Ecoportal

West Albury Wetlands
2023-02-25 16:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Melbourne)
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

ACF-AWR Planning for 2023
2023-02-11 12:00 - 16:30
ACF AWR are holding a planning meeting to agree on our activities for 2023.
This meeting will be facilitated by our ACF Counsellor, Amy, from ACF headquarters.
For those who wish to have a meal, join us for a pay for your own lunch starting at 12:00pm.
The planning meeting will commence at 1:30pm.
You are welcome to join us for lunch or the planning meeting or both.
RSVP now to be sure you don’t miss this opportunity to be involved in what we’ll be doing as a group in 2023.

Field Day - Friends of Chiltern & Mt Pilot National Park
2023-02-05 09:00
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
2023-02-04 10:00 - 13:00, 2022-12-03 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.

Repair Cafe Albury-Wodonga Inc Special Event
2023-01-28 10:00 - 2023-01-29 16:00
Come along and see us at Gardenesque on Saturday, 28th January 10am to 4pm and Sunday, 29th of January 10am to 3pm.
Our experienced repairers will help you sharpen and repair your small garden tools. Donations greatly accepted.
If you can’t make it, our regular monthly sessions are on the 1st Saturday of the month, 10am-1pm. Our location is Wodonga Senior Citizens Centre, 15 Havelock Street, Wodonga (near The Cube and Library).

Repair Cafe Albury-Wodonga Inc Special Event
2023-01-28 10:00 - 2023-01-29 16:00
Come along and see us at Gardenesque on Saturday and Sunday, 28th and 29th of January 2023.
???? Saturday 10am-4pm ???? ???? Sunday 10am-3pm ????
We are excited to be participating at Gardenesque this year. Bring along a small garden item that needs sharpening or repairing and we will show you how to do it. Help us save these items from going to landfill by choosing to learn how to sharpen or repair them. It’s free but a donation is greatly appreciated.
It will be great to see you!
Please note: We ask that you be responsible when bringing your item to us. Please wrap it securely in paper or cloth and carry it in a bag.

A slow evening nature walk with Sue Brunskill and Karen Retra
2023-01-19 19:30 - 20:45
Join passionate naturalists Sue Brunskill and Karen Retra for an evening wander along a section of the rail trail looking at native plants, birds and insects.
This is an in town, after dinner walk. Right in town there are many chances to enjoy nature on flat, smooth surface and without actually “going bush”.
You may not know of the rail trails unless you live near one or ride a bike but they are great places to leave the office behind.
While we have allocated an hour, it is fine to come along for the wander then walk quickly back when suits you.
Where: Meet at the Rail Trail on Victoria Cross Parade. You can park in the Bunnings car park (see registration site for map link)
What to expect: A slow, easy walk on the paved Rail Trail.
What to bring: Please wear covered shoes and long pants, bring mozzie protection and dress for the weather. Welcome to bring your camera, binoculars etc.
Registration prior to the event is essential for communication, safety and insurance purposes. REGISTER HERE

Reminder: AlburyCity Community Sustainability Rebate Program
2023-01-16 00:00 - 2023-01-18 23:59
The community during the development of Towards Albury 2050 set two community net zero targets, an interim target of 50% reduction on 2017 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2040.
This rebate is to assist our community transition to reduce its carbon emissions.
Information and to apply can be found on the AlburyCity website.

Birdlife Murray and Ovens Twilight Walk
2023-01-14 18:30 - 20:00
The first outing in 2023 for Birdlife Ovens and Murray. Please join us for a twilight walk at Hawksview Farm, Wirlinga, en route to the Hume Dam. John Shepherd will be our guide for the walk.

