September 2011

 

Campaspe Downs (just outside Kyneton)

 

2011 marks the 25th Anniversary of Landcare. This has prompted the theme of this year’s Biennial VEFN Conference where we will be finding out more about the Landcare movement and how Friends Groups can cooperate with Landcare Groups to deliver better environmental outcomes and provide mutual support. Recent changes to the legal responsibilities of volunteer groups and how they affect Friends will also be explored.

 

In addition, there will be the usual features: Best Friend Award, 'Around the Groups' and visits with local Friends Groups and, the best part, a chance to 'chew the fat' with other Friends!

 

Information: see articles in the attached FriendsNET

 

Australian Native Plant Sale - Berwick

9am - 5pm Saturday, 3 September 2011

 

Wilson Botanic Park, 668 Princes Hwy Berwick

 

See a wide variety of native plant stalls, food stalls, kids craft activities, a specialist book stall, native flower display, raffles and a guessing competition. All visitors receive a free tubestock plant.

 

Information: Joy Buck 5998 7608

 

Environmental Panel Discussion - Croydon

7.30pm Wednesday, 7 September 2011

 

Yarrunga Community Centre, Croydon Hills Dr Croydon.

 

The panel will consists of Hon Ryan Smith, State Minister for the Environment & Climate Change, Sue Hendy, CEO Council for the Ageing, a Maroondah Council  representative & a local community environmental advocate to talk about our most pressing environmental issues.

 

No Charge.  Booking essential, 9722 8942 or info@yarrunga.org.au

 

Manningham Environment Seminar

7.30pm Wednesday, 7 September 2011

 

Invertebrate Diversity in Tree Canopies

 

Anna Burns, Monash University, will discuss her PhD research about the diversity and distribution of herbivorous insects and spiders on box mistletoe (Amyema miquelii) and its host Eucalyptus trees. While Mistletoes provide a range of resources and habitat for many animals, the interactions between invertebrates and mistletoes have to date received little attention.

 

Warrandyte Community Centre, 168 Yarra St Warrandyte 3113 Melways 23F11

 

Information: 9840 9124

 

You, Me and Biodiversity Lecture: Wombat Forestcare

1.30 - 3.30pm Saturday, 10 September 2001

 

Orchids - the hidden forest beauty

 

Daylesford Neighbourhood House, 13 Camp St, Daylesford.

 

Dedicated conservationist and photographer, Cathy Powers will introduce the great variety of native orchid species, their wonderful colours and their adaptations to attract pollinators.

 

Cathy is President of the Australian Plants Society Victoria, a member of the Friends of the Brisbane Ranges and a member of the Australasian Native Orchid Society.

 

Cost: $10 attendance fee.

 

Bookings 5348 3569 or Gayle Osborne gayle.osborne@bigpond.com  http://www.wombatforestcare.org.au

 

Australian Plants Expo - Eltham

9am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday, 10 & 11 September 2011

 

801 Main Rd Eltham Melway 21J6

 

Huge display of native flowers. Plant sales, Book sales, Art sales.

 

Information: apsyarrayarra@gmail.com 9439 7228 http://home.vicnet.net.au/~apsyarrayarra

 

14th Mullum Mullum Festival

 

Saturday and Sunday, 10 & 11 September 2011
Saturday and Sunday, 17 & 18 September 2011

 

Maroondah, Whitehorse and Manningham

 

Full Program and Information: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mulfest/Mullum_Mullum_Festival_10-18sep2011.pdf

 

Coastal Weeds and Bird Project - Volunteers needed

 

Over time Australia’s coastal habitats have been altered by weeds, including those introduced ourselves to combat erosion. As a result dune systems are often dominated by Marram grass, Wheat grass, Pyp grass, Sea Spurge, Sea rocket, Boneseed/Bitou Bush or other weed species.

 

University of Melbourne researcher Charlotte Catmur wants to find out more about the impact this is having on native wildlife.

 

 Are birds or insects using weeds for foraging, cover, roosting habitat, etc?

 Are eeds harbouring introduced predators or pests?

 Or are these stands of weeds devoid of life?

 

Charlotte needs your help to find out! If you live in Victoria, SA, WA, NSW or Tasmania it is as simple as contacting her to request an information package:

 

And then step out onto the beach this spring/summer to spot birds in the weeds.

 

Information: Charlotte Catmur catmurc@unimelb.edu.au

 

Peter Marriott's Moths of Victoria 3 is now available

 

Mail orders to:  Ian Endersby, 56 Looker Rd, Montmorency 3094 vicmoth@entsocvic.org.au

 

Kooyoora Wildflower Show

Saturday and Sunday, 17 & 18 September 2011

 

Extensive display of local indigenous flora, complementary displays, guided tours and photo competition.

