Croaker Newsletter - Aug 2011 Final - Final

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    Welcome to our 4thedition of the WSN Restoring

    Our Waterways Croaker Newsletter for 2011.

    We had a busy start to June/July activities starting

    with World Environment Day. Celebrated on the 6th

    June at Councils Spotlight Tour at North Beaches

    where ROW had their first birthday (see article by

    Cynthia Bresnehan on page 3) and Wednesdays with

    the CLC students. Also filming areas along One Mile

    Creek so ROW can enter a short film in the Water

    Week Short Film Comp 2011 which I hope memberswill give their time and talents to and help make it a

    winner. This will be a ROW activity for August. Lights

    Camera Action any budding stars welcome. I went to

    the NAIDOC celebration on the 3rd July (see article on

    page 4). Cynthia and I attended the community forum

    on Open Spaces (report attached to ROW July

    minutes). ROWs August meeting will be on Monday

    1st at 5.30pm at The Centre Chisholm Street

    Wangaratta Room 8 up stairs. All welcome.

    TERRYS PLATYPUS STORYIn response to an article in our June newsletter Terry

    had this to say Was sorry to hear Croaker staff could

    not site a platypus so Im sharing mine! Snapped a

    photo of this fellow swimming amongst one of our

    Ovens River work sites recently. Excavator was

    thumping away driving in piles, lots of noise and

    vehicles etc .... who says they are shy?

    There are plenty about but they do choose when to

    appear thats for sure. Platypus lives up and down

    (they move over large distances of river and visit/use

    many burrows at any one time) the reach of Ovens

    River around the Hume Freeway Bridge (he/she isprobably trying to 'hitch-hike' interstate).

    WEDNESDAYS WITH CLC STUDENTS

    JAYDEN, SCOTT AND TRAVIS

    Wednesday 1st June, 2011

    I met with the boys at

    the area of One Mile

    Creek near Our Ladys

    where we firstly did an

    inspection of the creek

    between the White St

    Bridge and the Cribbes

    Rd Bridge on Our Ladys

    school side and walked back along the Yarrunga

    Primary school side. There were a lot of dry creek bed

    areas and the water in some areas was very green and

    not flowing. Interesting things like a syringe, a couple

    of single shoes, a baby blanket, a

    partly eaten possum, a dead

    juvenile carp and there was a lot of

    rubbish along both sides of the

    creek. We didnt have gloves orbags to collect the rubbish which is something we will

    have to remember to always carry

    with us. The water flowing

    through the old overflow pipe

    which was exposed on the dry

    creek bed was running swiftly and

    Travis put a stick down it to see

    how deep it was and the water

    mark was half way up the stick.

    Contents

    Introduction 1

    Terrys Platypus Story 1

    Community Learning Challenge Project 1 - 3

    World Environment Day Spotlight Tour 3

    Barking Owl in the Lemon Scented Tree 3 - 4

    NAIDOC Celebrations 4

    Walk Cribbes Rd to White St Bridge 4

    Upcoming Events 5 - 7

    WSN Groups and Information 7

    Community Skillsbank Information 8

    Monday 1st August 2011

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    Near the White St Bridge there was a trolley in the

    creek and a lot of rubbish near the large drain that

    enters One Mile creek. We got a sample of water to

    test and netted a sample for Macro checking. The

    water sample was normal and we found several little

    creepy-crawlies in our net sample batemans, worms,

    shrimp and of course Eastern Gambusia. It was a

    beautiful sunny day and the boys are learning a lot of

    things about our waterways.

    Wednesday 15th June, 2011

    Kim McLeod (the

    boys teacher) and

    the boys picked me

    and the Waterwatch

    and Macro kits up at Apex Park in the

    mini bus and we

    headed out Oxley Flats Rd to firstly check out The

    Willows. Walking around this beautiful area and

    checking out the Ovens River, the water was rather

    clear and fast, it was also pleasing to see there was

    not much rubbish to be found. There is a rubbish bin

    from the Delimite Shire (not sure how it got there) and

    people were using it which was pleasing to know.

