These are some of the past events held by Newham & District Landcare Group. See also photos in the Gallery organised under Christmas BBQs, Events and Planting Days
2023
Saturday 2 December – Christmas BBQ
When: 6.30pm – late
Where: Wesley Park, Newham
BYO plate for shared table, egg for toss, chair or picnic rug, drinks glasses, plates, utensils. BBQ items provided by Landcare
Join the Weedies – fortnightly on 30 Oct, 13 Nov, 27 Nov, 11 Dec, 9.30am start
Come and help pull/cut and paint weeds with the Roadside Management Group. All equipment and fluoro vests are provided but bring your own secateurs if you prefer; wear your own gloves, suitable clothing and sturdy boots. A great opportunity to see Spring wildflowers up close.
2 October Shelton’s Road. Tackling broom and gorse etc. RSVP to convenor Sue Massie massie@ozemail.com.au
Sessions will be fortnightly on 30 Oct (Shelton’s rd), 13 Nov (Jim rd), 27 Nov, 11 Dec – contact Sue for details.
Friday October 27th – Pollinator Corridors – Pathways to Greater Biodiversity
A presentation by John Walter, President of the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network, on the progress of their pollinators project.
John will be providing an extremely informative session, including stunning photos, with hands on exhibits of the various Pollinators found in our gardens and local properties. Find out how you can contribute to pathways towards greater biodiversity. This event is very suitable for children.
When: 6.60 for a 7.00 start
Where: Newham Hall
Light supper provided, wine at bar prices
RSVP for attendance & catering – howardjanine01@gmail.com
See flier
Friday 21 July – AGM and guest speaker Mark Bachmann
When: 6.30pm drinks and nibbles; 7.00 AGM, 7.15 guest speaker and questions. Supper to follow.
Where: Newham Mechanics Hall
Mark Bachmann, Principal Ecologist and Manager of Glenelg Nature Trust, returns to Newham to explore recent highlights from NGT’s ecological restoration projects across south-eastern Australia. His talk will include a special exploration of peatlands, including their value, protection and restoration.
RSVP – email Helen Scott, or tel. 0412 582 526
See the slides of Mark’s presentation on Wetlands and peatlands restoration
Tuesday 16 May – Andersons road triangle project, first planting day
Help us transform a hectare of public land in Newham from dump site to bird friendly habitat node/ Hanging Rock viewing point / cyclists rest area.
When: 10am to 4pm (or any part thereof that you can manage).
Where: NE corner of Andersons – Boundary Rd intersection, Newham
We will be planting tubestock and dealing with minor infestations of woody weeds on the site. Newham Primary School will be partnering with us on this one – the school has funding to undertake a community environmental project.
BYO water bottle, chair and gloves. All tools provided.
Note: Students from Newham Primary School will be at the site between 2-3.30pm and if volunteers wish to assist then they must have a current Working With Childrens check.
A picnic lunch will be provided.
RSVP for lunch: Penny on 0418 396837 / penroberts@bigpond.com indicating any dietary requirements
Sunday 5 March – Clean Up Australia Day
Howard Stirling is organising a Newham site participation in Clean Up Australia Day.
9.00am kick off – finish around Midday. Meet at the Newham Mechanics Institute Hall, 1292 Rochford Road Newham.
Please register your participation by using the link below and click (Join a Clean up) then complete your details.
Site Number: 33465
Site Name: Newham and District Landcare Group
Site URL: https://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/fundraisers/janinestirling/newham-and-district-landcare-group
Friday 3 March – Book launch of “Underground lovers” and information evening with Alison Pouliot
Where: Newham Hall, 1292 Rochford Rd, Newham
Time: 6-8pm. Free
Once overlooked, fungi are the exhilarating new poster organisms reconfiguring our understanding of the natural word and capturing the public imagination. Alison’s new book, Underground Lovers presents compelling questions and insights about fungi but is also an intimate celebration of their astonishing beauty and complexity. Join us to hear Alison give a talk around a delightful display of fungi, hear some stories from her adventures during the writing of
the book and take part in an active conversation.
Books available for purchase & signing by the author. Refreshments available to purchase.
Door Prizes kindly donated by Curly Flat Winery.
RSVP – to Joanne on 0412 903 388 or stubbs.joanne@gmail.com
Sunday February 12 – Visualising the Environment, a Reflective Lens on Environmental Photography
Learn how to improve the impact and interpretative power of your environmental images
This exciting, interactive workshop hosted by renowned International Nature Photographer Alison Pouliot will explore a wide range of environmental themes through an illustrated seminar, active discussion, image critique, demonstration of techniques and a practical field trip.
It will go beyond the literal representations of ‘nature photography’ to address the thought processes behind creating compelling and meaningful images and visual stories.
The workshop is presented by Newham and District Landcare Group, generously supported by the Macedon Ranges Shire.
Number of participants is limited to 20.
Time: 10am – 4pm
Venue: a beautiful private property at Newham, details will be sent on confirmation of your place
Presenter: Alison Pouliot, BSc Hons (zoology), BA (philosophy), PhD (ecology) is an ecologist and environmental photographer who has presented over 500 workshops, forays and seminars in Australia and internationally. She greatly enjoys working with people from all walks of life to better understand and visually represent the environment and environmental issues.
Cost: includes morning tea and a light lunch. Financial members of NDLG: $35 (for non-financial members or others the cost is $49). Non-financial NDLG members / others: $49
RSVP and queries: Bruce Hedge bahedge@bigpond.com or 0427 888 122 (please indicate any special dietary needs)
Note: The workshop is suitable for adults with all levels of environmental knowledge and photographic skill (although participants are expected to know how to operate their cameras). Due to the exceptional value represented by this event, and anticipated demand, payment must be received by January 30th to confirm your place or risk it being allocated to someone on the wait list.
2022
Saturday December 3 – End of Year Gathering
Where: Wesley Park, Newham When: 6.00 pm
BBQ food provided. BYO drinks, savoury or sweet contribution for shared table, chair or rug, plates/cutlery/glassware, an egg for the toss. House guests welcome.
Saturday 22 October – Working bee on Andersons rd triangle (Boundary rd corner)
When – 10 am
Help out on our new project to rehabilitate this degraded piece of land, with Council approval. Cut and paint remaining Broom, Blackberry, Gorse; planting shrubs. Morning tea to follow. Queries: penroberts@bigpond.com
Sunday 16 October – Regenerative Grazing workshop and information session
Can you be a ‘greenie’ and a productive farmer. Absolutely!
Come along to learn how conservation practices can increase farm productivity and improve its resilience in these unpredictable times. Jason McAinch, Regenerative Agriculture adviser to MRSC, will talk about healthy landscapes and how to make them happen.
Where: a small farm in Newham, address details will be sent on registration. Free – this event is supported by MRSC and a Landcare grant
Flier
See write-up in NDLG newsletter no.68, Spring 2022, p11-14
Weedies Group working bee mornings
Come and help pull/cut and paint weeds with the Roadside Management Group. All equipment and fluoro vests are provided but bring you on secateurs if you prefer; wear your own gloves, suitable clothing and sturdy boots. A great opportunity to see Spring wildflowers up close.
10th October 2022 – 9.30AM start. Colwells Road, meet at the Bryce’s Lane intersection. Tackling broom, blackberry etc. Coffee/tea and cake at a local venue afterwards. RSVP to convenor Sue Massie massie@ozemail.com.au
14th November 2022 – 9.30AM. Location to be confirmed closer to the date.
Sunday 2 October – Seed ball workshop
Where: Newham Mechanics Institute
Time: 9.30 am – 12.00
A fun, children-focussed, hands-on event creating your own plant seed balls to take home. Very easy to make! See flier
Article in NDLG newsletter no.68, Spring 2022, p9
Wednesday 24 August – AGM
Where: Newham Mechanics Institute
Time: 6.30pm
After a short AGM to elect a new committee, we will watch the online national Landcare Awards ceremony in Sydney during the Landcare Conference. You can also register as a virtual delegate for FREE. NDLG is a finalist for a national award.
If you wish to stay, do bring a plate to share with drinks of choice while we watch and socialise.
Saturday July 30 – Dinner for new Members
Your Newham Landcare group is having a ‘new member’ dinner and we hope you will be able to come. Until Covid, these happened several times each year as a way of bringing new and ‘old’ members together.
Where: Newham Mechanics Institute
Time: 6.30pm start
‘Old’ members bring something for a shared table; all please BYO your preferred drinks
An added attraction will be a rotating slide show of all things Newham Landcare on the big screen, not to mention Doug’s famous Mulligatawny soup!
Numbers will be limited to 50 so get in early!
Sunday July 10 – Member planting morning
Time: 9.30 – 12.30
Where: 155 Straws Lane, Hesket
If you are staying for lunch, provided by landholder Jess, please notify Penny of any special dietary requirements. BYO water bottle, gloves, maybe a folding chair.
