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IssueVolunteer 77 Newsletter Issue 70

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT UNIT NEWS

DIRECTOR’S UPDATE

Dear Volunteers,

As another year comes to a close I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for the amount of time, effort and expertise you have contributed to the parks and conservation during 2012.

Thanks for the thousands of weeds poisoned and pulled; grants applications written; projects delivered; campgrounds hosted; meetings and conferences attended; administration undertaken; events, forums and open days held; seeds grown; surveys undertaken; koala food bagged; publications produced and the list goes on and on.

2012 has been another eventful year of change and challenges. The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources has a new name and a broader role that integrates management of environment, water and natural resource management services across the state. Eight new natural resources centres have been opened around to provide a one stop shop for the public to access services and information. A new OHS Volunteer Management Framework has been introduced; the People and Parks Visitor Strategy has been launched and the campground host program now has more than double the number of hosts helping visitors to enjoy their camping experience in our beautiful parks system.

Whether you contribute as one of our valued Friends of Parks Inc Board members, on the ground working with a Friends, NRM, Landcare, Bushcare, Coastcare, Biodiversity Blitz; Botanic Gardens or another environmentally focussed community group; your work is valuable and valued, and South Australia is a better place because of your efforts.

I would like to personally thank the Volunteer Support Unit for its hard work and support over the last 12 months. The VSU is small team that works hard to ensure our volunteers and staff gets support and recognition for the work they do every day across the state. Also a special thanks to the volunteers who come in every week to support the VSU - without them things would be even more hectic around here! I would also like to thank Christel Mex for very ably leading the work while I was off exploring Africa (in spite of our challenges, there is no doubt that we still live in one of the best places in the world!). Finally I would like to recognise the support and leadership John Schutz, Group Executive Director has provided; there is no doubt that John understands and values our volunteers efforts and I pass on his very best wishes to you all for a safe and happy Christmas season.

Please take the time over the festive season to remember the celebrations; awards and successes, and to congratulate yourselves on a job well done.

I wish you all a safe and happy festive season.

Anne Sellar Director, Volunteers and Visitor Services

PEOPLE AND PARKS: A VISITOR STRATEGY FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL PARKS, MARINE PARKS AND RESERVES Late last month the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Paul Caica, announced the release of People and Parks: A Visitor Strategy for South Australia's National Parks, Marine Parks and Reserves. The People and Parks Strategy outlines how people will be encouraged to visit parks, learn about nature and contribute to their conservation. The People and Parks Visitor Strategy has been in the making for the last couple of years. The Strategy • covers all of South Australia's national parks, marine parks and reserves. • is more than a recreation and tourism strategy - it outlines how people will be encouraged to visit parks, learn about nature and get involved in the State's NRM efforts. • does not diminish our commitment to conservation or alter our objectives (which are set out in the National Parks and Wildlife Act, Wilderness Protection Act and Marine Parks Act). • includes a series of 'light house' projects (such as cycling in the Mount Lofty Ranges) which seek to demonstrate how the enjoyment of parks by people can lead to improved outcomes for conservation.

One of our Friends, Bob Grant from Friends of Sturt Gorge, was featured with the Minister at the launch. If you missed it on TV, have a look here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFUAVQ1xGrM.

More information on the People and Parks Visitor Strategy is available on the DEWNR website: www.environment.sa.gov.au/Conservation/Land/Park_management/people-and-parks.

‘PROMOTING & MARKETING FRIENDS OF PARKS’ For those who were unable to attend this year’s Friends Forum, David Mitchell, President of Friends of Parks Inc, made a presentation to delegates entitled ‘Promoting & Marketing Friends of Parks’. David has provided the following overview of his presentation.

“It’s my strong view that we must move quickly to promote who we are and what we do. Some of our groups are doing this well and reaping the benefits, but as a statewide organisation we have for too long been quiet achievers and consequently taken for granted by government, much of the public sector and many in the community. If we do nothing we are in danger of being left behind and becoming an increasingly endangered species. The promises of extra on-ground support which have accompanied successive agency restructures have not been fulfilled and our program is in danger of withering on the vine.

