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Natural Resources Northern and Yorke

15 July 2014

 
Volunteers eNews
 

In this issue

We welcome Julia to our Ranger-Community team
Friends of Burra Parks restoring our Cobb & Co heritage
Volunteers busy learning new skills
Neil’s sustainable farming recognised
Revegetation at Worlds End
Landcare seeks comment from the Community
Going Bush at Sevenhill
A Day in the Life of Landcare
SA History Fund Grant is OPEN
Conservation Council SA Environment Awards 2014
HAZARD ALERT - Exposure to Agave sap
The Norman Wettenhall Foundation - Small Environmental Grant Scheme
Invitation to Yacka Moorundie Landcare Group's workshops
Climate Change in the Environment Information Session
Join us for a walk through Neagles Rock Reserve
Youth Volunteer Scholarship Awards
Volunteering Opportunities
Poem of the Month

Shake a Volunteer's Hand

Volunteers are a very special breed.
They're not afraid to step in when they see the need.

They're always willing to lend a hand,
To lift someone up who's sinking in quicksand.

They always have something encouraging to say,
And they manage to say it in the kindest way.

They share their skills, talents and time.
And in return, they don't ask for a dime.

So the next time you meet with some volunteers,
Shake their hands, and let them know you're happy they're here.

by Kelly Roper

 

Do you have a poem or quote to share? Email us.

 
 
We welcome Julia to our Ranger-Community team

We welcome Julia Alessio as Ranger-Community in the Lower & Mid North District team.

Julia comes from a teaching background; teaching in a number of rural and remote primary schools since 2004.

With a keen interest in the environment, Julia has volunteered with a number of conservation related groups over the last 15 years. She is now looking forward to using her experiences in both areas, to enable community members, to help protect the natural resources of our Region.

We will introduce the other members of the Ranger-Community team in future issues of the newsletter. 

If you would like to speak to your local Ranger-Community contact the Natural Resource Centre on 8841 3400.

   
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Friends of Burra Parks restoring our Cobb & Co heritage

Friends of Burra Parks made their annual pilgrimage to Bimbowrie Conservation Park to undertake traditional stone restoration techniques on the Park's Cobb & Co heritage buildings.

This visit attracted 16 volunteers, including 5 new volunteers, who all worked on the restoration of the Cobb & Co coach house & out-house.

Kate McNicol, Ranger Landscapes said “It was great to see that in the third year of undertaking this trip that the volunteers are still incredibly enthusiastic, and that new volunteers are still jumping on board. The work that is achieved is a fantastic contribution to remembering and preserving the heritage of the Park. It also gives staff the great opportunity to spend more time with our volunteers.”

"I really enjoyed working with and getting to know this fantastic bunch of people, who were very welcoming and love to have a laugh." said Danielle Calabro, Graduate Ranger.

If you would like to become a member of Friends of Burra Parks, contact President Bob Lamb 8581 8255 or email.

   
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Volunteers busy learning new skills

To ensure that DEWNR continues to meet its’ Work Health and Safety obligations, the Volunteer & Partnerships Unit funds and co-ordinates an annual training program. The focus is predominately on safety requirements, although other areas such as the purchase of PPE for volunteers is undertaken when possible.

Thank you to all the volunteers who submitted their expressions of interest. Nominations exceeded the positions available, therefore we attempted to distribute these opportunities as fairly as possible. For those that didn't get chosen or couldn't make the sessions, your name will remain on our list as further opportunities arise.

The following training has been completed:

Workzone Traffic Management Training

  • Chris Mansell - Trees for Life & Tarcowie Landcare Group
  • 3 x Subaru 4WD Club

Provide First Aid

  • Pam O'Malley - Friends of Spring Gully, BEST, Bush for Life
  • Lisa Graham - South Coast Road Environmental Group

Chainsaw Operation & Maintenance

  • Charlie van Dijk - Friends of Spring Gully & BEST
  • Trevor Pengilly - West of the Peesey Biodiversity Group & BEST
  • Jonathon Hawkins-Clarke - BEST
  • Darren Turner - Subaru 4WD Club
  • Keira James - Friends of the Riesling Trail
  • Andy Sharp - BEST
  • Brenton Hann - Natural History Society of SA Inc

Introductory Bush Regeneration Workshop

  • Elaine van Dijk - Friends of Spring Gully & BEST
  • Mark Metcalf - BEST
  • Ron Sandercock - BEST & Friends of Burra Parks
  • Carol Dennis - BEST

If you have identified that yourself or other volunteers in your group require safety training, send through your nominations and we will notify you when opportunities arise.