Gumboots are advisable as we will be planting beside a tributary of Smokers Creek, part of our current NCCMA funded project.
Friday June 17 – Snow Gum Epicentre – hear about the findings
The MRSC project on Snow Gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora) and climate change has been completed, with NDLG as one of the partners. Local ecologists Karl Just and Tim D’Ombrain will present the study, and the report will be released.
When: Friday 17 June, 6pm, followed by supper
Where: Newham Mechanics Institute
See Press release from MRSC – this has a link to the final report.
See article about the event in NDLG newsletter no. 67, p11-12
Sunday May 29 – Regenerative Farming for healthy landscapes
Jason McAinch, Regenerative Agriculture adviser to MRSC, will talk about healthy landscapes and how to make them happen.
David Cheal, ecologist and Associate Adj. Professor at Federation University, Ballarat, will talk about conservation and land management. He has a special interest in fire – its direct impacts on biodiversity and the conservation losses resulting from our fear of fire.
When: Sunday May 29th 1.30 – 4pm
Where: a small farm in Newham, address details will be sent on registration
No charge – this event is supported by MRSC and a Landcare grant
Flier
See article about the event in NDLG newsletter no. 67, p4-6
Friday 20 May – All about Platypus
A presentation by Geoff Williams, co-founder of the Australian Platypus Conservancy in 1994 – a non-profit environmental organization set up to conserve the platypus, listed in 2021 as ‘vulnerable’ in Victoria, and its freshwater habitats.
Geoff is an enthusiastic and entertaining advocate for the Platypus and our waterways. We will learn much, including the simple things each of us can do to assist in the survival of this vulnerable species.
Where: Newham Mechanics Institute
When: May 20, 7 for 7.30pm start, supper to follow
No charge – funded by State Government through NCCMA Landcare grant
Flier
See article about the event in NDLG newsletter no. 66, p3-5
Sunday, 15 May – Art and nature intersect
Nature’s Playmates – A group workshop for primary-school aged children to explore meditative bush art, movement and sound rituals to connect to self, others and place. An opportunity to listen, sense, feel, move, sound, and co-create in relationship to the natural environment, self and others.
Facilitated by Charlotte Roberts and Jess Szigethy.
When: Sunday May 15th 10am – 12 midday
Where: Newham – address confirmed on registration
Register: with Charlotte at music.charlotte.roberts@gmail.com
*No cost thanks to Newham Landcare and a State Government grant
*Numbers limited to 12 children
*Waiting list for future events will be made for those who miss out
*Adults can do some planting with Penny Roberts and Newham Landcare members.
*Snacks/morning tea are provided.
See article in NDLG newsletter no.66, p10
Sunday, 10 April – Eucalypt identification
As part of a Shire project ‘Adapting to Climate Change – Monitoring Snow Gum Health’, Newham Landcare are hosting this educational event where Environment Department experts will be on hand.
It will be held at a property where there are magnificent specimens of Snow Gums (Euc. pauciflora) and other species. Click here for more on the project and details of how landholders can add records of Snow Gums to the research project.
Time: 3.00-4.30pm
Where: 370 Hennebergs Rd, Newham
See article in NDLG newsletter no.66, p11-13
Weedies Group working bee mornings
Come and help pull/cut and paint weeds with the Roadside Management Group. All equipment and fluoro vests are provided, wear your own gloves, suitable clothing and sturdy boots; weather dependent. Coffee at the Store after.
Friday 1 April on Colwells Road. 9.30 am starting at top of the hill near Kings Lane
RSVP and queries to Howard Stirling – howardjanine01@gmail.com
Thursday, 3 March – Waterwatch training
10-12am – Meet 10am at Newham store then travel to local testing sites in NCCMA.
Anyone interested in being involved in this River Detectives program is welcome to come along and see what is involved.
Queries: contact Penny 0418396837
Sunday 6 March – Clean Up Australia Day
Stephen Mahon is organising a Newham site participation in Clean Up Australia Day. Meet at 10:00 am at Newham Hall to be given equipment and allocate teams, finish about 1pm.
2021
Due to Corona virus and restrictions many of the events planned were on hold or cancelled.
Saturday 11 Dec, Hands-on event – Blackberry Attack on the big dam at Newham
What: Cut and dab/spray Blackberry
When: Saturday December 11th
4 – 6pm then BBQ and beer to follow
Where: 23 Robertson Drive, Newham
Wear appropriate clothing, gloves and footwear. Secateurs / loppers, herbicide and dabbers/spray bottles provided. But feel free to bring your favorite secateurs.
December 4, Saturday – Christmas gathering and games, and a brief AGM
Where: Wesley Park, Newham (Hall if weather is foul)
When: Plan is to gather from 5.30pm – AGM 6-6.10 – BBQ and food 6.30 – egg toss – dessert – wellie throw. Pinata for the children
BBQ food provided. BYO drinks, savoury or sweet contribution for shared table, chair or rug, plates/cutlery/glassware, an egg for the toss
Covid check-in and proof of vaccination essential.
28 November, Sunday – ‘Kolora’ Field Day – 30+ years of Landcare
When: 9.45 for 10am start, Lunch provided, finish around 1.30 pm
Where: “Kolora”, 279 Sheltons Road (access via Bolgers Lane) Newham
If you missed the very successful visit to this inspirational property in 2019, here’s your chance to see and learn about plantings, land and fire risk management, wildlife monitoring and habitat improvement. Take a look at your Spring 2019 newsletter p.12-13 for a report of the day.
Covid protocols mean a QR code and checking of vax status upon arrival – you must be fully vaccinated.
See Flier
Weedies Group working bee mornings
Come and help pull/cut and paint weeds with the Roadside Management Group, and see some great wildflowers. All equipment is provided, wear suitable clothing and sturdy boots, and a mask; weather dependent. Coffee at the Store after.
Wednesday 27 October – 9.30 am (Sheltons Road, meet at Bolgers rd intersection to work towards Hennebergs lane)
Wednesday 17 November – 9.30 am (Meet at junction of Hennebergs and Sheltons rds)
Wednesday 15 December – 9.30 am (site to be determined)
RSVP and queries to Stephen Mahon – 0407 027 352 or Stephen.Mahon@darebin.vic.gov.au
August 13, Friday – AGM – POSTPONED due to another lockdown. Stay tuned for another date (Dec 4)
When – Covid measures permitting, Friday 13 August. 7pm for drinks and nibbles, 7.30 AGM, 7.45 guest speaker followed by supper.
Where – Newham Mechanics Institute
Notice of meeting and papers (President’s and Treasurer’s reports, 2020 AGM minutes, nomination form and membership renewal) have been sent to members.
Our guest speaker will be Jason McAinch, MRSC’s private land conservation officer on the topic: Can livestock actually repair and restore grasslands?
April 25, Sunday – Habitat 101: habitat assessment workshop
What do native animals need to survive and thrive?
What can we do to help prevent local extinction of species?
Sam Harrison will lead this event, he is known to many of us through his time at Melbourne Water and then as science teacher at Newham Primary School. Discussion will be about the components of habitat, how to assess its value and determine what is needed to improve it.
You will be able to put this learning into practice on the property as we assess a number of different areas for their habitat value.
When: Sunday April 25th 10am – 2pm
Where: 803 Monument Rd, Lancefield
0945 for a 10am start. Lunch provided.
Wear sturdy footwear and weather appropriate gear – this is an outdoor event (shed/verandah shelter only)
See article in NDLG newsletter no.63, p12
April 17, Saturday – Dinner for new members
Where: Newham Mechanics Hall
Time: 6.30 pm
Due to Covid restrictions on numbers, this is an invitation only event for new member families to meet neighbours and committee members.
It was a great success, and an occasion to launch our video Linking the Landscape – the Cobaw Biolink
March 24, Wednesday – Meet the night time creatures of our Newham Roadsides
Ecologist Karl Just will present the exciting findings of the arboreal animal spotlights he carried out across 10 roadsides in the Newham area. We encounter unique fauna that illustrate the value of our roadsides as habitat.
Where: Newham Mechanics Hall
Time: 7 pm drinks and nibbles before 7.30pm presentation and discussion. Free. Supper to follow.
Plus an optional spotlight after the event, conducted on a nearby roadside to search for elusive possums and owls (cancelled due to rain, but future spotlights to be arranged, the first on Monday 29 April 2021).
Flier and article in NDLG newsletter no.63, p11
Karl’s report of this joint MRSC/Landcare project, titled Newham Roadsides nocturnal fauna surveys was launched.
Sunday 7 March – Clean Up Australia Day
Stephen Mahon organised Newham site participation in Clean Up Australia Day in honour of Nick Masie who did this for many years. Meet at 10:00 am at Newham Hall. Our beautiful environment is no place for rubbish and debris so we’re teaming up to clean up Newham clean up. We’d love your help on the day if you would like to sign up to be a volunteer at his site.
