First, to those members who are receiving a newsletter for the first time, welcome. Thankyou for caring about an area that is of tremendous local significance enough to become actively involved in its future. It’s great to see such an active community spirit.

Second, for our original members, as we have recently celebrated our first anniversary as a group it is now time for those who joined a year ago to renew their membership, you will be notified soon if this applies to you.

The local/state Government is behind our group and recognises the valuable contribution we are making to the cause of local environmental conservation. This recognition has only been won because we are a very active group and because we represent the voice of the community. This requires a healthy database of members and your active participation.

Finally, there is room for some new faces on the committee and we would welcome any contribution members can make to the running of the group. If you would like to help out, please contact Serg Zaccaria or Sarah Tebbutt on the number given above.

• First meeting of Committee of Management. Tuesday 17^th December saw the first meeting of the newly-formed Committee of Management. In attendance were Serg Zaccaria, President of Friends of Glen Fern Valley Bushlands, and representatives from the Shire of Yarra Ranges and the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment. This initial meeting was to set in place the groundwork for future works and funding, more news will passed on as it comes to hand.

• Working bees. Every 3^rd Sunday of the month Members, Committee and interested supporters meet on-site to take part in a working bee.

With the holiday season, the hotter weather and the increased fire danger January will be a rest month for the group but it’s back into it again refreshed and raring to go in February. Please bring gloves, hand tools, water, and, depending on the weather, a hat or wet weather gear. 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. Finish time will be about 12:30.

Do you have any ideas or feedback for our newsletter, it’s your newsletter.

Would you like to share some of your knowledge, experiences, with our group? If so drop a line to our editor Jason Glasson for possible inclusion into future newsletters.

Ruby’s Café, Burwood Highway, Belgrave. Phone 9754 7445 for bookings.

Upwey and District Community Bank, 30-32 Main St., Upwey. Phone 9754 1200 for all your banking needs.

Naturally, any other businesses out there that can assist us would also be sure to

receive a mention in our newsletter!

As a business you can sponsor our newsletter for as little as $50 per edition (4 per year). Newsletter distribution is 200 local households.

Let us know if we can help you with your business.

As a concerned member of the community you would like to see the Glen Fern Valley Bushlands area reserved for the use and enjoyment of the local community and its considerable natural beauty and environmental values safeguarded and enhanced. Becoming a Member helps make that desire a reality.

Membership fees are kept as low possible to encourage maximum participation and to keep our "Grass Roots" foundations just that, local people looking after their local environment.

The friends of group has received no funding for the day-to-day running of the group, so mail outs, posters, printing, incorporation costs etc, must be met by membership fees.

So if you can help with the work of our group via membership, donations, or in-kind your contribution is most welcome.

We also distribute the newsletter to local libraries and community centres for interested people to pick copies up, please keep an eye out for them.

If you would like a membership form please contact us or visit our website.

Wonderful Weeds #1

South Africa

Evergreen herb in leafy clumps to 60cm, flower heads to 120cm. Thick rhizome. Flowers Nov-Feb, mauve or white. Leaves and rhyzomes poisonous. Reproduces

By seed and vegetatively (rhizome growth or fragments). Spreads in dumped garden waste and contaminated soil.

1. Remove flower heads prior to flower.

2. Dig out leaves and rhyzomes and dispose in garbage (does not compost well).

Roots do not regenerate.

Spraying glysophate herbicide has little or no effect on plant

Replacement indigenous plants (and good advice) are available for around $1 from

That’s all for this edition, hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and New Year. Please stay safe and we’ll see you in February.

Editor. Jason Glasson E-mail: jays_place@tpg.com.au