http://www.savewater.com.au/index.php?sectionid=675

You don’t get the chance to bask in the sun often but it’s good when you can!! Click the link for details

Bring the rain on to fill those tanks

Jason Summers
Open Space Coordinator
Hume City Council
PO Box 119 Dallas Vic 3047
Ph 92052387  Mob 0411739010
Fax 92012974
Email jasons@...

Interested in Tree management why not join the Basalt Plains Urban Forest group at http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/BPUFG/

Interested in Natural Landscape management why not join Bush regenrators at http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/LGBRVIC/

To all and sundry

Have a great Christmas and a safe happy New Year.

Jason Summers
Open Space Coordinator
Hume City Council
PO Box 119 Dallas Vic 3047
Ph 92052387  Mob 0411739010
Fax 92012974
Email jasons@...

Hi Sam

I have been involved in rabbit and fox control in residential areas including Keilor, Sunbury, Westmeadows and Taylors Lakes. My main experience is in using Pindone for rabbits, sometimes within bait stations other times trail feeding in more out of the way areas. We have always informed all residents via letter box drops articles in the local papers and contacted all the local vets to ensure that Vitamin K (the andidote) is in good supply and to be on the look out for pets showing symptoms of Pindone poisoning. I have had one dog showing symptoms in over 10 years of doing this work. We dropped him to a vet who fixed him up in five minutes. I think he ate a poisoned rabbit from within a warren. He was a small foxy he survived ok and was reunited with his owner. 99% of rabbits die in the warrens from Pindone we normally get the contractor or crew to sweep the are for any rabbits that do rarely die out in the open.

Good contractors are hard to find if you call me I can put you in touch with a few. I find that baiting with pindone then I usually have two free feeds then at least three to up to five poison feeds to ensure all the population are killed. Monitoring the bait left after each feed gives you a good indication of how things are travelling. Where we have had good bait uptake the response from the vegetation is significant especially palatable species such as She oaks etc. The weeds also respond well to less grazing. It is not until you get them under control do you realise the full impact they have on the ecosystem.

Foxes I have only really been involved in live trapping with good success with the right contractors.

Happy to chat about anything I have mentioned

Thanks

http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Files/PD-PH078.pdf

A job as the bush crew team leader will be advertised this weekend in the Age if you know anyone interested please forward the link to the PD onto them.

Thanks

Jason Summers
Open Space Coordinator
Hume City Council
PO Box 119 Dallas Vic 3047
Ph 92052387  Mob 0411739010
Fax 92012974
Email jasons@...

A flyer for a rangers training session you may be interested in attending.

Thanks

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You may be right but it stops SPAM and junk mail entering the group. Anyway if you don’t try you will never know.

Hi all,

I have put a link to this website in the new VRA site which you can
check out at:

http://www.victorianrangers.org.au/Links.htm

This is an effort to get people from this group interested in the VRA
and vice versa.

Jason, I have emailed a few people that belong to friends groups down
here in Frankston to let them know of this site. I think that the whole
Yahoo Id process is putting a few people off.

Anyway, must keep trying.

I do know Fiona and think that membership in this group would benefit all I plan to try to email all the participants of the seminar held at Hume next week I can include in the email a link to this group.

We will see what that will do

Hi everyone,
 
I attended a meeting of the Victorian Rangers Association today and
it was conveyed to me that the association is extremelly keen in
getting members from other organisations other than Parks Victoria.
 
Just like I used to,  you probably think that your job title would
not allow you to become a member, but this is not true. To become a
member you have to work in a field delivery role for Victorian
organizations that have natural and cultural resource conservation
as their main focus. is this now starting to sound like you?
 
If you do become a member, you become part of an international
community with benefits like free entry to most National Parks,
discounts of 10 to 15% at places like Aussie Disposals and Mountain
designs.
 
They also organise professional development days, with one coming up
around December at Phillip Island running over two days and focusing
on fox management and bird rescue.
 
The association can also help you by writing supporting letters to
your proposals for your place of employment where appropriate.
 
It's a great way of keeping in touch with other people that face
similar issues to you, much like this forum is trying to do.
 
Jason, I believe that you know Fiona Smith, the President of the
association, or at least she knows you. I'm not sure how we could do
it, but I think it would be great to link these two groups somehow.
Have you any ideas?
 
If anyone wants to check it out further:
http://www.ranger.org.au/vra.htm is the website.