Clean Up Australia – Newham Landcare Clean Up Australia Event (cleanupaustraliaday.org.au) – this is Stephen’s volunteer page.
2020
Due to Corona virus and restrictions most of the events planned were on hold or cancelled.
Saturday 5 December – AGM and End of year gathering
Covid prevented us from holding our AGM in August, so we are taking the opportunity for a quick AGM at 6.30pm. The notice and all reports have been sent to members.
Our annual Christmas event is going ahead at 6pm outside Newham Hall as restrictions were lifted on 22 November to allow up to 50 persons in an outdoor public place, so RSVP only to the notice sent out. How wonderful it will be to celebrate again with the usual fun, games and great food.
Sunday November 29 – ‘Kolora’ Field Day – cancelled until 2021
A repeat of 2019’s very successful event, looking at works undertaken on the Kny property over a 20 year period. Take a look at your Spring 2019 newsletter p.12-13 for a report of the day.
Thursday September 24 – Biochar in baths
Jim Samson ran a demonstration of biochar preparation for 10 lucky members. See the article in Spring newsletter no.61
August – AGM
This was planned for Friday 14, then Sunday 16 outside at Wesley Park at lunchtime, but currently only 10 people are allowed to meet outside so the AGM is postponed until further notice.
Biochar workshop – date to be advised
A large amount of branches was prepared in June on the Mitchell property for burning in 4 baths. Stay tuned for what will be a fascinating expose of the techniques and benefits of biochar.
Friday 3 April – cancelled 16/03/20. Dinner at the Hall
Newham Landcare members and friends are invited to a shared Dinner in the Hall, not on the Hill for a change. We will start at 6pm, to enable families to share fun, food and good company, and meet and greet other members.
Magician Adam Laurance will be there to entertain children at 6.15. We will give away native plants, and hear from the Roadside Management group about their activities and a joint project with the Shire about roadside biodiversity values in the Newham area. There will be a fair dinkum chook raffle, including a pair of guinea fowl, with proceeds to go to a local wildlife shelter or animal bushfire shelter.
Come as you are – probably gardening clothes! or dress up/accessorize as some Aussie icon
BYO food and drink – bring a plate to share and whatever you like to drink.
Please RSVP to Helen Scott on orseda@outlook.com or 0412 582 526 indicating whether you will bring a savoury or sweet plate.
This replaces the previously advertised event of Community-led revegetation which was cancelled due to ill health of the speaker.
Wednesday 18 March – cancelled. Weeding on Whitebridge Road, 9.30am
Meet at corner of Bolgers and Whitebridge rds. Equipment provided, but wear full length clothing, garden gloves, eye protection, sun protection and sturdy footwear. Bring secateurs if you own a pair.
The hard working Weedies group (Roadside Management Group) would love some help from NDLG members on their working bees managing roadside weeds. They are a good opportunity to identify weeds and learn about techniques for weed management, usually followed by cake! Contact Howard Stirling about where to meet, or for more information – 0432 809 314 or howardjanine01@gmail.com
Sunday 1 March – Clean Up Australia Day
See article and pics in Summer 2020 newsletter p6
Nicholas Massie organises participation in Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday 1 March, meet at 9:00 am at Newham Hall. Our beautiful environment is no place for rubbish and debris so we’re teaming up to clean up Newham clean up. We’d love your help on the day if you would like to sign up to be a volunteer at my site! https://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/fundraisers/nicholasmassie – this is my volunteer page.
2019
Saturday 30 November. End of year gathering
Not the-first-Saturday-in-December – we’re breaking with a 14 year tradition so that Fanny Lumsden can appear at Newham.
Fantastic food and fun, and there is still plenty of time to practice for the Wellie throw and Egg Toss events.
BYO drinks, chair or picnic rug, plates, cutlery, glasses etc and an egg for the toss. BBQ items provided by the Landcare group (all GF)
Please bring a contribution for the shared table – savoury or sweet
Wesley Park (the hall if weather is inclement), from 6pm until dark
Photos on front cover of Newsletter no 59
Sunday 10 November. Kolora field day – 30 years of farm management, property visit
9.45 for 10.00 am start, at “Kolora” 279 Sheltons Road Rochford (off Bolgers Lane, Newham).
A 4.2 km walk over varied terrain (wear sturdy footwear) with discussion around
- Plantings – for biodiversity, commerce, honey bees
- Land and fire risk management – planning, grassland management, ecological thinning, managing native regrowth, farm dam rehabilitation, signs of aboriginal land management, plant diversity monitoring
- Wildlife – camera monitoring, nest boxes, insectariums, birds on farms, wildlife shelter, kangaroo exclosures
- Water quality management – creek rehabilitation, water quality, willow removal, floating islands
Wear for walk around property. Lunch provided, finish around 2.00 pm.
Flier and article in NDLG newsletter no.58
Sunday 6 October. Hanging Rock hands-on session
9.30 -12.30 with BBQ lunch to follow (Ottolenghi …eat your heart out!)
This time we’re heading for the northern side of the creek, at the western end.
Turn left after the café and park in the first carpark, near the petanque shelter as we’ll be lunching there.
This area has been hammered by Wallabies and roos – topiaried shrubs abound – but most of the plants have survived anyway.
What will be doing? A leisurely morning…
– lifting hardware for re-use elsewhere and hand weeding around plants
– small amount of planting (maybe 200) – Sedge, Bursaria, Woolly Tea-tree
– dealing with a Vinca major recurrence
– setting up roo exclusion areas.
Article in NDLG newsletter no.58 p.10
Friday August 16. Annual General Meeting
Bounding, rebounding and invasive vertebrates: how to live with them. Conflict at the human – wildlife interface
Local wildlife ecologist Ian Temby will be our guest speaker. Ian has spent most of his working life resolving human-wildlife conflict situations. His talk will cover a range of native and some exotic species and the dilemmas we face in dealing and living with them.
Newham Hall, presentation at 7.45pm
Food & nibblies 7pm, AGM 7.30. Coffee & cake to follow
RSVP for catering purposes to Helen at orseda@bigpond.com / 0412 582 526
Flier and article in NDLG newsletter no.58 pp.3-5
Sunday August 4. Make-your-own Nesting Box Workshop with Miles Geldard
In this 4 hour workshop, including lunch, you will learn about the value of nesting boxes and construct & paint a box to take home with you.
Lunch and materials provided. BYO drill with Phillips-head screwdriver, paint brush.
Where: Newham Hall, 11am-3.30 pm
Cost: $25 to NDLG members ($75 non-members) See Flier
Friday July 12. Exploring what changes can unfold when predators are excluded from our ecosystems
Mark Bachmann, principal ecologist and manager of Nature Glenelg Trust returns, as requested by those present at his last talk…
Overview: A semi-regular small mammal monitoring program has been conducted by Mark Bachmann over the past 18 years in Lower Glenelg River Conservation Park. Of note, this small South Australian reserve has been under the proximal influence of Glenelg Ark for the past 12 years, a comprehensive fox baiting program operating in Lower Glenelg National Park, the adjacent reserve in western Victoria. Not only do the cliffs of the Glenelg River form a significant geographic barrier capable of slowing fox re-invasion to this site, enhancing the effectiveness of the baiting program, but this is also the only location under the direct influence of Glenelg Ark where a long-term baseline dataset exists prior to the baiting program commencing. However, the results have been anything but predictable, with a series of unforeseen impacts on the small mammal community now being observed. These results will be shared and put in the context of a wider discussion about changes that have been or are being observed elsewhere in south-eastern Australia and Tasmania when predators have gone missing. Mark will also highlight the changes that have occurred to the native mammal community in the Newham area.
He will also give a brief update on the Walker Swamp project that was the topic of his last presentation.
Where: Newham hall. Free. When: 7 for 7.30pm start
Flier and article in NDLG newsletter no.57 pp.16-18
Sunday May 26. Plant sales to NDLG members – what can you add to increase the diversity of flora on your property?
0830 – 1130am, 159 Dons Rd. Newham
On a first come first served basis, surplus plants grown by the propagating group are available to NDLG members at 50c per forestry tube.
A broad range is available this year, but with only small numbers of some species.
In addition to those listed below there is an assortment of aquatics and semi-aquatics to add habitat value to your dam – varieties of Rush, Sedge, Schoenoplectus, Baumea, Buttercup, etc.
PlusTasman Flax-lily (Dianella tasmanica) – bare-rooted for the taking.
Some plants are available year-round but generally the production is aiming for Autumn availability. Members have received a list of what is available by email – do help Penny (penroberts@bigpond.com) reduce the huge number of plants she cares for. We are incredibly lucky she makes such bounty available to us, but it’s a lot of work!
Sunday May 19. Hands-on session at Hanging Rock Reserve
Continuing our program undertaken annually since Autumn 2012 of maintaining and enhancing riparian zone works. We will revisit areas planted several years ago, now protected by fencing to exclude wallabies and discourage kangaroos, to add in more ground layer plants and deal with any weeds that have appeared.