   
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Neil’s sustainable farming recognised

Peterborough grazier Neil Sleep has been awarded a Natural Resources Management Quiet Achiever Recognition Scheme certificate in recognition of his work in creating a sustainable property and a willingness to share his knowledge.

Neil says he is very “humbled and honoured” to receive the Quiet Achiever award.

Read more about Neil's achievements on our website.

   
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Revegetation at Worlds End

Worlds End Gorge Campground, 3rd August 11 am

Worlds End Management Group are seeking volunteers to help plant 300 trees on the 3rd of August at the Worlds End Gorge campground.

The revegetation works will play an important as part of the management of the area and will help prevent vehicles from camping on the creek banks. 

We will be starting at 11am and meeting in the main car park, BYO gloves and wet weather gear. 

For more details contact Sam Everingham, Ranger Community, Rangelands. 

   
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Landcare seeks comment from the Community

In 2014 landcarers across Australia are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Landcare as a national program and with this auspicious milestone the Landcare Association of SA (LASA) has prepared a Community Landcare Plan which we hope will enable us to continue the good work of the Landcare Movement for the next 25 years.

The Draft Community Landcare Plan for South Australia proposes a shared vision for Community Landcare and is a call to action for the wider community.

The Landcare Association of SA seeks your comments and suggestions on how this plan can be improved and implemented.

Funded by the Australian Government National Landcare Program through the National Landcare Network.

The Plan and response form are available online.

The following consultation sessions will occur:

  • Thursday 24/7/14: Adelaide Hills NRC, 1 Crescent Drive, Norton Summit, 4.30-5.55pm (incl light meal prior to the SA Pozible Landcare CrowdFunding Workshop 6.00-8.00pm);
  • Monday, 28/7/14: Willunga Environment Centre, 18 High Street, Willunga 6.30-8.30pm (incl light meal)
  • Thursday, 31/7/14: Barbara J Long room, Clare Town Hall, 229 Main North Road, Clare 11-12.00pm (incl light lunch);
  • Monday, 25/8/14: Waikerie in association with Riverland West Landcare, 6.00-8.00pm (incl light meal).

Contact Gerry Butler if you have feedback and questions.

   
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Going Bush at Sevenhill

Sevenhill Cellars, 22nd July 10 am - 12.30 pm

Would you like to attend a Working Bee at Sevenhill? This is a large bush block on the Sevenhill Cellars property, just out of Sevenhill township.

This working bee is a combined day with the Sevenhill Cellars staff, members of the Biodiversity and Endangered Species Team, the Native Orchid Society of SA, Trees For Life, and other assorted potential participants.

The working bee will be held on Tuesday July 22nd. We’ll be working from 10am to 12.30pm cutting Topped lavender, with a BBQ to follow near the Cellars and Monastery.

If anyone would like to attend contact Erica Rees on 0408812677 or email by Friday 18th July.

   
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A Day in the Life of Landcare

Landcare means many different things to many people and we want to see what a Day in the Life of Landcare looks like by finding out what it means to you. July 20th 2014 marks 25 years since Landcare was announced as a national initiative and we want to use that day to capture the diversity of Landcare and Landcarers and see what one of Australia’s largest volunteer movement looks like 25 years on.

Tell us what Landcare means to you by emailing your photos taken on the day along with a short caption of no more than 20 words and we will share them in our Facebook album. Download the submission guidelines to make sure your photo can be included.

You will also be in the running to win 2 tickets to the 2014 National Landcare Awards gala dinner, being held in Melbourne this September.

If you are holding an event on 20th July, why not add it to the L.I.F.E calendar to spread the word?

Registrations are now open for the 2014 National Landcare Conference at the Crown Conference Centre, Victoria on the 17th-19th September.