Over several months the Friends of Parks IncBoard has organised workshops and discussions to gauge the health of the organisation, the challenges we face and the opportunities on offer. It’s a time of considerable change and economic restraint; departmental restructuring grinds slowly on concurrent with swingeing resource cuts. To be fair the Volunteer Support Unit and some regional staff have supported and contributed to our promotional initiative. Meanwhile Friends of Parks continue with their stewardship of their particular patch or heritage asset and are forced to rely increasingly on grants and the efforts of a diminishing and ageing membership. Notwithstanding we continue to do a great job, are increasingly relied upon by government and have an unparalleled knowledge of the protected reserve system. It’s a very good story and one that we need to tell more often and more loudly. Thirty years of experience and endeavour are worth celebrating.

Accordingly we have formed a small working party which in co-operation with the department will develop a marketing plan and put forward ways in which we can better promote ourselves, our activities and the Friends of Parks movement. Individual groups will continue to do whatever they feel necessary to promote themselves in their local communities and to their membership. As the incorporated association and umbrella group Friends of Parks Inc. has a responsibility to promote the brand on a statewide basis, to government, other environmental groups and the general community. It won’t be an ivory tower initiative and we’ll keep you posted and involved as we progress but it has a high priority as the extinction clock is ticking both for us and for our parks. Incidentally, before I began my forum presentation I asked the delegates whether or not they wanted to retain the current NPWS (pizza/flowerpot) logo and it was a virtually unanimous “Yes” with the added comment “If it isn’t broke, why fix it?”

We live in interesting and very challenging times.”

If your group is interested in furthering a discussion among yourselves, David can make his PowerPoint available to you and is happy to respond to questions. He can be contacted on 8251 1088 or email [email protected]

DEWNR FIRE MANAGEMENT CODE OF PRACTICE Collaborative fire management arrangements between DEWNR Fire Management, SA Water, ForestrySA and the Country Fire Service have been substantially strengthened with the recent adoption of a Code of Practice for fire management on public lands in South Australia.

The need for a Code of Practice was identified following the tragic Black Saturday bushfires of 2009, and its adoption is a significant step towards achieving a whole-of-landscape approach to fire management. This approach aims to strike a balance between the essential protection of life and property and maintaining and enhancing the long-term resilience of the South Australian environment.

Drawing on COAG’s National Principles of Bushfire Mitigation and Management, the Code reinforces the primacy of life as the key management consideration and contains performance measures and outcomes for fire management programs on public lands. Progress towards these measures will be reported on annually to monitor progress towards reducing the size, frequency and impact of bushfires from public land on communities, infrastructure and the environment.

The Code sets out how public land fire managers, together with the CFS, manage bushfire risk on public land and is the culmination of 18 months’ effort by a working group of staff from the four agencies. The Code of Practice can be viewed at the DEWNR website - www.environment.sa.gov.au/firemanagement/Fire_Planning

GET INVOLVED

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

WAKEFIELD RIVER PROJECT- A CHANCE TO HELP ITS COURSE The Wakefield River snakes through the Mid-North flanked by the Broughton River to the North and the Light River to the South. It collects water from a catchment of 690km2, with major tributaries of the Eyre, Skillogalee, Pine, Rices, Hermitage and Woolshed Flat Creeks. It has also experience dramatic modification by the impacts of European settlement. It is a familiar story and DEWNR wants to help give the Wakefield River a new chapter through a recently successful Caring for Our Country grant through the Australian Government.

This project will address critical threats currently preventing landscape connectivity along a 25km section of riparian habitat on the River, and will increase the condition and resilience of over 125 hectares. This includes 60 hectares of Iron-grass Natural Temperate Grassland and 65 hectares of Peppermint Box (Eucalyptus odorata) Grassy Woodland – both nationally threatened ecological communities. It will promote engagement with 25 landholders who will be assisted to adopt activities that contribute to the ongoing conservation and protection of biodiversity.

The focus will be managing threats (weeds, stock access) and strategic revegetation, and will expand existing NRM projects. This catchment contains 2 nationally threatened ecological communities and 27 nationally threatened species. Activities include: weed control targeting Weeds of National Significance; stock fencing and waterpoint relocation; revegetation; developing management agreements with landholders for ongoing best practice; and engagement strategies to enhance landholder skills and knowledge.

There is an opportunity for volunteers to be involved with this project - we are seeking people to assist with revegetation, which is planned for the first half of next year. This is a wonderful project to help support such an important river. Other long-term regional projects will be coming up so please contact Jennifer you would like to register or learn more about volunteering along the waterways.

Contact Jennifer Munro, Water Officer, on (08) 8636 2361 or 0429362008 or email [email protected] for more information.

