Hello to all of our Landcare Members, Partners, Sponsors and Friends throughout the Bass Coast Landcare Network and welcome to the July edition of our E-news.

While the world as we know it is changing from the effects of Covid-19, here we still are, lucky to be in our little corner of Bass Coast, planting trees and doing what Landcarers do. All of our Landcare Groups have Community planting day protocols in place to ensure the safety of participants and these will change as restrictions may be eased or tightened. So if you are feeling a little off with everything else going on, and are able to do so, it may be time for a therapeutic planting, socially distanced of course! Check out our calendar, and keep an eye out on upcoming editions of our Enews and our Facebook page for planting day details. If planting's not your forte, why not come and join our friendly Nursery Group every Friday?  

For those that just want to sit back and check out what's been going on in the area, we have also started a new BCLN Instagram page​ where we will be sharing photos of our special Bass Coast places and happenings. Our Facebook page is also where we post the most up to date news. Links to each of these are just below. 

Of course this monthly E-news continues to be another great way to catch up on things, we have a bunch of good news in this edition, as well as online webinars and training, grant opportunities and much more, so grab a cuppa and read on!

For all the latest updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram... just click the links above!

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Matt White (Senior Ecologist- Arthur Rylah Institute) will take us through the last 5 decades of Victoria's nature conservation history. This seminar provides the political and environmental context in which the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (ARI) has continued to deliver evidence-based and management-focused research.

This is the second seminar of the ARI Legacy Seminar series that celebrates 50 years of science from ARI. If you missed the first seminar by ARI's Research Director, Dr Kim Lowe, you can catch the recording here, https://youtu.be/-RCo4lt1UvA

Click here to register on Eventbrite

2020 Victorian Integrated Catchment Management Winter Sessions - July and August

This year Our Catchments, Our Communities and Water for Victoria  are running online sessions that address key questions about the value of catchment stewardship and integrated approaches to the management of land, water and biodiversity. 

So what is stewardship? Who are the stewards? Does it make a difference in the face of climate change with severe events, drought and fires? How do we know when we have good stewardship?

These weekly sessions are interactive where you can engage with panel members and presenters while you learn about past successes, and help chart the future of Natural Resource Management.

Click here to register interest to join in on these free sessions.

The University of Melbourne has brought together key academics within the Faculty of Science, from the Schools of Earth Science, BioScience, Geography and Ecosystem and Forestry Science to bring you the latest in theoretical and practical-based knowledge.

The webinars are delivered within an Australian perspective and therefore relevant to any one currently working within the environmental or natural resource management areas.

Relevant to: natural resource management groups, environmental officers, landcare officers, estate and land managers, land and sea rangers.

When: various dates in July and August 2020.

Click here to see all dates and to book​

The Phillip Island Landcare Group are excited to announce their Shed Grand Opening.  The shed is currently under construction at the Koala Conservation Reserve, just 100m from the Barb Martin Bushbank.

The Grand Opening, on Sunday November 29th, is anticipated to be an auspicious lunchtime occasion with good food, people, speeches and music.  Further details on this event will be published in future Enews. 

As the group now have somewhere to store their goods, they are calling out for any old memorabilia you may have linked to the group. Just contact [email protected] and somebody will be in touch to organise collection.  

Click here to check out Phillip Island Landcare Group's webpage​

GROUP AND NETWORK NEWS

Bass Coast Shire Council want your feedback to help develop their Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030. You will have to hurry though as their survey to get community input closes on this Sunday, 12 July.

This is an important opportunity to let council know how you, our Landcare farming community can make a huge impact in Carbon sequestration via trees and soils, with the help of programs and assistance under Council's new Climate Action Plan. 

Following initial community consultation earlier this year, draft actions have been developed to guide Council and the community towards net-zero emissions and building a climate resilient Bass Coast. They are now seeking feedback from the community on these draft actions.

