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Welcome to the latest Environment team eNews

Celebrate autumn as part of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. Held throughout April, the festival invites the community to explore gardens, trails and events.

 

Environment grants are also open from 6 April to 3 May, supporting volunteer groups that protect our environment, while Community Climate Action Grants are available to help local groups take practical steps to reduce emissions and build climate resilience.

What’s in this issue
Join the month long celebration across 9 villages

The 2026 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival features more than 70 events across 30 days, delivering food, fun, autumn colour, and the chance to choose your own adventure. 

 

Check the program to see autumn gardens, exclusive menus, weekend markets, mushroom foraging, gallery exhibitions, wellness experiences, guided walks and kids activities.

Check it out →
Council grants - Environment and Climate Action

Our Environment Group Support and Community Climate Action Grants are now open, closing 3 May. Now’s the time to finalise your project ideas, confirm partnerships and gather quotes to support a strong application.

Find out more →
Spotlighting: Wildlife watch events

Discover what comes out after dark and help contribute to conservation work, while experiencing the magic of the bush.

  • Wednesday 15 April, 6:30-8pm - Hanging Rock Reserve
  • Wednesday 22 April, 6:30-8pm - Barringo Reserve, New Gisborne
Register now →
Edgy Veg - Vegetables will never be boring again

The Edgy Veg Awards is a month-long competition for the Most Vegelicious Dish, created by talented local chefs.

 

This April, skip the cooking. Instead support your local venues by eating your way through the Edgy Veg Awards. Your tastebuds will thank you and your favourite café might win. 

Find out more →
Did you hear? New rules banning some rat baits

Australia’s federal pesticide regulator, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, will remove some rat poisons from shelves due to risks to native wildlife from secondary poisoning. Sales of some products will be limited to licensed pest controllers.

ABC news →
More upcoming events and happenings

Family Nature Day at Deep Creek - Join the Biolinks Alliance at a family-friendly picnic on the banks of Deep Creek at Doggetts Bridge in Lancefield. This is an opportunity to learn about the way the creek feeds the local ecosystem and provides essential habitat and water for native species. Sunday, 12 April 1-4pm.  Register here

 

The Biodiversity Footprint of Australian Agriculture -The future of wildlife in Australia isn’t just protected in national parks, it’s shaped on private land, by the decisions we make every day, from the paddock to the plate. Friday 24 April from 7-9pm, Newham. Register here

 

Partnerships Against Pests grants by Agriculture Victoria

These grants enable groups to deliver place-based and community-led invasive species management activities that meet the program’s objectives and outcomes to build community capacity and capability. Eligible groups can apply for project funding of between $10,000 and $50,000 (ex-GST) to complete a project over a 12-month period. Find out more

 

Fixing Federal Nature Spending Webinar

Brought to you by Biodiversity Council, In this interactive webinar, experts will examine current federal spending on nature and unpack how to redirect public funding to better support nature, including strengthening Indigenous-led management of Desert Country. Wednesday 15 April from 1-2pm Register here

 

BirdLife Australia Photography Awards 2026 - Calling all bird photographers! The competition is open to photographers of all skill levels. It’s all about sharing your passion for birds and telling their stories through your unique lens, and entries help us celebrate Australia’s birds and champion their conservation. Entries open Tuesday 7 April. Find out more