Ecoportal

Park Volunteer morning
2023-04-06 09:00 - 11:00 (Australia/Melbourne)
Join Parklands Rangers and our Park Stewardship volunteers in Albury’s best bush parks, every Thursday as the seasons unfold.
Every week we will spend 2 hours in Albury’s environmental lands doing practical park tasks.
You will work alongside our Rangers experiencing the ‘how to’ of caring for our bush parks and reserves; undertaking a variety of park maintenance/improvement tasks like removing redundant fences, replacing barbed wire with wildlife friendly plain wire, weeding, checking nestboxes and removing tree guards.
At the same time, you will learn about the local environment and how Albury City and community groups are working to protect threatened species, improve habitat and link habitat corridors across the region.
When: 9.00 to 11.00am (2 hrs)
Where: Albury’s environmental lands including Thurgoona, Red Light Hill, Norris Park, Eastern Hill and others.
Please note that meeting places will change over time as various priority works are completed, so please register online so you can be updated of any changes.

What is supplied: All tools and any specific safety equipment needed.
What to bring: BYO drinking water. For your safety, please wear covered shoes (preferably boots), long pants, long sleeves and a hat.
Please register! Sometimes things change at the last minute and we need to be able to contact volunteers. Please register for the sessions you will attend. REGISTER HERE
Thank you to Albury City Council for financial support for this program.

Friends of Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park
2023-04-02 09:00 - 14:00, 2023-03-04 09:00 - 14:00
Every month we meet to do some useful work in the Park (weeding, planting, infrastructure repair and installation etc). We often go for a wander after a short meeting where we consume the traditional Chiltern Bakery bun. Everyone is welcome. Call Mick Webster 0429017229 for more information. We always meet at Chiltern PO at 9am.

Repair Cafe Albury-Wodonga Inc
2023-04-01 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-03-04 10:00 - 13:00
Do you have a broken household item you’d like fixed but need a hand to do so? Then this is your opportunity.
Our Repair Café is a free meeting place to bring along broken household items such as furniture, clothing, textiles and battery-operated appliances and learn how to fix them with the help of experienced, volunteer repairers. You can also bring along small, blunt garden tools like secateurs and we’ll show you how to sharpen them. Maximum three items per person per session. A donation is greatly appreciated for the repair of your items. This covers the cost of our insurance and supplies used for these repairs.
For more information see: https://www.facebook.com/repaircafeaw/
Repair Café Albury-Wodonga is proudly supported by Halve Waste, with morning yummies donated by Kooka Brotha’s patisserie.

Fivebough Wetlands, Leeton
2023-04-01 09:00 - 2023-04-02 10:00
This next Birdlife Ovens & Murray outing involves some travel and possible overnight stays so here are the details for the planned weekend. There is no obligation to be in Leeton on the Friday night or the Saturday night but with a 9am start on Saturday, some of you may wish to drive up on the Friday afternoon.
We plan to spend all day, Saturday 1st April, birding but there are no planned activities for Sunday.

Meet: 9am, Saturday 1st April at the Fivebough carpark off Petersham Rd, Leeton. If there is light rain we will still do the walk.

Swamps, Rivers & Ranges AGM
2023-03-31 18:30 - 21:00
We are pleased to invite you to attend the Swamps, Rivers & Ranges upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM)
6.30pm start, Friday 31st March, at King River Cafe, Oxley.
Dinner $20 per person (2 courses, Cash preferred)

We invite all existing members to attend and welcome any new or interested members along.

The evening will include a presentation from guest speaker Prof. Max Finlayson on the rights of wetlands. Prof Max Finlayson is a renowned wetland ecologist with extensive experience nationally and internationally in the science and management responses to water pollution, mining and agricultural impacts, invasive species, climate change, and human well-being and wetlands. We look forward to hearing his talk.