    We then headed for the

    Ovens Billabong to do

    our water testing and

    Macro check. It was a

    perfect day, the sun

    shining and no wind.

    Scott the adventurer of

    the group removed his shoes to enter the water to

    collect our water sample, he asked will it be cold No

    we all told him Jayden even told him to keep walking

    and go to the other side (they are such fun to be

    around they always make me laugh with their funremarks they say to each other). The water was so

    clear Scott spotted a fishing hook next to his toe and

    threw it to Travis who skilfully caught it in the Macro

    net. When we finally got Scott out of the water with

    our water sample it was time to start to test the

    sample. Jayden (champion instrument reader) did the

    Temp (8.9 not that cold Scott) PH 7.9 and Elec Cond

    60 and Travis stood on the edge of the river and did

    the Oxygen read 8.2. Then we moved along a bit to

    get our Macro sample. Travis (the expert at macro

    sample collecting) got a great sample first off; therewas lots of macro in it. Shrimp, crayfish and something

    we could not identify. We got a couple of samples

    more in the net and each time the crayfish in the net

    got bigger, it is great to see they are doing well and in

    different phases of growth. It was a great couple of

    hours where we all got to learn more about our

    waterways and what lives in them.

    Wednesday 22nd Native Fish and Ovens Reach

    project talk to WSN year 7 students.

    Scott, Jayden and

    Travis arranged for

    Fern Hames DSE to

    come and talk to

    the year 7 students

    at WHS. Fern and I

    meet up with the

    boys and theirproject teacher Kim McLeod at 11am then went and

    planed what would be talked about, then about

    12noon we all went to Liz Crawfords year 7 class. An

    introduction was done and Fern gave a very

    interesting and informative talk. The students were

    very well behaved and all ears, at question time some

    of the information they asked about showed that they

    had paid attention and learned a lot about Native Fish

    and also the Alien Fish in our waterways mainly

    Eastern Gambusia. I showed Fern the article in the

    Chronicle about 3 Waterwatch environmental warriorscatching Alien Fish in One Mile Creek and she was

    rapped and said she would send up some information

    on how to remove them by using fish traps. The boys

    did their thank you to Fern and me and the day ended

    on a very positive note.

    Wednesday 29th July CLC Presentation Night.

    Presentation night is

    where all the students

    attending CLC talk

    about the projects that

    they have done with a

    Community based

    organisation for the

    semester. It was a

    fantastic night and the

    great work that all the students had done and the

    success of all their projects would astound you, it

    should be published to the whole Wangaratta

    Community not just their parents and friends. Travis,

    Jayden and Scott did their presentation and did arather good story about Waterwatch, fishing and Ferns

    visit. I presented the boys with a Thank You certificate

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    as ROW is very grateful to them because if it was not

    for them taking ROW as their project we wouldnt have

    found out about how to remove Eastern Gambusia

    from One Mile Creek from Fern so early in the piece,

    just in time for the next CLC semester. Both their

    teacher and I have thoughts on doing that for a

    project next semester.

    Thank you Scott, Travis and Jayden for working

    with ROW on our local waterways it was very

    rewarding on both sides.

    Diane Farmer, Coordinator, WSN Restoring Our Waterways

    [email protected]

    0439 020 448

    PO Box 772 Wangaratta Vic 3677

    WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY SPOTLIGHT TOUR

    Monday 6thJune 2011 by Cynthia Bresnehan

    There were about

    60 people there the

    scouts from 3rd/4th

    Wangaratta group,

    many parents with

    their young children

    and some older

    members of the

    community. Bronwyn Chapman manager of theCouncils Environment Department welcomed everyone

    and then there was a presentation from Scott Draper

    about the environment, what we can do to keep it

    healthy and how lucky we are to have such a

    wonderful wildlife living so close to us in town. Andrew

    Snowdon then gave an informative talk on the wildlife

    we may encounter on our walk. There was a display of

    a Barking Owl, Brush tail Possum, Sugar Glider and

    Platypus followed by ROWs 1st birthday cake in the

    shape of a frog surrounded

    by little patty cake frogs and

    of course the cake was green

    and delicious. A scrumptious

    Bar-B-Que tea was provided

    cooked by Tatum and her

    brother Tom Newton, and then it was off for our walk.