Based around the theme: Celebrating our history, growing our future, the diverse program will include robust discussions and analysis of the future of Landcare by pioneers, leaders of NRM bodies, scientists, academics, government, and environmental, climate and biodiversity experts.

   
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SA History Fund Grant is OPEN

History SA's annual South Australian History Fund (SAHF) grant round is OPEN for 2014.

Applications are invited from community groups for small project grants up to $2,000, and individuals and organisations for publication and research grants up to $3,000 and $5,000 respectively.

Guidelines for the SAHF are available on the South Australian Community History Website. You can apply online or contact History SA for Word versions of the guidelines and application form.

You are also welcome to contact us to discuss potential applications and check your eligibility to apply. Call us on 08 8203 9878 or email us.

Applications close Friday 8 August 2014.

   
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Conservation Council SA Environment Awards 2014

Nominations Now Open

Every year, Conservation Council SA celebrates community involvement and participation in environmental protection and recognises the efforts of community environmentalists.

Do you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to environmental protection and deserves recognition?  Now is the time for you to nominate them for an award or to encourage them to nominate themselves.

Nominations for three environment awards are being called for:

  • the Jill Hudson Award for Environmental Protection
  • Young Achievers Award
  • Unsung Hero Award

Or use our Online Nomination Form

Nominations close COB Friday 8 August 2014.

This year’s winners will be announced by Minister Ian Hunter, MLC (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation) at an Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 28 August, 2014 at the Adelaide Zoo Conservation Centre.

   
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HAZARD ALERT - Exposure to Agave sap

An incident was reported recently when an individual was exposed to the sap of Agave americana when using a brushcutter.

The individual sustained a rash and burning sensation on their skin from contact with the plant's sap.

To avoid this incident in the future ensure you:

  • wear appropriate PPE at all times to protect your skin and eyes, and
  • have clean water and soap on hand to treat any exposure incidents.
   
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The Norman Wettenhall Foundation - Small Environmental Grant Scheme

The Norman Wettenhall Foundation supports biodiversity conservation projects Australia-wide. They like to fund small groups where grants make a big difference. The objectives of the Small Environmental Grant Scheme is to support biodiversity conservation projects in Australia that are concerned with one or more of the following:

  • monitoring and recording data
  • community education
  • community capacity building (training)
  • research and science

Applications for funding are highly competitive and they are only a small group with limited resources. You may need to show enthusiasm, collaboration, perhaps passion, make it interesting, and most importantly, it must be clear how you will directly make positive changes to biodiversity conservation in Australia.

Have a look at the page Awarded Grants to see what kinds of things they fund, but don’t be limited by these, have a go at doing something different.

They look for projects with long term objectives and values. For more information visit their website.

Grant round opening dates: 

  • 9th June 2014 (Trustee meeting August 2014)
  • 8th September 2014 (Trustee meeting November 2014)
  • 8th December 2014 (Trustee meeting February 2015)
   
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Invitation to Yacka Moorundie Landcare Group's workshops

The Yackamoorundie Landcare Group is hosting a series of three workshops.

The first of these workshops will be held on:

Thursday August 14th 2014
Trengove’s Shearing Shed - 25 Hill River Road, Spalding
Commencing at 6pm with a barbeque tea

Speakers include:

  • Grant Roberts on African Rue
  • Warren and Barbara Fargher on their Holistic Management and planning changes on Wirrealpa Station in the Flinders Ranges; their involvement in the EMU (Ecosystem Management Understanding) project and some of its benefits; their diversification into tourism and their approach to African Rue control and their latest issue with wild dogs.
  • B/Sgt Luke Elstone – Rural Watch
  • Ron Sandercock (NRM) – Xanthorrhoea (Yakka)

BYO Chair and Drinks
Dress warmly!

Tea, coffee, etc will be provided

All welcome. It is a family friendly workshop.

   
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Climate Change in the Environment Information Session

Burra Town Hall, Sunday 28th September 2-5 pm

Friends of Burra Parks are hosting an information session about Climate Change in the Environment.

