Volume 50 Number 3 September 2013 National Parks Association of the Australian Capital Territory Inc

Hard times for Judy Kelly awarded life Nature makes a Boboyan pioneers membership comeback at Barrelli NPA Bulletin Volume 50 number 3 September 2013 Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect association opinion or objectives. CONTENTS From the President ...... 2 Refreshing addition to Hospital Creek Hut ...... 10 Rod Griffiths Ed Highley

Big win for common sense...... 3 OAM to Den Robin ...... 10 NPA NSW Media Release Max Lawrence NPA ACT moves to a brand new office ...... 3 Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group ...... 11 Sonja Lenz Fiona MacDonald Brand 2013 Annual General Meeting ...... 4 Bush walks...... 12 Max Lawrence Brian Slee President's annual report ...... 5 Rod Griffiths Boboyan tragedies ...... 13 Babette Scougall Nomination of Judy Kelly for Life Membership of NPA ...... 6 Strange story of the stolen steam engine...... 16 Cooma Monaro Express Dananbilla: the overview ...... 7 Max Lawrence Nuts over a dingo...... 17 Klaus Hueneke Of fences and nature reserves...... 8 Martin Chalk PARKWATCH ...... 18 Compiled by Hazel Rath What's in a name? Barrelli ... and Dananbilla...... 9 Brian Slee NPA notices...... 22 Beyond...... 10 Meetings and speaker information...... 23 Gerry Jacobson NPA information and contacts ...... 23 From the President The Collins English Dictionary defines wilderness as ‘a wild It was also a great uninhabited uncultivated region’. For many conservationists pleasure to see Judy Kelly and bushwalkers it is the epitome of the natural environment, a awarded Life place where nature reigns without human interference. Membership of the For others it is a ‘dismal’ place that offers opportunities for NPA ACT. I am an commerce or development. And it is this latter group that must admirer of her passion be influencing the National Parks Service in New South Wales for the environment to conduct a trial of horseriding in wilderness areas in and her enthusiasm in Kosciuszko National Park (KNP). It was with regret that the fulfilling the various NPA ACT felt the need to respond to the recent community roles she has taken on consultation about amending the KNP plan of management to over the years. Well done allow horseriding in KNP’s wilderness areas. Judy. While many horseriders show concern for the country, Over the coming year the there are numerous examples of horse damage to sensitive NPA ACT will be focusing on areas in KNP. It would appear ludicrous for a Parks Service to membership. It will be looking at new ways to engage existing propose to extend the possibility of such damage to its most members and mechanisms to attract new members. It will also pristine areas. Yet this is what is being proposed. I would continue to work on the establishment of a new northern encourage you all to go to the NPA ACT’s website to view its national park. A new activity will be engaging with Parks and submission on the proposed trial. Conservation on the management of the lands to the west of the On a more pleasant note, following the NPA ACT’s recent Cotter and how best these can be used to provide opportunities AGM I would like to welcome Graham Scully to the NPA that will take recreational pressure off our national parks. ACT’s committee and welcome back Steven Forst. Both bring I know that these will be just part of the work the NPA ACT a range of skills to the committee. However, they have big will get through over the coming year as there are so many shoes to fill as Kevin McCue and Clive Hurlstone both decided facets of this organisation. not to stand for election to the new committee. I must You are also welcome to be part of the NPA ACT’s activities recognise the great contributions that Kevin and Clive have from walks and working parties to publications, there are made during their time on the committee. Both have served as opportunities for everyone. presidents and their leadership and energy will be missed at our committee meetings. Rod Griffiths

2NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 Big win for common sense MEDIA RELEASE, 4 July 2013 • All recreational hunters in National More Good News! Parks will be completely supervised by NPWS staff. National Parks Association of • The trial program will commence in 12 Labor Federal Government NSW welcomes changes to National Parks, not 75. retains environmental approval • There will be no use of bows and powers at Federal level for time hunting program arrows, pistols or black powder NPA welcomes the announcement by the weapons. being NSW Government that the Game Council • Parks will be closed to the public when When NPA members receive their Sep- of NSW has been disbanded, and that the hunting programs are taking place. tember Bulletin, the election will be over Hunting in National Parks program has • Recreational hunters will have high level and the results in place, bar a hung par- been significantly altered and will now be training and competency in firearms liament. managed by professional staff of the handling and operation, equivalent to As we go to press, a reprieve was National Parks and Wildlife Service training done by NPWS staff. granted to the Environment Protection (NPWS). "Our organisation fully supports the and Biodiversity Conservation Act ”The National Parks Association of eradication of feral animals by the (EPBC ): on July 16 the federal Labor NSW is pleased the Game Council has government. Deciding how that is done Environment Minister, Mark Butler, been disbanded by the NSW should be based upon achieving clear announced that his government would Government. This confirms our long held conservation objectives, and this should retain environmental approval powers at view that an agency issuing licences, guide the parameters of the Minister for federal level, resisting pressure from the advocating for hunters and attempting to Environment's peer review of the state governments and big business. change gun culture in NSW is not good Supplementary Pest Control Program.” Should there be a change of govern- for the community," says Justin McKee, ”We will be watching the outcomes of ment, it is highly likely that full environ- Campaign Coordinator for National the trial program closely. We are acutely mental approval powers will be granted Parks Association of NSW. aware that when hunting was trialled in 31 to the states. It means that national parks ”On matters of the recreational State Forests, it was extended to 343 State and nature reserves would be open to hunting in National Parks program, we Forests within 9 months.” mining, logging, mineral exploration, applaud the Government for completely ”The community has made its opinion grazing, and commercial activities. A removing the involvement of minors. on this matter very clear. They do not similar situation would arise with marine Public lands are not a place for children want recreational hunting in National national parks. as young as 12 to be practicing their Parks and will not respond kindly to a World Heritage Areas would also be hunting skills now, or in the future.” reinstatement of the previous program at risk. On Friday August 16, ABC news "The Minister for Environment, over time.” announced: "The Federal Opposition Robyn Parker, should be thanked for her ”We ask the Government to apply the Leader, Tony Abbott, has unveiled the efforts in Cabinet that have restored her stronger protocols we now see in the Coalition's economic growth plan for National Parks and Wildlife Service staff Supplementary Pest Control Program in Tasmania and it includes a new deal for as the managers of pest eradication National Parks, to our State Forests. the forestry industry. Under the plan, the programs in NSW." Without this, government investment in Coalition will also seek to remove the ”While a volunteer hunting program pest animal control is wasted” says Justin recent World Heritage Extension. will still commence in October, we McKee. . acknowledge the significant alterations to Justin McKee, Campaign Coordinator Judy Kelly the program from the initial approach for National Parks Association of NSW considered, which have largely been in response to our campaign. These include: NPA ACT moves to a brand new office NPA has a brand new office in a brand new building - Unit 15/28 Lena Karmel Lodge, on Barry Drive, Acton. As before we are sharing accommodation with the Conservation Council of the ACT Region. Our ‘old’ building in Childers Street has already disappeared, to no doubt be replaced by a towering new edifice. NPA had six good years in that building with the Conservation Council (see photos, page 15). After moving our physical assets over to the new premises on Friday 5 July, it took about another week for our custom-made furniture to be installed and painted, so that the occupation of the office was delayed. But all boxes have been unpacked and files, stationery, books and other objects have found a spot in the office. Our new computer was installed and is working much faster than the old one, and the office helpers have been able to continue their jobs with correspondence and membership renewals. Many thanks to all the helpers who made the move relatively painless. Sonja Lenz, Secretary Photo Max Lawrence

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 3 2013 Annual General Meeting

Members gather at the AGM. Photo Sabine Friedrich.

Despite the inclement weather, NPA had funds to the ANU’s Fenner School for the served on the Committee before, includ- a very good turnout for the AGM, which first year of the NPA ACT scholarship. ing a time as Treasurer. He is also a for- was held on Thursday 15 August. Around Chris noted that the NPA was well mer Outings Convenor. Graham is a 45 members came along for the show, placed to fund these projects. At the end long-term member of NPA, and has also and they did not leave disappointed. The of the year our total equity was around been very active with the Kosciuszko highlights were President Rod’s report on $165,000, of which about $52,000 was Huts Association over many years. what had been a very busy and held in books and $113,000 cash in hand. successful year for the Association, the It was important, he said, to use our funds Lofty presentation by Mike Smith elevation of Judy Kelly to life to advance NPA aims and objectives. membership, the re-election of our key Our Guest Speaker was life member office holders and the election of two Life Membership for Judy Kelly Mike Smith. Mike spoke on a visit he new committee members. With a tinge of and Annette made to the Chamonix val- sadness, however, we also witnessed the Rod read out the citation for proposed life ley of south-eastern France in 2010 in very well-earned retirement from the member Judy Kelly, listing her exemplary company with members of the Brinda- committee of Clive Hurlstone and Kevin service to NPA, particularly through her bella Bushwalking Club. McCue, both life members and former strong and public advocacy of conserva- Chamonix is bordered by the tower- NPA presidents. Fortunately though, both tion and environmental issues. Her con- ing Mont Blanc range, and is the site of Clive and Kevin will remain involved nection with NPA goes back many years some of the most spectacular scenery with NPA in other capacities. through the Story family membership of and walking anyone could wish for. The President’s report to the AGM the association since its inception. She Mike’s talk was accompanied by an and the citation for Judy’s life joined the association in her own right in excellent slide show of the stunning membership are reported elsewhere in 1989, is a long-serving member of the alpine panorama of high snow-covered this issue of the Bulletin. Committee, and served as Secretary in peaks, glaciers and deep, glaciated val- 2000–2001. Judy was the founding editor leys. Financial position overall sound of Burning Issues in 2003, a position she The President encouraged all to stay continues to hold. Her life membership on and enjoy the supper and gluhwein In his report to the meeting, Treasurer was approved by applause, and Rod pre- provided by committee members. Chris Emery noted that the Association sented her with a fine certificate of recog- Nearly everyone did, and a nice time had recorded a loss of around $12,000 nition. was had by all. during the year, as against a profit of around $21,000 the previous year. Max Lawrence This apparent turn around was due to Vice Presidency sole committee the undertaking of projects totalling vacancy nearly $30,000, comprising the purchase of the ‘Trailrider’ to facilitate disabled David Large, the Returning Officer, noted access to our national park and reserves; that nominations had been received for all Opposite page: a contribution to the employment by the of the committee positions except Vice The association's thanks go to Clive Conservation Council of a project officer President. He invited new nominations for Hurlstone and Kevin McCue for their much to work on issues associated with the this position, but none were forthcoming. appreciated work on the committee for establishment of a northern national park He then declared the new committee many years. in the ACT; a contribution to the employ- elected. The re-elected President, Rod New committee member Graham Scully and ment of a project officer by NPA NSW to Griffiths, thanked David for performing re-joining member Steven Forst were assist the campaign to stop hunting in as Returning Officer. Rod also welcomed welcomed to the committee by the AGM. NSW national parks; and transfer of new members Steven Forst and Graham Scully to the Committee. Steven has Photos Max Lawrence.

4NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 President's annual report Thank you to the Environment Sub- the city. Thanks go to all who were Group, the Friends of Glenburn and the committee for putting together several involved in the preparation for the move Ginninderra Falls Association. major submissions during the year, as this ensured that it went very smoothly. And I would like to thank Christine notably on the ACT’s Draft Nature We continue to be assisted in accommo- Goonrey and Adrienne Nicholson for Conservation Strategy, the Gungahlin dation by the Conservation Council so organising yet another NPA Art Week at Strategic Environmental Assessment and please come and visit the new premises. Gudgenby Cottage. I am very impressed the proposed amendments to the KNP with the quality of the work produced plan of management to trial horse riding Active publications program by our artists. in wilderness areas. These are all important opportunities for lobbying on Thanks go to the Bulletin editor Max Success built on members’ efforts behalf of the environment. Lawrence and his working group, espe- In addition: cially Ed Highley and Adrienne Nichol- All of the NPA ACT’s work relies heav- • the NPA ACT has continued to lobby son, for maintaining an informative and ily on the efforts of its members. In par- bureaucrats in TAMS on environmental excellent NPA Bulletin. Thanks also to ticular, I would like to thank the matters, with regular meetings being our webmaster Chris Emery for his excel- 2012–13 office bearers and committee held with key managers lent work in providing comprehensive members and especially Clive Hurlstone • it has been active in the NPAC’s and up to date online information to and Kevin McCue who are stepping campaign to provide protection for members, and to Judy Kelly for produc- down from the committee this year. national parks under federal legislation ing our monthly email Burning Issues. Both Clive and Kevin are life members – as part of this campaign it met with Significant work has been completed and past presidents of the NPA ACT. I the federal environment minister and on a new edition of the Field Guide to the know I will certainly miss their knowl- the opposition shadow environment Birds of the ACT. It is going to be an edge and skills at committee meetings. minister excellent new edition with nine new birds However, I do know that both intend to • locally, it has been an active supporter and updated artwork by Nicholas Day. be actively involved in other NPA ACT of the local campaign to preserve the Well done to the working group headed activities. woodlands in the ACT’s north by Phil Gatenby for this exciting project. Thanks also go to the conveners and • it has sought to improve access to the members of the Publications, Outings natural environment surrounding Dynamic walks and works programs and Environment sub-committees and Canberra for mobility impaired people the workers in the office: Annette Smith, through a donation to the ACT of an Our walks program forms a key activity Sonja Lenz, Clive Hurlstone, Lorraine all-terrain wheelchair. of the NPA ACT and is a vital means of Ball, Kathy Saw and Debbie Cameron attracting new members. Many thanks to who do a great job. Many thanks also to the members of the Outings Sub-commit- NPA-funded scholarship Clive and to Adrienne Nicholson for tee convened by Mike Smith and to all securing excellent speakers and scrump- The NPA ACT is eagerly awaiting the the walks leaders. tious suppers for general meetings. And announcement of the first recipient of the Another important component of our Mike Smith has continued to be our NPA-funded scholarship for honours activities are the regular NPA work par- Public Officer and David Large our students at the ANU Fenner School. ties in Namadgi as well as ACT and NSW Returning Officer at the AGM. Finally, Nominations for the scholarship will nature reserves which are ably coordi- thanks to all the life members and gen- close at the end of August. nated by Martin Chalk. eral membership because your support is vital to the NPA ACT achieving its NPA moves office Wide-ranging cooperative activities many objectives. We have moved. The NPA ACT has Our members are actively involved with moved into new office accommodation the Conservation Council of the Canberra Rod Griffiths in Lena Karmel Lodge on Barry Drive in Region, Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Outgoing committee members ..... and new faces on the committee

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 5 Nomination of Judy Kelly for Life Membership of NPA ACT Judy’s connection with NPA ACT goes back many years through the Story family membership of the association since its incep- tion. Judy joined the association in her own right in 1989. She has been a member of the general committee since 2000 and was Secretary in 2000–2001. She was a member of the Bulletin Working Group for a number of years from 2001 and founding editor of Burning Issues in 2003, a position she continues to hold. Other particular contributions she has made to the association include those set out below. • NPA Bulletin – contributed many articles over a long period – all of a high quality and some, such as a biography of Nancy Bur- bidge, of major significance • presentations at general meetings • participation in association walks • involvement in formulating the association’s position on many issues; for example, on Great Australian Bushwalks • active involvement in major events such as the 2010 symposium, Art at Gudgenby Cottage 2011 and the 2008 photographic com- petition • organisation of association publication holdings on relocation of the office to Civic • contributions to the Namadgi book • major contributions to the fiftieth anniversary of the association through joint editorship of the anniversary issue of the Bulletin and initiating, researching and coordinating some events. In more general terms, Judy has brought a strong commitment to conservation issues relevant to the charter of the association, together with the capacity to present them effectively in committee, general meetings and through her writing. She has also con- tributed to the conservation debate in the wider community particularly by her well-researched and presented letters and articles. Although not always particularly visible within the association she is a dedicated member committed to a strong conservation ethic and takes her place in the forming of the backbone of the NPA.

Rod presents Judy with her certificate...... and gives her a hug. Photos Sabine Friedrich.

Invitation to

NPA's Christmas party at Nil Desperandum

Sunday 8 December, 11.30 am For details, see December outings program, or the website for last-minute details.

6NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 Dananbilla: the overview

A view from Dananbilla over the surrounding farmlands and remnant Box Gum grassy woodlands. Photo courtesy Rainer Rehwinkel.

Dananbilla Nature Reserve, located between flora and fauna. Today, the nature reserves of the PAN Young and Cowra and about 50 km north- Rainer’s presentation described how have grown from the original 1,855 hec- west of Boorowa, has been the focus of much the reserve was commenced in 1983 with tares to cover an area of 8,300 hectares, energy and effort on the part of NPA ACT the gazettal of 1,855 hectares of Western much of which comprises ecologically members during 2013. Slopes Dry Forest set in a matrix of endangered Box Gum woodland com- This is the first of three articles on Danan- mixed cropping and grazing country in munities. In addition, the PAN now has billa in this issue of the NPA Bulletin. one of the most highly modified land- This article provides an overview of the ambi- a significant area of land under private scapes in Australia. tious NSW Government project, of which conservation, including conservation Dananbilla and ‘Barrelli’ are but part: the Box Gum grassy woodlands are listed agreements, wildlife refuges and other Dananbilla – Illunie Protected Area Network. under both State and Federal legislation covenants. These private areas also The second article, by NPA Work Party Con- as endangered ecological communities. It include Box Gum grassy woodlands. venor Martin Chalk, describes the project is estimated that more than 90 per cent of The extension of the PAN has been specifically undertaken by NPA to remove the pre-European distribution has been by increments over the years. The Bar- fencing from the property Barrelli, which has lost, with less than half of the remainder relli addition of 519 hectares occurred in recently been acquired by the NSW Govern- likely to meet the minimum condition cri- 2012, and is by no means the largest. ment for incorporation into the reserve. The teria of the listed ecological communty. Large sums of money were required to third article by Brian Slee delves into some of This situation has largely arisen because purchase freehold title lands, mostly the history of Barrelli. - Ed. Box Gum woodlands typically occur on sourced through the Commonwealth’s The guest speaker at NPA’s June 2013 fertile landscapes ignored by early National Reserve System. The lands meeting was Rainer Rehwinkel, Senior reserve-acquisition programs, which have been managed through their transi- Threatened Species Officer in the NSW tended to concentrate on dry stony ridges tion from grazing to nature conserva- Office of Environment and Heritage. His often with scenic values. The 1983 Dan- tion, and the NPWS has worked very topic was ‘Dananbilla Nature Reserve – anbilla acquisition is itself a case in point. closely with the whole rural community from isolated back country nature Land clearing, heavy grazing, introduc- in the area. The degree of cooperation reserve to Protected Area Network’. In tion of feral weeds and animals, firewood and participation has been very reward- his presentation Rainer described how, collection, and general ‘tidying up’ of ing for all concerned. with great imagination and foresight, dead wood etc. have completed the sad To conclude his very heartening Queanbeyan NPWS rangers Andrew story of the Box Gium woodlands. presentation Rainer wound up with a Moore and Susan Jackson have trans- Starting in 1999 a program of acquisi- short slide presentation of the emergent formed this small isolated nature reserve tions and negotiations led to the eventual flora and birdlife of the Dananbilla – into a world-class system of on- and off- formation of the Dananbilla – Illunie Pro- Illunie Protected Area Network. He was park reserves that protect a significant tected Area Network, or PAN. The focus warmly thanked by President Rod. area of the endangered Box Gum wood- of the PAN has been on the conservation Max Lawrence land communities and their associated of the region’s Box Gum woodlands.

