Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Trentham Mechanics Hall – 66 High St, Trentham

The Bright-eyed Brown Butterfly Restoration Project is entering its next phase, and we invite you to join us for the official launch of this new stage. This three-year initiative aims to restore and protect the essential habitats of the flagship species, the Bright-eyed Brown Butterfly, along the Upper Coliban River in Trentham, a vital step toward preserving local biodiversity and supporting ecosystem health.

This event provides an opportunity to learn more about this important conservation effort, engage with the community, and contribute to the protection of a significant pollinator species.

Event Highlights:

• Welcome to Country: Begin the event with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony with Djaara.
• WaterWatch Activity: A hands-on activity designed to educate Citizen Scientists about water quality and its critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
• Guided Walks: Participate in guided tours along the Coliban River, where experts will discuss the habitats being restored and the ecological importance of the Bright-eyed Brown Butterfly.
• A complimentary morning tea will be available, offering an opportunity for attendees to connect and reflect on the day’s learnings.

The Importance of this Project:

The Bright-eyed Brown Butterfly is an integral part of the local ecosystem, serving as both a pollinator and an indicator of environmental health. By restoring its habitat, we contribute to broader ecological stability, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen community resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Organizers:

This initiative is a collaborative effort by the Hepburn Shire Council, the Healthy Coliban Catchment partnership, and dedicated local environmental group, Trentham District Landcare. These organizations are committed to fostering a harmonious relationship between communities and the natural environment.

Join Us:

Your participation in this event supports a meaningful cause and underscores the importance of collective action in conservation. We encourage you to bring your family, friends, and a shared commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage.

For more information, please visit the Trentham District Landcare website.

Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Gorse grief in Pipers Creek

Gorse is one of the most invasive and economically damaging weeds in the Macedon Ranges, and it’s continuing to spread across our landscapes. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked or dismissed as a problem that’s too big to handle—or simply someone else’s responsibility.

Pipers Creek Landcare doesn’t see it that way. They believe gorse can be managed, and that it’s everyone’s problem—especially for property owners and their neighbors.

At a recent Kyneton Rotary meeting, Peter Sporle, a member of Pipers Creek Landcare and the Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT), shared some important insights. He warned that if we don’t tackle gorse now, it could wreak havoc on the Macedon Ranges, lowering property values and creating a serious fire hazard in rural residential areas like Kyneton, Malmsbury, and Woodend.

Peter highlighted the unique challenges gorse presents: it thrives in our local climate and soil, has seeds that remain viable for 50 years, and is spreading faster with increasing rural subdivisions. He stressed that gorse could be the biggest threat to our region’s environmental sustainability, especially after a tough summer fire season.

Earlier this year, Pipers Creek Landcare hosted a successful gorse control demonstration day, and now they’re planning a follow-up event on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, in Pipers Creek. The day will feature demonstrations of various mechanical and chemical control methods, and space will be limited to allow for in-depth discussions with contractors and experts from VGT and Landcare. The last event filled up quickly, so if you’re interested, be sure to register early by emailing piperscreeklandcare@gmail.com.

If you can’t make it to the next Gorse Grief control day, you can get more information from the VGT at www.vicgorsetaskforce.com.au or reach out to Peter Sporle directly at 0448 401 372.

Image and information thanks to Peter Sporle, Pipers Creek and District Landcare.

The Biolinks Alliance is renowned for their high-quality, thought-leading events. Join them over two days to explore the fascinating topic of ‘rewilding’ and what it means in for Central Victoria.

Backed and driven by Biolinks Alliance’s expertise and ecological leadership – our Rewilding Central Victoria Symposium is set to catalyse the practical delivery of rewilding, scaling-up urgent action in our region and beyond. 

Importantly, this Symposium offers leaders and participants in community-driven conservation, a chance to come together to share and learn. 

Date: Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September, 2024
Location: LaTrobe University, Bendigo + local rewilding project sites
TICKETS

Join Biolinks Alliance for an exciting two-day event exploring the fascinating topic of rewilding in Central Victoria, renowned for its high-quality, thought-leading events. This symposium, backed by the expertise and ecological leadership of Biolinks Alliance, aims to catalyze the practical delivery of rewilding and scale-up urgent action in our region and beyond.

Event Highlights:

Full Day Symposium

Date: Friday, 13 September
Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm

Program Includes:

• 10+ Presentations from internationally recognized researchers and experts from leading institutions such as the University of Melbourne.
• Insights from restoration practitioners working on exemplar projects like Marna Banggara and Mt Rothwell Sanctuary.
• Topics covering native mammal translocations, invertebrate ecosystem engineers, the dual cultural and ecological role of returning fire to grassy ecosystems, and urban rewilding.

Symposium Dinner

Date: Friday, 13 September
Time: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: All Seasons Hotel, Bendigo

Mingle with presenters and other attendees at this relaxed dinner event following the full day symposium.

Rewilding Projects Site Visits

Date: Saturday, 14 September
Time: 8:30am – 4:00pm

Site Visits:

• Spring Plains Pilot Project: Learn about the ongoing rewilding efforts.
• Korong Ridge Conservation Estate: Explore the ambitious landscape repair project.

A bus from Bendigo will transport attendees to both project sites.

Additional Information

Spaces are limited! Ensure your participation by registering early.

• Symposium Dinner Ticket Sales End: Wednesday, 28 August at 4pm
• Symposium Ticket Sales End: Wednesday, 4 September at 4pm

The Biolinks Alliance looks forward to welcoming you to this enriching event. For any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

Best Regards, The Biolinks Alliance Team

P.S. Spaces are limited! Symposium Dinner ticket sales end Wednesday 28 August at 4pm and Symposium ticket sales end Wednesday 4 September at 4pm.

Download Symposium Program