Guest speakers include:

  • Darren Ray - Senior Meteorologist/Manager, South Australian Climate Section at  Bureau of Meteorology
  • Greg Lundstrom - Senior Project Officer Climate & Energy, Natural Resource SA Murray-Darling Basin

For further information, or to register your attendance contact President Bob Lamb 8581 8255 or email.

   
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Join us for a walk through Neagles Rock Reserve

Neagles Rock Reserve, Clare

Tuesday September 16th 11.30am

Neagles Rock Reserve contains a remnant of the critically endangered Peppermint box (Eucalyptus odorata) grassy woodland ecological community, as well as populations of the nationally threatened Osborn’s Eyebright (Euphrasia collina subsp. Osbornii).

Significant on-ground works have been happening at the Neagles Rock Reserve in Clare.

The Neagles Rock Bush for Life Community Group, in conjunction with the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council, received funding for the work through the State Natural Resource Management Community Grants.

Up to eight Bush For Life volunteers have been regularly spending a couple of hours each week at the site since 2011, controlling weeds such as topped lavender and St John’s wort.

Join us for a walk through the reserve to see the work that has happened, and learn about the biodiversity values of the site.

A barbecue lunch will be held afterwards to celebrate the efforts of all involved.

RSVP to Leah on 8463 7427 if you would like to join us.

   
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Youth Volunteer Scholarship Awards

Applications close Friday 25 July 2014

The Office for Volunteers is calling for applications for the Youth Volunteer Scholarship Awards for up to $3000 towards the cost of a young volunteer's education.

Scholarship recipients will receive financial assistance to contribute towards the cost of course fees or text books associated with their tertiary or vocational study delivered by a university, TAFE SA or other vocational college.

Eligibility criteria

This Award is available to young people who are:

  • aged 25 years or under
  • volunteer in their community and
  • a permanent resident of South Australia.

Applying is easy

  1. Read the Youth Volunteer Scholarship Awards Guidelines
  2. Complete the online application form highlighting your volunteering commitment and contribution to the community
  3. Provide a signed letter, supporting your application from the Chief Executive Officer, president, chairperson or secretary of your volunteer organisation
  4. Provide details of your tertiary or vocational course at an Australian university, TAFE SA or vocational college.

For more information, please contact us.

   
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Volunteering Opportunities

July

17th: Friends of Telowie Gorge CP

  • Contact - Frank Gordon 0447 764 064

22nd: Trees for Life Threatened Flora Project (Sevenhill Cellars)

  • 10 am - 12.30 pm with BBQ lunch
  • Contact - Erica Rees 0408 812 677

25th & 27th: Gleeson Wetland Restoration (Clare)

  • Planting
  • Weed control
  • Contact - Leah Feuerherdt 0427 333 013

26th: Friends of Spring Gully (Sevenhill)

27th: Upper Wakefield NRM Group (Clare Valley)

  • Tree planting
  • Contact - Juliette Ninnes

 

AUGUST

3rd: Worlds End Management Group (Worlds End Gorge campground)

9th & 23rd: Friends of Spring Gully (Sevenhill)

19th: Friends of Innes National Park (Stenhouse Bay)

  • Working bee & quarterly meeting
  • Succulent & polygala removal
  • Contact - Malcolm Ball

21st: Friends of Telowie Gorge CP

  • Working bee
  • Contact - Frank Gordon 0447 764 064

22nd - 24th TBC: Subaru 4WD Club SA (Southern Flinders)

  • Working Bee at Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park
  • Contact - Paul Shinks 0404 046 066

27th: Friends of Burra Parks (Caroona Creek CP)

 

   
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Dates for your Diary

July

  • 21st: School 3rd Term Starts
  • 22nd: Hart Winer Walk (Hart Field Site)
  • 25th: Schools Tree Day
  • 27th: National Tree Day
  • 31st: World Ranger Day

August

  • 5th: International Beer Day
  • 9th: Crystal Brook Show
  • 10th - 18th: National Science Week
  • 12th - 14th: Eyre Peninsula Field Days (Cleve)
  • 16th - 17th: Kadina Show
  • 16th - 17th: Whyalla Show
  • 24th: Quorn Show
  • 25th - 31st: Keep Australia Beautiful Week
 
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Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Government of South Australia
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