We appreciate you RSVPing for booking purposes by emailing to swampsriversranges@gmail.com

Albury Bush Park Volunteer morning
2023-03-30 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-03-23 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-03-16 09:00 - 11:00
Join Parklands Rangers and our Park Stewardship volunteers in Albury’s best bush parks, every Thursday as the seasons unfold.
Every week we will spend 2 hours in Albury’s environmental lands doing practical park tasks.
You will work alongside our Rangers experiencing the ‘how to’ of caring for our bush parks and reserves; undertaking a variety of park maintenance/improvement tasks like removing redundant fences, replacing barbed wire with wildlife friendly plain wire, weeding, checking nestboxes and removing tree guards.
At the same time, you will learn about the local environment and how Albury City and community groups are working to protect threatened species, improve habitat and link habitat corridors across the region.
When: 9.00 to 11.00am (2 hrs)
Where: Thurgoona environmental lands. Meet at Brooklyn Fields community park carpark, off Table Top Road, Thurgoona.
Please note that meeting places will change over time as various priority works are completed, so please register online so you can be updated of any changes.

What is supplied: All tools and any specific safety equipment needed.
What to bring: BYO drinking water. For your safety, please wear covered shoes (preferably boots), long pants, long sleeves and a hat.
Please register! Sometimes things change at the last minute and we need to be able to contact volunteers. Please register for the sessions you will attend. REGISTER HERE
Thank you to Albury City Council for financial support for this program.

Cotton Tree Park at Mount Granya State Park
2023-03-25 09:00 - 15:00
Albury Wodonga Field Naturalists outing. Commencing at 9.30am from the Bellbridge Boat Club Public Toilets.
Travel in convoy to the Cotton Tree Camping Grounds, Granya.
BYO chair and refreshments for the day.
Leader for outing is Neil Blair phone 0428 235 964

Border Bushwalking Club - The Big walk
2023-03-25 07:00 - 17:30
The big walk is a walk that takes us up Mt Buffalo and back down again. It is a varied walk that climbs for 11 1/2 km from the Park entry at Mt Buffalo to the Gorge and chalet at the top. After lunch at the top we retrace our steps and look at it from a different angle. We cross the road three times each way.
It’s a solid walk with a small Rocky section that you walk on in the middle. This is not rock hopping but rocky underfoot. Otherwise the main grunt is at the start and then it becomes more gentle.
There are some great lookouts along the way for rest stops.
Unless you are well known to me as a walker, please call me to discuss this walk.

Grade 4 Medium-Hard
Leader: Bernadette
Phone: 0419241687
Participant numbers:12
Final booking date: Wed 22/3

Key risks & hazards: Rocky section can be slippery when wet and care must be taken on the steep downhill section as leaf litter can be slippery.
For more information and updates about BBC activities, check www.borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

Victorian Landcare Forum
2023-03-24 08:30 - 2023-03-25 14:30
The North-East Region landcare community will host the Victorian Landcare Forum from Friday, 24 March to Saturday, 25 March 2023 in Beechworth.
The Forum will provide a fantastic opportunity to share landcare knowledge and experience from around the State, to meet others directly involved in landcare and to see first-hand the achievements of landcare in the North-East.

Friday, 24 March
Forum – 8:30am – 5pm
Dinner and networking opportunity – 6pm – 9pm
Saturday, 25 March
Members Council meeting – 8.30am to 10am
Bus Tour – 10am to 2.30pm
Tickets $30 – $110
For more information and bookings:
eventbrite.com.au/e/victorian-landcare-forum-tickets-532776016407

Seed Savers Albury Wodonga Seed Bank Opening
2023-03-23 18:00 - 19:00
We are opening the seed bank to give you another opportunity to get seeds for autumn planting or for later in the year. This time, in order to cater to those who cannot get there at weekends, it is on an evening during the week.

Landcare Professionals Forum
2023-03-23 08:30 - 20:00
This event is a free professional development opportunity for landcare professionals, including facilitators, coordinators and project staff.
An opportunity to engage with valuable learning opportunities and network with other landcare professionals from across the state.
Where & when? Thursday 23 March, 2023 in Beechworth.
For program details and to reserve a free place:
eventbrite.com.au/e/landcare-professionals-forum-tickets-538216499037

Also, the Victorian Landcare Forum will take place in Beechworth on Friday, 24 March and Saturday, 25 March. If you are interested in attending this event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/532776016407 for more information and to register.