On Saturday 27^th of June, Phillip Island Landcare members and friends eager be a part one of the early plantings for 2020, came out and helped plant up to 1,400 plants in two different sites on the Jeffery property at Ventnor on Phillip Island.  The sun was out, the energy levels were high and a wonderful day was had by all.  Having being socially restricted over recent months, everyone was eager to get out and do something positive for our local environment.

Check out our calendar for info on upcoming plantings​

The Korumburra Landcare Group undertook a planting day at Travis and Amanda Lukies place in the hills near Bena on a cold, wet Saturday. Despite the constant drizzle and slippery ground, spirits were high and volunteers worked hard to get 1,200 plants in the ground in very difficult circumstances. A total of 9,000 are being planted in this secured waterway which has had Willows and Cypress trees removed with the help of the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.
Thanks to everyone who attended and for the hospitality shown by the Lukie Family.

Check out our calendar for info on upcoming plantings​

Bass Coast Shire Council, in partnership with BCLN, would like to welcome our Working for Victoria crew! Their first day involved a tour of the Landcare Network, stopping at Paul Speirs property for a bbq and tour of his fantastic 30 year old revegetation site.

The crew will be helping with large scale revegetation projects, woody weeding, and various other jobs for the next 6 months.

We are so happy to have them!

It’s great to have Joel Kilgour back at BCLN, who worked as a casual on our Works Crew in 2018.

Joel is completing his professional placement with us in the final stages of his Bachelor of Environmental Science degree at Deakin University.

Joel is working predominantly in our Natural Resource Management team and also helping out the Pest Plant and Animal team.

He has an innovative and practical approach to his work and it has been highly valuable to have him on board thus far.

If anyone is interested in completing their university or work placements with BCLN, please don’t hesitate to contact us.​

Gerard Callinan from the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority recently interviewed our own Daryl Hook (Anderson Inlet Landcare Group and BCLN Board Member) about his work on his own property and the wider Landcare scene as part of the Gippslandscapes podcast series. 
It's a fantastic interview, and so great to hear Daryl's story!

Click here to listen to the podcast!

Landcare Victoria has announced the appointment of Andrew Maclean as its new CEO to guide an exciting period of growth for the organisation.

The role of the CEO will be to build stronger partnerships, attract new funding sources and shore up ongoing employment and support for Victorian Landcare Facilitators.

Mr Maclean said he wants Landcare to be recognised as having a key role in sustainable land management in Victoria.

“Over the past 30 years, Landcare has earnt its place at the frontline of biodiversity protection, sustainable agriculture and recovery from bushfire and drought.”

“Landcare’s unique strength is its deep roots in regional communities.”

“My role as CEO will be to unlock the knowledge and passion of grassroots volunteers by bringing new methods to the table that ensure Landcare remains relevant and strong.”

Mr Maclean said he joins Landcare Victoria at a pivotal time, given that groups and networks must reapply for state funding for Facilitators via a competitive process later this year.

“Facilitators and project officers are the lifeblood of our Landcare groups. They underpin successful projects and we will support our members every step of the way to ensure they secure the funding they so desperately deserve.”

Click here for the full story​

GRANTS, TRAINING, INFORMATION AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR LANDHOLDERS

The Energy Efficient Communities Program – Dairy Farming Business Grants provides dairy farming businesses with grants of up to $20,000 to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and lower on-farm emissions. Grants may be used for equipment replacement, component upgrades, energy audits or feasibility studies.

Click this link for full details.​

For the third year, Landcare Australia and the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning are offering Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants to Victorian schools, childcare centers, Scouts, Girl Guides and youth groups.

The Victorian Government is providing over $450,000 in funding for these fantastic grants. Applications for 2020 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants of up to $5,000 each are open until 31 July 2020.

