Our volunteers in action

Welcome to the March edition of our Volunteers in Action ENews. Despite being hit with heatwaves, fires & floods, Northern & Yorke Volunteers are still achieving great things.

If you would like to share your stories, events or opportunities with other volunteers through this ENews, please send via email or 8841 3400.

To expand our volunteer network, please encourage your friends, neighbours, colleagues and/or members to subscribe to this newsletter via this link.

Volunteering is fundamental to our communities and a vital part of being Australian

The Volunteer Strategy for South Australia was released on the 14th February 2014. This strategy was developed by a joint partnership between four sectors with over 500 people providing input.

This strategy acknowledges that volunteering plays a key role in sustaining healthy, resilient communities and contributes significantly to the quality and vibrancy of our society.

Volunteering involves freely giving time to help others or support a cause. All volunteering has this in common, but volunteers contribute their support in a wide variety of ways. Volunteering can be regular or episodic, formal or informal, pre-planned or a spontaneous response to emergencies. It can be done through an organisation, the workplace or individually, in person or online.

Mary-Anne Young of Rural Solutions, PIRSA has expressed her thanks to the 'unknown' volunteers of the Bangor Fire...

"When I arrived in the Wirrabara – Murray Town area within about 18 hours after the fire went through, I was struck by the numbers of neighbours, friends, family and other farmers who were already there helping affected farmers. Many of these had been out fighting the fire the night before; now they were back to help deal with its aftermath. Injured stock were being located and dealt with, dead animals were being picked up and buried.

Simon Harding and a colleague at Melrose were coordinating stock movements to agistment; sheep were being yarded and loaded onto trucks and sent on their way to properties all over the State. Truckloads of hay were already on their way to the area. Ron Rutte at Wirrabara was checking with landholders to see who had an immediate need for hay and organising supplies to get stock through the next few days. There are many, many others who are unnamed because they are known only to the farmers they helped. They provided enormous support that is highly appreciated.

This quiet, unheralded compassion and generosity away from the media’s spotlight does not attract the recognition it deserves but these people weren’t seeking public accolades anyway. They were doing what strong rural communities do - look out for and look after one another, and reminded me why I value living and working in rural communities."

Bangor Bushfire Recovery

The Bangor Bushfire Recovery Committee has been formed to work with the community over the coming months to help coordinate recovery from the bushfire.

The Committee is chaired by Sandra Wauchope, the Mayor for the District Council of Mount Remarkable and includes representatives drawn from the Mount Remarkable and Northern Areas Councils, community members, and government agencies such as Department for Communities and Social Inclusion, CFS, PIRSA, Police, Country Health SA and Department for Planning Transport and Infrastructure.

There is already much recovery activity going on and our aim is to help connect, advise and assist communities where needed and facilitate good work.

The Committee has met at Melrose recently and continues to work on the many things that need to be done to help everyone get back on their feet. Firstly this has mainly been about information, access and clean up, but is starting to become more forward looking as people begin to look to the future. By connecting the work of councils, government agencies and community we hope to support local efforts across all these areas.

To keep up to date visit the District Council of Mount Remarkable's website.

How you can help

Donate money

• Uniting Care Wesley Country SA - Bangor Bushfire Appeal - Ph: 8633 8600, visit any Bank SA agent or to put money into the Uniting Care Wesley Country SA account visit.
•  State Emergency Relief Fund - Ph: 1800302787
•  Trees for Life Bushfire Appeal - Ph: 84060500
•  BlazeAid - visit website
•  The State Emergency Relief Fund -has been set up for those affected by any of the January 2014 bushfires (it is not possible to specify that your donation is for a particular fire or area). 100% of donations will go to bushfire affected people. Donations are tax deductible and can be made by credit card, cheque, bank transfer or cash. For details phone 1800 302 787 or visit their website.

