Landcare members have been active recently with lots of valuable, interesting and important things taking place.
Groups are now revitalising after multiple impediments in past years, which have hindered groups coming together.
All seven Far East groups have been undertaking activities such as nest boxes surveys, planting native plants, weeding, and logging native species data on INATURLIST.
Three groups have worked with local schools on projects too.
There have also been organised social events that are critically important in helping communities to connect. “Landcare are also very glad to be combining with other similar groups such as friends and garden groups as well as most schools in the area, to make events more inclusive,” facilitator Josh Puglisi said.
A new Landcare sign at the Wairewa Hall was installed at a working bee recently to improve the picnic area. Working with the hall committee members has proven a good partnership that utilises common goals.
Cann Valley Landcare have hosted another well attended event at the refurbished Monaro Centre.
The event was followed by an annual general meeting (the first since before the fires) that saw a new secretary and treasurer appointed.
Goongerah Hall has been utilised for a Landcare hosted event that saw more than 20 people attend, a significant percentage of the local community.
Over the past months lots of Landcare Members have been involved in a groundbreaking Dung Beetle survey. “Results will be published soon,” Josh said.
“This work will go a long way to planning future Beetle releases. These little wonders may hold the key to a more resilient pasture crop, which makes for a more productive farm”.
Recent public events have tackled some difficult subjects such as fire and dingos.
“It’s easy to see why these issues bring out strong emotions” Josh said.
“Our groups have requested more information, so it is my job to try and present any new perspectives, and it’s then up to individuals to take what they can from this information”.
Most groups are now registered as a charity, (which has been a recent requirement from the Australian Tax Office).
This has presented groups with a task to complete, but now they have tackled this paperwork (and its largely out of the way) and groups can go on with what makes being part of an environmental group enjoyable.
“I’ve just completed my first full year as the local Landcare Facilitator in Orbost and feel immensely proud of the community. I have admiration for the passion and dedication that so many volunteers show week after week, year after year,” Josh said.
“If you get a chance to attend a Landcare event, I recommend you do so and you may just make an important connection that you value for years to come.”
For more information and upcoming events go to the Far East Victoria Landcare website.
