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IssueVolunteer 84 Newsletter Issue 70

VOLUNTEERS AND PARTNERSHIPS UNIT NEWS

WELCOME DANIELLE CALABRO

G’day My name is Danielle Calabro and I am the current graduate ranger working in the Volunteers and Partnerships Unit. I am in my first year of the graduate program and just shy of completing two placements. Once I have completed the placement, the graduate program takes me to Northern and Yorke and SAAL regions, where I can’t wait to gain more experience working in the parks, meet new rangers, and work with volunteer groups.

My first six month placement was at Naracoorte Caves National Park where I was lucky to be involved with the international student volunteers program. I got to know a fantastic and enthusiastic group of young American students and some of the work we undertook included weed eradication; a Mallee fowl mound survey; planting native pigface on sand dunes in ; and tree planting at Naracoorte Caves National Park. I also had the pleasure of supervising school work experience students where they gained experience in a fox baiting program, revegetation work at , and asset maintenance.

I have been a volunteer in organisations from wildlife parks to museums, where I gained invaluable experience and met wonderful people who were happy to share their experience and knowledge. I think that volunteering is such an important part of our society. It enables people to pursue their interests, make a difference, form life-long friendships and share knowledge. I love how people from all walks of life get together because they share a common interest. I think the passion and hard work that volunteers have for our parks is vital to long term nature conservation, and I look forward to being a part of this as I continue on my journey as a budding park ranger.

Danielle celebrating with international student volunteers

FAMILIAR FACE - NEW POSITION - WENDY CLIFF Wendy has recently started in her new role as Volunteer Support Officer for the Northern and Yorke Region. Some people may already know Wendy as she has been in the region since 2007, working as a Ranger across all three districts, and originally being a Grad Ranger.

Wendy can support your group in a number of ways including help with volunteer recruitment, sharing ideas/stories, promoting volunteer opportunities, assist in the recognition and acknowledgement of your volunteer contribution(s), and with your management of safety for volunteers. And much more! Call in and visit Wendy at the Natural Resource Centre at 2/17 Lennon St, Clare, or contact her on 8841 3469 or [email protected].

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

2013 Volunteer Awards Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) has announced the winners of its 2013 Volunteer Awards. DEWNR Chief Executive Allan Holmes says the awards, first presented in the 1980s, are an ideal way to acknowledge the valuable work being done across the state. The DEWNR awards recognise the voluntary contribution to the environment by individuals and groups working directly with the department.

There are two categories – the Outstanding Individual Volunteer Achievement Award and the Outstanding Group Volunteer Project Achievement Awards, with the results as follows:.

• Roy Caldwell, who has been involved with the Friends of Anstey Hill Recreation Park in the Adelaide Mount Lofty Region for more than 25 years, has been recognised for an individual award. Roy has co-ordinated regular working bees, planting days and made a significant contribution to the restoration and cultural heritage management of the Bakehouse and Ellis Cottage for more than 25 years. Roy also shares his knowledge and passion for Anstey Hill with school groups and community organisations, and visits the park on a daily basis, tending to all manner of activities that need attention.”

Three groups have been recognised in the group volunteer category: • Friends of Burra Parks, in the state’s Northern and Yorke Natural Resource Management Region, have been recognised for work on the Bimbowrie Conservation Park Heritage Building Restoration Project, which includes stonework improvements to the expedition hut of Sir Douglas Mawson • Friends of Canunda and Parks, in the South East, are being celebrated for an educational initiative in which local school students are given environmental education opportunities to further their knowledge of local heritage and national parks in their area – through the March into May Project • The West Mallee Protection Group (in the Alinytjara Wilurara Region) has been recognised for its work to rehabilitate an area around Googs Lake through on-ground works, in conjunction with community partnerships and monitoring

The individual winner and the three group awardees each receive $1250 to further their conservation efforts, and a framed certificate.

2013 Inc Awards Friends of Parks Inc awards have also been announced. These awards recognise the voluntary contribution to the environment Friends of Parks groups.

• The Friends Group Achievement of the Year (Incorporating the McLaren Shield), was won by the Friends of Canunda/Beachport Parks for the March into May Project. • The Best Biodiversity Project Award was awarded to two groups this year, the Friends of Mound Springs and the Friends of Streaky Bay District Parks with both winners receiving $700 and a framed certificate.