    Everyone was well rugged up and looking forward to

    our walk, we were divided up into 4 groups each with

    a guide and heading in different directions. It was not

    long before we had our first encounter, some white

    cockatoos and a pigeon snuggled up high in a tree. Nosugar gliders were spotted but some micro-bates flew

    by and ringtail possums sighted but the best sighting

    of all was a bush tailed possum sitting out in the open

    which didnt mind being in the spotlight and it was

    checking us out; it sat not moving for a long time.

    Near North Beaches Rhys pointed out the indigenes

    scar trees and the possum tree, it is believed that thistree was used by the local Koories to catch possums.

    They cut hand and footholds into the tree and climbed

    it to get possums from the hollows, it has been verified

    as only one of two in Victoria, it had native bees in it

    at some stage and the Aboriginals climbed it to get

    honey from the hives, the native bees don't sting and

    are a lot smaller than the European feral bees.

    We had such an interesting and full on time walking

    that the cold weather was not a deterrent at all so

    much so we extended our half hour walk to over an

    hour.

    Hopefully there will be more spotlight tours in the

    future as they are informative and free.

    BARKING OWL IN THE LEMON SCENTED TREE

    Friday 17thJune 2011 by Margaret Pullen

    In the evening on

    Thursday 2 June, as

    Clive was standing

    beside the barbeque

    cooking his dinner, heheard a most unusual

    noise coming from

    the direction of the

    lemon scented tree in

    the outer garden.

    Clive called come

    quickly and listen to

    this dog-like sound.

    At first I was unsure

    which eucalyptus treeor area in the garden

    I should focus on.

    Suddenly I realized

    the wook-wook

    barking was coming

    from the huge lemon scented eucalyptus in the outer

    garden near the red gum tree.

    I shone the torch high into the lemon scented and

    there on a branch was this most wonderful sight, a

    huge Barking Owl, with large yellow eyes. It seemed

    as though the owl was just calling to us; what an

    experience.

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    When I read it is estimated there are only 50 pair left

    in Victoria, how fortunate to have seen such a creature

    in my garden at Chatsworth House, Wangaratta

    North.

    On 6th June I attended the councils WorldEnvironment Day Spotlight Tour on nocturnal animals

    in and around Northern Beaches and gleaned more

    information about Barking Owls and realized the true

    size and beauty of this of stunning bird.

    NAIDOC CELEBRATIONSunday 3rdJuly 2011 by Diane Farmer

    What a fantastic experience - entertainment, hands on

    workshops, food and networking with the Aboriginal

    culture and its members of our community.

    I caught up with Pat Larkin from Landcare and metChris Mercier from Parks Victoria, they had a great

    display. Also met Ray Ahmat DSE Indigenous

    Partnership Facilitator and spoke to the Mayor Anthony

    Griffiths on quite a few things.

    Wally Cooper was very busy cooking some delicious

    food; I had a taste of some Emu, Crocodile and my

    favourite Prawns. The Police, CFA were also there and

    a Health Kids food stall. The band was great and

    entertaining. It was great to see a constant flow of

    people coming to enjoy the delights that wereavailable and it was free. It was held at Avian Park,

    what a great place for all sorts of Wangarattas

    sporting and entertainment events, lots of wide open

    spaces and lots of parking available. Well done to

    those who organised it.

    WALK - CRIBBES RD TO WHITE ST BRIDGE

    Wednesday 6th July 2011 by Diane Farmer

    I met up with Terry

    McCormack from

    NECMA to inspect

    One Mile Creek and

    within 2 minutes of

    starting our walk I

    spotted a FRIDGE

    right out in the middle of the Reeds and one minute

    further along a Trolley in the creek next to the drain.