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 7 Of fences and nature reserves In the spring of 2012, I was contacted by The Dananbilla NPWS ranger Susie Jackson, to see if the Project was conceived NPA could assist the NPWS with some by Andrew Moore as fence removal in a newly acquired four 2-day work section of Dananbilla Nature Reserve. parties to be conducted There was only one answer I could give one per month and the Dananbilla Project was born. between March and Dananbilla Nature Reserve is located June 2013. The 200 km north of Canberra by road, general approach was between Young and Cowra. The reserve to remove alternate sits astride the Dananbilla and Illunie sections of fencing so ranges and the original section, that the external comprising 1,855 ha, was gazetted in boundaries could be 1983. Further additions saw the reserve opened up relatively extended beyond the ranges into the quickly. The sections rolling country in the east. Then, in 2011, left in place would Dumped metal fencing material. Photo Martin Chalk. NPWS concluded the acquisition of the then be removed at a Barrelli property of approximately 550 later date. NPWS supplied all the tools Barrelli extension by a contractor ha, which added further to the eastern and equipment required and allowed employed for the project and will be expansion. the NPA volunteers to ‘camp’ in and recycled for use elsewhere by NPWS or Dananbilla is close to three other around the Barrelli farmhouse. (As the sold for scrap. nature reserves (Koorawatha, Illunie and farmhouse offered little besides one At the time of writing, I estimate that Gungewalla) and the Bendick Murrell bed, some chairs at the end of their we have removed about 7 km of the National Park. The nature reserves, useful lives and a solar hot water fencing. A further work party is planned combined with a number of Voluntary shower, the farmhouse experience was for late October – early November to Conservation Agreements over private close to camping!). continue the work. The hope is that this lands in the area, form the The overnight work parties held to work party will run over 3 days, to give Dananbilla-–Illunie Protected Area date have been advertised in the the participants the opportunity to walk Network; a conservation concept that has Outings Program, and have comprised in the reserve and inspect some of the been developed over many years by a core of about eight hardy NPA souls. rare plants there, with Andrew or Susie Susie Jackson and fellow ranger Andrew The removal process was a manual providing expert interpretation. Moore. one employing the use of wire cutters, Although the visual effect of The Barrelli extension to Dananbilla thick leather gloves and star-picket removing the fencing should not be a is a former sheep property and has a few pullers. Each fence included one or surprise, I am continually amazed by the buildings (including a farmhouse, more strands of barbed wire, which change in the ‘before and after’ scene shearers’ quarters etc.) and some 11 km quickly reduced the thick gloves to (see photos below). The location of the of stock fencing. To transform the ‘farm’ something less than chamois. While site atop the local water catchment adds into a nature reserve, NPWS had to deal some of the terrain consists of open, to this visual impact. with all of these human additions. The rolling country, there are also sections farmhouse, buildings and surrounding of steep and rocky gullies, which Martin Chalk, Volunteer Coordinator land are to be excised and sold – easy. slowed the work considerably. The fences had to be removed – not so The removed fencing material was easy. relocated to various dumps around the

Before: Barrelli - fencing in place across main Murrell Creek gully. After: Barrelli - fencing removed. Photos Martin Chalk.

8NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 What's in a name? Barrelli ...and Dananbilla

Thursday 7 March 2013, and we were pied remote grazing land. 16), which refers to Barelli, is incorrect. following NSW National Parks ranger Andrew explained at our first briefing It is understood that NPWS will amend Andrew Moore as we drove north of that the property was allocated for soldier its signage as the opportunity arises. Murringo. Five kilometres from town he settlement following World War 2 and The Elliotts raised a daughter and turned right to Murringo Flats; the sealed had been occupied by Elliotts. I began four sons at Barrelli. After the parents road soon turned to gravel; we turned left imagining that ‘elli’ in Barelli came from died the family offered the property for to Windermere and once past that prop- that surname and expected to find ‘Bar’ sale but did not find a private purchaser. erty were on wheel tracks across pad- derived from a forename. However, the The government is expected to sell the docks. It was here we began encounter- cadastral map showed initials W.G. homestead and about 40 hectares as a ing NPWS signs: ‘Barelli Trail’. I left the subject alone but noticed hobby farm. This was our introduction to Danan- Martin Chalk, work party leader, was billa Nature Reserve (midway between referring to Barrelli (double ‘r’) in email Dananbilla Nature Reserve: a Young, Cowra and Boorowa). The signs messages. Pedantry got the better of me, led to the run-down homestead, which so I checked the 1968 Commonwealth noble enterprise was to be headquarters for each of NPA’s electoral roll in the National Library for The decision to withdraw land from pri- four 2-day work parties in coming Hume division, Koorawatha subdivision, mary production causes one to pause, as months. The 557.89 hectare (1,378.54 and found: it involves the destruction of what acre) property on which the homestead ELLIOTT, Wilfred George, Grazier, Bar- would have been expensive and labour- stands was purchased by the NSW Gov- relli, Crowther intensive fencing. But the land’s future ernment in 2012, drawing on Common- ELLIOTT, June Gertrude, Home duties role as part of a Reserve aimed at restor- wealth funds; 519 hectares of which are (same address) ing and preserving the original ecosys- soon to be gazetted as part of the tem, most examples of which have been Reserve. It was our task to demolish Barrelli: a wedding of names lost to agriculture, will be a noble one. many kilometres of farm fences to give Come see Dananbilla’s beautiful Box effect to this purpose. It did not take long to find in the NSW and Red Gum grassy woodlands, and marriage index that they wed in Young the Superb Parrots, at future work par- Barelli: an Italian flavour? district in 1949 and that June’s maiden ties. name was Barrett. As if to confirm a fam- Incidentally, according to an oral We knew there would be a house where ily penchant for naming properties by history source, Dananbilla derives from we were going, but why did it have an linking surnames, I found that Wilfred’s ‘where Dan an’ Bill are’, the names of Italian-sounding name: Barelli? I had twin brother, John, had married Margaret two local shepherds (see Plan of Man- encountered grain-growing Italians in Sutherland the previous year and that agement on internet). A parody of Abo- WA (east of Merredin is Della Bosca their orchard block at Wirrimah was Lan- riginal nomenclature? country), and Griffith, NSW, is delli. renowned for its Latin vineyards but, So the caption to the Dananbilla work from my experience, Italians rarely occu- party photo (NPA Bulletin June 2013, p. Brian Slee

Top: Barrelli sunrise. Left: Barrelli Homestead. Right: Kathy Saw and Clive Hurlstone at work. Photos Max Lawrence.

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 9 Beyond Refreshing addition to Hospital Creek Hut Hospital Creek Hut, just off the Old Boboyan Road about 5 km south of the Yankee morning magic – Hat car park, now has a water tank attached, and there’s a new sign too, to tell you where you are. Graeme Barrow, in the 1995 edition of his Exploring Namadgi & hills aglow with sunlight Tidbinbilla, wrote: clear and calm I sink into the landscape There’s a description of this hut as “basic and spartan” and few would quibble sink into myself with that. It is built of corrugated iron, has but one room plus a verandah, and a dirt floor—one of three graziers’ huts in Namadgi National Park to do without a timber floor, what some might regard as a necessity even in a refuge as crude as all the rhythms this. of walking the Earth ... uphill plod There have been no improvements since then, apart from the aforementioned and bouncing descent ... tank and sign, but the grassy slope in front to the hut would be a pleasant enough overnight camping spot, now with water on tap. rhythms of the body’s knowing Ed Highley the sea mist clears and I see beyond that timbered ridge to a cloudcapped range beyond ... and beyond?

hand to heart and heart to hand circling around wanting the dance to go on for ever

evening glow and venus shine chapel song and darkening sea lingering ... yearning

Gerry Jacobson Hospital Creek Hut. Photo Ed Highley. OAM to Den Robin Former NPA Vice President and long-term friend of NPA Eleanor Denise (Den) Robin was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Den’s award was for service to the protection of the environment and the conservation of Indigenous and cultural heritage. Den’s citation referred to her long and varied contributions in a wide range of areas involving work in Canberra and New South Wales, and her current home state of Tasmania. In Canberra she worked successively in the Parliamentary Press Gallery, Aboriginal Affairs and the Australian Heritage Commission, while at the same time being involved with NPA and many other good causes. She was Vice President of NPA in 1982 and 1983, and played an important role in NPA’s campaign for the establishment of Namadgi National Park – a cam- paign which, as we all know, bore fruit in 1984. On moving to the NSW south coast, Den and husband Geoff maintained their close association with NPA, and hosted several memorable NPA car camps at their property ‘Burrawang’. Even when they moved on to Tasmania they stayed involved. I personally fondly remember their good company on a 2007 walk with NPA members taking in the Overland Track and Frenchmans Cap. Den and Geoff both came along to a recent NPA general meeting to meet old friends during one of their frequent visits to our fair city. Den’s citation notes her ongoing community level involvement as a member of the Tasmanian Field Naturalists’ Society, the Friends of Melaleuca (heritage listed site) and the South Channel Quilters. No stopping this girl! Den and husband Geoff at Lake St Clair.. Photo Max Lawrence. Max Lawrence

10 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group

The Gudgenby Regeneration Group at work on the fire trail. Mount Gudgenby in the background. Photo Max Lawrence.

The July work date occurred on a beautiful day, and better still, 18 members arrived at the carpark of the Namadgi Visitor Centre. We drove to the work site, off Old Boboyan Road, round Black Dog Corner to a fence line under Mount Gudgenby. This area had once grown pines enclosed by a well-built rabbit-proof fence. The area had been restored with bushland, but the collapsing fence was a danger to native animals. Star pickets had to be extracted and the strands of wire and mesh rolled up. It was hard work all day with lunch providing a welcome rest at midday. As my small task was to cut out two large briars that had grown into the wires of the fence, I had plenty of time to watch Mount Gudgenby during the changing light moods of the day. Mount Gudgenby Like a crouching lion, stony boney skull, snow white beard, it guards the western end of the stream-laced Fiona MacDonald Brand Gudgenby Valley, one time dwelling place of the First People.

NPA ACT Art Week at Gudgenby Cottage

Change of date!