Rheola Hall, Inglewood-Rheola Road Rheola.

 

Entry: $5 Adult, $10 Family

 

Information: Annette Robertson FoKooyoora billabongs@activ8.net.au 5494 3650

 

One of the events of the Naturally Loddon – A wonderland in Spring Festival

 

For more information on all events http://www.loddon.vic.gov.au

 

ANGAIR Annual Wildflower Weekend and Art Show

Saturday & Sunday, 24 & 25 September 2011 

 

Memorial Hall, 3 McMillan St Anglesea 3230

 

Something for everyone, young and old. On display will be native and indigenous flowers and a variety of indigenous plants, arts and crafts will be for sale.

 

Guided wildflower walks and bus tours, included in the entry fee. Light refreshments available.

 

Details will be posted at http://angair.org.au

 

Information: info@angair.org.au for more information.

 

Australian Native Native Orchid Show - Mt Waverley

9am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday, 24 & 25 September 2011

 

Mount Waverley Community Centre, 47 Miller Cres Mount Waverley Melway 70 E1

 

Australian Native Orchid Society of Victoria showcases our indigenous orchids. See the most diverse and largest collection of Australian terrestrial orchids including rare and endangered species. Includes Photographic and Art Display. Learn about the advanced techniques developed by our members who are acknowledged as leading the world in the conservation of terrestrial orchids.

 

Information: http://www.anosvic.org.au/ANOS_Vic_Spring_Show.html

 

Free Family Fun Nature Day - Castlemaine

11am - 2pm Sunday, 25 September 2011

 

Victory Park, Castlemaine.

 

Connecting Country, Victoria Naturally Alliance and other local environment groups, are very excited to be organizing a large event in Castlemaine to encourage more volunteerism and involvement in Landcare type activities. Mount Alexander Landcare Groups will contribute to a Landcare display highlighting what they are currently doing and how people can get involved.

 

Information: Krista Patterson-Majoor krista@connectingcountry.org.au 5472 1594

 

Sexual Harrassment: From Volunteering Victoria

 

The Equal Opportunity Act.

 

From 1 August 2011 Victorian laws about sexual harassment will extend to include volunteers and volunteering activities. Where previously only paid staff were covered by the law, the change means it will be unlawful to harass a volunteer with unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature, or for a volunteer to harass others. This means the people in charge of volunteers will have a new responsibility under the law to make it clear to all that sexual harassment is not acceptable. Managers and board members can no longer leave it up to individuals to govern their own behaviour – if you do and harassment occurs, you could be prosecuted.

 

Volunteering Victoria recommends all organisations:

 

See: http://www.volunteeringvictoria.org.au

 

Grampians Wildflower Show

9.30am - 4.30pm Thursday to Sunday, 29 September to 2 October 2011

 

Centenary Hall, Grampians Rd, Halls Gap

 

Experience the array of colorful and delicate wildflowers from the Grampians - a region boasting the highest number of endemic wildflower species anywhere in Australia. Get up close and personal with woodland, heathland, wetland and threatened species, ask questions of our local wildflower experts, take part in hands-on activities, and tour the wildflowers and orchids in their natural environment. Kids’ entertainment includes environmental performance troupe ‘The Connies’.

 

Wildflower and orchid tours at 10am and 1pm daily ($4 per person, book on the day, numbers limited).

 

Entry: Adults $7, Children 5-14yo $0.50, Conc $6

 

Information: Margo Sietsma 0429 201 139 http://www.grampianswildflowershow.org.au

 

Annual Friends of Terrick Terrick NP Open Weekend

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 30 September, 1 & 2 October 2011

 

As has been the case for the past five years, this year’s open weekend will be the first weekend of October, from 4pm Friday 30th September to 2pm Sunday 2nd October, even though this year’s AFL grand final is to now to be played o that weekend.

 

Great opportunity to see local grasslands flora and flora with expert interpretation, to assist with some park maintenance, hear great speakers and to enjoy great company.

 

Information: Keith Stockwell stocky@mcmedia.com.au or 5480 9254

 

2011 Fire Awareness Awards

 

Metropolitan Fire & Emergency Services Board, Country Fire Authority and Department of Sustainability and Environment are encouraging nominations for the 2011 Fire Awareness Awards to reward the hard work of individuals, groups and organisations in reducing the incidence and impact of fire in Victoria.

 

Eight main award categories with 15 awards available in total. Also on offer are $10,000 RACV Insurance Fire Innovation Grant and Special Incentive Grants of up to $2,000.

 

If you, or someone you know, has worked on a project that’s contributed to fire safety and awareness – enter now!