Where: Western end of the creek, southern side. Turn left immediately inside the gate, park near the tennis club and head to western end of the creek.
When: 9.30 – 12.30 followed by a BBQ lunch. BYO gloves
Sunday 24 March. Habitat for Wildlife with Miles Geldard. Members only
- What is habitat?
- How do we judge its value?
- What can we do to improve it?
During this workshop from 10am to 2pm, Miles – a naturalist and local fauna expert, will share his knowledge on nestboxes for wildlife and will impart key skills and tools you may use to conduct a habitat assessment on your property.
Program for the workshop:
– Presentation under shelter by Miles
– Walk & talk whilst installing nestboxes
– Picnic lunch (provided)
– More walk, talk & nestbox installation on another property nearby.
370 Hennerbergs Road, Newham. FREE
Flier and article in NDLG newsletter no.56, pp.8-9
Sunday 3 March. Clean up Australia Day
Nick Massie for Newham Landcare has again set up a Newham Site at https://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/fundraisers/nicholasmassie where Members and everyone are invited to register by following the above link or pasting into your browser to take part in this year’s clean up. The collection from 2018 is shown – let’s maximise turnout this year and double the size of the rubbish pile. Meet at 9:00 am at the Hall. Finish with a coffee at the store about 12 noon.
Friday 22 February. Rivers of Gold
Starting our educational events program for 2019 is a talk at Newham Hall on Friday 22 February by Professor Susan Lawrence from LaTrobe University. Titled Rivers of Gold, Susan looks at a project which investigated the destructive environmental impacts of the gold mining industry in Victoria. What toll did farmers and the river systems pay for the prosperity that gold brought? RSVP to Penny (penroberts@bigpond.com) if you would like to come: 7pm for drinks/nibbles, 7.30 talk, supper after.
Download Rivers of Gold flier, and article in NDLG newsletter no.58 pp.14-15
Sunday 17 February. Feralscan Training for Teens
at Newham, 4.00 – 6.15 pm. This is a callout to our teenage members of NDLG. We need you and your smartphones to help us collect data and create a rabbit activity map for Newham. We’d like to involve members from various parts of the NDLG area to map their families’ and neighbours’ properties. We plan to run a training activity on Feralscan on Sunday February 17th, between 4 and 6.15pm at a private property at Newham. Parents, please call Sue Barker on 5427 0805 or email NDLG.pest@gmail.com if your teenager would like to be involved. (Cancelled until a later date)
2018
1 December 2018 Christmas BBQ and games (annual event)
Fantastic food and all the usual fun, plus the usual Wellie toss, Egg toss. BYO drinks and something savoury or sweet for the shared table. GF BBQ items provided by Landcare. BYO drinks / chair / picnic rug / plates & cutlery etc / an egg for the toss. At Wesley park, Newham Mechanics Institute from 6pm
16 November. Newham Primary school working bee 4 – 6pm
Maintenance in the native vegetation area adjacent to the creek – much needed! The school has scheduled a whole school working bee for general maintenance and work on the frog pond that was started recently. NDLG is funding Sam Harrison to run activities for children during this session.
14 October 2018. Hands-on session at Hanging Rock
The reserve has a very large population of kangaroos, along with wallabies, and residual rabbits, making it a real challenge to establish under-storey and ground layer plants. Come and see how our plantings have fared, look at alternative protection methods and give a hand with some planting and maintenance along the creek. 9.30 – 12.30, BBQ lunch to follow.
8 September 2018. Cobaw Biolink – information session for landowners
This presentation by Dr Jim Radford will include: Benefits of restoring rural landscapes; Principal approaches to planning landscape restorations; Guiding principles at both individual property and landscape levels; Q & A on the Cobaw Biolink; Funding support and the Expression of Interest process. (UDCN facilitator Tim Read and Penny Roberts.) 9.30 – 12.30, Newham Hall
17 August 2018. Annual General Meeting
Hear Mark Bachmann from Nature Glenelg Trust speak – “Bringing back the Brolga: Walker Swamp & other wetland restoration projects underway in the Southern Grampians”.
Newham Mechanics Institute. 7pm for 7.30. Speaker at 7.45. Supper follows
See flier and article in NDLG newsletter no.54
13 May 2018. Hanging Rock Planting
Continuing our program undertaken annually since Autumn 2012 of maintaining and enhancing riparian zone works. 9.30 – 12.30, lunch provided
6 May 2018. Raptor display by Martin Scuffins of Leigh Valley Hawk and Owl Sanctuary
Martin Scuffins is an environmental scientist with a lifelong interest in birds and, with his wife, he set up the Leigh Valley Hawk and Owl Sanctuary to help injured birds almost 2 decades ago. Over the years they collected 12 birds of their own (species: Peregrine Falcon, Barking Owl, Nankeen Kestrel, Barn Owl, Little Eagle, Southern Boobook Owl and Wedge-tailed Eagle) all captive-bred stock from other zoos or wildlife parks, and over recent years have shifted their focus from rehabilitation of injured wildlife to raptor demonstrations and education. This will be an informative and inspiring display with an elite team of trained birds. 11.00 – 2.00, lunch provided, members only. 159 Dons road, Newham
See article in NDLG newsletter no.53 and photos in Gallery.
20 April 2018. What is the future for Newham Landcare?
Jim Sansom is putting together an exciting tableau to be presented by students of Newham Primary School: WE WILL REVIEW with some sense of satisfaction our past achievements. BUT MORE IMPORTANT will be our look to the future. Several young members of our community – pupils from Newham Primary School – will be helping us to set the challenge: WHAT GREAT THINGS CAN WE ACHIEVE TOMORROW? Come along and help set the AGENDA. Newham Mechanics Institute, 6.45pm. Supper to follow
See Flier and article in NDLG Newsletter no. 54. Spring 2018, p12.
4 March 2018. Clean Up Australia Day
Nick Massie organises this each year in March
23 February 2018. Climate change- how forestry can help save society
Kal Kny discusses global and regional forestry and timber trends and the implications and opportunities locally. Karl has been managing pine and eucalypt plantations and native forests for conservation across Victoria, Queensland and New Zealand for the past 18 years, and is currently Vice President of Newham & District Landcare Group. Newham Mechanics Institute. 7pm for 7.30. Supper to follow.
See Flier and articles in NDLG newsletter n0.52 and no.53
2017
2 December 2017. Christmas BBQ and games (annual event)
Great food and company, plus the usual Wellie toss, Egg toss BYO drinks and salad or dessert for the shared table. BBQ items provided by Landcare (veggie / meat options). See Flier
24 November 2017. “What can we learn from listening to nature?”
Evening presentation by Andrew Skeoch of Listening Earth, https://www.listeningearth.com on birds and birdsong. Newham Mechanics Institute. 7pm for 7.30. Supper follows. See flier
22 November 2017. Native Grassland reconstruction
Workshop organised with UCLN with Dr Paul Gibson-Roy, Greening Australia’s lead scientist, about native pastures for grazing. Includes lunch and a field trip. 10am – 3pm, Newham Mechanics Institute.
See Flier and articles in NDLG newsletter no.55
19 November 2017. Wildflower Walk
10am, Conglomerate Gully, Riddells Creek. NDLG Roadside Management Group invites members and guests to spend a couple of hours in the morning to discover the wildflowers in a contrasting environment to that typical of the Macedon Ranges. The walk will conclude with tea and cake. Dogs are welcome on leads only. Sturdy footwear is essential.
See flier
11 November 2017. Chilean Needlegrass workshop
Carlsruhe CFA, Three Chain Rd. 10am-12pm. Learn how to identify this high impact agricultural and environmental weed from an agricultural scientist. Presented by Macedon Ranges Shire Council in partnership with Carlsruhe and Newham & District Landcare Groups. Bookings through Council website.
22 October 2017. Hanging Rock Planting
Hands-on session at Hanging Rock Reserve. Tasks on offer are planting, planting, planting on the ‘island’ and some maintenance in areas planted over the last couple of years – removing hardware, a bit of hand-weeding. For anyone with a grudge against blackberry and Broom there will probably be seedlings that can be pulled by hand. 9.30 – 12.30, BBQ lunch provided.
8 Sepember 2017. Create a Frog Pond or Turn your Dam into Habitat
Free evening presentation and discussion with Damien Cook, Rakali Ecological Consulting. Damien is a recognized expert in wetland, riparian and terrestrial ecology, particularly in the factors affecting the establishment and management of aquatic and wetland plants. A selection of water-loving plant species will be available to purchase on the night. Newham Mechanics Institute. 7pm for 7.30. Supper follows.