Congratulations to all involved!

GET INVOLVED

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

ANNUAL TRAPPING - ARID RECOVERY Volunteers are required to assist with Arid Recovery’s Annual Small Vertebrate Trapping at Roxby Downs from 9 February 2014. This is a great opportunity to participate in one of the longest running trapping events of its kind. Participants will assist in the trapping of reptiles and small mammals. Volunteers are required to pay a donation fee which includes accommodation and food and assists with the ongoing research of Arid Recovery. For more information call the Arid Recovery office on 8671 2402 or email [email protected].

REINTRODUCTION OF THE WESTERN QUOLL An opportunity exists for a keen and dedicated volunteer to assist DEWNR with an exciting plan to reintroduce the western quoll to . Duration: three months, 24 March-24 June 2014 Location: Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia Accommodation: provided in fully contained shearers quarters with toilet, showers, kitchen, lounge and own room

Food: $200 a week provided for food expenses Travel: $400 supplied to assist with travel costs to and from the study site Duties: radio tracking quolls, feral animal control, data entry, trapping, habitat assessments, DNA sampling, aerial radio tracking from light aircraft. Experience: Experience in radio tracking, remote field work, off-road driving and/or camera trapping is desirable but not essential. A manual driver’s license and moderate to high level of fitness are required. For more information contact [email protected]. Applications close January 31.

CLELAND WILDLIFE PARK Animal Management Volunteers and Food Bag Production Volunteers Ongoing

Animal Management volunteers work closely with the keeper staff at Cleland Wildlife Park helping with the care and husbandry of our captive native wildlife population. While there is no direct handling of the animals volunteering at Cleland can be a worthwhile and rewarding experience. Some of the tasks you may be involved in include food preparation and cleaning of the food prep area, cleaning exhibits and enclosures, and creating behavioural and environmental enrichment tools.

Food bag production volunteers 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. For more information about either of these positions contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Cleland Wildlife Park on (08) 8130 9008 or [email protected].

COMMUNITY NURSERIES NETWORK The Community Nurseries Network are a group of local community run nurseries in the Coorong Lower Lakes & Murray Mouth (CLLMM) region growing plants for the Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association (GWLAP) Community Revegetation Program. The nurseries are located at Meningie, Finniss, Hindmarsh Island, Milang, Clayton Bay and Raukkan, and are always looking for volunteers to help with propagation, general nursery management and seed collection. For more information contact: Community Nursery Network Coordinator, Jill Taylor 8537 0808 or [email protected] and check out the new website at: www.communitynurseries.com.au.

‘COMMON MOTHS OF THE ADELAIDE REGION’ – CAN YOU HELP? Butterfly Conservation South Australia is producing a book on ‘Common moths of the Adelaide Region’ to replace the now out of print book by Peter McQuillan, published by the SA Museum in 1982. The new book will be a companion to the ‘Attracting butterflies to your garden’ book.

BCSA has been fortunate to receive a seeding grant from the AMLNRM and a small team are working with author Peter McQuillan on content for the new book. They have chosen around 120 common moths and would like to include images of not only the adults but their caterpillars as well. This is where they need help… they are seeking high quality images of local moths and caterpillars for possible inclusion in their book. The photographer of all images used in the book will be acknowledged and photographers should be willing to sign a release form making their image available to us for this project.

Images can be emailed directly to David Keane on [email protected] or put on a CD and posted to D. Keane c/- Post Office, Inglewood SA 5133 with the following information: • Photographers name in the title of the image. • Location, date, identification (if possible), habitat and any other information that may make it easier for us to identify the specimen. • Contact details of the photographer (mail address or email).

NEED HELP ON YOUR PROPERTY? WHY NOT USE VOLUNTEERS? Working with Volunteers: Advice for land managers in the South Australian Arid Lands - encourages pastoralists and other land managers to 'dump their assumptions' about using volunteers on their properties.

The booklet borrows from the lessons behind the Blinman-Parachilna Pest Plant Control Group (BPPPCG), a six-year partnership between Adelaide-based volunteer groups and pastoral properties which undertakes Wheel Cactus and Oleander control in the North Flinders region. To view the booklet visit www.saalnrm.sa.gov.au. For hard copies or further information contact Natural Resources SA Arid Lands on 8648 5300.