Donate fencing materials

• BlazeAid - Ph: 0447 252 931

Donate fodder or agistment

• Primary Producers SA - Ph: 8297 0899

Volunteer

• Re-build fences: BlazeAid - Ph: 0447 252 931
• Tree planting: Trees for Life - Ph: 8406 0500

Personal support

• The Commonwealth Government's Fact Sheet - Supporting people affected by disaster, gives some tips on how to best help a person recovering from a traumatic event.

Tree appeal to help scorched land

Trees For Life have started an appeal to help landholders affected by the recent bushfires revegetate their land.

Trees For Life is calling for registrations of interest from people who want to help landholders by volunteering to grow and plant native seedlings for their properties, and from any groups, businesses or organisations who want to help with financial or in-kind support.

Trees For Life chief executive Greg Boundy says a contribution as small as $20 would buy all the materials needed to grow 50 trees. A $65 contribution would cover the cost of tree guards and stakes. Trees For Life also would work with volunteer growers to ensure landholders received their full tree quota.

Trees For Life has set up a register for people interested in growing native seedlings, taking part in planting events or those able to help the revegetation project with financial or in-kind support. They would also like to hear from landholders who have been affected by the bushfires, and need or want to be part of the project.

Please phone the office on (08) 8406 500 or visit our website for more information.

Australia Day Award for Bush for Life volunteers of the Clare Valley

Working far from the city, on some beautiful bushland sites, sometimes with views across one of the state’s premier wine areas, the Bush For Life volunteers of the Clare Valley have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the local environment.  This year they are the proud recipients of the Clare and Gilbert Valley Council’s Australia Day Community Event of the Year award.

Numbering twenty one volunteers in total, but sometimes joined by others too, the group began in late 1999 working on the Emu Flat reserve and have expanded their focus over the years to include Neagle's Rock Reserve, Sevenhill Orchid Areas, Auburn Cemetery, Hughes Park Road reserve and Pinks Reserve, with different teams on some sites, but all under the one banner of Bush For Life.

Many of the members have also supported the Hutt River restoration project and have supplied specimen plants to the State Herbarium in the last twelve months through TFL’s Weeds Herbarium project.

In the last 12 months they have been instrumental in gaining funding for invasive plant control in various areas around Clare of nearly $24,000, including important work on Neagles Rock Reserve, the habitat of the nationally endangered Osbourne’s Eyebright (Euphrasiacollina ssp. osbornii).

Carers normally meet on a weekly basis for about two hours of on-ground works, with teams of two to ten. Annual visits are made from keen metropolitan volunteers on a three or four day extended Bush Action Team, organized by Bush For Life.

Representing the local carers at the Australia Day ceremony were Joan and Jim Scott, Julie and Jan Aamodt, Pam O’Malley and Libby Brady who accepted the award from the Mayor Mr Allan Aughey.

For further information on how to get involved contact Erica Rees, Threatened Flora Officer for Trees for Life or visit the Trees for Life Website.

Volunteering Australia announces powerful theme for NVW2014

Volunteering Australia (VA) today announced the theme for the 25th anniversary year of National Volunteer Week (NVW) 12th - 18th May - a theme that points to the power of volunteers and volunteering in Australia.

“Celebrate the power of volunteering” will be adopted for National Volunteer Week (NVW) 2014 by volunteering organisations nationally.

“The week will be a celebration of both individual volunteers, volunteer managers and leaders who help drive and direct the power of volunteering to serve volunteering organisations and our
communities,” said Brett Williamson, CEO, Volunteering Australia.

Resources and updates will be posted to the website as it becomes available, with alerts also promoted through Twitter and facebook using #NVW2014.

Rivers – The Arteries of Life Workshops

Interested in the health of our catchments?

Here’s an opportunity to observe riverine plants and wildlife, and contribute ideas for the care of these important water resources and environments.

