Croaker Newsletter Sept 2011 Final-1

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Welcome to our 5thedition of the WSN Restoring

Our Waterways Croaker Newsletter for 2011.

Welcome to an extra issue of

the Croaker Newsletter. There

was so much going on

connected with the

Environment that I felt that all

the news needed to be

recognised and all the coming

events to be advertised.

Whats been going on, Tree

Plantings by the Schools 29th July and then the

Community Tree Planting on 31st, followed by the

Schools SEED Environment Day on the 4th August,

CLC Presentation for students to work with ROW on a

waterways project on the 10th, Launch of WSNs new

website on the 13th, Remembering Tree Planting on

the 14th. ROWs entry in the Water Week Short Film

Competition has been completed and sent in. On the

1st September the launch of WSN Food Groups Fruit

Fly project and the official opening of the ECO Living

Centre. Events coming up; September is Biodiversity

Month lots of great things on, and National Landcare

month in the NE. Also Sustainable House Day Sunday

11th September. Octobers newsletter is just about full

Wangaratta Show 7th & 8th, Walktober Walk and

Ride to Work/Town on Wednesday 12th, My Backyard

Rules on the 15th, Water Week activities all week 15th

- 21st and ROWs All things Water Expo on the Friday

21st , National Recycling Week in November, National

Volunteers Day 5th December and hey presto itsChristmas. Enjoy your read and it is great to have

articles written from a few more people in this issue.

Who said there is nothing to do connected with the

environment for the community to enjoy in

Wangaratta.

Extra News ROW has 6 students from WHS

Community Learning Challenge (Year 9) who are going

to work with us on our waterways for this semester.

Diane Farmer, Coordinator, WSN Restoring Our Waterways

[email protected]

0439 020 448

PO Box 772 Wangaratta VIC 3677

TWAS A GREAT SEASON FOR PLANTINGNational Tree Planting Day

Sunday, 31stJuly 2011, Article by Diane Farmer

What a fabulous day

the sun was shining

and all was well with

the world, not like

last year raining,

cold and miserable.

Walking to the site

was the usual milesfrom the nearest road but a little exercise never hurt

anyone. Especially when its along one of the great

paths beside our waterways, frogs croaking, a

Cormorant sitting sunning itself and the great sound of

Three Mile Creek flowing very nicely. I arrived at 10am

and there was only a man and his daughter and

Council Staff Scott, Andrew, Tatum and Rhys but

within 5 to 10 minutes people were coming from

everywhere. One lady

from St. Johns village was

on her morning walk and

decided to join us, several

young families, mums

with 2 or 3 children and

several single members of

the community. Numbers

ended up being around 26

and Andrew & Rhys had

400 holes dug with plants

Contents

Introduction 1

Twas a Great Season for Planting 1 - 3

North East SEED Day 3

WSN Launch Website 3

Wangaratta Community Fruit Fly Campaign 4

Upcoming Events 4 - 6

Wangaratta Community Pride Adding Colour 6

to West End Place

WSN Groups and Information 6

September , 2011 Issue #5
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The WSN Restoring Our WaterwaysCROAKERNewsletter Page 2

September 2011

and guards beside them.

Firstly we had a talk from

Scott about our waterways

and Debra in and beside

the creek and its purpose.

While standing there

Andrew started to climb

down the bank to where a

great big tree was across

the creek, he had spotted

some bright orange string attached to the tree. When

he pulled it up there was a container attached

(someone was trying to catch something illegally), not

when Andrew is on the job, who ever you are. Andrew

then gave us a demonstration on how to remove the

plant from the container and plant it, and then we allset off. Some people preparing the guards and stakes

others into the planting. It is so great to watch this

part of the day; its like a team of ants crawling over

the ground with a determination to achieve their

objective, in this group of humans case to help

improve the environment beside our waterways.