    Why do people do that sort of thing? Do they think itwould just sink or float away or they just want

    someone else to dispose of their unwanted items? I

    thought that is what a Transfer Station is for as they

    now take white goods, or are

    some people just compulsive

    dumpers and dont care about

    our waterways and its

    environment or they just dont

    know any better. What are your thoughts? Anyway

    lets get on with the story of the walk along One Mile

    Creek. A little bit of rubbish empty drink containersand a few empty beer bottles but all in all rather clean.

    The creek was flowing very nicely and it was great to

    see it that way. Lots of areas ready for planting on

    either side and with all the rain we have been having

    the soil should be perfect when the time comes to

    plant these areas

    out. At the area near

    the White St bridge

    we caught up with

    Scott Draper and

    Andrew Snowdon

    from Council. Kelvin

    from NECMA also joined us to talk about a Frog

    Friendly area that ROW would like to start with Sally

    Colsons report. The idea to help keep an area clean of

    rubbish and weeds by volunteers and get the schools

    involved was considered a good idea. A project will be

    developed and put to Council about ROW assisting

    with the management of this area. It was a great day

    for talking, advising (and learning on my part).

    Pictured left to right Chris Mercier, Wally Cooper,

    John Atkinson, Anthony Griffiths and Jason Buck.

    Pictured left to right Pat Larkin and Ray Ahmat.

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    UPCOMING EVENTS

    DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT PLANTING

    AND CARING FOR NATIVE PLANTS?

    Then get involved on Sunday

    the 31st of July from 10:00am

    2:00pm, for this years

    National Tree Planting Day.

    The day will focus on helping

    volunteers learn how to plant

    for success within their

    garden, by planting species best suited to Wangaratta.

    The event will also include hands on planting along

    Three Mile Creek to increase frog habitat and enable

    wildlife corridors, FREE plant give-aways and will

    conclude with a FREE hot lunch provided.

    The event will take place opposite St Johns

    Retirement Village between Williams Rd & Colleen Ct.

    All participants should wear suitable clothing and

    sturdy footwear.

    To register visit Planet Arks website

    www.treeday.planetark.orgor contact the Rural City of

    Wangarattas Environment Department on (03) 5722

    0888.

    Tatum Newton, Rural City of Wangaratta, Technical Officer-

    Environment

    Launch of WSN Website

    Saturday August 13th, 6pm

    www.wangarattasustainability.org

    To celebrate the launch of the WSN website which has

    been developed by Peter Amor there will be a pizza

    night at Rowans, 12 Deakin Ct Wangaratta, at 6pm.

    Bring your own pizza to cook and drinks. Openinvitation, [email protected] Wednesday

    August 10th.

    SES Stormsafe Awareness Week

    August 15th21st

    Sustainable House Day

    Sunday September 11th, 10am4pm

    Sustainable House Day will be held

    Australia wide on Sunday 11th

    September. Homes on display will

    be opened between 10.00am and

    4.00pm. Wangaratta Sustainability

    Network is organising the day in

    the Wangaratta area. Four homes in the town all

    within 15 minutes of the town will be opened by the

    owners and the EcoLiving Centre at the Barr Reservewill also be open.

    http://www.treeday.planetark.org/http://www.treeday.planetark.org/http://www.wangarattasustainability.org/http://www.wangarattasustainability.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.wangarattasustainability.org/http://www.treeday.planetark.org/
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    OTHER WSN GROUPS

    Publicity/Advocacy Food Sustainability Home Energy Waste Action Group (WAGS)

    12 Month Membership Now Due!

    For more information contact:

    Dr Rowan OHagan- Secretary/Treasurer Email: [email protected] Deakin Court, Wangaratta VIC 3677 Website: http://www.wangarattasustainability.org

    Ph. (03) 5721 8231

    Poster Competition

    Closes 2nd September 2011

    Entrants need to design a bright,

    informative A3 poster depicting a

    water issue.

    Categories are prep, grade 1&2,

    grade 3&4 and grade 5&6.

    Prizes are awarded to regional

    and state winners.