Workshop activities

• River bank habitats walk featuring: Native plants and wildlife, and revegetation ideas for improved habitats& River red gums, their life cycle and health
• Slideshow presentations featuring Riverine flora and fauna
• Workshop discussion of river care issues and actions of the Catchment Community

Willochra catchment: Tuesday 1st April 3.30pm-7.30pm Melrose Showgrounds (incl. BBQ)

Broughton catchment: Wednesday 2nd April 3.30pm-7.30pm, Bowman’s Park  (incl. BBQ)

Wakefield & Light catchments to follow later in 2014

Limited numbers, RSVP by Friday March 21st on 8841 3400

Workshops are part of the Australian Government funded 2012-17 Four Catchments (Willochra, Broughton, Wakefield, and Light ) project in the Northern & Yorke Natural Resources Region

Project partners: Northern & Yorke NRM Board, Natural Resources Northern & Yorke, Natural Resources Adelaide Mt Lofty Ranges, Central Local Government Region

Events

DOLPHIN DAY 2014

Sunday 16th March, 10am – 4pm
Lighthouse Square, Port Adelaide

The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Adelaide & Mt Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, Renewal SA, local organisations, universities and other government agencies is offering a unique opportunity to learn more about the Port River dolphins, their habitat and how to get involved.

• Take a dolphin cruise on the Dolphin Explorer and Port Princess
• Follow the Dolphin Trail to win great prizes
• Meet Splash the Dolphin mascot in the children’s area for lots of dolphin fun
• Face painting, Dolphin bouncy castle and more
• See Splash the Dolphin in an interactive kids show live on stage
• Info stalls and dolphin activity stalls
• Scientific talks
• “Life in the Sanctuary” photographic exhibition
• Find out about volunteer opportunities
• WIN a money can’t buy Dolphin Experience with the Sanctuary staff during a water patrol
• FREE tickets for a Dolphin Cruise – available to the first 300 people to visit the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary Info Stall (2 free tickets per family)

For further information visit our website.

FRIENDS OF PARKS INC  -  21st ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Monday 19th May, 10.30am - 12.00pm

Education Centre, Morialta Natural Resource Centre, Morialta Falls Road

TRAVEL: Own transport

MORNING TEA: from 10.00 am - courtesy of Friends of Parks Inc, prepared by the Friends of Black Hill and Morialta Parks Inc

COST: free, numbers needed for catering/seats.

GROUP REPORTS: To be sent in advance and tabled (see below).

RSVP: 21st April to Pam Smith, Secretariat Friends of Parks Inc

BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION SA INC. PUBLIC TALKS

First Tuesday of the month, from March to November at 6.15pm - 8.30pm

Clarence Park Community Centre, 72-74 East Avenue, Black Forest.

Entry by donation (minimum of $2).
Please bring supper to share, tea/coffee will be supplied.

At the start of each meeting a ten minute presentation on a ‘Butterfly of the Month’ will be given by a BCSA committee member.

1st April: “Moths - stories from the past” Dr. Peter McQuillan will provide stories on the eccentricities of past moth collectors and entomologists whose collections and research have
provided baseline information now used in present-day research.

6th May: “ The secret lives of sea anemones” Not just simple flowers of the sea, this talk will give you an insight into the lives of sea anemones. Some species can swim, mimic other objects, form symbioses with other organisms or are fatally toxic! Presented by Dr. Andrea Crowther from the SAMuseum.

3th June: “Copying the Landscape” Life member David Keane will draw on 40 year’s experience rehabilitating mine sites and quarries to outline ecological principles necessary for a successful vegetation rehabilitation outcome. This talk will be of interest to all involved in revegetation projects.

For further information contact our secretary: Jan Forrest 8297 8230

Membership is $10 pa

Website: Butterfly Gardening
Resources for sale:

• Our book ‘Attracting butterflies to your garden, what to grow and conserve in the Adelaide region’ is available from the secretary. RRP $29.95 (at the talks program - $25ea).
• Posters (set of two) “Moths of the Adelaide Region” $10 a set
• A ‘Butterfly Gardening’ DVD is also be available.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR VOLUNTEER EFFORT - 23rd WORLD VOLUNTEER CONFERENCE

The first round of world class keynotes have been confirmed for the 23rd World Volunteer Conference.