See flier and article in NDLG newsletter no.51 and Damien’s presentation(pdf 3.85mb. 16p)
3-10 September 2017. NDLG display in Woodend Library for Landcare Week
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- Woodend library display for Landcare Week 2017
18 August 2017. Annual General Meeting
Guest speaker is Sophie Bickford, Executive Director of Central Victorian Biolinks Alliance. Her talk – “From Islands to Networks – linking landscapes for conservation at a time of climate change”, will show how Newham Landcare and Hanging Rock are part of a large-scale biolink project. Newham Mechanics Institute. 7pm for 7.30. Speaker at 7.45, Supper follows.
See flier AGM 2017 and article in NDLG newsletter no.51
14 May 2017. Hanging Rock Planting
Continuing our program undertaken annually since Autumn 2012 of maintaining and enhancing riparian zone works. 9.30 – 12.30, lunch provided.
31 March 2017. Hanging Rock Environmental Management Plan: building habitat for wildlife
Evening presentation and discussion with Katherine Smedley of Practical Ecology, author of the plan. What is it? How is it to be implemented? Learn how to make your place more wildlife friendly. Newham Mechanics Institute. 7pm for 7.30. Speaker at 7.45. Supper follows. See flier
5 March 2017. Clean Up Australia Day
Nick Massie has established a Clean Up site for Newham. This is a great way to do something good for our local environment. Meet at Wesley Park, Newham, 9.30am -12.30pm.
23 February 2017. Community BBQ at Newham Primary School
You are invited to a community BBQ to welcome new students and parents.
There will be plenty of kids activities and the school’s parent information sessions begin at 6:00pm. BBQ meat/options provided by Landcare, please bring a salad or dessert to share. To be held at the BBQ and Bush Bird Hide area next to the multipurpose court, which was a project completed as part of the continued partnership between Newham Primary School and Newham & District Landcare Group. It has developed a previously underutilised section of the school into a creative and practical space for students and the community to enjoy.
2016
3 December 2016. Christmas BBQ and games (annual event)
Live background music, door prizes, gingerbread biscuit decorating for children plus the usual Wellie toss, Egg toss, great food and company. BYO drinks and salad or dessert for the shared table. BBQ items provided by Landcare (veggie / meat options). At Wesley park, Newham Mechanics Institute from 6pm
9 October 2016. Hanging Rock Planting
Continuing our program undertaken annually since Autumn 2012 of maintaining and enhancing riparian zone works, this one will fill gaps and bulk out some areas along Smokers Creek. 9.30 – 12.30, lunch provided. See article in NDLG newsletter no.48, p12
2 October 2016. Explore, weed, and identify wildflowers
The Roadside Management Group, or “Weedies” invite all Newham and District Landcare members to visit our special roadsides of Shelton’s Rd and Henneberg’s Lane, explore the native wildflowers while helping to weed. 9.30am – 12.30pm. Morning tea provided
See Flier and article in NDLG newsletter no.48
23 September 2016. Frogs
Guest speaker Richard Akers will talk about the importance of frogs in the eco system, the frog census, frog identification, sounds, what we need to do to maintain a frog-friendly environment. 7 for 7.30pm start. Supper to follow
See Flier and article in NDLG newsletter n0.48, pp.10-11
Get involved in the Frog Census, a community frog monitoring program. The data collected through the program is used to help manage Melbourne and nearby regions frog populations and raises awareness of waterway health issues.
19 August 2016. Annual General Meeting. Guest speaker Professor David Karoly on “Climate change: Where are we now and where are we heading?”
David Karoly is Professor of Atmospheric Science in the School of Earth Sciences, Melbourne University. Amongst other academic positions, he has held professorial postings at the University of Oklahoma (USA) and Monash University. He is an internationally recognised expert on climate change and has been a contributor to reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). He is a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists and as a member of the Climate Change Authority he advises the Government on climate policy.
Newham Mechanics Institute. 7pm for 7.30. Speaker at 7.45. Supper follows. See Poster
A wonderful evening was had by all, with suggestions “What can we do about climate change” written on cards by audience groups. CLICK HERE for a PDF of Professor Karoly’s talk (3.4mb). See also an article by Jim Samson on Carbon myths, climate truths, what to do in NDLG newlsetter no.46, pp.6-8
20 May 2016. Gliders
Guest speaker Kylie Soanes. All about Gliders / animal road crossing structures. Kylie is a wildlife ecologist/conservation biologist interested in environmental management and restoration projects, and ways of figuring out whether or not they were successful. Her main area of expertise is in the field of road ecology and her PhD research evaluated the effectiveness of road-crossing structures for arboreal mammals (think rope bridges on the Hume – perhaps you’ve driven under them?) Her work to date has focused the conservation of threatened mammals within the human-dominated landscapes of southeast Australia, using field studies and genetic approaches to address ecological questions. She particularly likes finding ways to strike a balance between agricultural/urban developments and nature conservation.7 for 7.30pm start. Supper to follow.See flier Gliders
15 May 2016.Hanging Rock Planting
This will be another session planting into pre-drilled holes (read ‘easy’). We have 500 + Tall Tussock Grass and Tall Sedge to stabilize the banks along with some shrubby species to plant in clusters, expanding on our last planting and then extending east along the creek. 9.30 – 12.30, BBQ lunch provided.
18 March 2016. Invertebrates – Presentation on Moths
Learn from Senior researcher Steve Williams about the biology of moth life cycles, food chains, interactions with other species and the impacts of fire and climate change. Newham Mechanics Institute. 7pm for drinks and nibbles, for 7.30 start. See flier Moths and articles in NDLG newsletter no.47
6 March 2016. Clean Up Australia Day
27 February 2016. Macedon Ranges Sustainability Festival
Newham & District Landcare Group is part of a joint display and panel discussions on Nature and Climate Change, featuring the Cobaw Biolink, rural roadsides and habitat. Woodend Community Hub and Garden, 10.00am onwards
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- Roadsides display at MRSG 2017 Sustainability Festival
18 February 2016. Community BBQ at Newham Primary School
You are invited to a community BBQ to welcome new students and parents as well as launch the newly landscaped Bush Bird Hide area next to the multipurpose court. The project was completed as part of our continued partnership, with the help of Braemar volunteers and funded by a Local Landscape Enhancement Grant from DELWP. It has developed a previously underutilised section of the school into a creative and practical space for students and the community to enjoy.
There will be plenty of kids activities and the school’s parent information sessions begin at 6:30pm. BBQ options provided by Landcare, please bring a salad or dessert to share. Newham Primary School from 6pm onwards. See article in NDLG newsletter no. 46, p14
29 January 2016. Join our Federal and State members with Newham Landcare to hear about preserving special roadside reserves
Federal MHR Lisa Chesters and State MLA Mary-Anne Thomas are visiting Newham to view some of our very special road reserves and hear our concerns about their preservation. Landcare members are invited to join us.
To appropriately manage the issues of road safety, fire control and biodiversity, it is vital that roads with remnant, diverse native vegetation are recognised, assessed, mapped and management plans formulated to protect them. Ask yourself whether you value such roadsides, or even think about them, and whether it is worth preserving one of the distinguishing features of the beautiful area we live in. Newham Mechanics Institute, 2.45- 3.45pm
See printed handouts on the day and handouts “Our Rural Roadsides” (2p) and “Roadsides protection is a State-wide issue”(3p); and article in NDLG newsletter no.46, p12-13.
2015
5 December 2015. Christmas BBQ and games (annual event)
Live background music, door prizes, gingerbread biscuit decorating for children plus the usual Wellie toss, Egg toss, great food and company. BYO drinks and salad or dessert for the shared table. BBQ items provided by Landcare (veggie / meat options). At Wesley park, Newham Mechanics Institute from 6pm.
See flier and pictures in NDLG Newsletter no.45
11 October 2015. Hanging Rock Planting
Join Newham & District Landcare and Friends of Hanging Rock for a planting session on the banks of the creek and around the lagoon at Hanging Rock. This will be easy planting – the ground is soft, not all species will need to be guarded, and some holes will be pre-drilled whilst others will be made on the day. The majority of plants put in will be ‘clumpers’, whose role is to stabilise the banks rapidly – their roots penetrate 0.5-1 metre deep. The remaining plants, shrubs and small trees will grow more slowly but eventually have roots that go deeper and give a stronger ‘binding’ capacity. Meet east of the entry drive, at the creek. All volunteers can exit free. 9.30am – 12.30pm followed by a free BBQ lunch
7 August 2015. Annual General Meeting, Aboriginal history
Guest speaker Gerry Gill. Gerry Gill is an anthropologist and film maker who has made the regional landscape the focus of his research and films. He is interested in the layers of stories that are as much a part of the landscape as the rocks, hills and creeks. Gerry will discuss the Aboriginal occupation of the area north of Terrawait (Mt Macedon), what the landscape looked like when Europeans first saw it and the conflicts between invading Europeans and Aborigines on the pastoral frontier. Newham Mechanics Institute. 7pm for 7.30. Speaker at 7.45. Supper to follow.