Border Bushwalking Club - Mt Pilot Autumn Equinox Walk & Sing
2023-03-21 17:00 - 20:00
This is a twilight walk starting at 5pm to celebrate the Autumn Equinox, finishing with a picnic dinner and sunset at 7:24pm.
Meeting at the Mt Pilot carpark for a welcome song, we’ll climb the well-formed steps to the summit.
For those who are keen and able, we’ll then amble across the saddle to the further peak. Please know there are some brief stretches of rock scrambling in this section which probably won’t suit those with any joint concerns, in which case you’re welcome to stay at the main summit and enjoy the view until we return.
Plenty of stops along the way for a bit of a sing, finishing with dinner and sunset warble before heading back down.
The steps up are well made and the path across to the opposite peak is fairly clear, but with a bit of up and down plus the rock scrambling sections, and some logs and tree roots to step over. Walking poles may be helpful.
All are welcome, singers and listeners alike, the songs will be easy to learn with some harmonies thrown in. BYO picnic dinner, water, drinks, nibbles, portable seating, mozzie repellent, headtorch just in case.

Grade 2 Easy-Medium
Leader: Leanne
Phone: 0448 566 777
Participant numbers:20
Final booking date: Friday 17 March would be helpful

Key risks & hazards: Slippery pine needles, rock scrambling, tree roots.
For more information and updates about BBC activities, check www.borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

Border Bushwalking Club - Moncrieff Gap Towonga
2023-03-18 07:00 - 17:30
This walk starts at the Mountain Creek Picnic Ground in Tawonga and makes its way around the base of Mt Bogong, ending up near Mt Beauty. We’ll be walking through tall timber on 4WD tracks, mainly up in the morning and down after lunch, but nothing too steep except one short pinch. Pace will not be fast! We get views up to the mountains and down the Kiewa Valley, and may even spot the hidden waterfall. There is a shallow creek crossing right at the end of the walk and a car shuffle is needed. Distance all up about 14 km.
Please call me to discuss coming on this walk. Email and SMS bookings not accepted.

Grade 3 Medium
Leader: Eileen Clark
Phone: 0412 042 195
Participant numbers:12
Final booking date: Wednesday 15 March

Snakes, adverse weather, slips and trips
For more information and updates about BBC activities, check www.borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

Future Now - Building for Resilience
2023-03-16 17:30 - 18:30
Industry experts will share ideas for what we can do now to create more liveable homes for the future and explore opportunities for local architects, builders and others in the housing construction industry to learn more about sustainable housing delivery models.

Guest speakers are:

Does it cost more to build sustainably? – Dr Shailja Chandra, sustainability and climate change resilience consultant specialising in the application of Sustainability Rating Tools including Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Tool (IS Rating Tool) and Green Star Design and As-built tool
How to manage construction and demolition waste – Michelle Wilkinson, AlburyCity Halve Waste Project Coordinator explaining how AlburyCity is helping to recover building materials from housing construction sites
Building with innovative new building materials – Kieran Hayes, XLAM Senior Technical Engineer, presenting the features and benefits of building with engineered timber
10 star homes not so hard: people are looking for quality and comfort – Brendon Collins, Director of Lightwood Group, multi-award winning builder of Elmwood Wodonga and first developer to achieve a highly coveted 10 star rating under the Victorian Government’s Energy Efficiency Scorecard.

If you would like to attend, please register at https://events.humanitix.com/building-resilience-future-now-exhibition-launch

Wonga Wetlands birdwatching with Albury Wodonga Field Naturalists
2023-03-12 09:00 - 15:00
Albury Wodonga Field Naturalists Club led activity suitable for all ages. Walking track grade Easy
Meet 9am at the Wonga Wetlands Carpark, Riverina Highway, West Albury, NSW.
Come and explore Wonga Wetlands walking trails. Observe water birds, wading birds, and woodland birds in this medium size wetland.
Wonga Wetlands is listed in Australian Geographic’s – the 100 Best Birdwatching Sites in Australia.
BYO binoculars, hat, water, lunch, chair, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
Leader for this outing is Helen phone 0400 141 181