AlburyCity Community Sustainability Rebate Program
2023-01-03 - 2023-01-06, 2022-12-20 - 2022-12-23

Leneva Enviro Hub 3rd Tuesday Working Bee
2022-12-20 11:00 - 13:00
Join Parklands Rangers and Leneva residents to revamp the old Leneva School and Hall sites and bring this environmental hub back to life.
On the 3rd Tuesday of each month, an ‘all hands’ working bee will enhance this 10 hectare remnant Box Gum Grassy woodlands site and improve environmental education opportunities for local schools and community. All are welcome.

When: 11am to midday, then stay for a sausage and a yarn with us.
Where: Park on the Leneva Hall service track and meet outside the old school gates.
What: Bush restoration and facilities improvements including planning and creating interactive visitor activities, removing woody weeds and other invasives such as Watsonia bulbs and Bridal creeper, cleaning up the site and removing old fences, monitoring of nest boxes, installing new fencing..
What is provided: All tools, materials and personal protective equipment is provided as is Ranger induction and session leadership.
What to bring: Participants must wear covered shoes (boots) and long pants at all sessions, preferably long sleeves as well, and bring your own hat and water bottle. Current Covid safety measures must also be followed.

Please book for each session you intend to join (so we have enough sausages!).
BOOK HERE

ACF-AWR End-of-Year Celebration
2022-12-17 12:00 - 15:00
Despite another challenging year for all of us, your ACF Albury Wodonga Region community has been busy.
We hope you and yours can join us for our end-of-year celebration at the Botanic Gardens Albury.
We’d love to share our achievements with you and what we hope to do in 2023.
We can also tell you about the many options for you to get involved if you’d like to and you have at least 10 minutes a week to share your knowledge, skills and maybe even learn new ones. Everyone welcome to chip in and no obligations (that’s a group norm – we’re all volunteers).
Don’t forget to RSVP and please bring a picnic lunch and your favourite beverages (no alcohol), card table and chairs if you have them, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and wear long sleeved loose clothing suitable for the weather and environment including closed shoes.
We look forward to seeing you soon!

For COVID safety it is best not to share food outside of your family group.
Please read the information on combatting the dreaded mozzie.
Due to COVID restrictions only double vaccinated people are able to attend. An appropriate immunisation medical exemption will be excepted. Children under 12 years are exempt from the vaccination requirement. Please be prepared to show evidence of your eligibility.
Please do not attend this event if you feel unwell or are experiencing any COVID symptoms. Ask others not to attend if they feel unwell or are experiencing any COVID symptoms.
Domestic pets, including dogs (other than those registered to assist a visually impaired person), are not permitted in the Gardens.
You can also find out more about the Botanic Gardens.
Photograph by Sandra Rosin.

A Slow Nature Walk with Sue Brunskill & Karen Retra
2022-12-15 17:30 - 19:00
Join passionate naturalists Sue Brunskill and Karen Retra for a wander along a section of the rail trail looking at native plants, birds and insects.
This is an in town, after work walk. Right in town there are many chances to enjoy nature on flat, smooth surface and without actually “going bush”.
You may not know of the rail trails unless you live near one or ride a bike but they are great places to leave the office behind.
While we have allocated 1.5 hours it is fine to come along for the wander, then walk quickly back in time for dinner preparation – all within an hour if you like.
Where: Meet at the car park off Anderson Rd at Bandiana (see map link below) and wander along to Victoria Cross Parade near Officeworks carpark and back.
Google map: https://bit.ly/BandianaRT
What to expect: A slow, easy walk on the paved Rail Trail.
What to bring: Please wear covered shoes and long pants, bring mozzie protection and sunscreen and dress for the weather. Welcome to bring your camera, binoculars etc.
Registration prior to the event is essential for communication, safety and insurance purposes. REGISTER HERE

Yackandandah and Allans Flat Victoria
2022-12-11 09:00 - 15:00
With Albury Wodonga Field Naturalists. Christmas Get Together. Meet on Sunday 11th December 9am at Isaac Isaac’s Park, Yackandandah. BYO chair and something to share for our Christmas festive get together. Contact leaders Jenny 0429 446 383 or Jan 0438 271 497.