See poster and a Copy of Gerry’s presentation “Aboriginal Landscapes of the Anneyelong, Terawait & Jim Jim district”. PDF file of 73 pages, 9.4MB
24 July 2015. Rural Roadsides – “Conserving shared treasure”
Many of our Shire’s rural roadsides are important remnants of rare plant communities and habitat for many animal species. Their biodiversity and beauty are constantly under threat of damage or destruction. What can residents do on our own roadsides to assist conservation. Two speakers will address the issues – Michelle Patrick from Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Dr Steve Krstic. Newham Mechanics Institute, 7pm for a 7.30 start, supper to follow.
See poster and article in Autumn/Winter 2015 Newsletter
and Steve’s presentation (Roadside conservation, Powerpoint 15.5mb)
10 May 2015. Hanging Rock Reserve – planting / maintenance / review of works done in Spring 2014
We will be returning to the area planted in 2014 – to do some additional planting and maintenance tasks, and to review the exclusion areas (and discuss revegetation vs regeneration : when and why do we step in and take over from nature).
‘Maintenance tasks?’ you ask. Not as pleasurable as planting, perhaps, but just as satisfying if we imagine how these tasks will become unnecessary as the native plants grow and out-compete the weeds. (Hand-weeding around plants, dealing with weed seedlings by hand pulling or cut & paint techniques). Broom, Blackberry, Hawthorn, Holly and Laurel seedlings are likely to continue to appear for several years, but in rapidly diminishing numbers as contractors removed many of the large Holly, Hawthorn and Laurel trees from the reserve earlier this year. The planting target will be 600 under-storey or ground layer plants – these will be along the creek, as regeneration is occurring within the two herbivore exclusion fences. Hanging Rock Reserve – 9am, lunch provided.
17 April 2015. “SOILS – Natural. Productive. Sustainable?”
Understanding the “soil food web”, presented by Jim Sansom. Newham Mechanics Institute, 7pm for a 7.30 start, supper to follow. Article in NDLG newsletter no.43, p10-11
27 March 2015. “Lessons from Victoria’s grassy ecosystems” Understanding environmental history – the key to a sustainable future”
Presented by Paul Foreman. Paul argues that only by developing a deeper understanding of how our landscapes work – in terms of diversity, function and history of change – can we be fully prepared for the future. And given recent shifts in government policy, local communities should seize the opportunity to be better prepared to lead the push to restore and protect their environment. Paul draws on examples from his consulting and research work in lowland grassy ecosystems, including important new understandings from the historical record.
Paul Foreman is a highly regarded and skilled field botanist and ecologist with over 23 years of experience in land management and nature conservation across a range of sectors and in a range of technical, strategic and management roles throughout Victoria and many other parts of Australia.
See www.bluedevilconsulting.com.au for more information on his experience, skills and services. Newham Mechanics Institute, 7 for 7.30. Supper to follow. See poster
2 March 2015. Clean Up Australia Day
28 February 2015. BBQ on the Hill
For new and old Newham Landcare members. Family friendly – blow-up pool/tower/water slide for littlies if the weather is hot, pr screening a movie for the children if it’s not (please make suggestions!). BYO chair, drinks and something for the shared table. BBQ options provided by Landcare. 159 Dons Rd, 5.30pm onwards
2014
6 December 2014. Christmas BBQ and games (annual event)
Live background music, door prizes, gingerbread biscuit decorating for children plus the usual Wellie toss, Egg toss, great food and company. BYO drinks and salad or dessert for the shared table. BBQ items provided by Landcare (veggie / meat options). At Wesley park, Newham Mechanics Institute from 6pm.
Pics in NDLG newsletter no.45, p14 and in Gallery
15 November 2014. Grasslands Field day with Paul Foreman
Paul of Blue Devil Consulting will guide Landcare members on flora identification, ecology and restoration management. BYO water bottle, sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen. Morning cake provided. Hanging Rock Reserve – meet in centre of Racecourse Grasslands, 9.30-12.00.
31 October 2014. “Healthy Farms for Healthy Waterways” talk
Adam Logan (Rural Land Management, Melbourne Water) will talk about a program designed to improve water quality by working with landowners to address off-stream sources of pollution, specifically sediment and nutrient. Adam has a background of working in agriculture on efficient use of resources. He has managed a soil nutrient testing laboratory, worked with graziers on weed control, and worked with horticulture and grazing industries on soil conservation and efficient fertilizer use. His main technical strengths are farming systems and soil health, and he enjoys working with farmers to achieve practice change. Newham Mechanics Institute, 7pm drinks and nibbles, 7.30 start, cake and coffee/tea to follow.
See article in NDLG newsletter no.42, p6-7
17 October 2014. “Fish for Farm Dams” talk
Andrew Clarke, Manager Aquaculture, Fisheries Victoria will present on the opportunities to stock your farm dam with fish both for environmental and harvesting outcomes. Newham Mechanics Institute, 7 for 7.30. Supper provided. See poster
29 August 2014. Agriculture and Climate Change – beef or beans?
Talk by Paul Mahony, Newham Mechanics Institute, 7 for 7.30. Supper provided.
See article in NDLG Newsletter no41, p10
8 August 2014. Annual General Meeting
Speaker – Brigid Kny, on The secret lives of Deep and Garden Hut Creeks. From 7.00 pm for 7.30, at Newham Mechanics Institute. Supper to follow.
See poster and article in NDLG newsletter no.41, p4-5
22 June 2014. Hanging Rock Winter solstice hands-on session
Preparation for Spring planting (cut/paint/pull weeds, marking rabbit warrens, rubbish removal checking plants in guards). Hanging Rock Reserve, SW corner, 9.00-11.30. BBQ lunch provided
14 June 2014. Trivia night (in lieu of Winter Dinner)
As this is a fundraiser for Newham Mechanics Institute, Landcare will sponsor the cost of $25 per person for members wishing to attend. BYO a plate to share. Food and drinks (no BYO) for sale at venue. Newham Mechanics Institute, 6.30 pm start.
23 May 2014. Farm dams as habitat for wildlife – floating islands and much, much more
Presented by Tania Begg. Newham Mechanics Institute, 7 for 7.30. Supper provided.
Article in NDLG Newsletter no 40, p6-7
11 May 2014. Hanging Rock Autumn planting
Follows previous revegetation events at Hanging Rock with plants; second stage “Communities for Nature” grant. Hanging Rock Reserve, 9.30-12.30. BBQ lunch provided
22 March 2014. Newham Pig Festival
O, Pig! A community arts project with grunt – more at http://newham.squarespace.com/pics/the-pig-project-2014/
2 March 2014. Clean Up Australia Day
23 February 2014. Picnic at Hanging Rock
From 11 am at the main oval, bring a picnic (and remember your exit fee of $10). Hosted by the Hanging Rock Action Group. http://hrag.info/ Speakers from 12 include Anne-Louise Lambert (Mirandaaaaaa.) Wild Action Zoo at 1.30pm. Live music all day. See poster
2013
7 December 2013. Christmas BBQ and games. At Wesley park, Newham Mechanics Institute.
10 November 2013. Walk and talk reviewing native grasslands, bushland conservation and revegetation.
Presented by Paul Foreman of Blue Devil Consulting, at “Kolora” 279 Sheltons Road, Newham.
Paul has particular skill in vegetation science, grassland ecology, conservation management and plant/grass identification, and will take great pleasure in sharing his knowledge of the region’s flora and discussing conservation management through the prism of “Kolora”, a beautiful bushland property owned by the Kny family on Garden Hut Creek, between Newham and Lancefield. Time: 9.30 am start till lunch, which is provided. See poster
13 October 2013. Spring planting at Hanging Rock Reserve
Join us to continue rehabilitation efforts along Smokers Creek, to the West of the entry road.
600 forestry tubes to go into the ground BYO gloves. 9.30am – 12.30ish or 1pm, depending on how efficient we are. BBQ lunch to follow. Water and morning snacks provided.
Picnic at Hanging Rock 12.30 Following Spring planting, come and enjoy Hanging Rock with a picnic on the main lawn, bring some lunch and share your experiences (and hopefully some sunshine) with those who love the Rock as much as you do. Members of Hanging Rock Action Group, associated community groups and, we hope, a MRSC councillor or two will be there to meet, talk and savour all things Hanging Rock. Everyone is welcome. Please note, Hanging Rock Reserve has a $10/car entry fee (unless you were planting with Newham Landcare in the morning).