Date: 15 - 20 September 2014

Location: Gold Coast Convention Centre, Queensland

Volunteering Australia Member Special (closes 11 March 2014): $75 Register Now

Get Involved - Volunteering Opportunities

GLEESON WETLAND RESTORATION

Gleeson Wetland & Hutt River in the Clare township

Do you want to help make a positive impact on your local natural environment?

Do you want to see improved biodiversity in the Hutt River and Gleeson wetlands?

The Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council have received funding through the Northern and Yorke NRM Board to undertake restoration works along a section of the Hutt River and the Gleeson wetlands in the Clare township. This project includes planting of native vegetation and removal of weeds.

We are seeking volunteers to assist with several planting and weeding days in June/July or ongoing involvement as part of a wetlands care group.

Volunteer days will be held from 9am -1pm and a free bbq lunch will be provided at 1pm for all those involved.

WITH YOUR HELP WE CAN ACHIEVE MORE!
Exact dates will be set closer to winter, as activities are dependent on autumn rainfall. If you would like to be involved please register your interest and I will keep you informed once dates are decided.

To register or to find out more information on the project please contact Leah Feuerherdt on 0427 333 013.

This is a joint project between Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council, Rural Solutions SA & Natural Resources Northern & Yorke.

FRIENDS OF SPRING GULLY CONSERVATION PARK

Meet every 2nd & 4th Saturday,  8 - 10 am in warmer months & 9 - 11 am in cooler months

Get involved with weed control, track & facility maintenance & orchid surveys.

Everyone is welcome!

For further information contact President Jim Scott or Ranger, Community Kate McNicol.

FRIENDS OF BURRA PARKS

2014 Activities Program

• 26th March: Weed Eradication at Red Banks CP
• 26th April: Kangaroo exclosure fencing at Mokota CP
• 28th May: Installation of campground at Caroona Creek CP
• 28th June: Weed eradication at Hopkins Creek CP
• 4th - 9th July: Stone Restoration Project at Bimbowrie CP
• 26th July: Tourilie Hut Restoration at Caroona Creek CP
• 27th August: Weed eradication at Caroona Creek CP
• September: Climate Change Presentation
• 29th October: Mokota CP seeded plot monitoring
• 22nd November: Monitoring of Hairy-pod Wattle (Acacia glandulicarpa) and weed eradication at Hopkins Creek CP.

All volunteers meet at the DEWNR Burra Office (2 Kingston Street) at 9 am unless other arrangements have been made.

For further information contact Secretary Maureen Wright or Ranger, Community Kate McNicol.

INNES NATIONAL PARK – CAMPGROUND HOST(S) WANTED FOR 2014 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Innes National Park, positioned on the tip of the Yorke Peninsula, offers visitors fantastic opportunities to enjoy camping, bushwalking, fishing and surfing and much more. With over 200 visitors per day to Innes National Park, we need extra support over school holiday periods to provide an exceptional service to the public.

We are seeking Campground Host(s) to be based at Pondalowie Bay Campground and Stenhouse Bay Campground. Free Camping Provided.

What do Campground Hosts do?

• Welcome campers
• Assist visitors to select a camp site
• Share information about campsite rules, facilities & attractions
• Provide visitors with general park information using available brochures and fact sheets
• Regularly check on facilities & ensure the campground is kept tidy
• Liaise with the rangers regarding site conditions, facilities and any visitor issues.

To register your interest please send your information via email or phone the Natural Resource Centre on 88413400.

Rotary Volunteers of the Parks Awards - closing date extended

The Rotary Club of Burnside has extended the closing date to 15 March 2014

2014 ROTARY AWARDS - NOMINATIONS OPEN

Nominations are now open for the Rotary Club of Burnside Inc's Awards for 'Leadership in Conservation' and 'Volunteer/s of the Parks'.

