What’s been happening?

With the commitment of funding from the Shire of Yarra Ranges (SYR) and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), two committees have been born. The Steering Committee is comprised of Serg Zaccaria, Friends of Glen Fern Valley Bushlands (FGFVB), Lorraine Marshall (DSE), Ally Egan-Jones (SYR) and Luke Murphy (Knox City Council). James Merlino MLA also regularly sits in on these meetings. The role of this committee is to oversee the property maintenance, funding, management etc.

The Management Plan Review Committee is comprised of Serg Zaccaria, Ally Egan-Jones, Lorraine Marshall and Robin Crocker (Management Consultant). The role of this committee is to oversee the development of the Management Plan to cover all the interest and concerns of the groups involved. This committee will run until approximately November when the management plan is completed.

If you have driven past the reserve lately you will have noticed lots of activity. DSE contractors have begun increasing the firebreak on Glenfern Road as recommended by the CFA. Work has begun on the carpark at the New Road entrance and identification signage will be erected along with signage to deter illegal dumping and vehicle use.

Fauna Surveys continue in the Reserve with identification of new reserve bird species sighted in recent months, white-throated needletails and the olive whistler. There have been some good sightings of wedge-tailed eagles recently too. One was seen being hassled by little ravens over Gilmour Park. Truly a David Attenborough moment!

This newsletter introduces another 3 members of the group: Ian Rainbow, Mark Fanthorpe and Laurie Living who are the group's Fauna experts. They have dedicated many hours of their time to conduct fauna surveys within the reserve, some 60 surveys since late 2001. A fine effort by all.

The main reason they are all involved is because of their interest in the fauna within the reserve. They have lived in the area for many years and reside within walking distance of the park. There's hardly a weekend that goes by without some sort of bird spotting somewhere around Melbourne, being active members of the Wildlife Observers Club which is based in Upper Ferntree Gully.

Laurie has spotted about 650 Australian bird species and has recently been to Christmas Island to increase his tally! The group has sighted many interesting species in the reserve and are still on the lookout.

Their enthusiasm has sparked interest within the rest of the group who were unaware of the diversity of wildlife out there. They continue to inspire the group with their dedication to give of their time and energy, for the future of the wildlife in the reserve.

There is always 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 have a particular interest in flora or fauna, this is the group for you. If you would like to help out, please contact Serg Zaccaria or Sarah Tebbutt on the number given above.

Wormhole Books in Main Street, Upwey (next door to the post office) has agreed to collect new membership or renewals for the group. Drop in and see Sandy and browse through the amazing books in the shop. If your membership has recently lapsed or you have always thought I must join, why not use this convenient service.

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

• Flora and Fauna Surveys. Our Fauna and Flora groups regularly carry out survey work. If you are interested in attending a survey, please contact the group.

• Committee meetings. The committee meets once a month and we welcome the attendance of Members. Please contact us using the details above if you’d like to attend.

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.

You are invited to an informal workshop to identify issues and opportunities to help us ensure a successful future for the reserve. Inclusions to the draft plan will be discussed. A range of issues will be reviewed including:

• Long-term vision for the Reserve (what will it be like in 10 years time?)
• Land management and links with other areas
• Access and design including tracks and visitor facilities
• Management responsibilities and financial sources

Check it out for breaking news and general information. We now have on the site, photos and archived newsletters, future enhancements will include membership forms to download and model rules for the group. A big thanks to Roger Vize for his work on this site. Follow the link below.

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 editors Linda and Mark for possible inclusion into future newsletters

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

Pig & Whistle Tavern, 1429 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Mt Dandenong. Phone 9751-2366

Wormhole Books, 27A Main Street, Upwey Phone 9754 5440