NDLG Newsletter no.38 is a special issue on Hanging Rock titled Hanging Rock in the spotlight and under threat
26 August 2013.Annual General Meeting
Speaker- Dean Platt on waterways and stream frontages. From 7.00 pm for 7.30, Newham Mechanics Institute. Supper to follow. Article in NDLG Newsletter no.37, p3
29 June 2013. Winter dinner – 70s theme dress and decorations
Free. BYO drinks and food for common table. 70’s dancing led by so-called experts! Newham Mechanics Institute. 6.30 pm. See poster
26 May 2013. Hanging Rock Autumn planting and weed control
Follows previous revegetation events at Hanging Rock with plants via a grant. Hanging Rock Reserve, 9.30-12.30. BBQ lunch provided. (Follow-up: 600 tubestock were successfully planted)
10 May 2013. Indigenous plant and land use in Victoria
Speaker Dr Beth Gott, Adjunct Research Fellow at School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, is an ethnobotanist who specialises in the relationship between Aboriginal people and plants, and is widely published.
This is an opportunity to learn how plants were traditionally used by the Indigenous people of south-eastern Australia, for food, medicine, fibre, tools …, and how biodiversity was created by Aboriginal management of land with fire. Cost: Free to members. Gold coin donation for non-members. Newham Mechanics Institute, 7.00 for 7.30pm. Supper provided. See poster and article in NDLG Newsletter no.36, p10-11
6 April 2013. Design and planting for bushfire mitigation
Presentation by Terry Ouramis, CFA Vegetation Officer. Newham Mechanics Institute, 7.00 for 7.30pm.
3 March 2013. Clean Up Australia Day
19 February 2013. Weeds for Food
Newham is brimming with an abundance of wild edibles and so are its gardens. Many of Newham’s weeds are edible – not just edible but nutritious, tasty and free!
Learn where to find these foods, how to identify them and how to prepare them in the kitchen.
Topics include:
- Hands-on plant identification
- Preparation of foods
- Edible landscaping
Your guide Doris Pozzi is a keen food gardener and a graduate of the Permaculture Design Course. She is the author of ‘Edible Weeds and Garden Plants of Melbourne‘. Doris is an enthusiast and entertaining speaker who inspires people to see the plants all around them in a new way. Doris will also present to Newham Primary School in the afternoon. At the Newham Mechanics Institute. 9.30am – 12.30pm.
Hello Little Weed is Doris’s website. Article in NDLG Newsletter no.36, p9
19 January 2013. Hands-on Weeding session along the creek on the Western side of Newham Primary school.
BYO favourite secateurs and gloves. Landcare box will have plastic gloves, glyphosate, spray bottles, some secateurs, loppers etc. 9.30am to 11.30pm, followed by refreshments at the general store.
2012
1 December 2012. Christmas BBQ and games. At Wesley park, Newham Mechanics Institute.
14 October 2012. A very Special Spring Planting
At Hanging Rock Reserve. Planting from 9.30 – 12.30 with BBQ lunch to follow. Barry Peters, musician and children’s entertainer, will be joining us and performing his latest show “Off We Go”, in the area adjacent to the planting site. Whilst all comers are welcome for the planting and BBQ, numbers of children for the show will be limited to a maximum of 35. The Show is aimed at lower primary and 3-4yo children. Spare places at the show will be offered to non-member Newhamites.
16 September 2012. The Weedies Group working bee
Join us to cut and paint weeds at Bolger’s Lane and Shelton’s Road intersection, Newham.
These roads of significant vegetation have many beautiful wildflowers in Spring. We are seeking the participation of NDLC members – please wear sturdy footwear and bring gloves/secateurs/lopping saws. 9.30am to 12.30pm, followed by picnic lunch.
10 August 2012. Annual General Meeting
Speaker – Brigid Kny, Living with Wildlife: the joys, problems, trivia and solutions, plus wildlife emergency care. From 7.00 pm for 7.30, at Newham Mechanics Institute. Supper to follow.
30 June 2012. Winter Dinner – An Austrian/Bavarian theme
This is a free event, Landcare covering hall hire. Attendees BYO drings and food to contribute to the shared table. This year you will be in the running for prizes if you get out the lederhosen and frilly blouses. ound of Music songs look good, as do some waltzes. From 6.30 pm at Newham Mechanics Institute.
27 May 2012. Hanging Rock Autumn planting
Our first revegation event at Hanging Rock with plants via a grant. 9.30 – 12.30 with lunch to follow, Hanging Rock Reserve. Article in NDLG Newsletter no.33, p9
26 May 2012. Friends of Hanging Rock spotlight walk
Meet at the Cafe about 10 mins prior for some cross-species encounters. Wildlife is prolific in the Reserve, although the animals being on the wild side, may or may not be amenable, likewise the weather. The event is free and open to interested members of the public. Hanging Rock Ranger Guido will be conducting the walk of about an hours’ duration. 7pm, Hanging Rock Reserve
11 May 2012. Australian Koala Foundation
An exposition of the life and times of Koalas including the growing threat to their habitat. Deborah Tabart, CEO of Australian Koala Foundation, will discuss current issues and challenges for the survival of Koalas in Australia. Cost: a gold coin donation for non-members. Newham Mechanics Institute, Dons Road, Newham. 7.00pm for 7.30pm, supper to follow
Deborah has also very kindly agreed to further presentations at the Newham and Hesket Primary Scools on Monday 14th May. Article in NDLG Newsletter no.33, p6
26 April 2012. Wild Action Zoo
As part of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Landcare, we have secured a grant to cover the cost of local ‘Wild Action Zoo’. Some of you may have seen the owner of the zoo, Chris Humphrey, on TV last year with his wide range of Australian animals. He not only shows the animals to the audience, but also lets them hold and touch them after the show. He will concentrate on animals indigenous to this area- many well known, but also some lesser known such as quolls which used to be found on Mt Macedon.
As our contribution to the grant, students will also be planting several hundred indigenous plants on the school property. We hope that this will encourage and promote the next generation of Landcare members from the school and its community. Newham Primary School.
18 March 2012. A Little Bush Magic
Help Wobbly Wallaby and Wombus J Wombat return the magic to the bush! Designed for children, this interactive presentation is a celebration of the bush that gets everyone involved. Presented by Vox Bandicoot performers Free family event Wesley Park, Show starts 3.30pm. Followed by a BBQ tea provided by Landcare at 5pm.
Article and pics in NDLG Newsletter no.32, p4-5
4 March 2012. Clean Up Australia Day. Around Hanging Rock.
10 February 2012. Is there a platypus in my waterway???
Presented by Geoff Williams from the Australian Platypus Conservancy. 7.30pm, Newham Hall. Learn about the life of the platypus, find out how to monitor them and how you can help them in your area. Preceded by a walk along Monument Creek, 5 – 6.30pm.
2011
3 December 2011. Christmas BBQ
Wesley Park, 6pm. Lots of pics in NDLG Newsletter no.31, and in Gallery
22 November 2011. Wildflower walk at Conglomerate Gully
To be led by Maree Murmara, meet at Newham Hall carpark ot car pool, walk 10am-12midday. free
12 August 2011. AGM
Screening of “Honeybee Blues”, followed by discussion with Jim Sansom and supper
23 July 2011. Family movie “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”
2 July 2011. Winter dinner ‘Welcome to Bollywood’
7pm Newham Hall, byo drinks and casserole or dessert for shared table.
8 May 2011. Autumn member planting at Hennerbergs Lane
9 April 2011. Newham Harvest Festival
Pics at http://newham.squarespace.com/pics/harvest-festival-2010/ and in NDLG Newsletter no.28, p8-9
2 April 2011. Stephen Murphy on wind-breaks and habitat planting
Stephen is the author of Recreating Country (A guide to sustainable vegetation). At Moore’s, 370 Hennerbergs rd. Article in Newsletter no.28, p5
6 March 2011. Clean Up Australia
5 February 2011. Dinner on the Hill
Social function for old and new members. 6pm, 159 Dons Rd
2010
4 December End of year BBQ. Wesley Park, 6pm
28 November 2010. Friends of Hanging Rock planting at Hanging Rock Reserve
23 October, Hands-on session at Wesley Park.
Planting, weeding ,collecting hardware… 10am-12 midday.
17 October 2010. Lancefield Show display
8 October 2010. Looks lovely, pity it’s a weed
Speaker Emma Lipianin from Dept of Primary Industry discusses weeds in domestic gardens weeds on sale at local markets and regional works. Penny Roberts talks of local weeds with physical examples, and the “Weedies” explain their work mapping roadside weeds for Council and working bees on local areas. Newham Hall. See flier
13 August 2010. AGM
“Improve soils naturally” – Guest speaker Kerry Marsh, a Woodend consultant agronomist, explains the practice of natural biodynamic farming. Newham Hall.
7 August 2010. Hands-on session at Newham Primary School
In conjunction with school parent working bee.9.30 am, byo packed lunch or bbg items.