EVENTS

KANGAROO ISLAND FRIENDS OF PARKS FORUM 2014 Saturday 10 May until Monday 12 May

For information on how to register visit: www.communitywebs.org/friendsofparks/forums/ff2014guidance.htm For further queries please contact Daniel Rowley, Friends of Parks 2014 Committee, 0467 319 925 or [email protected]

GETTING IN EARLY - LET’S CELEBRATE PARKS WEEK! 1 – 8 March 2014 Natural Resources SE recognises the important partnership that we have with Friends of Parks members and would like to celebrate this together and invite members of the public to join us. • Is your group able to host an activity on Park that could attract people to come and experience our most valuable natural resources? • Can we create an opportunity to promote your volunteer work and inspire other like-minded people to join in? The activity could be as simple as a BBQ lunch, interactive walk, bird watching or information sessions where Friends members welcome people to the park and showcase their activities and attractions. Natural Resources SE can contribute to the costs and will assist with promotion of the event through regional networks and the local media. If you think your Friends of Park group would like to be involved please contact Volunteer Coordinator Nat Misic on 8735 1234.

DOLPHIN DAY Sunday March 16 Dolphin Day is fast approaching! Make sure to keep Sunday March 16 - IT IS GOING TO BE A GREAT DAY! Remember to check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/AdsActionGroup for updates on the dolphins.

HAVE YOUR SAY

DRAFT CENTRAL FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN The plan is open for public comment from 13 December 2013 to 24 January 2014. The draft Central Eyre Peninsula Fire Management Plan has been prepared by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR), and includes the following areas: • Hambidge and Hincks Wilderness Protection Areas • Barwell, Bascombe Well, Carappee Hill, Darke Range, Franklin Harbor, Heggaton, Hincks, Ironstone Hill, Malgra, Middlecamp Hills, Moody Tank, Munyaroo, Peachna, Rudall, Shannon, Sheoak Hill, The Plug Range, Verran Tanks, Wharminda, and Yeldulknie Conservation Parks • Lacroma Conservation Reserve • participating Heritage Agreements and included Crown land. This plan has been prepared to provide direction for fire management in the Central Eyre Peninsula, through the inclusion of strategies for bushfire risk modification on DEWNR-managed land. The plan emphasises the protection of life and property, and provides direction for land managers in the protection and enhancement of the natural and cultural heritage of the area. For more information call the Fire Management Unit on 8124 4725 or visit www.environment.sa.gov.au/haveyoursay/centraleyrepeninsula-firemgtplan.

DRAFT COONGIE LAKES NATIONAL PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013 Community consultation closes Friday 31 January 2014 A draft management plan for Coongie Lakes National Park has been released for public comment in accordance with section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. The draft plan sets out objectives and strategies for the ongoing protection and conservation of the natural and cultural values of Coongie Lakes National Park. The draft has been developed with input from the Yandruwandha- Yawarrawarrka Parks Advisory Committee, stakeholders and staff from across the South Australian Government. Broader community input is now being sought to further refine the plan. For more information visit www.environment.sa.gov.au/haveyoursay/coongielakes-mgtplan

PROPOSED GUIDELINE FOR THE CLEARANCE OF NATIVE VEGETATION FOR ECOLOGICAL PURPOSES Community consultation closes Friday 24 January 2014 You are invited to have your say about a proposed guideline for the clearance of native vegetation for ecological purposes. The guideline has been proposed by the Native Vegetation Council under section 25 of the Native Vegetation Act 1991 in relation to: • clearance of native vegetation for ecological purposes under regulation 5(1)(zi). Currently the approval for clearance of native vegetation for ecological purposes under regulation 5(1)(zi) cannot be given as the regulation states that clearance must comply with the guideline that underpins this regulation. However, no guideline exists, hence one has been drafted. The regulation covers situations where management of native vegetation to preserve or enhance biological diversity involves clearance. An example would be grazing to reduce weeds and improve native understorey diversity and extent. For more information visit www.environment.sa.gov.au/haveyoursay/native-vegetation- ecological-guidelline.