This year's Art Week at Gudgenby Cottage will be held from Saturday September 23 - Sunday September 29. For more information, please contact Adrienne Nicholson on 6281 6381 or Christine Goonrey at [email protected] or on 6231 8395

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 11 Bush walks In snow on Gingera first fall and the ranger at Bulls Head an hour later. There was a brief respite at thought we would come across nothing the arboretum where we inspected a pair Walk: Sunday 19 May 2013 more than patches of the white stuff. He of discarded Scarpas and a border marker, Participants (6): Brian Slee (Leader), was correct until we were within 30 and ritually uprooted Scots pine wildings. Bernard Morvell, Andrew Matthews, metres of Gingera’s peak (1,857 metres) Climbing from the fire trail, the moun- Steve Hill, Greg Lawrence, Rupert Barnett where the scene was transformed by a tains east were lit by fleeting sun. Gang- Weather: Cloudy, cold and windy complete cover. gangs swayed in the crown of a tall gum. We had met at Cooleman Court car- On the summit, snow everywhere and ice Leader’s comments: park at 8 am (amid a sea of McDonald clinging to branches lurching in the west- Balmy May suddenly turned to winter on waste) and took off, yet again, in two erly. We visited the trig (group photo) and the Wednesday before the walk. By white Subarus for the 80-minute trip into a southern viewpoint. Bimberi was Thursday, Mt Franklin Road was closed the Brindabellas, parking below Mount capped by cloud shelfing in at 1,900 by snow. However, subsequent low tem- Ginini. 5ºC and breezy. Maybe that hur- metres, softening the light yet not dimin- peratures did not preserve the season’s ried us on, as we were at Pryors Hut (5 ishing its clarity. All known peaks were km) for morning tea not much more than declared to be in their proper place! We retreated east of the ridge about 12.15 for lunch on the edge of the trees. 2ºC. Merci- fully, even Rupert was in long trousers. Steve pronounced that we would be in snow along the 1.4 km ridge going north, and so we were. Diversions west for views of Brumby Flats and Goodradigbee River were abbreviated by freezing wind. It was a plod at times so the plan to climb Little Ginini was canned, allowing us time to enjoy the descent from Gingera’s majestic northern slope. Another short stop at Pryors and we were on our way. Back at the cars at 4 pm, and at Weston before 5.30 pm. A day made memorable by the magic of snow. Brian Slee

Rupert Barnett on Gingera. Photo Brian Slee. South Tuggeranong At lower levels, the weediness had where we again reconnected with our been depressing to observe but higher up erstwhile walking companions who had This report from Spring last year may stir the situation was better with helichrysums driven there to join us for lunch. people to start walking this spring! Ed. flowering en masse in grassy meadows. Competition for tables was negligible – Walk: South Tuggeranong, 18 November 2012 There were hibbertia and billy buttons few people were present, apart from Participants: (6): Brian Slee (Leader), too. Two of the group avoided the summit someone resting on a mattress and a Margaret Power, Philip Gatenby, Chesley by contouring around the hill and we met bunch of canoeists on the river. Magpies Engram, Jan Gatenby, Margaret Innes up briefly on our descent, behind Calwell. carolled, expecting food; a magpie lark Weather: Cool, partly cloudy, breezy A collision with a road was inevitable tended its young in a mudbowl nest above us. from about midday. so we crossed Tharwa Drive and then The wind was rising, so about 1 pm found an underpass at Drakeford Drive. we headed off on the riverside track. Here Leader's comments: From here we skirted south of Covenant the weed de jour was St John’s wort. Fur- College (observing a pair of red-rumps ther along, however, brilliantly red grevil- By reversing the direction taken when this balancing on a fence) before crossing leas were in flower, pinky cream and route was first offered in winter 2011 Woodcock Drive into Bonython. An orange varieties too. The area is favoured (since good walks start with the climb), unmarked road took us west before we by dog walkers and several passed by. our first objective was Tuggeranong Hill climbed fences and crossed paddocks to The Murrumbidgee flowed mightily. (855 m) when we departed the meeting Mount Stranger trig (660 m). Although From Point Hut we followed the dis- point, Lanyon Marketplace, about 8.50 disgracefully weed-infested (Paterson’s used road and a foot pad to Point Hut am. We followed the footpath through curse, thistles, verbascum, horehound) it Pond. More people were around, enjoying Conder from Box Hill Avenue to Freeman offered lovely views west during a break. this suburban treasure. Following the bike Street, then up the stairs to the base of the The reservoir to the east was graffiti-free. path east we were at Michels for after- hill. Like Mount Taylor (same height), After inspecting the elaborate noon tea before 2 pm. A 15-km walk there is no way to avoid the steep slope to cubbyhouse in a nearby kurrajong, we worth repeating but perhaps not in spring the top, so we headed straight up through descended on the path behind Bonython when the weeds are busy partying and trees, disturbing kangaroos on the way to to almost-deserted Stranger Pond and then making too much noise. the trig marking the open summit. Great on through bushland to Pine Island South, views all round. Brian Slee

12 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 Boboyan tragedies Knowing the history of a region can It’s believed that these are the first done there. enrich bushwalking experiences and can burials at Boboyan Station, but they [To complete Tom’s outline story: 3 also help us to appreciate the lives of weren’t the last. Fifteen years later, 6- years after the dray accident, Tom mar- those who were there before us. The year-old Sarah Brayshaw, daughter of ried another Mary, Mary Riley this time, Boboyan Valley especially has a rich and Flora and Will, died of diphtheria. She and their first child, born at Coolemon colourful pioneering history. Here are lies beside them, along with another child Station, was a son whom they named two stories from its past that will make a believed to be a Woodfield[?], details Thomas Bernard. It is this Thomas B. visit to the valley more interesting. unknown. All are unmarked graves, who established LonsVale on Grassy although initially a small picket fence Creek, the property we now call Wester- Tragic accident surrounded the three graves. man’s. Old Yorky’s Tom remained in the Thomas Westerman and Mary Monaro district for the rest of his life. It was on the cold winter’s day of 24 Garrigan were married on 7 November He died in 1865 at Alum Creek at Shan- June 1850 that Thomas Westerman and 1847 in the little Catholic church at nons Flat. And his widow Mary remar- his wife Mary [nee Garrigan] and their Bolero Station, with Tom’s employers, ried a couple of years later. But that’s baby daughter, Mary Ann, were making Thomas and Margaret Rourke, acting as another story.] their way along the rough dray track witnesses. All four of them made their The tiny graveyard at Boboyan between Queanbeyan and the Monaro mark in the marriage register. Father Homestead is, in 2013, a sad and lonely that followed the Naas River and Creek. Kavanagh of Queanbeyan officiated at place. There’s no longer any sign of the They were on their way to [or from] the simple ceremony. It was also he who picket fence or the three mounds that Bolero Station where Thomas worked as baptised baby Mary Ann [b.15 September Noel Luton said were there when his a stockman. On the steep, winding 1848] on 16 May 1849 while on his family took over the Boboyan property section of the mountainous track that circuit ministry. from the Brayshaws in the 1960s, just leads over the Boboyan Divide, the dray Because he was once a convict, a lot six metal star pickets marking out a pos- overturned, crushing both mother and of information is available in the records sible site of the graves. As it is now, the baby. For some reason they weren’t about Thomas Westerman. Briefly, he two Marys may as well have been aban- buried next to the track where the was born in Yorkshire in 1807; was a doned somewhere along the remote hill- accident occurred. Instead, Thomas went short man, 5' 2" tall; had brown eyes, side track where the accident happened. downhill and across Bulls Flat Creek to dark brown hair and a ruddy complexion; Maybe it’s time for some archaeological the Boboyan Homestead, about four had lost a front upper tooth; and had research to be done at Boboyan and per- kilometres away. Was he seeking help? many tattoos on his arms [and was haps a sign or something be placed Was one of them perhaps still alive? Or therefore easily identified when he there. maybe he was unsure of what to do. He absconded in 1838 from his first master, was in a very remote and mountainous Thomas Macquoid of Wanniassa]. He’d The ‘Lone Pine’ ruins part of what was then called Maneroo, been convicted of ‘street robbery’ at the with no local authorities within easy Wakefield Assizes, was given 7 years Much of this information was provided reach, yet the deaths would have had to transportation, and arrived in Australia on by Dollie Oldfield and Jim Crawford, be reported. board the convict ship Susan in 1836. two of Dan and Dalla Crawford’s chil- Unfortunately, descendants of the After absconding, he was re-assigned to dren, on visits to this site. Dollie and Jim early local families no longer have Henry York, owner of Adamindumee are now deceased. It is not always possi- available to them that level of detail squatting run, hence his nickname ble to check facts collected orally about this story. Too many years have ‘Yorky’s Tom’. He was granted a ticket against printed sources. passed. It is known only that the bodies of leave in 1841 and received his Certifi- About 3 kilometres north-west of the of the two Marys were laid to rest on the cate of Freedom in 1844. He was then scene of the fatal dray accident, lie the small hill west of Boboyan Homestead, free to choose where he worked and how lonely ruins of what we now call ‘Lone above the old orchard there. he lived. At age 40 he married Mary Gar- Pine’. This was also the scene of a much By 1850, Flora and Will Brayshaw rigan planning a happy future with her. later tragic death, as well as an accident were in residence at Boboyan But that wasn’t to be. that altered forever the lives of the fam- Homestead. They had taken over the Mary Garrigan, on the other hand, we ily attempting to establish a home at McKeahnie end of the Boboyan Valley know very little about. There is no men- Sheep Station Creek. It’s a story too in partnership with John Crawford after tion of who her parents were on any of interesting to be left untold. Charles McKeahnie moved to Gudgenby. the available certificates, or where she Only the stone footings of the chim- [Flora and John were the daughter and was born or under what circumstances ney and scatters of foundation stones son of Alexander and Mary Crawford, she came to the colony. The entry in the remain, now overgrown by suckers of who shared the valley with the Coronial Inquest Register is very brief. It the black locust tree [Robinia pseudoa- McKeahnies during the 1840s.] Perhaps gives the names, the date of death and the cacia]. The small three-roomed timber Flora and Will suggested burying the two notation ‘Accidentally killed’. Mary was homestead was built for Dan Crawford Marys near their homestead so that they then just 28 years old and Mary Ann, 21 and Dalla Westerman, who married on could take care of the graves, in an effort months. Unfortunately for researchers, 27 July 1910 at St Paul’s Church of Eng- to help comfort the grieving husband and Mary is probably the most common girl’s land in Cooma. She was only 22 years father. It would likely have been seen as name during that period and the surname old and he was 42. Dalla was the sec- a preferable outcome to have them Garrigan [Garagan/Corrigan etc.] is also ond-youngest child of Thomas B. buried near an established farmhouse fairly common. Until further details about Westerman and his wife Mary Jane [nee rather than let them be lost somewhere her become available, we can only specu- Perry] of LonsVale; Dan was the second- along an infrequently used dirt track. late. There’s a lot more research to be (continued on next page)

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 13 Boboyan tragedies (continued from page 13) youngest of five sons of Ned and Sarah [nee Feeney] Crawford, who lived in the original Crawford house, now known as the Old Station, on Naas Creek. It is likely that Dalla and Dan had known one another all their lives. While Lone Pine is a rarely visited site now, it once held the big plans and hopes of a newly mar- ried couple.