ADELAIDE DOLPHIN SANCTUARY - ACTION GROUP The newly formed ADS action group has grown in the last couple of months but they would love more volunteers to help in a number of projects including a summer campaign to provide information to recreational users about the issue of feeding dolphins, such as Captain Hook, one of the much loved Port River Dolphins. No previous experience is required but medium or long term commitment is needed.

Other projects volunteer may get involved with are: • Land based patrols of the dolphins – shadowing an experience volunteer • Community engagement • Water based patrols.

For more information about volunteering with the Dolphin Sanctuary call 8240 0178 or visit their website [email protected].

For information about Captain Hook visit the ADS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AdsActionGroup

FOOD BAG PRODUCTION VOLUNTEERS - CLELAND WILDLIFE PARK Ongoing Assist with the production and bagging of food pellets. These bags are provided to park visitors to hand feed animals throughout the park. Any relevant training will be provided to ensure that you are able to complete your voluntary work safely and confidently. Food bag production volunteers are rostered on for a minimum of one shift per month. For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator, on 8130 9008 or [email protected].

GETTING SOCIAL WITH GIDGEES Gidgee skinks (Egernia stokesii) are unusual for a lizard – they are one of only 5% of lizard species that live in social groups. They live for a long time (25 years or more), setting up home in rocky crevices across semi-arid Australia. Within these crevices they form stable family groups made up of parents and several generations of offspring. When: Jan-Mar 2013 (various dates, minimum period 1 week) Where: Flinders Ranges, SA. Additional sites are expected to be developed on the , around the Gawler Ranges. What you’ll be doing: Assist with trapping, measuring and marking gidgees (no experience needed) What to bring: Accommodation and transport provided, but you will need to bring food and drink supplies. Contact: Sarah Pearson [email protected] 0427 025 818.

Looking for a way to contribute to the environment over summer? Conservation Volunteers may be able to help...just follow the links for more information.

LOUTH BAY COASTAL RESTORATION- 8-9 DECEMBER (LEAVING 7:30AM DAILY FROM PORT LINCOLN) FREE TO JOIN The Louth Bay Community Club needs your help to water and dig out “moats” for native plants to ensure their survival over summer. Over 2 mornings we will water trees, shrubs and groundcovers to help them establish roots and sustain them over the summer months. Light lunch provided afterwards. www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/project/info

SOUTHERN EYRE BIRDS 16TH DECEMBER (LEAVING 12:00PM FROM PORT LINCOLN) FREE TO JOIN Be surprised at the number of species of native birds you can find in Southern Eyre Peninsula! Join a coastal bird survey with the Southern Eyre Birds Group and you will never look at birds the same again. These surveys are conducted to monitoring bird populations and activity and data is recorded for the Biological Data Bases of South Australia. www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/project/info

LOUTH BAY COASTAL RESTORATION 12-13 JANUARY 2013 (LEAVING 7:30AM DAILY FROM PORT LINCOLN) FREE TO JOIN The Louth Bay Community Club needs your help to water and dig out “moats” for native plants to ensure their survival over summer. Over 2 mornings we will water trees, shrubs and groundcovers to help them establish roots and sustain them over the summer months. Light lunch provided afterwards. www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/project/info

SOUTHERN EYRE BIRDS 20TH JANUARY 2013 (TIME TO BE CONFIRMED- FROM PORT LINCOLN) FREE TO JOIN Be surprised at the number of species of native birds you can find in Southern Eyre Peninsula! Join a coastal bird survey with the Southern Eyre Birds Group and you will never look at birds the same again. These surveys are conducted to monitoring bird populations and activity and data is recorded for the Biological Data Bases of South Australia. www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/project/info

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS TUNARAMA FESTIVAL STALL 25-28TH JANUARY 2013 AT PORT LINCOLN FORESHORE- FREE Conservation Volunteers Australia will have a stall at the 2013 Tunarama Festival in Port Lincoln Eyre Peninsula over the Australia Day long weekend. Visit our stall to get involved in daily activities and find out about local conservation initiatives and issues. www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/project/info

EVENTS

NORTHERN LOFTY DISTRICT FRIENDS AND VOLUNTEERS - WE’D LIKE TO SAY A BIG THANK YOU! Northern Lofty District staff invites you to join them for an evening of fun and celebration of your time, passion and achievements in conserving and restoring our natural and cultural environment. When: Tuesday 11th December Where: Black Hill Conservation Park, grassed area left side from front gate RSVP: Liz McTaggart, Volunteer Support Ranger on 8336 0930 or 0437 297 992

Program: 5:30 pm - Nibbles & drinks 6:00 pm - Recognising volunteers: DEWNR says thankyou 6:30 pm - Eat, drink and be merry! What to bring: Please bring a chair and alcoholic beverages. Nibbles, main meal (BBQ), sweets and beverages provided. Families and friends very welcome!