Within an hour all the trees and bushes were all

planted 400 in total. It was great to see a terrific job

done so well in such a short time and nice hot soup,

roll-ups, farewell cake to Rhys and tea, coffee or

cordial was there ready for us and served by Tatum.Lots of mixed conversation, comradeship and meeting

new people was enjoyed by all.

Thanks to all who attended and of course Councils

staff for organizing the day and all the hard work

preparing the ground for planting. Hope to see you all

next year.

SCHOOL TREE PLANTINGFriday, 29th July 2011, Article by Tatum Newton, Rural City

of Wangaratta, Technical Officer-Environment

School National Tree Day

was held on Friday 29th

July at Mitchell Avenue

Reserve. Over 400 plants

were planted along the

one mile creek, to return

valuable vegetation. Four

Schools participated in the event including: Cathedral

College, Our Lady's Primary School, St Patrick's

Primary School and St Bernard's Primary School. Rural

Schools were not forgotten with Moyhu andSpringhurst Primary School also undertaking in their

own National Tree Day, by planting a further 200

native plants within their School grounds.

REMEMBERING TREES IN THE RURAL CITY

OF WANGARATTA 2008-2011

The project in a nutshell

The Remembering Trees

project came about as a

way to link tree planting

with supporting those

community members who

are experiencing grief

following the death of a

loved one. Following a death, people can sometimes

feel helpless and unprepared in knowing how tosupport themselves or others. The Remembering Trees

Project involves an invitation to people to plant a tree

in memory of family friends and pets who have died.

The project is now in its fourth year.

Why we chose tree planting

Ovens & King Community Health Service (O&KCHS)

look for ways to remind the community that death and

dying are a part of life. It is never easy when someone

you love dies. We all search for some way of giving

meaning to our loss. As trees are an enduring symbolof life and time, a Remembering Tree is a wonderful

way to remember someone close - a living memorial

that celebrates life.

For the Rural City of Wangaratta (RCoW) offset

planting is required when mature indigenous trees

need to be felled. These plants help in regenerating

the sparse understorey along roadways and creeks

and will be extremely useful habitat for declining

native bird species.

What has happened?

In 2008 an opportunity arose for O&KCHS and

Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) Palliative Care to

partner with the RCoW when two mature indigenous

trees were cut down on an out of town roadway. The

inaugural event was held on a Sunday in August to

capitalise on any national Grief Week promotion. Over

the next three years more than 150 people

participated in planting trees along Chicks Rd.

In 2011 the tree site was moved to One Mile Creek

near Cribbes Rd. More than 110 people of all ages

came along on Sunday 14th August. The Rural City of


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September 2011

Wangaratta have placed a sign at both the Chick Rd

and One Mile Creek/Cribbes Rd planting sites to

acknowledge the significance of these revegetated

sites. O&KCHS have written a guide to assist others to

replicate this activity. (Contact

[email protected] a copy)

It has been fantastic to see people in our community

improve the environment and provide grief support to

each other as family members, friends, colleagues or

neighbours alongside professional staff who help out

on the day.

Comment about the Day

August 14th was a warm springy day. I walked with

my 2, 4 and 16 year old grandchildren to the

remembrance tree planting at Cribbes Road not thatfar from where I live.

My 16 year old grandson certainly knew the meaning

and significance of the planting.

When my 2 and 4 year old get older and they come to

visit. We will be able to wander back to the place

where I will be able to reminisce with them on what a

beautiful moving day it was. Not only remembering

their great grand parents but at the same time helping

the environment.

Comment by Patti Stafford

NORTH EAST SEED DAYThursday, 4thAugust 2011, Article by Diane Farmer

What a beautiful

sunny day for 150

grade five students

from Yarrawonga,

Winton, St Bernards,

St Patricks and Our

Ladys to enjoy North

East School Environment Education Directory (SEED)

at Warrina Park Wangaratta. Workshops from NE

Water, Parks Victoria,

Department of

Sustainability and

Environment, Rural

City of Wangaratta,

NECMA Waterwatch,

DPI, Cleanaway, SES

Storm & Floodsafe,

Landcare, Anything Solar, Park Lane Nursery and

Plastic. Along One Mile Creek there was hands on

water testing with Waterwatch and a great walk

learning about Biodiversity with Council staff. Potting

Plants with Park Lane Nursery was a real hit and lots

of fun games kept the students interested as they

learnt about the environment. It was fantastic to see.