Dalla Crawford dressed for stock work. Lone Pine as it is today. Photo Annette Smith Photo courtesy of Dollie Oldfield wasn’t given the chance to walk to her after his father’s death in 1908. He ini- It is believed that Dalla’s father did mother’s, the birth came on too suddenly. tially extended his inherited land by leas- the stonework for the chimney and foun- Dan left Dalla with a pillow and the two ing two 80-acre blocks to the west of his dations, and the wood for the house was children and galloped off to fetch his Naas Creek block, and later purchased hand-cut at the Crawford’s timber mill mother-in-law, but by the time they got two other larger blocks nearby. In total on Bradley’s Creek in Yaouk, probably back to Dalla she’d delivered the baby Dan owned, shared or leased blocks 31, by Dan and his brothers. The style of the herself. It was stillborn, and is buried 90 32, 33, 36, 37, 45 and 46 along Naas and house was similar to that of the original metres or so east of the homestead ruins. Sheep Station creeks, on which he ran Crawford Homestead at Naas Creek. There is now a commemorative plaque cattle and horses, but never sheep. From the front verandah of the house on a rock nearby. This grave also had a As Jim remarked, his Dad wasn’t they had a beautiful view across a large picket fence around it in the early days. ever a sheep man. None of the old moun- section of their Sheep Station Creek Dan and Dalla’s fourth child was Ted, tain Scots were. For the 8 years he lived property. It is likely that the pine tree that born in 1916 [again at LonsVale], the gives the ruin its present name grew same year that Dan was kicked by a from a cone taken from Dalla’s parents horse as he entered the home paddock. It home, LonsVale. When I first mentioned was interesting to stand where the gate to the name ‘Lone Pine’ to Dollie, she the house used to be and listen to Dollie asked me what property I was talking and Jim discuss the details of their about. She’d never heard the name father’s accident. Jim thought his father before. She said that she didn’t think her was bending over hobbling one horse parents gave their first home a name at and another one kicked him. Dollie all. thought he was holding the mare’s tail as By the end of 1910 Dan and Dalla’s it was going through the gate. It kicked first child [Irene] was born at LonsVale, him as he stepped into the yard. They not at their own home. It seems that ended up agreeing to disagree. while Dalla’s mother was willing to Soon after the accident the family assist at any births, they had to take found that they had to move to Dan’s place at LonsVale, not at Dalla’s new brother George’s place at Long Corner home – an interesting mother/daughter near Adaminaby. This is where Dollie arrangement that later had a serious con- was born in 1918. Old Mrs Crawford sequence. Dollie said that in 1912 when also lived there. Dan’s injuries were her mother’s second child [Cletus] was treated at Cooma Hospital off and on for due, Dalla found she could no longer nearly a year, but finally he was sent to mount a horse so she had to walk to her Sydney where his leg was amputated. mother’s with Dan by her side, on horse- From then on he was unable to ride a back with baby Irene. That’s over 11 horse, a terrible consequence for a kilometres using present-day tracks. Per- farmer/grazier. Horses were essential to Dan Crawford (on crutches) with Dalla and haps there was a shorter bridle trail back all farm work back then. her parents, Mary Jane and Thomas Wester- then? For the third birth, however, Dalla Dan had started buying up land soon man. Photo courtesy of Dollie Oldfield (continued on next page)

14 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 Boboyan tragedies (continued) Our visit to the ‘Lone Pine’ site with Ranger Graham Hirth in March 1990 was the first time Dollie had been to the site of her parent’s first home. Jim on the other hand said he visited every year, mainly to collect fruit from the large cherry tree that grew on the hill behind the homestead. He searched for the tree during our visit but it was no longer there.

Loop walk These three sites could be visited on a long day walk, about 16 km. Babette Scougall

Sources This article was pieced together from personal communication with Dollie Oldfield, Jim Crawford, Noel Luton and Steve Brayshaw, and from information supplied by ACT Archives and Matthew What remains of one of the fork fences across the swampy Sheep Station Creek. Higgins’ book “Voices from the hills”. Photo Annette Smith at Sheep Station Creek, Dan worked hard Davey who sold the timber from the to improve his property and successfully ‘Lone Pine’ house to the Chalker family. establish himself in the region. The old Dollie explained to me that Dan was wooden fork fence lines, parts of which able to assist with quite a lot of the farm are still standing, tell of the hours of work from the horse and buggy he used backbreaking toil done there. His two to get around on and he also kept a won- fence lines across Sheep Station Creek derful vegetable garden for the family, formed his Calves Paddock, with the but it was Dalla who had to do the stock northern one probably being Lone Pine’s work, helped by her children as they boundary. Much of that valley was very grew older. She was an excellent horse- marshy. After his leg was removed he woman. To add to their income, Dan had no choice but to find land that was turned to curing bullock hides and, by easier for him to farm and to start again. hand, cut and plaited long bullock whips, They sold out in 1919, purchased Fairy breaking-in halters with long leads, and Dell on Alum Creek at Shannons Flat and long catching ropes, some of them of six lived there for the rest of their lives. At plaits and very thick, strong enough to about the same time, Davey Brayshaw stand the strain from wild bulls. He A plaque for baby Crawford. was expanding his holdings and bought became known throughout the district for Photo Ed Highley the Sheep Station properties, and it was his leather work.

Left: The 'old' office in Childers Street, now gone. Right: Secretary Sonja with the office all packed up. Photos Max Lawrence

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 15 Strange story of the stolen steam engine This article appeared in the Cooma the circumstances of the man's it would have been to get it there by Monaro Express on 8 August 2013 possession of the steam engine were bullock team on rough tracks, not like suspicious. the sealed roads we have today. Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. The National Parks and Wildlife "We need people to help to keep an And a brazen theft involving a very large Service (NPWS) said the steam engine eye on our historic heritage. Someone historic steam engine proves the point. that was removed was in its original stole the boiler/engine from the mill near The daring theft earlier this year of position, and was owned by the Kellys Connors Hill about five years ago." the historic steam engine from the who moved to the site in 1936. The mill NPWS said all heritage items within Kosciuszko National Park had a happy was operated until 1946 when it was sold Kosciuszko National Park are protected ending with its return a couple of months to Betts, owner of the Adaminaby Hotel, and anyone found removing or damaging later. and moved into Adaminaby. items carry serious penalties. But police want to track down the "The engine utilised the water from "We are just glad to get it back and thief or thieves and bring them to the race dug by hand by the gold hopefully people realise the importance account for their crime. diggers," the NPWS spokesperson said. and significance these items have to the To remove such a large piece of "The engine had a water gauge on the history of KNP." machinery weighing an estimated two front - water had to be taken out of the Detective Hopkin said while police tonnes would have taken planning and gauge at night to keep the glass from and the National Parks and Wildlife special equipment. breaking when it froze. Service are glad the steam engine has Cooma detective senior constable "The old Kelly's Providence Mill site been returned, police would like to Stephen Hopkin said the steam engine is associated with other sawmills in area receive any information about the theft. was stolen from the site of the old Kelly's including Broadheads' on Alpine Creek "Police would like to hear from any Providence Mill, which is near Alpine and mills in the Connors Hill area. person, who can indicate who stole and Creek, in the Kosciuszko National Park, "Timber from these sawmills was transported the engine from Alpine close to the Snowy Mountains Highway, used for construction of buildings and Creek, where it was stored after the theft about 20km west of Adaminaby. huts in the area including Kiandra and who subsequently delivered it to "It was stolen by unknown persons township and timber for floorboards for Cooma," Detective Hopkin said. between Friday February 1 and the Old Parliament House in Canberra," "Any information, no matter how Wednesday March 20, 2013," Detective a NPWS spokesperson said. small, would be appreciated, including Hopkin said. "This engine is important as it not descriptions of the vehicle used to "After the theft, it is believed the only tells the story of history of the area transport the steam engine or the persons steam engine most likely would have for future generations but is associated involved in the theft and/or transport. travelled through Adaminaby, and was with many families who owned or "The engine is sizeable and someone subsequently stored at an unknown worked on the mill or delivered timber in the community must have seen it since location prior to being delivered to and materials, many whom are still it left the Kosciuszko National Park. Cooma." living in the area. Members of the community with The audacious thief then 'donated' the "People can appreciate the history information can contact detective engine to a local Cooma business, which much more if they can see the engine in Stephen Hopkin at the Cooma police sta- subsequently contacted police, realising situ to get an understanding of how hard tion.