26 June 2010. Winter dinner
South American theme and Salsa dancing. Newham Hall
4 June 2010. Bruce Donaldson on Mammals of Macedon Ranges
Newham Hall, 7.30, supper to follow
16 April 2010. Film night at Newham Hall
“Our Seeds: Seeds Blong Yumi”
This is a 57 minute film that celebrates traditional food plants and the people that grow them. It addresses the problems the of globalised food based on hybrids that require pesticides and synthetic fertilizers and shows how individuals and small groups have solved these problems. A celebration of the seed keepers that stand at the source of humanity’s diverse food heritage. Screening at: Newham Hall, Time: 8pm. Supper to follow Members free, non-members $2
27 March 2010. Batty evening at Hanging Rock Reserve with Lindy Lumsden
This is a re-run of the highly successful evening we held in 2008. Lindy has been researching Australian bats for 30 years (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindy_Lumsden)– find out about these fascinating creatures and see them close up. 5.45 – 9.30pm. Cost $10 per adult, $5 children (7+), family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) $25. Includes entry fee to the reserve, BBQ meal and tea/coffee/cake. BYO chair (or rug) and torch. Flier, and article in NDLG Newsletter no.24, p5
13 March 2010. Newham Sustainability Expo
Four organisations in the Newham area, comprising the Primary School, the Hall Committee, the Community Planning Group, and the Newham & District Landcare Group are organising a one day seminar and exhibitor display on the subject of sustainability at the Newham Hall and the Primary School.
7 March 2010. Clean Up Australia Day
13 February 2010. Annual Summer Dinner-on-the-Hill
To welcome new members and new neighbours. BYO everything, 6pm 159 Dons Rd, Newham.
2009
5 December 2009. Christmas BBQ
Lots of pics in Newsletter no.23, Summer 2010
31 October 2009 Member planting at Toni Harris, Wisemans Lane
16 October 2009. Birds of Macedon Ranges
Bruce Donaldson at Newham Primary School
10 September 2009. Weedspotter training workshop with Julie Graham and Caroline Selway
14 August 2009. AGM. “Why migratory birds love sustainable coffee”
Phil Flanagan discusses the effects on migratory birds of land clearing for new coffee plantations in Costa Rica.
25 July 2009. Winter dinner
Latin American theme, Kerrie Hall, Kerrie Valley Rd, 7pm
23 May 2009. Autumn member planting, Mexted property
2 May 2009. Member planting, Riparian site at the Mullers
26 April 2009. Upper Deep Creek bus trip to view 3 properties in the Lancefield – Romsey area
18 April 2009. Film night
“The power of community: how Cuba survived peak oil”
1 March 2009. Clean Up Australia day
28 February 2009. Dinner on the Hill
BBQ to welcome new members and neighbours
15 February 2009. Walk on the Jim – Field day and picnic visit to 4 sites
The sites have received federal funding as part of the Campaspe-Maribyrnong Headwaters Biolink project. What worked. What hasn’t done so well? Why? Seed collection along the way. Article in NDLG Newsletter Autumn 2009, p1
2008
6 December 2008. End-of-year gathering
Lots of pics in Newsletter no.20, Summer 2009
19 October 2008. Lancefield Show display and Mount William Stone Axe Quarry tour
11 October 2008. Beginners propogation workshop
Presented by Marie Marmara, Newham Hall. Article in NDLG Newsletter no.20, Summer 2009, p1
11 October 2008. Family film Snowdogs and BBQ evening
20 September 2008. Official Spring planting, 249 Dons Rd – Luckock property, Newham, 10am
8 August 2008. AGM, Ian Hunter, Wurundjeri Elder
25 July 2008 Assoc Professor Ian Rutherford on waterways.
Article in NDLG Newsletter no.18, p5
28 June 2008. Winter dinner
Country and Western theme. Article in NDLG Newsletter no.18, p1
21 June 2007. Retro-fitting houses for thermal efficiency, EcoMasters, Newham Hall
14 June 2008. Official Autumn hands-on session: initial Wesley Park planting
Article in NDLG Newsletter no.18, p4
25 May Tree planting day with Landcare and TreeProject at Wiggett’s
Article in NDLG Newsletter no.18, p3
26 April 2008. Bat evening with Lindy Lumsden
And her pet bat “George”. Newham Hall
19 April 2008. Rabbit control field session. 229 Dons Rd, Newham, 10am.
12 April 2008. ‘Weedies’ working bee.
Lavender Hill roadside no 23. 9.30 am cut and paint, learn and practice this technique for dealing with woody weeds. Lunch provided
12 April 2008. Film Happy Feet and BBQ at Newham Primary School
15 March 2008. Discover Bats
An evening with Dr Lindy Lumsden at Hanging Rock Reserve. 5pm, $5 fee includes BBQ and exit fee.
2 March 2008. Clean Up Australia
2007
8 December 2007. End-of -year gathering
27 October 2007. Official Spring planting
33 Doherty’s Rd – Andre property. 10am, lunch provided
20 September 2007. Farm forestry. Shaun Quayle (DPI), Newham Hall, 7.30pm
14 September 2007 Land for Wildlife Open property at the Roberts, with Lindy Lumsden on microbats
31 August 2007 AGM. Bandages for a Wounded Landscape
Dr Stevan Krstic talks about the importance of maintaining native roadside vegetation as part of biolink.
20 July 2007. Pest animals
Update on Pest animal project and presentation of Newham survey findings; Tim Bloomfield speaks on optimal management of rabbit and fox populations . Newham Hall, 7.30pm
23 June 2007. Winter dinner – A tribute to Scotland. Photos in gallery
2 June 2007. ‘New member’ dinner. Jim Jim homestead
18 May 2007. Film evening – An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore. Newham Hall, 7.30pm
26 May 2007. Autumn member planting
Andre and Wiggett properties in Doherty’s Rd. Lunch provided. Article front page of NDLG Newsletter no.14
6 May 2007. Autumn planting at Hanging Rock Reserve
29 April 2007. Fungi Workshop.
Presentation and display by Alison Pouliot followed by lunch and foraging expedition on Mt Macedon. Article in NDLG Newsletter no.14, p3
27 April 2007. Speaker meeting on Biodiversity. David de Angelis and Dr Jim Radford
4 March 2007. Clean Up Australia
CleanUp Australia 2007
3 March 2007 BBQ on the Hill
1 February 2007 Newham Primary School working bee
2006
2 December 2006 End of year gathering
Article in NDLG newsletter no.12, p1,5
24 November 2006 Planting a Newham Primary School
11 November 2006 Spring planting day at Winter property, 709 Three Chain Rd, Newham
28 October 2006 Wildflower walk Shelton’s Rd, Newham
13 October 2006 AGM with presentation by Chris Lindorff of Trust for Nature
1 July 2006 Winter warmer social gathering at the Roberts
24 May 2006 Fifth in property planning series Landscape forms and processes: Mt Macedon, by Dr Neville Rosengren
21 May 2006 Autumn planting at Ken Sweaney’s property
Article in NDLG newsletter no.10, p2
15 May 2006 Fourth in property planning series –Pest plants and animals (Tim Bloomfield)
29 April 2006 Third in property planning series: Direct seeding project on Hanging Rock Farm
1 April 2006 Water Way Management for Landholders. Draft Presentation Workshop for Landholders by Melbourne Water
31 March 2006 Second in property planning series – Fauna issues (Jim Radford), aerial overlays and waterways (Lisa Deppeler, Melb Water)
10 March 2006 Introductory session of Property planning series
5 March 2006 Clean Up Australia Day
2005
2 December 2005 End of year BBQ & Social gathering
Article in NDLG newsletter no.8, p4
5 November 2005 Member planting day, Lorri Buttner property
23 October 2005 Member planting day at Sally Stabback propery. NDLG newsletter no 7 p4-5
17 September Spring planting day at Judy Don property
NDLG newsletter no 7, p3
17 September 2005 AGM in Judy Don’s shed
17 August Biodiversity forum on flora and fauna in Newham, by Dean Ingwerson (Latrobe University) and Lachlan Milne (MR Shire)
25 June 2005 Winter excursion along Deep Creek, fieldwalk from Rochford rd through 3 properties along Deep Creek (Williams, Don…)
15 May 2005 ‘Hands-on’ day, planting and bunny blaster demo beside Deep Creek, Cole property, Don’s Rd
11 May 2005 Roadside Management Group inaugural meeting, Newham store
6 May 2005 Clean Up Australia Day
2004
10 November 2004 Wildflower walk with Marie Murmara
16 October 2004 Public tree planting with Woodend Landcare on 5 Mile Creek, Woodend
10 October 2004 First AGM, byo BBQ lunch, Newham Hall
3 October 2004 Campaspe River Walk, Kyneton
19 September 2004 Spring planting day at Tellbach property, 699 Monument Rd, Lancefield, plus walk with Marie Murmara on Monument Creek
6 September 2004 Newham Primary School poster competition
1 August 2004 Visit to Slaty Creek, Duncan property to view methods of revegetation over 5 years
25 June 2004 Weeds Forum at Woodend Community Centre
3 May 2004 Inaugural committee meeting
2 May 2004 – Inaugural meeting to discuss formation at Ian and Sue Templeton’s