If you or your school needs local support and tips on applying for these grants, please contact our Education, Training and Communications Manager, Lisa Wangman on [email protected] 

Click here for the guidelines and to find out more!​

Have you heard people talking about regenerative agriculture, and wondered exactly what it is, and whether it could work on your farm?
A series of eight short videos on the key principles of regenerative agriculture have just been released by three local Landcare networks (Bass Coast, South Gippsland and Western Port Catchment) and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
Hosted by soil scientist Declan McDonald, the videos explain what regenerative agriculture is and how the principles can be applied on all farm types and landscapes within the Western Port Catchment, including beef, dairy, sheep, chickens, horticulture and vineyards.

Click here to for the full story,

or click here to head straight to the videos!​

Agriculture Victoria's latest The Fast Break update is out now! The Fast Break details oceanic and atmospheric climate driver activity over the last month and summarises three month model predictions for the Pacific and Indian Oceans, rainfall and temperature for Victoria.

Click here to read the report and see latest models!​

The Environment and Planning Committee of the Victorian Parliament is undertaking an Inquiry into ecosystems decline in Victoria. The Inquiry will look at measures to restore habitats and populations of threatened and endangered species.

The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference include:

• the extent of the decline of Victoria’s biodiversity and the likely impact on people and ecosystems
• the adequacy of the legislative framework protecting Victoria’s environment and ecosystems, particularly in the context of climate change impacts
• the adequacy and effectiveness of government programs
• opportunities to restore the environment while upholding First Peoples’ connection to Country.

Click here to make a submission. Submissions close July 31st, 2020​

The Winter 2020 issue (#78) of the Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management magazine, featuring Landcare and emergency recovery, is now available online here.

Among the stories in this issue of the magazine includes:

• Fire recovery lessons from South West Goulburn Landcare and Leigh Catchment Group
• Community response to drought in Millewa-Carwarp
• Landcare network driven fire recovery after St Patrick’s Day fires
• Deer fencing to protect biodiversity after Bunyip fire
• Landmate support to landowners after natural disasters
• Tom Croft’s farewell to Landcare.

To access the PDF of issue #78 of the Landcare magazine go to PDF Issue 78 Winter 2020

Traditionally Winter is a quiet time a the River garden and for horticulture and vegetable growing in general but there is plenty still happening!

We have had a new partnership develop with Certificate 3 Horticulture Students from Bass Coast Adult Education Centre. Under the guidance of their Teacher Adrian James, they will be completing some of their course work at the River Garden this year, including fruit tree and espalier pruning, irrigation and construction of retaining walls. They have already completed the pruning of most of the espaliered fruit trees in our swale beds. One of the main aims of the River garden is to be a community hub for learning so we couldn't be happier with this new partnership. 

Stay tuned for details of our revamped weekend, monthly volunteer program to be announced in Spring or when we can safely do so. Can't wait to see you down at the River Garden!

Please click here for more information on the River Garden and to register your interest in our new Volunteer program!​

Offset your Car Emissions in Local Planting Projects!

If you feel passionate about the environment and want to do your bit for our beautiful native flora and fauna, why not consider offsetting your car emissions with Bass Coast Landcare Network? Just click on your car's size to make a donation, which will cover the planting of enough indigenous plants to offset your car’s emissions for a year and contribute to restoring your own local landscape. 

All your friends and family will also see your complimentary car sticker showing your commitment to the Bass Coast environment. 

To offset your car emissions with BCLN click here.​​

Bass Coast Arc – Landcare Public Fund making projects a reality – Donate today to make a difference!

The Bass Coast Landcare Public Fund is a regional non-profit organisation focusing on conserving biodiversity throughout Bass Coast.​ The Bass Coast Arc – “Community Access to Public Space” concept supports community groups to work with public land managers to improve the environment of our public spaces and create appropriate access to these unique areas.

Your contribution, no matter how small, helps to protect native plants and animals in Bass Coast’s most ecologically important landscapes.

Click here to find out more about how you can assist this important work.​

What's your story?

We would love to hear from you and your Landcare group with stories and photos of what's been happening in your area and any suggestions of things that you would like to see in your E-news.

We look forward to meeting and catching up with you at upcoming events and activities around Bass Coast.

Until next edition, 

Happy reading, from the Bass Coast Landcare Network.