The Connors Hill steam engine pictured soon after the 2003 fire. It disappeared not long thereafter. Photo Di Thompson

16 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 Nuts over a dingo 'A dingo has taken my baby', was the The Ampitheatre, a giant valley went down a treat. Better than Jack cry at Uluru many years ago. surrounded by tiers and cliffs of red rock Absolom could make. 'A dingo has taken our nuts', cried reaching into unlimited blue sky, and Hannah was riding a wave. A great Hannah and Klaus at Palm Valley, not dotted here and there with giant pagodas moment for freshly baked dessert out in that far from Uluru. of more rock, was just up the dirt track. the desert. The desert which is not a The large jar of imported, expensive and We marvelled at delicate snails able desert at all. delicious nuts had been much to live under shade-giving and water Someone noticed a shadow. It's that anticipated. There were hazels, brazils, bearing fig trees, sticky black dollops of damned dingo, he's still skulking around. cashews, walnuts and macadamias. They gue (shit!?) left over from stick-nest rats, He wants some too. The conversation were meant as a before dinner snack for extinct for 80 years, and the delicate turned. a week. flowers of corkwood (Hakea suberea) 'You know they shoot them on Fraser We were famished after carefully hanging like immature bunches of Island'. nosing and crawling the Bush Tomato, a grapes. 'Yes, a boy died after being bitten'. much loved 25 year old 4WD ute that Hannah spied a mistletoe bird with a 'They've been here for 4000 years'. could tell more stories about the rugged muff of purple under its neck. I headed 'The howl goes right through me.' interior than the souls of Burke and for some overhangs to search for hand 'I wonder if he ate all those nuts.' Wills, up four kilometres to Palm Valley. stencils. 'Ouch', watch that spinifex. 'He must have got constipated.' It has a grotto of rare and exotic palms There was so much to explore, interpret, 'Don't worry, I'm sure the olive oil strung out along an old water course in compare and contrast, so much to draw cleaned him out.' between sheltering, high red cliffs. and photograph. Before we knew it the 'Someone should market a new brand We were down the dry and rocky sun was going and the cold coming. of nuts as 'dingo nuts'. Finke River about 18 kilometres from At the camp we were greeted by a big 'Better still, what about "Well Oiled Hermannsburg, the white-walled mission commotion. Everybody had dingo on Dingo Nuts".' set up by long suffering Lutheran priests their mind. 'Yes, that's it.' (from near Bremen, my old home town) 'He's been back and taken something With a laugh and a chuckle we all in the middle of God forsaken Central from your camp'. packed up our chairs and snuck off to a Australia about 130 years ago. 'I saw him with something in his warm bed. Determined to bring 'naked wild beings' mouth.' The dingo went back to his little into the fold and teach them religious 'We chased him away.' stash and dreamt about intrepid nomads German hymns (which, surprisingly, 'He disappeared down the creek.' he could ambush and fleece tomorrow. they took to), they were immigrants of a 'We've told the kids to stay close.' Klaus Hueneke different kind to us. Well what do you know! He made off Hannah had nibbled a few nuts, put with the bottle of olive oil. Surely he (Hannah is my niece) others in the lid and dashed a few metres wouldn't get the lid off. It was a screw to get something from the Bush Tomato. top. Hannah, with head torch, went down I was a mere six metres away, posterior to have a look at his secret stash. There it in the air, jostling a sleeping mat into a was, empty, not a drop left. He'd drunk coffin-size tent. the lot. Loitering and camouflaged under a That night Hannah made a large river red gum in gathering dusk, the damper which she left to rise inside a dingo seized the moment, darted from sleeping bag in a zipped up tent and then the shadows, dipped his lower jaw into baked in a camp oven on hot coals from the opening, clamped it shut and took off a communal fire pit. down the valley. A dozen grey, brown and brindle 'A dingo has taken our nuts', rent the nomads had gathered round, eager to air. keep warm, feel the ambience and share 'We saw him.' some outback dramas. A family from 'The little bugger.' Melbourne with firewood on the roof 'God he was quick.' were taking 6 months to cruise around 'Put your food away folks', yelled the centre and the west. Another couple other campers. came across from Mt Isa via the Sando- I rushed after him but, like a ghost, ver Highway. It had lived up to its name. he vanished into thin and rapidly cooling Someone else raved about the Mus- air. grave Range. 'We got bogged out there Our snack was not meant to be. last week.' All were equipped for any- Next day someone found the empty thing the outback might throw at them. jar in amongst a scattering of empty food About 9 o'clock the aroma was too and lolly bags. The dingo was smart, he much, the creation had to be unveiled. was doing well. The damper was a cracker, hollow to That afternoon we were far more the tap with a crust, but not burnt. Han- You wouldn't think that a dear little pup like cautious. We wiped the table, sealed the nah carved it up, I added a dollop of but- this would ever pinch anybody's food. tents and left nothing behind but a bottle ter and passed it round. Someone Photo courtesy Dr Andrew W. Claridge, of olive oil. brought some syrup. YUM, YUM. It NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 17 PARKWATCH Edited extracts from recent journals part of ongoing fire management). And the two states and the territory to see if and newsletters to balance the challenging and slightly fire did favour one fuel age rather than grim aspect of weed management, the another. I was looking to see if the model could predict the trends.’ And that A dangerous daisy stay around Currango was made espe- cially hospitable. From the glorious is exactly what has happened over the It was 2007 when people really noticed meals eaten outdoors to the night time past 50 years. Despite the common the shift. Keith McDougall, botanist with entertainment provided by NSW belief that a long unburnt forest would the NSW Parks Service, nearly ran off National Parks Officer Tony Stubbs’ out- burn more readily, the map data sug- the road. Elouise Peach, Kosciuszko door slide show of his peregrine falcon gested that it couldn’t in fact be the case. National Park Ranger had only been in studies. It helped remind us why we go ‘The data validate the model and offer the job a year, but she could see that it to such efforts to look after these land- empirical proof. We can see that Snow had become an issue. And pretty as it scapes. Gum forests burnt up to 14 years previ- looks to the unknowing, to those in the News from the Alps, No. 44 ously are 2.3 times more flammable than know the carpet of snowy blooms was mature forest.’ almost sinister. Of course we are talking It’s all about canopy Of course this isn’t to suggest that about the apparently innocent Ox-eye hazard reduction burning does not have Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), pretty Marking the tenth anniversary of the a place in managing these landscapes, enough for someone to pop it into their 2003 fires with a symposium on fire was but rather that a greater understanding of garden, not realising it would eventually an almost inevitable decision for the forest type and its response to fire is use- escape to spread into, and threaten, a Australian Institute of Alpine Studies. ful information to have. natural landscape. One of the presenters at the symposium, News from the Alps, No. 44 Most people working across the Aus- Phil Zylstra (a research fellow at the tralian Alps – in parks agencies, catch- University of Wollongong) put it thus: Program update ment management authorities, local ‘There’s no indication of a fire of this councils – understand the weed issue. scale in the few centuries prior to Euro- Research into the social and ecological They also appreciate that it’s a con- pean occupation. Quite possibly it is the impacts of feral deer, a 3-year project stantly shifting issue because of fire, first natural fire of that scale in modern just commenced, is investigating the drought, human impacts and climate times’. impacts of deer across the Alps. With the among other factors. And if you then Apart from its almost unique status, significant increase in the deer popula- focus on each of the different weed spe- the 2003 fire season has become a refer- tion over the past few years, there cies, they each behave differently. Pull ence point for the study of fire in the remains little scientific research on the this all together and you begin to see that Alps. There is opportunity to look back social and ecological impacts of deer the only way to effectively deal with from here, through 50 years of data on within the Australian Alps. This project them would be to have the botanists and fire behaviour. It’s equally a place to will carry out an assessment (both desk- park managers working side-by-side. look forward to a new era of fire that is top and field based) of the ecological Not surprisingly, that’s the approach the clearly influenced by climate change. assets in the Australian Alps potentially Australian Alps Program took when it Phil Zylstra’s current work has made at risk from feral deer, and undertake brought together around 30 people in good use of those 50-odd years of data, field monitoring to determine if detri- early February for the latest operational and he was able to present the essence of mental effects are actually occurring. Dr field day. Looking at the group who his findings at the symposium. He Andrew Claridge from NSW NPWS has were setting up camp at the historic Cur- debunks a commonly held belief – that commenced preliminary work on stage 1 rango Homestead in Kosciuszko the older the forest, the more readily it of the project. National Park, it was a perfect mix – burns. And while the wider community News from the Alps, No. 44 rangers and field staff from the three may still believe otherwise, those present parks plus technical experts. At the end at the symposium were very supportive Park attack of the 2 days, everyone there had been of the revised view. In basic terms, Phil’s Some governments apparently believe fully briefed and able to swap some report is based on asking which is more national parks are sluggards, and want to priceless on-the-ground advice. Cur- likely to burn when set alight by natural put them to work for multiple purposes – rango was an ideal location because it causes – an older forest of Snow Gums as luxury resorts, shooting ranges, cow allowed in-the-field moments and quick that has matured to the point where its paddocks, firewood depots and play- access to Kelly’s Plain, which is the canopy is quite separate from the forest grounds for riding, biking and driving. ‘heartland of the Ox-eye Daisy’. floor; or an area of the same type of for- At the same time, public funds to The workshop was split into two. est that has been burnt some time acquire and manage parks are dwindling. Keith took one group onto the plain, a recently and where there is usually no The federal government has abandoned subalpine grassland dotted with bogs. distinct break between canopy and the grants program that has been a major The other group went into the woodlands understory growth. Earlier work by Phil driver for growth of the national reserve where they looked at herbicide trial plots used a fire-behaviour model he had system. It all adds up to an alarming and examined management options. developed based on physics and the demotion of conservation in many Both are threatened communities and he geometry of the forest to predict trends national parks and the demotion of has set up test plots to assess the daisy’s in flammability for the forest type, sug- national parks as a conservation strategy. potential to out-compete endangered gesting that the most flammable period National parks are the only land tenure native species. There was a good discus- was in the younger stages. that accords priority to nature. The ‘car- sion about how best to revegetate weedy ‘I looked the map data gathered since dozer lines (cut through the landscape as 1957 relating to Snow Gum forest over (continued next page)

