Three members of our Friends Group have recently been attending a (6 x 1/2 day) bushland restoration and revegetation management course, sponsored by the SYR. The course focus is on the protection and restoration of remnant native bush, starting with areas that have the most biodiversity, as these are virtually impossible to recreate when gone. Using a local Montrose reserve as an outdoor classroom the course has passed on basic but important skills in plant and weed identification and weed control. It has also developed an understanding of how flora changes with terrain, and the cause and effect of various weed infestations. This will aid us in learning how to strategise and plan a project that will have the best possible environmental return for the available resources.

Dear Members and Supporters,

The last 3 months have seen great advances in the Glen Fern Valley Bushlands as several long-term projects come to fruition. Many people were involved but I especially want to express our gratitude for the support our efforts have received from Sophie Akers, Emily Cattermole and Marga Wennersten of the Environment and Asset Management departments of the Shire of Yarra Ranges. The news items in this issue show just how important their involvement has been.

Whenever I visit the reserve these days I often see people walking their dogs, jogging, exploring, bike riding and exchange a few words. They are invariably pleased with the Friends work to improve the environment and secure the reserve for safe public use. It is very satisfying to know that the community as a whole is increasingly seeing the reserve as a place to visit and enjoy.

Ian Rainbow

This award nomination would not have been possible without the continuous efforts of the members and supporters of the Friends of Glen Fern Valley Bushlands over the past 4 years who have pitched in to help remove weeds and rubbish, plant, distribute brochures, lobby politicians, attend stalls, and a myriad of other necessary duties. We should all be proud of this wonderful community effort. Congratulations to the eventual winners of the Protection of the Environment Award - Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater.

A really great result in recent weeks has been the successful grant application to the National Heritage Trust made by Serg Zaccaria with help from Emily Cattermole at SYR. The grant for $13,000, topped up by the Shire with another $3,000 will be used for contractor work eradicating weeds. In addition many thanks must also go again to Councillor Noel Cliff for another grant that we have put towards some machetes and herbicide applicators.

Have you ever been disgusted by the number of cans and bottles seen in the bush, along the roadside or washed up along a river? Peter Cook of Clematis has and is trying to do something about it, initiating a campaign called ‘Message in a Bottle’. The object is to lobby the State Government to introduce a deposit/refund system on drink containers, the same as works successfully in South Australia.

The case for a deposit / refund system is compelling. In Australia, 5 billion drink containers are tossed out annually. We produce more than 2.2 billion PET bottles annually. In Victoria only 35.3% of PET is recycled, but nearly 80% is recycled in South Australia. Added to this, South Australia has 50% less litter than other states and territories, according to Clean Up Australia statistics.

The need for the community action is urgent because our problem with beverage litter is cumulative. Every year billions more bottles and cans are added to those that are already taking up finite landfill space or degrading our environment.

In our last edition we highlighted a mystery flower discovered in our Reserve. Our thanks go to Lorraine Marshall of the Department of Sustainability and Environment who narrowed it down to Tricoryne elatior or Hypoxis glabella.

Timelines (March – June)

Working bees are held every 3^rd alternating Saturday or Sunday morning of the month. Members, Committee and interested supporters meet on-site to take part in weeding, rubbish removal and inspections of previously weeded areas. Everyone is welcome.

Entry for cars is via the Parks Victoria (Fire Access) gate on Glenfern Rd, Upwey (about ½ way along the land) The site reference is Melways 74G10. Please bring gloves, hand tools, water, and, depending on the weather, a hat or wet weather gear. In the event of inclement weather the working bee will be cancelled.

Upcoming working bee days: Saturday 20 August and Sunday 18 September.

Due to changes in the laws covering occupational health and safety after the 1^st of July 2005, a Level 2 First Aider must be at all working bees and all volunteers must first read a set of conditions before signing the attendance sheet. This is very much in the interests of all to ensure you are covered by accident insurance. We have been working with the Shire to clarify the paperwork requirements and also to find training courses for committee members. It is likely that the Shire will provide courses to ensure community groups are covered. Meanwhile at least 2 members will soon start courses to ensure we are covered in the longer term.

As a business you can sponsor our newsletter for as little as $50 per edition (4 per year). Newsletter distribution is 200 local homes. Let us know if we can help you with your business

Sandy has been a corporate sponsor of the Friends group since its inception and was generous enough to collect membership dues and to display our event advertisements. We are extremely grateful for this support and assistance and wish Sandy all the best in her new venture in Belgrave Heights.

With Wormhole Books moving we have made arrangements for convenient collection of dues at the Shire of Yarra Ranges Branch Office in Main Street Upwey. Anyone wishing to pay membership fees can now simply walk into the office, pay the fee and collect a receipt.