Environmental Volunteer Managers' Forum 2022
2022-12-06 09:30 - 16:00
EVM Grow provides an opportunity for Victoria’s professional Environmental Volunteer Managers (EVMs) to connect, collaborate and learn from leading sector professionals and each other.

Join us to continue building on our professional community of practice with a focus on professional development as well as program and sector level opportunities and collaboration.
What is EVM Grow?
Following on from last year’s success, we are excited to deliver an in-person and virtual forum for you to connect, learn and share. Learn from expert presenters and connect, learn, and build your sector’s vision with a diverse range of Environmental Volunteering Managers from around Victoria.
Who is it for?
EVM Grow 2022 is for professional environmental volunteer managers (EVMs) across Victoria, in paid positions in local or state government departments and agencies, and the not-for-profit and community sector.

Date and time

Tuesday, 6 December 2022, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm AEDT

Where?

In person: Koorie Heritage Trust, Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Or online: via Zoom

Presented by Parks Victoria
FREE, reservations required
eventbrite.com.au/e/environmental-volunteer-managers-forum-2022-tickets-445627753607

Field Day and Xmas Break-up - Friends of Chiltern & Mt Pilot National Park
2022-12-04 14:00 - 16:00
In December we usually meet for a short nature walk in the Park, followed by a BYO picnic meal. Contact Mick Webster for more information 0429017229

A slow Nature Walk with Sue Brunskill & Karen Retra
2022-12-03 09:00 - 11:00
Join passionate naturalists Sue Brunskill and Karen Retra for a slow nature walk in one of Wodonga’s best bush reserves.
Come exploring with Sue and Karen and be inspired by their knowledge and enthusiasm for nature from wildflowers, insects and fungi to trees, birds and wildlife.
Where: Meet at Castle Creek Bushlands access off Castle Creek Rd.
What to expect: You are in for a treat – many wildflowers are out this week. For a sneak preview of what we might see, take a look at our 2021 Bush Park Explorer video featuring this reserve. Please be aware that we will be walking on slopes, on a natural, unpaved and possibly wet surface.
What to bring: Please wear covered shoes and long pants, bring mozzie protection and sunscreen and dress for the weather. Welcome to bring your camera, binoculars etc.
Registration prior to the event is essential for communication, safety and insurance purposes. REGISTER HERE

A slow Nature Walk with Sue Brunskill & Karen Retra
2022-12-02 09:00 - 11:00
Join passionate naturalists Sue Brunskill and Karen Retra for a slow nature walk in one of Wodonga’s best bush reserves.
Come exploring with Sue and Karen and be inspired by their knowledge and enthusiasm for nature from wildflowers, insects and fungi to trees, birds and wildlife.
Where: Meet at Swainsona Reserve Access carpark off Felltimber Creek Rd.
What to expect: You are in for a treat – the Swainsona peas (for which this reserve is named) – have started flowering. For a sneak preview of what else we might see, take a look at our 2021 Bush Park Explorer video featuring this reserve. Please be aware that we will be walking on slopes, on a natural, unpaved and possibly wet surface.
What to bring: Please wear covered shoes and long pants, bring mozzie protection and sunscreen and dress for the weather. Welcome to bring your camera, binoculars etc.
Registration prior to the event is essential for communication, safety and insurance purposes. REGISTER HERE

FoWP Cultural Exchange Information Night
2022-11-30 18:00 - 21:00
Can you imagine….
… being told that unless you can prove your citizenship in Australia to have been established prior 1958, you would be classified as an illegal immigrant?
… having to live with your family under canvas for years to come in squalid conditions, along with thousands of other people?
… eventually to be given a choice – to either stay in a familiar community with a support network you know, or to live in a foreign country, alien to your own language and culture?
Radha Guragai is a survivor of just such an ethnic cleansing process.
Radha, one of the Bhutanese community leaders of Wodonga, will share with us the story of his people, the journey which began in Bhutan where they were banished from their native land, to be held for years in a refugee camp in Nepal, and finally given approval to re-settle in Australia, one of a few countries that would accept their resettlement.
This event is proudly sponsored by City of Wodonga.
Don’t miss out on this cultural exchange information night and reserve your seat as soon as possible.
Admission $5pp – with buffet meal $20pp
Bookings are essential
Feel free to call Bart on 0419 390 329 for more information.