Dear group members, landcarers, councillors, and staff working on environment-related issues across Maribyrnong and Werribee catchments

The 11 award winners for the 2006 Port Phillip & Western Port Landcare Awards were announced at the regional Landcare Celebration function at Federation Square on Saturday.

2006 Port Phillip and Western Port Regional Landcare Awards
Winners

Caring for Waterways                                            
Winner: Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek                              

Caring for Nature                                                            
Winner: Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater                        

Indigenous Community Caring for Land                          
Winner: Worawa Aboriginal College                            

Individual Caring for Private Land                                
Winner:  Rosemary Knox                                                      

Primary Producer Caring for Land                                
Winner:  Graham Simpson                                              

Community Group Caring for Private Land              
Winner:  Newham & District Landcare Group          

Caring for Community Groups                                  
Winner:   Ray Radford                                                    

Individual Caring for Public Land                                
Winner: Pat Liffman                                                              

Community Group Caring for Public Land                    
Winner:   Darebin Parklands Association                      

Local Government Caring for Land                          
Winner:  Hume City Council                                      

Young People Caring for Land                                  
Winner: Balnarring Primary School Balbirooroo Community Wetlands

---------------------------------------------------------------

The 2006 PPW Regional Landcare Awards included 11 categories, and a total of 58 nominations were received. Five separate judging panels were established to assess these nominations. Thank you to all the judges for their efforts in determining winners for each category, which in some cases was evidently not an easy task. I would also like to congratulate all those who were nominated for an award for their outstanding efforts, and special congratulations go to the winners from each award category.

The 11 winners from each award category were each given a framed certificate. The certificate frames are individually handcrafted from recycled and/or reclaimed timber by a local furniture maker. The winners from each category received a cash prize of $400. The winner from each category will be automatically (with their approval) entered into the same category at the 2007 Victorian landcare Landcare Awards.

Some details about each award category, including a few dots points from the awards presentation on each of the winners, is below.  

Caring for Waterways                                          
This award is made to a community organisation, person or group who has made a significant contribution to the sustainable management, rehabilitation and conservation of a waterway ecosystem (ie river, stream, creek or wetland)
The nominees were:                                                                
§        Jim Sansom, Newham and District Landcare Group
§        Rushing Waters, East Moorabool Landcare Group
§        Michael Anderson, Main Creek Catchment Landcare Group
§        Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek Inc
§        Werribee River Association
Winner: Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek                              
§        established in 2001 to work on Kororoit Creek, and now has membership of over 90.
§        Keeps supporters involved and promotes activities through their website and newsletter
§        Uses plans and a Concept Map to guide activities along the creek such as planting
§        Is active in lobbying for a Strategic plan for the creek
§        Have planted over 20,000 indigenous plants, and are involved in pollution issues, increasing biodiversity, numerous activity days, working with industry, agencies and government, business, schools…and more
** Judges special commendation: The judges made a special acknowledgement for Jim Sansom, Founding President of Newham and District Landcare Group.  Jim has inspired many people in the community to become actively involved in Caring for Waterways in his region and we wish to recognise this outstanding contribution.

Caring for Nature                                                            
This award is made to a community organisation, a group or a person for excellence and innovation in implementing nature conservation activities on land outside formal parks and reserves.
The nominees:                                                                        
§        Ethel Tenby, Silverleaves Conservation Association
§        Joan Brunt, East Moorabool Landcare Group
§        Daniel Brindley, Main Creek Catchment Landcare Group
§        Toolern Vale Landcare Group
§        Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater
§        Michael Anderson, Main Creek Catchment Landcare Group
Winner: Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater                        
The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater were formed in 1989 and their focus of work is the swampland of Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve, 50km east of Melbourne
§        The group now has a membership of 200
§        Ambitious aims to protect the helmeted honeyeater as well as other threatened species
§        Well planned works and have established strategic links with others
§        Involved in the development of a Biodiversity Action Plan for the region
§        The group also runs an indigenous nursery, and so far have propagated some 350,000 plants
§        Published educational material, a website and have many awareness raising activities

Indigenous Community Caring for Land                          
This award is made to an indigenous community group that has adopted sound land management practices on public or private land, is working towards culturally sustainable land use and/or protecting and enhancing an area on behalf of the community.
The nominees:                                                                  
§        Worawa Aboriginal College
§        Weeroona Cemetery Committee of Management
§        Too-Rong Aboriginal Corporation Community Development Program
Winner: Worawa Aboriginal College                            
Worawa College, located near Healesville, is Victoria's only registered Independent Aboriginal College.The college has:
§        Prepared a long-term Property Management Plan based upon sustainable land use, cultural development, and improved habitat and biodiversity.
§        Planted for revegetation in accordance with the appropriate Ecological Vegetation Communities
§        Catered for environmentally sustainable economic activities on the property
§        Has incorporated the management of threatening process on the land with adjoining land owners, and
§        Has designated areas that will focus on cultural development & environmental education for students and interested members of the community.