There are four of these great days a year held indifferent areas which should be a must for all schools

in the North East, I know I will be looking forward to

next years event. Thanks to the school students,

teachers and presenters for a very interesting day.

WSN LAUNCH WEBSITESaturday, 13thAugust 2011, Article by Gill Baker

A delightful evening

at Rowan and

Brians house on

Saturday 13th August celebrated

the launch of the

Wangaratta

Sustainability

Networks website wangarattasustainability.org. A

group of about a dozen dedicated members had a

chance to look through the website, as well as doing

some networking and future planning.

Peter Amor, who is responsible

for developing the website to itspresent excellent standard, was

thanked for the many voluntary

hours he has put into this. The

results of the 100% Renewable

campaign, and information about

the Energy Meter Library, Fruit

Fly Campaign and Sustainable

House day can be found on the website, as well as a

photo archive. Websites are necessarily works in action

so we look forward to future developments and links.

Planters on the day Brian

and Diane
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September 2011

WANGARATTA COMMUNITY FRUIT FLY

CAMPAIGNSeptember 2011, Article by Tony Lane

This is an initiative of the

Wangaratta SustainabilityNetwork in partnership

with Dept. of Primary

Industries, The Rural City

of Wangaratta, The Centre

for Continuing Education

and Goulburn Ovens TAFE.

Following the significant fruit fly outbreak last summer

in Wangaratta, it has been recognised that the

community requires additional support and information

to combat the fruit fly menace across spring and

summer. The proximity of Wangaratta to commercial

fruit growing areas is another important reason for

local residents to take the right action in combating

and reducing the fruit fly problem.

In the weeks ahead there will be information provided

to the general public at events such as the Wangaratta

Show and the My Backyard Rules Expo held at the

rural campus of TAFE. Information on the fruit fly

campaign will also be available at Rural City of

Wangaratta (www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au) and via the

Wangaratta Sustainability Network(www.wangarattasustainability.org) websites.

The Wangaratta Sustainability Network website will

provide regular updates regarding the campaign in

Wangaratta and provide links to other websites with

relevant information.

In the mean time if you are seeking further

information please [email protected]

UPCOMING EVENTS

Landcare Week

Monday 5thSunday 11thSeptember

September is Landcare Month

in North East Victoria, with a

series of celebrations occurring

across the region. Landcare

will be recognising members

nominated for Service Awards,

and celebrating the

achievements of Landcare over the past 25 years.

All current and past landcare members and supporters

within North East Victoria are invited to attend the

Landcare Active Service Awards, on Friday the 9th of

September at the Wangaratta Performing Art Centre

from 6:00pm - 10:00pm. For bookings please contact

Catriona Brown on (02) 6024 9110 by Friday the 2nd

of September. For further information please visit:

http://northeast.landcarevic.net.au/events/ne-

landcare-celebration-wangaratta

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 Reserve will also be

open.

Wangaratta Area Homes

807 Wangaratta-Eldorado Road, Londrigan 15 Weir Street, Wangaratta

5 Crisp Street, Wangaratta

286 Warby Tower Road, Killawarra

HP Barr Reserve Community Centre Schilling

Drive, Wangaratta

National Recycling Week

Monday 7thSunday 13thNovember

Do you know whereyour waste is really

going? Why do we

have to recycle? Want

answers? Then you

should attend the

travelling waste

seminar, held during national recycling week (7-13

November 2011) an educational bus tour that takes

the community directly to the issues. Further

information please contact the Rural City of

Wangaratta on (03) 5722 0888.
http://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/http://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/http://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/http://www.wangarattasustainability.org/http://www.wangarattasustainability.org/http://www.wangarattasustainability.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://northeast.landcarevic.net.au/events/ne-landcare-celebration-wangarattahttp://northeast.landcarevic.net.au/events/ne-landcare-celebration-wangarattahttp://northeast.landcarevic.net.au/events/ne-landcare-celebration-wangarattahttp://northeast.landcarevic.net.au/events/ne-landcare-celebration-wangarattahttp://northeast.landcarevic.net.au/events/ne-landcare-celebration-wangarattamailto:[email protected]://www.wangarattasustainability.org/http://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/