Seed Savers Open Garden and All About the Dirt workshop
2022-11-27 14:00 - 16:00
In April this year Alison Hawthorn opened her Wodonga garden to SSAW members and guests who were very impressed with the huge amount of work that she has done in creating a productive food garden within a short time. Alison has invited us back to view her progress and to run a workshop on making potting mix.
Free event, but bookings will be required as numbers are limited.
Book now.
https://events.humanitix.com/seed-savers-open-garden-food-swap-and-soil-workshop.
Seed Bank will be available at this event.

Horseshoe Lagoon, Albury
2022-11-27 09:00 - 15:00
With Albury Wodonga Field Naturalists. Meet 9am at Horseshoe Lagoon (opposite Albury Wodonga Private Hospital), Riverina Highway, Albury.
BYO refreshments and chair. Leaders Bernie 0490 497 032 and Phillip 0428 215 313

Frog-friendly gardens
2022-11-27 09:00 - 11:30
Learn ideal ways to create frog habitat in residential gardens, including plantings.
Presentation by frog specialist and CSU academic, Dr Alexandra Knight, in a Thurgoona residential garden. Ticket-holders to be advised of address before event.
Choose one of two times on Sun 27 November 2022:

9.00-10.00am with optional wander round garden from 10.00-10.30am OR
10.30am-11.30am with optional wander 11.30am-12.00pm

$5 per person, bookings essential (by 24/11/22): https://www.trybooking.com/CDZNP
Sorry, no children under 15 yrs due to restricted numbers.
Presented by Gardens 4 Wildlife, a Wodonga Urban Landcare Network initiative, with sincere thanks to AlburyCity for their generous support.

Border Bushwalking Club - Mount Buffalo Chalet to Mackey's Lookout
2022-11-26 07:00 - 17:00
The plan is to park at the Chalet carpark and commence the walk from there. We follow the Big Walk Walking Track from the Mount Buffalo Chalet down to Mackey’s Lookout for lunch. Our descent from the Mount Buffalo Chalet at 1342 elevation to Mackeys Lookout at 920 m elevation will take in some of the best bits of the Big Walk.
Along the way, we can take time to visit the Reeds Lookout. This walk is approximately 12 kms return.
On our return, we can take in the sights of the Chalet and the Gorge Lookouts. Bring a cuppa, snacks, and lunch. Plus, wet weather gear and extra warm clothing to wear after the walk.
Part of this walk (especially at Mackey’s Lookout) is across sloping granite. Good boots are required to prevent slipping. Some of the lookouts have huge drops, but they are fenced. The track and weather conditions on the day may result in a change to the planned walk.
The return is mostly uphill, but it is mostly on good track and on long switch-backs rather than steep uphill climbs. There are a couple of sections of rock-stairs.

Grade 3 Medium
Leader: Cindy Pickering
Phone: 0410425335
Participant numbers:8
Final booking date: 23/11/2022
Key risks and hazards: uneven and slippery surfaces, cold/wet/windy conditions, or exposure to sun that may result in sunburn.For more information and updates about BBC activities, check www.borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

Albury Park Volunteer morning
2022-11-25 09:00 - 11:00
Join Parklands Rangers and our Park Stewardship volunteers in Albury’s best bush parks, every Friday as spring unfolds.
Every week we 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: Sept-December we rotate between parks on a weekly basis.

4th Friday – Upper Bungambrawartha Creek. Meet at corner of Shaw St and Strauss St, Springdale Heights.

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.