CUAD and/or ACF-AWR cuppa and a chat
2023-03-05 07:30 - 11:30
ACF-AWR are attending Mitta Mitta Canoe Club’s Clean Up Australia Day (CUAD) event in Noreuil Park before enjoying a social cuppa from Riverdeck Cafe also in Noreuil Park.
We’d love you to join us for as short or long a time as you like and can.
Come for the CUAD event or just come for a cuppa and chat or come for both.
What: CUAD, Mitta Mitta Canoe Club organised event, and/or a cuppa and chat
Where: Mitta Mitta Canoe Club for CUAD and Riverdeck Cafe for morning tea
CUAD start at Noreuil Park Clubhouse, 48 Noreuil Parade, South Albury
Morning tea from Riverdeck Cafe next to Mitta Mitta Canoe Club after CUAD
When: Sunday 5 March
CUAD 7.30 – 10.30 am
Morning tea from 10.30 am
Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and wear clothing suitable for the weather.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Border Bushwalking Club - Mount Feathertop via Bungalow Spur
2023-03-05 07:00 - 17:30
Mt Feathertop is the second highest in Victoria and on a clear day the views are amazing. There are many ways to walk up but we will be going via Bungalow Spur, that leaves from Harrietville. This track is the most protected from sun and wind.
You won’t need to drive up all those windy roads; you’ll walk up. The height gain is about 1300m although the the first 7km are gradual and on a very well formed track. There is then a more rugged and steeper section for about 2km until you reach Federation Hut.
After a rest at the hut (we should be able to get water from the tank here too if the season continues the way it’s started) we head for about 500m to the base of Feathertop. The ascent is a rocky 1.5 km track that rises steeply and there is also a (joy of joys) false summit.
At the top you’ll be breathless from the 360 degree views and maybe the climb.
We head back the same way so if anyone finds they’ve bitten off more than they can chew a rest at the hut is always an option.
Unless you are well known to me as a walker please call me to discuss. Do not text. If I don’t answer leave a message and I’ll ring you as soon as I can.
Grade 4 Medium-Hard

Leader: Bernadette
Phone: 0419241687
Final booking date: Monday 27th February.

There may be trees or branches over the track after storm activity.For more information and updates about BBC activities, check www.borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

Border Bushwalking Club - Mt Beauty: Sip, shop & stroll
2023-03-04 07:00 - 16:00
The landslip on the Bogong High Plains road has badly affected traders in Mt Beauty who are no longer getting much passing trade (think of all those cups of coffee we bought on our way to and from walks). So, on this activity we will spread a little love and maybe a little cash around the town.
We will start with morning tea (or late breakfast) at Lilli Pilli in Tawonga South Lilli Pilli Larder & Cafe (lillipillidayspa.com.au) then head to the Mt Beauty market, under new management with more stalls and in a new setting.
After that, we will do a couple of gentle walks, perhaps round the pondage and along the river trail, about 5 km total, flat and all on track. That should give us an appetite for a drink or counter lunch at West Peak Hotel West Peak Hotel with a short walk afterwards to the Gorge if we have enough energy.
Everyone is welcome and you can do all or part of the day. I know money is short for many people right now so don’t feel you have to spend. Both venues have outdoor areas where you can sit and enjoy the view or bring a picnic for lunch beside the river.

Leader: Eileen Clark
Phone: 0412 042 195
Final booking date: Thursday 2 March
Risks: Traffic, snakes, indigestion
For more information and updates about BBC activities, check www.borderbushwalkingclub.com.au “

Visit to Acres and Acres in Corryong
2023-03-03 08:00 - 17:00
After the fires, Corryong had difficulty accessing fresh food. Acres and Acres was set up to provide resilience and food security for the community. It’s a social enterprise with paid staff. They are keen to see this model replicated in other areas.
Wooragee landcare is visiting Acres and Acres on Friday 3rd March and will have a guided walk by Josh, the founder. We will then have lunch at Cafe Corrying Brew with produce grown by Acres and Acres.
This trip is open to people outside the Wooragee community. There will be a bus leaving from Beechworth and Wooragee but it is possible to drive up as well – you still need to register for this event even if you are driving. We are meeting Josh at 10 am at Corryong if you are not catching the bus.
For more information and bookings please visit http://bit.ly/3IrQ1Pt

West Albury Wetlands with Albury Wodonga Field Naturalists
2023-02-25 16:00 - 20:00
Field Naturalists Albury Wodonga outing. Meet at 4pm at the West Albury Boat Ramp, Kremur Street, West Albury.
Wander along the West Albury Wetlands walk and find the many birds who live or visit that area.
BYO chair, mosquito repellent, and supper. Leader Bernie Datson phone 0490 497 032.