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September 2011

Warby Ranges Hike with Benalla Bushwalking Club

Sunday, 4th September, 9.00am, Warby Ranges

Join Benalla Bushwalking Club for a hike in the nearby ever popular Warby

Ranges. The bush land should be alive with spring wildflowers including grevilleas,

wattles and some of the earlier orchids.

Meet at the old post office at 9.00am.

Bring your lunch, refreshments, wet weather gear. We will finish with afternoon

tea together before returning home.

RSVP/Further information Laurice Kneen on (03) 5721 2892.

Chiltern-Mt. Pilot National Park Discovery Outing

Saturday, 10th September, 10.00am, Chiltern Mt Pilot

National Park

Join the Albury-Wodonga Field Naturalists for an outing in the Chiltern Mt. Pilot

National Park. Spring is a fantastic time to explore the park and to spot and learn

about the animals and plants that inhabit this special part of North East Victoria.

Meet at 10.00am Acacia carpark Wodonga.

BYO lunch and refreshments for the day.

For more information and to register your interest contact Anne Andrews (02)

6056 4112.

Creatures of the Night Spotlighting near Chiltern

Tuesday, 13th September, 6.00pm 8.30pm, Chiltern

The night will involve a walk and talk with

Jerry Alexander, Biodiversity Officer with

DSE, and give people the opportunity to spot

our nocturnal wildlife as they emerge from

their homes on dusk. Spotlights will be used

to locate and identify animals after dark

along a significant roadside in the Chiltern

area, and the night will finish with a debrief

and a cup of billy tea provided for all

interested participants.

Numbers are restricted and RSVPs are essential. Participants must be capable of

sitting still and quietly for 30 minutes on dusk, and walking a distance of up to

2km at night. Participants must bring warm clothing, sturdy boots and a reliable

torch (or spotlight). Due to the constraints involved with spotlighting, young

children may not be sui table for this event.

RSVPs essential Stuart Roberton (02) 6043 7984 or

[email protected]

Yeddonba, Mt. Pilot, Flat Rock Hike - Benalla Bushwalking Club

Wednesday, 14th September, 8.45am, Beechworth area

Last year, after fires and then a very wet year, these areas produced a massive

display of new vegetation and flowers. I am hoping they will repeat the

performance this season. We will visit the Yeddonba aboriginal art site first, with a

most attractive short circuit walk, and then drive to Mt. Pilot for lunch on the

summit.

After lunch we drive through Beechworth to visit Flat Rock, another broad graniteoutcrop, which has great views, at least one gnamma hole and is surrounded by

micromyrtus, rice-flower and box-leaf wattle plants in full bloom. They are all

short walks with some climbing, but no real difficulty.

RSVP and for more information Vaughan Cowan (03) 5762 1980.

Spring into Nature with TFN

Saturday, 17th September, 1.30pm - 4.00pm, Beechwortharea

Join Trust for Nature for an afternoon walk

though a beautiful covenanted property

close to historic Beechworth. We will be

looking at wildflowers, birds and rare plants

as well as checking nest boxes for native

wildlife. Afternoon tea provided.

Meet at the corner of Gorge Rd and

Beechworth-Wodonga Rd, Beechworth.