 

Entries Close 4pm Friday 30 September 2011 at http://www.fireawarenessawards.com.au

 

Information: Caitlin Barratt 9412 4465 .0457 803 667 fire.awards@dse.vic.gov.au

 

Pomonal Native Flower Show "In Your Backyard"

9.30am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday, 1 & 2 October 2011

 

Pomonal Hall, Ararat-Halls Gap Rd, Pomonal

 

Over 400 spectacular and pretty native flowers from all states of Australia will be on display..

 

 Plant Sale: Large range of native plants, many unusual and rarely available
Flower Sale: Buy a beautiful bunch of native flowers to take home
Book Sale: Heavily discounted natural history and gardening books
Refreshments: Light refreshments, Indian food and local wine tastings

 

Entry: adults $5, children free

 

Information: Linda Handscombe dlhandscombe@bigpond.com 5356 6352 or 0407 700 843

 

Park in the Dark

8pm-9.30pm Friday, 7 October 2011

 

The Boulevard Entrance, Ruffey Lake Park, Doncaster Melways 33F10

 

Friends of Ruffey Lake Park

 

Ever wondered what lies in the dark down at Ruffey Lake Park? It’s more exciting than you could ever have imagined! Free supper provided after the walk.

 

Cost: Free

 

Bring: sturdy shoes, torch and your family/friends!

 

Bookings: Essential, Manningham City Council 9840 9124

 

Platypus Festival

noon - 4pm Saturday, 8th October 2011

 

Toolern Creek, Big Red Reserve, Tamar Drive & Raymond Street, Melton South. Melways 337A12

 

Friends of Toolern Creek are holding their 4th Platypus Festival this year. Local environmental & garden groups, including Melton Environment Group will be participating. This is the leading environmental festival in the region.

 

Information: Lyn Holdsworth 0412 321 848

 

Victorian Malleefowl Recovery Group Training Weekend

from noon Saturday to 1pm Sunday, 8 & 9 October 2011

 

Wonga Campground, Wyperfeld National Park

 

The VMRG cosists of dedicated volunteers who annually monitor malleefowl breeding activity across the Mallee areas of the state. There is now a bank of scientic observation stretching over a period of 12 years. New and intending monitors are always welcome.If you have not been to this weekend before, we would be keen for you to attend.

 

Registration is essential.

 

Information: Peter Stokie pstokie@iprimus.com.au 5229 8648 http://www.malleefowlvictoria.org.au/

 

Support the remaining Leadbeater's Possum survivors

 

Parks Victoria are seeking assistance from Friends of Leadbeater's Possum to s? from the February 2009 bushfire. Their habitat at Lake Mountain was seriously affected - alpine winters and recovering forest still do not provide ample food for remaining possum.

 

Volunteers are required every Wednesday and either Saturday or Sunday on a weekend from now until December during 2011.

 

For more information on what is required and dates available (roster) please visit our webpage: http://leadbeaters.org.au/volunteer/lake-mountain-supplementary-feeding-program/

 

Please register your interest with Volunteer Field Work Co-ordinators: Maureen Cochrane mpwildlifeshelter@hotmail.com 59671639 or 0418 173 164 [Please try Maureen first! ] Rebecca Cochrane 5964 6442 .0417 113 077

 

Brisbane Ranges Wildflower Show

Showcasing Victoria’s Wildflowers 

 

Anakie Hall, Staughton Vale Rd, Anakie.

 

Entry: gold coin donation.

 

Online booking will be open from 1 August 2011

 

Information: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~fobr/wildflowershow 5366 0000 friends_br@yahoo.com.au

 

Discover Moths at Long Hollow with Peter Mariott

6.30pm for 7pm start. Thursday, 20 October 2011

Long Hollow Heathland, Beaumaris

 

Maroondah Festival

Sunday, 6 November 2011

 

57-69 Merrill Cres Warranwood 3134 Melways 36D9
Maroondah Bushlinks and CRISP Nursery will have displays in the Council’s Bush Management’s marquee

 

Information: 9876 3094 MarBushOz@hotmail.com

 

2011 Grassland Management Conference

Thursday and Friday, 10 & 11th November 2011

 

Wyndham City, will be hosting a grassland management conference, an event which aims to improve grassy ecosystems by creating an informed and coordinated approach to management. The conference will bring together a range of experts, project officers and representatives from agencies and organisations who have a focus on grassland management and conservation. This is an opportunity for those managing biodiversity in the plains to share research and techniques, create networks and to enhance their grassland management knowledge.

 

Information: http://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/environment/environmentsustainability/eventsprograms/events/grasslandsconference

 

Spring Wildflower Walk

Sunday, 27 November 2011

 

Friends of South Surrey Park (Surrey Hills) will be conducting their Annual Wildflower Walk again this year.

 

Information: Philip Crohn 9836 3329 philcrohn@ozemail.com.au