DECLARED PLANT REVIEW Currently 114 weeds are declared under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 because they pose risks to South Australia’s primary industries, natural environments and/or public safety. A state policy on each weed may prohibit their sale or transport on roads, empower the NRM boards to enforce control, and/or require landowners to notify infestations on their land. Why are we reviewing the list? The eight regional NRM boards are working with their stakeholders to plan and deliver weed management programs aiming to get the best value from investment in weed control. The NRM boards use a weed risk management system (developed by Biosecurity SA) to prioritise weeds for control. As the weed policies have not been reviewed since 1991, it is time to check that they still match the needs of landowners and managers. For example, historically, declaration for many weeds was based on local government boundaries; redefining control areas using NRM regions will improve consistency and be more strategic. Are you concerned about a weed on the list? Your view is sought on proposed changes to plant declarations for 26 declared weeds in this phase of the review. For example, do you want to comment on the changes proposed for controlling African rue, silverleaf nightshade or skeleton weed? Do you want new weeds declared? Twenty four new weeds are being proposed for declaration in this phase of the review. Do you want to comment on any of these additional plants proposed for declaration? For more information visit www.environment.sa.gov.au/haveyoursay/declared-plant-review-2013 Community consultation closes Wednesday 15 January 2014

AWARDS

THE ROTARY CLUB OF BURNSIDE AWARDS - 'Leadership in Conservation' and 'Volunteer/s of the Parks'. Nominations close 28 February 2014.

The Volunteer/s of the Parks Award is awarded by the Rotary Club of Burnside Inc, 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. If you have any questions, contact Peter Neale - 0413 738 558, or Will Danby 0408 151 003. To download information and forms, visit www.environment.sa.gov.au, or contact Lynn Newman on 8124 4841 or email: [email protected] if you would like hard copies sent out.

TRAINING

EXOTIC TREES IN WATERCOURSES WORKSHOP Presented by Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges this free workshop will demonstrate best practice techniques to remove exotic trees from watercourses. Details to be finalised, register your interest to receive updates. Location: Cudlee Creek Date: January/February 2014 Cost: Free Further Information: Will Hannaford 8389 5915 or 0419 037 303 [email protected].

RABBIT CONTROL FIELD DAY This field day will provide practical information about how best to control rabbits on your property, and will cover topics such as; rabbit lifecycle, burrow destruction, baiting and fumigation. This field day is suitable for rural, semi rural, and semi urban land owners. Location: Basham’s Beach, Port Elliot Date: 15th February 2014 Cost: Free Further Information: Rhiannon Scheltus 8550 3400 [email protected].

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RURAL LAND MANAGEMENT (INTRODUCTORY COURSE) Presented by Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges this eight week course will provided practical information on soils, land capability, weed identification and control, pasture management, watercourse and dam management, biodiversity and property planning. The course incorporates a farm walk. All courses held one evening a week from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Details to be finalised, register your details to receive updates. Location: Myponga Date: early February 2014 Cost: $150 per property Further Information: Rhiannon Scheltus 8550 3400 [email protected].

A SHORT GUIDE TO PROPERTY MANAGEMENT (INTRODUCTORY COURSE) Presented by Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges this three week short course will provide practical information rural property management. The course incorporates a farm walk. All courses held one evening a week from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Details to be finalised, register your details to receive updates. Location: North Para area Date: early February 2014 Cost: $75 per property Further Information: Libby Lawson 8523 7720 [email protected].

FREE TRAINING THROUGH VOLUNTEERING SA & NT - Funded with the support of the Free Volunteer Training Grants from the Office for Volunteers delivered by Volunteering SA&NT. For more information call 8221 7177 or go online www.volunteeringsa-nt.org.au

WHAT’S ON

SEE WHAT WAKES UP WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN AT CLELAND WILDLIFE PARK Discover a previously unseen side of Cleland Wildlife Park after dark with new Night Walks tours. After dark the park comes alive as potoroos, bettongs and bandicoots forage for food, bats wake up from their day-time slumber and wild possums come searching for fun. The park is also filled with the sounds of nocturnal animals. When: the last Friday of every month during daylight savings (starting at dusk—time will be confirmed at time of booking) Who: suitable for all ages. Tours include a night feed of the Tasmanian Devils and light refreshments sourced from the local region. For bookings call 8339 2444, or visit www.environment.sa.gov.au/clelandwildlife/Whats On/nightwalks for information.