Individual Caring for Private Land                                
This award is made to an individual working primarily on private land, and who carries out and promotes caring for our catchments through on-ground and awareness raising activities, as a volunteer.
The nominees:                                                                        
§        Meinhard Holz, Secretary & Facilitator, Cardinia Hills Landcare Group
§        Rosemary Knox, Member, Loch/Nyora Landcare Group
§        Joan Brunt, Member, East Moorabool Landcare Group
§        Mr & Mrs Morton, Members, Pentland Hills Landcare Group
Winner:  Rosemary Knox                                                        
Rosemary Knox has:
§        A 270 acre cattle farm in Loch, Gippsland, has completed15 Landcare projects over the past 20 years, an average of 500 trees per project
§        Created shelter belts and wildlife corridors, has controlled weeds and ameliorated erosion and has protected 14 acres of remnant bushland on the property
§        Involved in regular promotion of Landcare to the wider community
§        Significant contribution to the Loch/Nyora Landcare Group Committee active member for 20 years                                                                  ** Acknowledgement of outstanding contribution The judges also recognised the outstanding contribution made by Mienhard Holz, for his tireless work in the community on both private and public land. Meinhard passed away earlier this year and will be greatly missed by many people in the community. He was a local hero and a founder of the Cardinia Hills Landcare Group, and he assisted many landholders in battling weeds in the Cardinia Shire.  The judges took the opportunity to acknowledge his commitment to the community and the environment, and pay our respects to Meinhard and his family today.

Primary Producer Caring for Land                                
This award is made to a primary producer who has made significant contributions to caring for our catchments, shown thorough sound land management practices and sustainable productivity.
The nominees:                                                                      
§        Bob Gray, Member, Triholm Landcare Group
§        Mr & Mrs Noxon, Members, Main Creek Catchment Landcare Group
§        Graham Simpson, Member, Rowsley Landcare Group & Grow West
Winner:  Graham Simpson                                              
Graham Simpson has:
§        A 857ha mixed farm, near Bacchus Marsh, that ahs been used as a demonstration site of sustainable land management in the west
§        An active member of groups such as Rowsley Valley Landcare Group and Grow West
§        Significant contribution to research and control of rabbits
§        A leader in the eradication of weeds, and water saving practices in the community
§        Protected 68ha of remnant forest on the property
§        Has undertaken revegetation to reduce erosion, protect soil and enhance biodiversity

Community Group Caring for Private Land            
This award is made to a community group actively caring for our catchments primarily on private land, through adoption of sound land management practices.  The group is working towards sustainable land use and protection or enhancement of an area on behalf of the wider community.
The nominees:                                                                
§        Newham and District Landcare Group
§        Merriang District Landcare Group
§        French Island Landcare Group
Winner:  Newham & District Landcare Group          
§        Newham and District Landcare Group was formed in 2004, in the upper Maribyrnong catchment at the top of the Deep Creek, near Hanging Rock
§        membership already includes 58 households
§        Funding of over $150,000 secured so far
§        Has developed a vision for the district – connected corridors of vegetation along waterways
§        Action plans have been developed
§        25 property owners have participated in a Property Planning course
§        Other activities of the group include; Deep Creek works, Campaspe-Maribyrnong Headwaters Biolink, roadside vegetation managment, seed collection & propagation, weed control, information sessions

Caring for Community Groups                                  
This award is made to a community member, coordinator or facilitator who is effectively providing support and capacity building for two or more volunteer-based community environment groups (eg Landcare, Friends of groups, Waterwatch, etc.) in the region.
The nominees:                                                                    
§        Michelle Gooding, Hobsons Bay City Council
§        Ray Radford, Friends of Merri Creek
§        Mienhard Holz, Cardinia Hills Landcare Group
§        Wayne Stephenson, SAGES, University of Melbourne
Winner:   Ray Radford                                                  
Ray has:
§        Been a volunteer with many community organisations since the 1970's
§        More than 15 years with Friends of Merri Creek and an Honorary Member since 2000
§        An active campaigner for a range of issues that have resulted in the protection and enhancement of the environment for the community
§        Contributes to many planting days, seed collecting and weed working bees