West Albury Wetlands
2023-02-25 16:00 - 20:00
Albury Wodonga Field Naturalists outing. Commencing at 4pm. Meet at the West Albury Boat Ramp, Kremur Street, West Albury.
Explore the Lagoons and Murray River.
BYO Chair and Supper if desired. Also Mosquito Repellent.
Leader for outing is Bernie Datson contact number 0490 497 032

Celebrating Spiders - FULLY BOOKED
2023-02-23 17:30 - 18:30
This event is now FULLY BOOKED – please add your name to the TryBooking waiting list and we’ll contact you if seats become available.
Much maligned and misunderstood, but not so bad when you get to know them. Join us for an entertaining introduction to spiders including their life cycles, behaviour, common species and importance for our gardens and beyond.
Ron Litjens is an enthusiastic amateur naturalist who has spent many years observing the interactions between wildlife and vegetation. He is a member of the Strath Creek Landcare Group, Yea River Landcare Group and the Yea Wetlands Committee of Management and is a contributor to the popular local nature blog, ‘Focus on Fauna’.
Tickets $5, pre-bookings essential by 11pm 22/2/23: https://www.trybooking.com/CFLDM
This event is hosted by Gardens 4 Wildlife Albury-Wodonga, a Wodonga Urban Landcare Network program, with generous support from AlburyCity.
For more information contact Lizette Salmon at g4w@wodongalandcare.org.au or ph 0468 320 647.

Dr Greg Moore - "Trees are major assets as the climate changes"
2023-02-22 19:00 - 21:00
Dr Greg Moore, from the University of Melbourne, and recognised as a leading expert in arboriculture, will be speaking in Benalla on Wednesday 22nd February (7pm) at the Uniting Church in Carrier Street.
Dr Moore has a passionate interest in our urban landscapes, and the role that trees play in the cooling of our local environment, especially as we are meeting the challenge of a warming climate.
Please register for this free event at Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CFIRD, or by emailing bsfginc@gmail.com with your name and contact number.
See below to Download Flyer.
Details and Flyer Download also at https://www.bsfg.org.au/news/trees-are-major-assets-as-climate-changes-7pm-wed-22-feb
See the BSFG Group ‘Greening Benalla’ – Greening and Cooling our Urban Spaces, https://www.bsfg.org.au/greening-and-cooling-our-urban-spaces.

LEFTIES UP LATE - TOM BALLARD LIVE!
2023-02-17 19:30 - 21:30
A COMEDY NIGHT FEATURING TOM BALLARD, “BRAVE, BITING, BALLSY AND ULTIMATELY, BRILLIANT.” – TIME OUT
Tom Ballard is an award-winning stand up comedian/actor/writer/broadcaster/person/Greens member. He hosted his own late-night comedy show for the ABC, Tonightly with Tom Ballard (which was cancelled for being too funny) and has been seen on everything from Spicks & Specks to The Project to the Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Oxfam Gala.
Since 2021, along with his mate Emerald Moon, Tom’s co-hosted Serious Danger: a podcast about the Greens and green politics in Australia, which is 100% the main reason why the party did so well in the 2022 election.
Don’t miss this chance to join Tom, your local Greens team, more special guests to be announced and contribute to the green-slide in NSW.
Get your tickets here: https://contact-ag.greens.org.au/civicrm/event/register?id=12927

National Volunteering Conference, Canberra and online
2023-02-13 - 2023-02-14
National Volunteering Conference (13-14 February 2023, Ngunnawal Country, Canberra)
Australia’s leading event on the volunteering calendar, hosted by Volunteering Australia. The conference provides a platform for not-for-profit leaders, volunteer management professionals, government and corporate representatives, academics and researchers, and volunteers to come together to address emerging issues of high priority. As the national conference, the event is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and open discussion on the future of volunteering and highlight practical and innovative approaches to reimagine volunteering in Australia. The conference is a key vehicle for all stakeholders to voice their priorities, hopes and challenges for the future of volunteering.
Online tickets are also available.
Details at volunteeringaustralia.org/2023-national-volunteering-conference
2023 National Volunteering Conference