    Contact: Emma 02 6043 7616

    The Rural City of Wangaratta and

    WSN Restoring Our Waterways

    presents the All Things Water Mini

    Expo. Come down to the

    Wangaratta post office arcade to

    learn more about water

    sustainability and conservation.

    All Things Water Mini Expo

    Friday 21st October 2011

    North East Short Film

    CompetitionCloses 19th August 2011

    Sponsored by Environmental Group

    Limited

    Submit a short 3 minute film on the

    theme of Water - Our Most Precious

    Resource. Open to schools & the

    community in our North East service

    areas.

    Great cash prizes to be won!

    Contact: Diane on 02 6022 0580

    The Regional Photo

    Competition

    Closes 21 August 2011

    With so much happening in the

    world of water lately, you may wellhave that winning entry already in

    your collection.

    Categories are primary school,

    secondary school and open, with

    prizes for first place and runner up

    in each category.

    Contact: Diane 02 6022 0580

    Children and parents can havefun finding water-related

    objects commonly found around

    the house or early childhood

    centre to dress in or use as

    props to be a Water Hero.

    Send in a photo of your Water

    Hero to North East Water:

    [email protected]

    Dress as your Water Hero

    Competition

    Closes 19th August 2011

    Enjoy an egg and bacon muffin

    before touring your local water

    treatment plant. Learn how your

    water is treated and delivered to your

    tap 24/7.

    Location: Faithful Street Wangaratta

    Bookings essential.

    Contact: Diane 02 6022 0580

    North East Water Wangaratta

    Treatment Plant

    Tour and Breakfast

    Thursday 20 October 2011

    Under the umbrella of theWangaratta Urban

    Landcare Group

    Family/Household/Organisation $10 per year

    Single $5 per year

    Student $2 per year

    NEW MEMBERS

    WELCOME ANY TIME

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.wangarattasn.org/http://www.wangarattasn.org/http://www.wangarattasn.org/mailto:[email protected]
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    This Newsletter designed by the Volunteers at Community Skillsbank, Wangaratta.

    Community Skillsbank (CSB) is a centralised Volunteer Referral Centre which (through an innovative

    easy-to-use database of information) matches volunteer skills and interests to available volunteer

    opportunities across North East Victoria.

    We have a range of interesting and diverse roles suitable for all ages and abilities. The Community

    Skillsbank team can assist you with training and pathways to future opportunities. Tell us what you are

    interested in and we can connect you.

    You too can assist us. If you have an idea for volunteer activities and opportunities, please contact us by

    phone or through the Feedback mechanism on our websitewww.nevictoria.skillsbank.com.au

    Phone 03 5721 0258 Wangaratta or

    03 5762 4311 Benalla

    Fax 03 5723 1380 Wangaratta or

    03 5762 4311 Benalla

    Email [email protected]

    Website www.nevictoria.skillsbank.com.au

    How to Register

    www.nevictoria.skillsbank.com.au

    Email or post registration

    (form available from website or CSB)

    Phone CSB to organise a person to person

    or telephone interview

    Postal Address Community Skillsbank

    The Centre

    Chisholm Street

    Wangaratta Victoria 3677

    Visit us at The Centre

    Chisholm Street

    Wangaratta Victoria 3677

    Welcoming the new Project Coordinator,

    Linda Phillis, to CSB Wangaratta

    From left Diane Farmer, Chantel Cook, Linda Phillis, Margaret

    Harvey and Joshua Newth. Absent: Anne Foley.

    http://www.nevictoria.skillsbank.com.au/http://www.nevictoria.skillsbank.com.au/http://www.nevictoria.skillsbank.com.au/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.nevictoria.skillsbank.com.au/http://www.nevictoria.skillsbank.com.au/http://www.nevictoria.skillsbank.com.au/http://www.nevictoria.skillsbank.com.au/http://www.nevictoria.skillsbank.com.au/http://www.nevictoria.skillsbank.com.au/mailto:[email protected]://www.nevictoria.skillsbank.com.au/