Individual Caring for Public Land                                
This award is made to an individual working primarily on public land, and who carries out and promotes the caring for our catchments through on-ground and/or awareness raising activities, as a volunteer.
The nominees:                                                                        
§        Peter Gurney, Landcare Coordinator, Bend of Islands Conservation Association
§        Pat Liffman, Secretary, Blackwood Barrys Reef Landcare Group
§        Alison Kuiter, Kananook Creek Association
§        Lyn Hovey, President, Greening of Riddell & Riddells Landcare Group
Winner: Pat Liffman                                                              
Pat has:
§        A history of working for the community for recognition, funding and action on a range of land issues, particularly weeds, in the Barrys Reef and Blackwood area
§        A major contributor as Convenor of the successful Pest Plants and Animals Working Group for the Wombat State Forest Project
§        Countless volunteer hours & energy towards working bees, raising awareness of environmental issues in the community, weed mapping and as an environmental advocate

Community Group Caring for Public Land                    
This award is made to a community group actively caring for our catchments primarily on public land, through adoption of sound land management practices.  The group is working towards sustainable land use and/or protection or enhancement of an area on behalf of the wider community.
The nominees:                                                                        
§        Narre Warren South Friends of River Gum Creek Reserve
§        Coimadai Primary School
§        Friends of Wilson Reserve
§        Friends of George Street Reserve & Urban Forest
§        East Moorabool Landcare Group
§        Darebin Parklands Association
§        Greening of Riddell
§        Werribee River Association
§        French Island Landcare Group
§        Friends of Westona Wetlands
§        Corinella Foreshore Reserve Committee of Management
§        Friends of the Maribyrnong Valley
§        AGRA Drills Land Committee
§        Brunswick South-West Planters
Winner:   Darebin Parklands Association                      
This group has:
§        Transformed the Northcote Tip in Melbourne's inner north-east to create the Darebin Parklands over 30 yrs
§        A range of activities to create and enhance the bushland along the Darebin Creek including responsible cat ownership campaigns and a pollution hotline to report dumping and spills along the creek
§        Development of long term projects and action plans to ensure the effectiveness of the group

Local Government Caring for Land                          
This award is made to a local government organisation for excellence in preserving and managing its local environment, encouraging a landcaring ethic and action in the local community, as well as cooperation with neighbouring councils and landholders
The nominees:                                                                
§        Wyndham City Council
§        Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
§        Hume City Council
§        City of Whitehorse
§        Moorabool Shire Council
§        Bass Coast Shire Council
Winner:  Hume City Council                                      
Hume City Council has:
§        A comprehensive environment program across council, including a rebate and incentive scheme for landholders, investing over $3million per annum in a range of programs
§        Tracking environmental condition and reporting to residents through their State of Environment Report
§        Keeping residents informed and aware of environmental issues through newsletters, local newspapers
§        Supporting many groups, schools and agencies in on-ground works

Young People Caring for Land                                  
This award is made to a primary school, secondary school or youth group, either as a whole or as a unit, class or special group. The award is for the school or group's contribution to raising awareness, knowledge and understanding of caring for land amongst students and/or the community, and for implementing caring for land practices on its own property or within the local community.
The nominees:                                                                  
§        Bell Primary School
§        Balnarring Primary School Balbirooroo Community Wetlands
§        Coimadai Primary School
§        Romsey Primary School
§        Badger Creek Junior Landcare Group
§        Footscray City College
Winner: Balnarring Primary School Balbirooroo Community Wetlands
§        The Parents, teachers and community members  in Balnarring, formed a committee 13 years ago to manage a site adjacent to the school
§        Revegetation of the site with over 140,000 indigenous plants
§        Creation of a community wetlands including boardwalks and walking tracks, observation platforms and an information booklet that assist in raising awareness and appreciation of the environment
§        Many school projects that give the students a 'hands on' experience and an opportunity to learn about such things as water quality, frogs, invertebrates, planting and birdwatching
§        The group offers regular activities open to the broader community

Thank you to those were able to attend 2006 Port Phillip & Western Port Landcare Awards Celebration function at Federation Square on Saturday. I hope that you had an enjoyable day.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

regards

John
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Robinson
Werribee and Maribyrnong Landcare Co-ordinator
Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority
http://www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au

Based at:
Romsey Service Centre, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, 98 Main Street, Romsey

Postal address:
PO Box 140, Romsey, VIC 3434

Tel: (03) 5429 9629                                
Fax: (03) 5429 5828
Mobile: 0417 518 913
Email: John.Robinson@...      

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