COME & TRY 'A BUSH CARE' ACTIVITY Wed 12 December - Hillbank Interested in coming to a ‘Come & Try’ bush care activity to see what bush regeneration is all about? Find out more by ‘giving it a go’ in a supported, friendly and safe environment. It might also help you decide whether or not you would like to get further involved in the Bush For Life program. Long term bushcarers say once you’ve been out a few times you’ll be hooked! The activities run from 9:00am - 3:30pm, with a morning tea and lunch break. All you'd need to bring is your lunch and water and make sure you've got the right clothing for the day; sturdy shoes with good grip, long pants and long sleeves and a hat. If you have a folding chair bring that too - the day is as much about enjoying the bush as it is about doing the bush care work! For more information contact the Bush For Life Volunteer Coordinator on 8406 0500 or [email protected]

HABITAT FOR WOMBAT HEALTH In response to the concerning health issues of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat and its habitat in the Mallee, Conservation Volunteers are providing a unique opportunity for you to hear the stories of two of South Australia’s most interesting researchers, Associate Professor Rod Wells and Dr Wayne Boardman with the opening address delivered by the eminent Dr Barbara Hardy, AO. They will reflect on some of their most fascinating, challenging and entertaining moments during their illustrious careers, followed by an interactive discussion on their involvement with the current research being undertaken at Brookfield Conservation Park and the surrounding area in the Mallee. This is a great opportunity to find out how the community plays a vital role in solving these issues and how you are able to be part of this groundswell of community activity. When: Saturday 15 December 2012 Where: Kingston House, Cameron Ave, Kingston Park Time: 2pm - 4.30pm Cost: $50 100% of funds raised and tax deductible donations will help assist Conservation Volunteers carry out the urgent actions required to support the health of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat and its habitat For more information call Conservation Volunteers Australia on 08 8212 0777 or email [email protected].

TRY TREES FOR MUM IN 2013! If you’re busy planning your group activities for next year and have a planting project that needs more hands than you can get access to, why not think about getting involved in Trees for Mum? Trees for Mum began in 2002, and have grown into a series of planting events held on Mother’s Day each year. Landcare Australia teamed up with Trees for Mum to develop a project kit and free promotional resources for any group or organisation that would like to get involved and run their own Trees for Mum event. The Trees for Mum project kit gives a detailed outline of what’s involved in running an event, and people can also download artwork for flyers, posters, registration form, event checklist and more, from the Landcare Australia website www.landcareonline.com.au. So if you have a lot of trees to get in the ground and May 12th works for you, why not plant some Trees for Mum next year?

ABOUT TIME - 1 to 31 May 2013 About Time is one of South Australia’s largest community events. The festival promotes the State’s wonderful collections, places and stories through an amazing range of history related activities. About Time began in 2004 as SA History Week and has grown each year, becoming a month long festival in 2011. Its popularity and success is due to the hard work and enthusiasm of the event organisers, including thousands of volunteers, who are passionate about sharing our history. Who can be part of About Time? Museums, history groups, archives, community and cultural organisations, heritage places, universities, libraries, schools, churches, galleries, businesses, cemeteries and gardens have all taken part in the program in the past. About Time provides an opportunity for organisations to promote their place in South Australian history and to enjoy the benefits of being part of a state wide community festival. About Time aims to be inclusive of the history, diversity and cultural traditions of all South Australians. What sorts of events can be part of About Time? All events in About Time will focus on South Australia’s history and will be open to the public. Events may include history tours, talks, displays, book launches, open days, dinners, digital history, film screenings, concerts, plays, dances and much more. For more information visit the About Time website - www.abouttime.sa.gov.au.

GRANTS

GRANT GURU COMMUNITY WEBSITE Grant Guru Community is Australia’s largest free, searchable listing of nation-wide grants and funding programs for community based and not-for-profit organisations. Visit http://community.grantready.com.au to see what is available.

