Ecoportal

Wonga Wetlands birdwatching with Albury Wodonga Field Naturalists
2023-03-12 09:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Victoria
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

Repair Cafe Albury-Wodonga Inc
2023-03-04 10:00 - 13:00, 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.

Friends of Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park
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.

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

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

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