18 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 PARKWATCH (continued) dinal principle’ requires, to the greatest get the attention needed (or even be monitor for re-establishment of small extent possible, preservation of their detected) if park managers are diverted native mammal populations. Our motion- natural condition. The changes afoot by recreational and commercial activities detecting cameras will allow our citizen white-ant the cardinal principle and and starved of funds. The community has scientists to see for themselves how both effectively reduce the area managed pri- a long history of fighting for parks, and native animals and pest species are using marily for nature. They exacerbate a pre- success at stopping previous proposals. their land, and take action accordingly. existing problem of insufficient manage- The idea of public lands being diverted Nature NSW, Vol. 57, No. 2 ment budgets. for private commercial interests in par- (winter 2013) Governments in the eastern states ticular triggers the famed egalitarian have embarked on aggressive agendas to instinct of Australians and there is wide- Forests or firewood? ‘open up’ parks to commerce and recrea- spread sympathy for the ‘fair go’ idea tion. They can ill-afford it. Queensland that nature should be given priority in National parks alone are not enough to and NSW have the lowest proportions of some portion of Australia. The govern- prevent biodiversity loss. More than 90% protected areas, much lower than the ments demoting conservation on parks of land in NSW is outside the reserve national average, and Victoria is the would find that most Australians believe system. Our native wildlife do not care most damaged state, with the highest that saving nature is productive and about the tenure of land they live on. In proportion of threatened species. should remain the highest purpose for many regions, native vegetation has been National parks have long been used for national parks. highly modified or cleared, with remain- ecotourism, both genuine and dubious, Nature NSW, Vol. 57, No. 2 ing vegetation having significant conser- and damaging activities such as skiing, (winter 2013) vation value. fishing and horse riding have been per- The Private Native Forestry Interim mitted in some parks. But their intensifi- Ever wondered what goes bump Act was introduced to regulate logging cation is an assault on the very idea that, on private lands and has been in opera- in national parks, conservation comes in the night? tion since July 2007 with over 225,000 first (cardinal principle). ‘Respect for Have you ever wondered what animals ha of logging approvals issued. The PNF their role in conservation of biodiversity are using your land? A number of land- Act requires no environmental surveying is at an all-time low’, observes Christine holders from the Illawarra-Shoalhaven prior to logging approval and, unlike Goonrey, president of the National Parks area have, and to answer this question other Property Vegetation Plans (PVPs), Australia Council. This reflects the they became NPA (NSW) Citizen Scien- no input is required from local catchment broader trend of commercialism trump- tists. Once trained, our citizen scientists management authorities. Landholders ing the public interest and increasingly set up NPA’s infra-red motion detecting who agree to abide by the PNF code of ugly political sentiments about conserva- cameras to monitor what animals are practice are automatically granted bio- tion. using their properties. In order to attract certification by the NSW Environment Few disagree on the need for more animals to the cameras, they made bait Minister and, with this arrangement, do investment in park management, but balls consisting of honey, rolled oats and not need separate approvals under either opening parks to high-impact recreation crunchy peanut butter. This mixture was the Native Vegetation Act or the Threat- will make management much more diffi- rolled into a large ball and an air vent ened Species (TS) Act. The code of prac- cult and stretch already thin budgets. cover was secured over the bait ball. This tice relies on claims that it provides an One vociferous complaint is that the was because we wanted small mammals extensive suite of protective prescrip- parks are festering sources of weeds and to be attracted to the smell of the bait but tions for threatened species. While any feral animals for neighbouring farms. not be able to eat it! Camera traps have list of protective measures is problematic Journalist Michael Duffy denigrated become a very common biodiversity- when no surveys are required to identify parks as a ‘sort of toxic ecological vol- monitoring tool as they are non-invasive them, the release of the final draft code cano, spewing out fire, kangaroos, weed and cause minimum disturbance to ani- of practice has revealed a flawed docu- seeds and feral animals such as wild mals. In addition, cameras can be left ment with many forest-dependent species dogs into the surrounding countryside’. unattended in the field for several weeks, unmentioned or left with inadequate pro- In fact ‘good neighbour’ works are gen- so they are a very cost-effective tool. tection. One such species is the Gang- erally prioritised in parks, sometimes to Our citizen scientists are using cam- gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbria- the detriment of programs more impor- eras to explore the effects of foxes on tum. In NSW this species is listed as vul- tant for conservation. The flow of weeds small mammals. Scientific studies have nerable under the TS Act but does not and pests is often the other way, epito- shown that elimination of foxes can lead rate a mention in the code of practice for mised by the spread of highly invasive to the successful recovery of several spe- southern NSW. This interim forestry act pasture grasses. Those who criticise cies, including the Long-nosed Potoroo is the classic example of policy-making national parks as sources of weeds do and bandicoots. The cameras are left on the run, but after nearly 6 years of not usually support restrictions on plant- active for 2 weeks, then reviewed. Inter- logging you would expect that the ing invasive plants, or holding landhold- estingly, large numbers of foxes are department could have managed to at ers to account for the spread of weeds or being recorded, with relatively few small least list correctly the known threatened pests that threaten conservation or agri- native mammals being seen. This result species of our forests and woodlands. culture. was a surprise to many of our citizen sci- Local forestry networks have publi- Given all the species about which lit- entists who had not noticed fox activity cally stated that they aim to use this leg- tle is known, and the many complex, on their land and are now working with islation to access over a million hectares interacting threats, managing land for the National Parks and Wildlife Service of private land to supply firewood mar- nature is surely one of the most difficult to implement pest control strategies. Fol- kets in Canberra and Sydney. When laws of jobs, requiring concerted focus from lowing the implementation of pest con- purporting to protect biodiversity are well-qualified, well-resourced rangers trol, cameras will again be set up to and researchers. Declining nature won’t (continued on page 20)

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 19 PARKWATCH (continued from page 19) used to streamline firewood logging in buses and up to 100 cars. A short dis- plants that occur in the five parks, threatened species habitat and endan- tance down the valley a new campground including the vulnerable Squatter Pigeon gered ecological communities then that would be established. All this would and the endangered Julia Creek Dun- law is a farce. If such a product came require multiple buildings, some 12 km nart’, he said. NPAQ completely rejects from overseas we would ban it. In NSW of upgraded road, a similar distance of the arguments justifying grazing: that it comes with the Environment Minis- power line, sewage treatment suitable for these places were grazed previously, that ter’s approval. The native trees of the a subalpine area, and a water supply. they are degraded, and that grazing will Southern Tablelands are rarely sawlog This would have a massive environ- do little or no damage. Paul said that for quality and have been largely protected mental and landscape impact on the area, decades until the mid-1990s, many parts because of the lack of an economic the buildings and car parks being visible of Queensland were extensively cleared. driver. The Office of Environment and from all the surrounding mountains. ‘In that period, countless thousands Heritage, which we once turned to for After discussion it was suggested that a of native animals and birds suffered hor- protection, has become just another poli- site outside the park boundary be consid- rible deaths during and after clearing. A ticised agency, approving the rise of a ered at Pencil Pine Creek. This site, few properties with intact parcels of bush coordinated firewood industry. The which was adopted, meant reduced remained uncleared because of the stew- response from OEH is that the end prod- requirements for road upgrading, no ardship of past owners, and also because uct – firewood – is not their concern and electricity line, simplified water and sew- the land was too poor or too inaccessible does not alter environmental outcomes. age systems, removal of camping in Cra- for grazing’, he said. Some of these areas The Gang-gang Cockatoo is the fau- dle Valley, and reduced environmental became national parks. Since the 1990s, nal emblem of the ACT, where it is not and landscape impacts. Ranger housing rangers, conservation groups and volun- yet considered threatened. Many Gang- and maintenance facilities have also been teer organisations have worked to reha- gang breed in remnants of forest and moved to this location. The overall result bilitate degraded areas within recent park woodland in the Southern Highlands and has been a big win for the environment, acquisitions. Tablelands before wintering at lower alti- the park and the public, with some great ‘Cattle will spread weeds, trample the tude around Canberra. The people of new facilities and a big win for the habitat of native animals, and destroy Canberra should reflect that while fewer budget. The cost saving at the time was waterways in these parks’,” Paul said. of these cockatoos will be coming down in the order of 50% of the original pro- ‘That a government should seek to com- to Canberra this winter, more firewood ject cost, or about $7 million. This promise the integrity of our national will be, and that they are burning threat- equates to about $20 million in today’s parks, which cover less than 5% of the ened species’ homes to warm theirs. All values. state, when grazing occupies 65%, is thanks to the NSW Government. Today, there is again talk about mov- beyond belief.’ Nature NSW, Vol. 57, No. 2 ing the visitor centre to a new location, Park Watch (VNPA), No. 253 (winter 2013) but the proposed location is further out- (June 2013) side the park boundary, not inside the Cradle Mountain – hands off park. A shuttle bus ferries people Campaign updates from ACF our parks between Cradle Valley and Dove Lake, removing the need for further major • After several wet years Australia’s Cradle Mountain is often used as the roadwork. parched Murray–Darling river system ‘poster child’ by those promoting com- Rather than being an example of pri- is back from the brink, but for how mercial development in national parks. vate development in national parks, the long remains to be seen. Because the But what is the real situation? Cradle Mountain case study is an exam- Australian Government rapidly bought Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair ple of how development outside the park back irrigation water entitlements over National Park is one of the four large is both cheaper and better. It’s better for the past few years, the river will enter national parks that make up the SW Tas- tourism, better for the developers and, the next drought with at least 1 500 bil- mania World Heritage Area. The park most importantly, better for the national lion litres more than it had during the predates World Heritage listing in 1982. park and the environmental values that it last – just short of half what govern- The original reserve at Cradle Mountain is protecting. ment scientists believe is necessary to was proclaimed in 1922 and extended to Park Watch (VNPA), No. 253 keep the Coorong alive during extreme include Lake St Clair in 1936. World (June 2013) drought. Yet they plan taking another Heritage listing resulted in major 11 years to get the second half, mean- ing we could be caught short if drought changes to the way these parks were Tragic day for Queensland’s managed. It raised their profile nationally conditions return before then. Having and internationally, with resulting national parks successfully pushed for more water to increases in visitor numbers. It also On 21 May the Liberal–National be returned, ACF remains determined brought Commonwealth Government Party state government introduced legis- to see it returned early enough to make money for management and improved lation to permit grazing in five a difference for the nation’s longest infrastructure. One of the first projects Queensland national parks, and this num- river. reviewed in 1986 by the Tasmanian ber could increase. National Parks Asso- • The plan for a future Tasmanian timber World Heritage Area Consultative Com- ciation of Queensland Executive Coordi- industry and future protection for the mittee was a proposal for a visitor centre, nator Paul Donatiu said it was a tragic state’s high-conservation forests con- including park headquarters, interpreta- day for Queenslanders and national tinues to gain public momentum as tive displays and walker registration. parks. environmentalists, workers and indus- The proposed site on the shores of ‘Cattle grazing will threaten the sur- try work through the final details of a Dove Lake was to include parking for vival of at least 20 rare animals and durable pathway to peace. However, (continued next page)