AWARDS

2013 ROTARY VOLUNTEER/S OF THE PARKS AWARD AND LEADERSHIP IN CONSERVATION AWARD 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.

Eligibility Criteria The award is open to Friends of Parks volunteers. There is no ‘minimum years of service’ required. In selecting the successful nominee(s), the Selection Panel will consider the: • Outstanding Service demonstrated by the nominee (eg innovation in program or technique, excelled in leadership, project development etc) • 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.

Eligibility Criteria The award is open to all staff working with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. There is no ‘minimum years of service’ required.

In selecting the successful nominee, the Selection Panel will consider the: • Outstanding service demonstrated by the nominee (eg innovation in program or technique, excelled in leadership, project development etc) • 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. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources website: www.environment.sa.gov.au. Nominations may be supported by additional information. Please see the nomination form for more details. If you have any questions, please contact Mr Peter Neale - 0413 738 558, or Mr Will Danby - 0408 151 003. Nominations close 28 February 2013.

BITS ‘N PIECES

SIMPSON DESERT CLOSED OVER SUMMER TO ENSURE VISITOR SAFETY The South Australian Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) has announced that the Simpson Desert will again be closed during the hottest months of the year to ensure the safety of visitors and emergency personnel. The closure will apply from 1 December to 15 March and affects the Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve in South Australia.

THE GREAT KOALA COUNT On behalf of the Great Koala Count project team, thank you to everyone who went koala counting – there was a terrific response with well over 1,000 koala sightings reported. The last part of the Great Koala Count is a short, online survey. This survey is where you get your chance to tell them your koala stories and what you think about koalas. Please click on this link to do the survey: www.research.net/s/GreatKoalaCount P.S. If you have a koala sighting from Wednesday the 28th of November (between 6am and 8pm) you can still report it online at http://koalacount.ala.org.au.

KANGAROO ISLAND PLANTING FESTIVAL – 2013 – PUT IT IN YOUR DIARY! There are only seven months to go until the 2013 Planting Festival! Next year’s festival will be held on Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July 2013 and preparations are already underway on a new site where we will be aiming to restore 25 hectares of habitat for some of Kangaroo Island’s rarest plant life. More information will be available a little closer to the event, but for now please mark these dates in your shiny new 2013 diaries, electronic gadgets and old-fashioned wall calendars so you won’t miss out!

12 WALKS IN THE ONKAPARINGA RIVER NATIONAL & RECREATION PARKS Written by Michael Whitaker, this new book has full colour maps, photographs and detailed descriptions of each walk, as well as some of the history of the Onkaparinga Parks. All profits from the sale of the book support the environmental work of the Friends of Onkaparinga Park. It is available by mail order from the author for $20.00 Send a cheque or postal order to Michael Whitaker, 16 St Nicholas Avenue, Port Willunga, SA 5173 and a copy of the book will be sent to you by return mail. Contact Michael on 08 85577498 for more information.

RECREATE Monday 10 December to Friday 14 December Looking for an unusual Christmas gift, then look no further....a Recreate gift is the one you have been looking for! Recreate features the creative work of artists & craftspeople who do amazing things with discarded or pre-loved goods. Visit the Mount Pleasant Natural Resource Centre between Monday 10 December and Friday 14 December to see the great range of Recreate products available for sale. Recreate demonstrations will be held throughout the week to inspire people to "recreate" their very own amazing creation.

Recreate is a project of the Mount. Pleasant Natural Resource Centre and all proceeds support community sustainable living & environmental projects of the MPNRC. For more information contact Terese Reeves 8568 1907 or email: [email protected]

FACEBOOK FRIENDS

THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN HERPETOLOGY GROUP is a not for profit group that aims to promote the study of, interest in, and conservation of reptile and frog species, and they are one of the many environmental and biodiversity groups that are on Facebook. To find out more about their activities visit them at https://www.facebook.com/pages/South- Australian-Herpetology-Group-Inc/149714341763279.

If your group is on Facebook and you would like us to promote your page please send me your details and I will add a listing of ‘Friends on Facebook’ in the next Link newsletter. [email protected].

“The good man is the friend of all living things. Mahatma Gandhi

Disclaimer While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources makes no representations and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the contents. Reference to any company, product or service in this publication should not be taken as a Departmental endorsement of the company, product or service.