KIDS ACTIVITIES GALORE IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS THIS SUMMER Adelaide Botanic Garden When: 7-24 January 2014 Adelaide Botanic Garden is the place for families this summer, with a range of fun and engaging activities for kids. Held under the cool shade on Plane Tree Lawn, Adelaide Botanic Garden will again be hosting its incredibly popular school holiday program for 5 to 12 year olds. Activities include: • Paint a pot, learn about plants suited to our climate and plant a herb in your pot to grow at home • Learn about cactus and other succulents in our Cactus collections and plant your own cactus to take home • Make beautiful gem trees from copper wire and gem stones • Discover tips and tricks to bird ID and make a seed bell to hang up and attract birds to your garden at home • Experience a touch table of weird and wonderful garden creatures and curiosities • Enjoy an Australian bushwalk, led by an indigenous guide, learning how to survive on what is around you. With opening hours extended to 7.00 pm in December and January bring a picnic and take the opportunity to get outdoors, explore the Gardens and take advantage of our long summer days. For more information, please visit www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au.

TOMATO SAUCE CHALLENGE 2014 Think your sauce has what it takes to be one of the best in the state? Entries are now open for the Tomato Sauce Challenge 2014! There are three categories: • Individual • Primary school groups • Secondary school groups Entries close on 14 February 2014 with winners announced at the …

TOMATO FESTIVAL AT ADELAIDE BOTANIC GARDEN When: Sunday 23 February. The Tomato Festival brings together tomato gardeners and home cooks from across South Australia to share the benefits of home-grown produce, promote the diversity of tomato varieties and inspire cooks to embrace the versatile tomato in new ways. The weekend will also feature gardening workshops, cooking demonstrations, panel discussions, fun activities for kids and special guided walks by the Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide. For more information, some special saucy tips or to register, please visit www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au

BITS ‘N PIECES

THE WILTJA PROGRAM Cleland Wildlife Park recently welcomed a group of students from the Wiltja Residential Program to participate in an initiative to provide the opportunity for students to volunteer on a regular basis, as part of their life learning curriculum. This partnership was established through Volunteer Coordinator Sue Mackenzie in collaboration with Liz Hurrell from Volunteering SA/NT and provides a fantastic opportunity for the students to gain “hands on” experience while producing great outcomes for Cleland. The Wiltja Program provides Secondary Education in Adelaide, the opportunity is offered to Anangu students from remote and isolated communities. The Residential Program provides an out of school hours life learning curriculum and as part of this the students are working towards achieving three award levels under the Duke of Edinburgh program. Volunteering is just one of the components needed to achieve the award.

On the day we had seven enthusiastic students plus support staff who all did fantastic work in helping to weed and mulch garden beds around the Wildlife Park. After their mornings’ work the group got the chance to explore the park and the students loved this opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the resident wildlife.

According to Wiltja Teacher Dan Slade “Cleland Wildlife Park is a volunteering partner who we are extremely excited to be linked with and it is hoped that through this volunteer experience we can broaden student’s awareness of possible career pathways, encourage them to help others and foster a sense of self-motivated individuals who form communities and culture for the better.” We all look forward to this being a long and productive partnership

‘12 MORE WALKS IN THE ONKAPARINGA RIVER NATIONAL AND RECREATION PARKS’ Is another walking guide book written by Michael Whitaker. Full colour maps, photographs and detailed descriptions of each walk are included, as well as other interesting data about the Onkaparinga River Parks. All profits from the sale of this book support the environmental work of the Friends of Onkaparinga Park For more information email Michael at [email protected].

KATI THANDA-LAKE EYRE NATIONAL PARK PROCLAIMED Lake Eyre National Park will now formally be known as Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park after a request by the newly-formed Arabana Parks Advisory Committee. The alteration of the name to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park was made under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 with the decision proclaimed by the South Australian Government on 14 November. The co-naming of the national park follows the decision by South Australia’s Geographical Names Committee last December to recognise the significance of Lake Eyre to the Arabana people and co-name the lake Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.

The Arabana Parks Advisory Committee is a partnership which was initiated in June 2012 between the Arabana Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources to share responsibility for the management of the Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park, and Elliot Price Conservation Park. Its inaugural meeting was at Marree in August. The next task for the committee will be to begin the development of park management plans.

FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK

The Friends of Southern Eyre Peninsula Parks have invited you to view their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/fosepp?fref=ts

The Friends of Anstey Hill Recreation Park have a new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofansteyhill

If you would like to share information about your group or volunteer activities and events in The Link newsletter send your details to [email protected].

“I get by with a little help from my friends.”

John Lennon

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.