The Volunteer/s of the Parks Award is awarded by the Rotary Club of Burnside, to an individual or couple who exemplify the spirit and dedication of the Friends of Parks movement.

The award is open to Friends of Parks volunteers. The Selection Panel will consider:

• Outstanding Service demonstrated by the nominee
• Positive impact made by the nominated person to the parks system and to the Friends of Parks organisation

The ‘Leadership in Conservation Award’ is awarded by the Rotary Club of Burnside, to recognise the dedication of Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources staff members.

The award is open to all staff working within DEWNR. The Selection Panel will consider:

• Outstanding service demonstrated by the nominee
• Positive impact made by the nominated person to the parks system
• Support to volunteers or other community groups

Nominations
Nominations for both awards can be made by an individual volunteer, volunteer group, agency staff or community member.  Please request a nomination form for more details. Contact Mr Peter Neale -  0413 738 558, or Mr Will Danby - 0408 151 003.

Nominations close 15 March 2014.

Grants Open

SGIC COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for our 2014 SGIC Community Grants program.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support initiatives aimed at making our communities safer, more sustainable and better prepared to respond to emergencies.

It doesn’t matter how big or small your project is, if your organisation or project relates to any of the following areas, we’d love to hear from you:

• Crime prevention
• Road safety
• Emergency readiness and response
• Environment

Applying is easy and applications are open until Monday 31 March.
To ensure you don’t miss an opportunity to apply, click here.

We look forward to receiving your application.
The Team at SGIC Community Grants

RAA REGIONAL SAFETY GRANTS PROGRAM

Open from Monday 3 March to 5pm Friday 28 March 2014.

The Regional Safety Grants are available for regional community groups, not for profits, sporting clubs and schools to implement a project, program or activity targeting local safety issues.

The total Grant pool is $50,000 and applications will be considered for projects from $500 up to the value of $5000 including GST.

Examples of projects that would qualify for consideration include the following forms of safety:

• Road
• Child
• School
• Playground
• Fire
• Personal
• Water
• Community

Application Forms and Terms and Conditions are available online or at your local RAA store and all applications will be assessed on merit by a selection panel.

Should you have any questions regarding the Grants, please contact via email or 08 8202 4711 Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm.

NATURE FOUNDATION SA INC. GRANTS

Nature Foundation SA Inc is a non-profit organisation which raises funds to conserve and sustain South Australia's natural biodiversity. Since its inception, NFSA has raised many millions of dollars for on-ground projects, land conservation, education programs and research.

Nature Foundation SA undertakes two rounds of grant funding each year in the categories listed below. In each case grants will be assessed by the Foundation's Research, Projects and Education Committee to determine how they contribute to the conservation of South Australia's biodiversity and habitats.  See the Guidelines for Assessing Projects for further information about the criteria considered.

• Conservation Research on NFSA Properties.
• PhD/Masters Grand-Start Scholarship Program.
• Honour Year Grand-Start Scholarship Program.
• General Conservation Research.
• Community Education and Awards. Grants are available to any education-based program involving the interlinking of conservation and science.

Applications for March 2014 are now open. Applications close Friday 21st March 2014. 

All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be advised by 31st March 2014.

If you have any further queries, please call 1300 366 191 or email.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT SA GRANTS

Community Benefit SA invites applications for one-off project grants to develop and strengthen communities across metropolitan, rural and remote regions of South Australia.

Grants aim to improve the well-being, quality of life, community participation and life management skills of disadvantaged individuals, families and communities.

Average grant amounts are $10,000 with a maximum of $50,000 for some projects.

Projects can include equipment, short term programs, facility upgrades or strategic improvements for non-government community service providers.

Funding guidelines are available from the website.

Applications are accepted at any time.

Eligible organisations are strongly encouraged to contact CBSA on 1300 650 985 to discuss project proposals