Bring sturdy shoes, binoculars , chair,

water, raincoat/sunscreen

RSVP by Friday 9th September to Jim Blackney (03) 5728 6620 or 0419 842 082

or [email protected]

Warby Ovens National Park - Biodiversity Camp Out

Saturday, 24th September 3.30pm

Sunday 25th 12 noon,Warby Ovens National Park

A community family event hosted by Parks Victoria

and DSE in the fantastic Box-Ironbark forests of the

Warby Ovens National Park. A fun-filled camp out with

heaps of nature based activities including spotlighting,

bird walk, wildflower walk, star gazing and nest box

monitoring. Saturday night dinner and Sunday

morning pancake breakfast provided.

Where The Forest Camp, Killawarra Forest, Warby

Ovens National Park

Registration by Wednesday 14th September via

the Wangaratta Government Centre (03) 5723 8600.

For more details contact Mary Anderson, DSE

Wangaratta (03) 5723 8693.

What to bring Tent & camping gear, drinking water, chair, torch, eating utensils,

appropriate footwear, cold/wet weather clothing.

Brush-tailed Phasco ale

Flat-leaf Bush-pea Pultenaea platyphylla

Bulbine Lily by Matt Looby
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Biodiversity Week continued

Whats Cool in the Common!

Friday, 30th September 9.30-11.30am, Wangaratta Common,

cuppa provided.

Walk and talk with DSE and Parks Victoria tolearn about cool stuff in the Wangaratta

Common Nature Conservation Reserve.

Meet at Greta Rd entrance (past Merriwa

Indus tries).

Bring Appropriate Footwear and clothing.

Drinking water, field guides if you have

them.

RSVP by Monday 26th September to Mary Anderson, DSE Wangaratta (03) 5723

8693.

Hamilton Park Woodland & Wildflower Interpretive walk

Sunday, October 2nd, 2.30pm, Hamilton Park near

Glenrowan

One of North East Victorias best kept secretsis a small patch of bushland right in the

heart of the Hamilton Park community. This

area is a relatively weed free example of

grassy woodland/spring soak native

vegetation with over 70 native plant species

identified in a recent audit organized by the

Hamilton Park arboretum committee. Ground

layer wildflowers are of particular interest.

The short stroll, to be led by Matt Looby from Wangaratta DSE, will take about an

hour. Cuppa afterwards. Birdos bring binoculars.

Directions From Warby Range Road (between Glenrowan and Taminick Gap Rd)

turn into Henley Drive and then right into Kurrajong Lane.

Contact/RSVP Glen Scholfield 03 5766 2626 [email protected]

WANGARATTA COMMUNITY PRIDE ADDING COLOUR TO WEST END PLACEArticle by Chairperson Marg Pullen

Promoting the Prides goals to participate in partnerships with community groups

and organisations, members attended the West End Place to add colour to the

neighbourhoods newest place.

A wasted space has been given a new building which has been developed by the

Rural City of Wangaratta, Department of Planning and Community Development,

Wangaratta Lions, Office of Housing and Wangaratta Community Pride.

To quote Coral Clarke, The idea of the kids painting the wall is to createownership of the area. The design featuring

reeds, butterflies, lizards, gum leaves, hand prints and body outlines of three children

has taken on a very happy feeling; just the thing to encourage socialising and

gathering round for a Bar-B-Que.

Eight adults and fifteen children participated in the activity with the Wangaratta

Community Pride donating the paint and Marg Pullen offering some tips on design.

Certainly a worthwhile partnership and a wonderful example of projects undertaken

and achieved with Pride.

OTHER WSN GROUPS

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

Membership Now Due!

For more information contact:

DrRowan OHagan- Secretary/Treasurer Email: [email protected]

12 Deakin Court, Wangaratta VIC 3677 Website: http://www.wangarattasustainability.org

Ph. (03) 5721 8231

This Newsletter designed by the Volunteers at Community Skillsbank, Wangaratta.

Under the umbrella of the

Wangaratta UrbanLandcare Group

Family/Household/Organisation $10 per year

Single $5 per year

Student $2 per year

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME ANY TIME

Pink Bindweed b Matt Loob Photo by Matt Looby
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Croaker Newsletter Sept 2011 Final-1

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