20 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 PARKWATCH (continued) the state parliament’s legislative coun- News from Queensland Marine conservation cil, hesitant to give its final approval, The NSW Government has declared an leaves some uncertainty for both forest • Horse riding in National Parks: NPA amnesty on fishing from beaches and workers and the forests themselves. Council is most concerned that changes headlands in marine sanctuary zones While the parliament deliberates, both that appear likely to be made to the while a newly formed Expert Knowledge the Commonwealth and state govern- Nature Conservation Act may include Panel undertakes a 6-month assessment ment and signatories to the peace deal some expansion of horse riding in of recreational fishing access to these continue to uphold their commitments, National Parks. NPAQ has a longstand- areas. With this decision, the government as evidenced by the nomination at the ing policy that horse riding must con- is undermining the credibility of its end of January of 170,000 hectares of tinue to be prohibited in National Parks Expert Knowledge Panel before it is magnificent forest for World Heritage and we will be pursuing the matter vig- even formed. If it genuinely cared about listing. This paves the way for the per- orously. achieving a credible outcome, it would at manent protection of iconic tall forests • Proposed George Haddock Memorial least wait for the panel’s advice before in the Upper Derwent, Styx, Weld and Walk: John Bristow and Rob Hitchcock making changes to marine protection. Upper Florentine valleys, along with reported to the Council that the Envi- The government needs to step back and many other important areas with simi- ronmental Impact Statement (EIS) for actually let this new body do its job. lar values. the proposed George Haddock Memo- Nature NSW, Vol. 57, No. 2 • 2012 was the year in which our decade- rial walk on Fraser Island, a proposed (winter 2013) long campaigns on the Murray–Dar- addition to the Fraser Island Great ling, Tasmanian forests and ocean pro- Walk, has now been submitted to the tection came to fruition. Over the com- Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Compiled by Hazel Rath ing months we will be assessing the as a basis to move to the next stage of major drivers of threats to freshwater the project. and coastal environments in order to NPA News (Qld), Vol. 83 better understand the opportunities for Issue 3 (April 2013) ACF to make a difference. Habitat, Vol. 41, No. 2 (April 2013)

Red spot? Black Mountain wildflower ramble Subscriptions for 2013/14 are now overdue! Saturday, 12 October If there is a red spot on your Bulletin address sheet and above, the association's records show your current sub- scription has not been received. Please check! Meet at 9:30am at Belconnen Way entry into Black Mountain Nature Reserve, just east of Caswell Drive turnoff (look for the balloons). Finish about 12 noon. Please take the time to make amendments to the Join wildflower lovers for the Burbidge/Chippendale tra- enclosed renewal form if the information NPA holds dition of celebrating the spring flowering with the 42nd confidentially in its database needs correcting. We also annual Black Mountain wildflower ramble. Discover the surprising diversity of tiny orchids, bush peas, wattles ask you for an indication of your preference for deliv- and billy buttons with experienced guides, easy bush ery of the Bulletin (in printed form, as digital copy, or tracks and good company. All welcome. BYO morning as both printed and digital copy). Please send the tea, hat, sunblock, water and stout shoes. whole form back with your payment details. Please book with Jean Geue, 6251 1601 or Thank you! [email protected]

A few words on the distribution of the Bulletin Dear members assumption is that those particular We ask you to please bear members want to continue to receive with us until we get the Thank you to everybody who has sent the printed version of NPA's quarterly Bulletin to all our members us their completed membership publication. in the right format. renewal forms and given us the information requested on how they If you find that we did not deliver this It is now especially important that you prefer to receive the Bulletin from this copy in your preferred format (the inform us about any changes to your issue on. Unfortunately, not everyone options are: printed, digital or both), email addresses. Thanking you, ticked the little boxes, so our please let us know and we will Sonja Lenz, Secretary endeavour to get it right next time.

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 21 NPA notices National Parks Association Calendar New members of September October November December the association Wed 25-Thur Public holidays Mon 30 Mon 7 — 26 The NPA ACT welcomes the General meetings Thur 19 Thur 17 Thur 21 — following new members: Committee meetings Judy Bourne, Krissa Tues 3 Tues 1 Tues 5 Tues 3 O'Neil & Gary Marshall 1 Sandra Henderson NPA Art Week at Gudgenby Cottage Mon23-Sun29 Ailsa Brown & Ross Gudgengy Bush Regeneration 2 Sat 14 Sat 12 Sat 9 Sat 7 Andrews We look forward to seeing you Further details: 1. Contacts: Adrienne Nicholson 6281 6381, Christine Goonrey 6231 8395 all at NPA activities. 2. GBRG. Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre, 9:15am or Yankee Hat car park 10:00am

Public viewing of Murrumbidgee Gorge, Wallaroo Bird field guide

The second edition of the NPA ACT's popular Field Ginninderra Falls Association Guide to the Birds of the ACT is about to be pub- The GFA has arranged for a special public viewing of lished. this seldom seen wonder on Thanks to Phil Gatenby and his working group, the draft will be finalised and sent to the printers at the Sunday, 22 September 2013 end of September. 2.30pm - 4.00pm. Keep your eyes peeled for this lovely new book 153 Woodgrove Close, Wallaroo NSW. that contains nine additional bird descriptions and illustrations by Nicolas Day. Have a look at the This is a rare opportunity to see this part of the back cover page of this Bulletin for a sneak pre- Murrumbidgee with its grand wooded gorge, still view of some of his exquisite bird paintings. completely in private hands. Please bring refreshments, rug or seating. Special thanks to Allen Mawer. Visit the GFA website for more information, including This Bulletin was prepared by: lunch options at the nearby wineries. Editor, Max Lawrence; ginninderra.org.au Sub-editor, Ed Highley; From Hall take Wallaroo Road, Gooromon Ponds Road, Presentation, Sonja Lenz Brooklands Road, Woodgrove Close.

GBRG Cover photographs Christmas party Front cover Main photo. Mount Gingera in the snow (article page 12). Photo Steve Hill Join the work party and then enjoy a convivial Insets. Left. Lone Pine ruins (article pages 13-15). Christmas lunch and a leisurely stroll through the regeneration area on Photo Annette Smith Centre. Honarary Life Member Judy Kelly (article page 6). Saturday 7 December. Photo Max Lawrence Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre at 9:15 am or Right. Kathy Saw and Clive Hurlstone working (article page 8). Yankee Hat car park at 10:00 am. Photo Max Lawrence

Bring a plate to share. Back cover For further information, contact Samples of the new illustrations by Nicolas Day for the second edition of Michael Goonrey on 6231 8395 or NPA's Field Guide to the Birds of the ACT Clive Hurlstone on 6288 7592 Th

22 NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 General Meetings Third Thursday of the month, (not December or January) 8:00pm, Uniting Church hall, 56 Scrivener Street, O'Connor Thursday 19 September Thursday 17 October Thursday 21 November Bringing artists, scientists and Macquarie Island - a World Heritage Bushwalking - why would you environmentalists together site returning to its natural wonder want to! Julia Landford Trish Macdonald Rupert Barnett President, Wildlife and Station Leader, Macquarie Island NPA ACT member and walks Botanical Artists Inc. 2011-12 leader Artists play an important role in the (formally ACT Parks and Rupert will reflect briefly on why advocacy and promotion of Conservation Service) we might go bushwalking and its Australian flora and fauna. Ca. 15 In 2011 a world-first feral animal links with the NPA. He will also years ago, Wildlife and Botanical show photos from some of the local Artists (WABA) was established to control program was launched on Macquarie Island to rid the island of and overseas walks he has found provide a network for emerging and satisfying. professional artists in the region. rabbits, rats and mice, bringing an WABA includes members from all end to 200 years of human-initiated over Australia, working environmental degradation. collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to bring together artists, scientists and environmentalists.

National Parks Association of the ACT Incorporated Conveners Inaugurated 1960 Outings Sub-committee Mike Smith 6286 2984 (h) [email protected] Aims and objectives of the Association Environment Sub-committee Rod Griffiths 6288 6988 (h) • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the protection of [email protected] fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and cultural heritage in the Publications Sub-committee Kevin McCue 6251 1291 (h) Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the reservation of [email protected] specific areas. Bulletin Working Group Max Lawrence 6288 1370 (h) • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. [email protected] • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised field outings, The NPA ACT office is in Unit 15/28 Lena Karmel Lodge, Barry meetings or any other means. Drive, Acton, together with the Conservation Council. It is staffed by Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar interests • volunteers on an irregular basis. Callers may leave phone or email and objectives. • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the planning of messages at any time and they will be attended to. The post office landuse to achieve conservation. mail box is cleared daily. Office-bearers Phone: (02) 6229 3201 0412 071 382 President Rod Griffiths 6288 6988 (h) Website: www.npaact.org.au [email protected] Email: admin@n paact.org.au Vice-President Vacant Address: GPO Box 544, Canberra ACT 2601 Secretary Sonja Lenz 6251 1291 (h) [email protected] Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) Treasurer Chris Emery 6249 7604 (h) Household membership $44 Single members $38.50 [email protected] Corporate membership $33 Bulletin only $33 Committee members Full-time student/Pensioner $22 Steven Forst 6251 6817 (h) All the above subscription categories reduce to $11 if a donation of [email protected] $100 or more is made. Esther Gallant 6161 4514 (h) Advertising [email protected] The Bulletin accepts advertisements and inserts. Contact the Editor Christine Goonrey (Immediate Past President) 6231 8395 (h) for information and rates. [email protected] George Heinsohn 6278 6655 (h) NPA Bulletin [email protected] Contributions of articles, letters, drawings and photographs are Judy Kelly 6253 1859 (h) always welcome. Items accepted for publication will be subject to [email protected] editing and may also be published on the NPA website. Send all items Max Lawrence 6288 1370 (h) to The Bulletin Team, [email protected], or the postal address [email protected] above. Bernard Morvell 0401 679 254 (mob) Deadline for the December 2013 issue: 31 October 2013. [email protected] Graham Scully 6230 3352 (h) Printed by Instant Colour Press, Belconnen, ACT. [email protected] ISSN 0727-8837 Mike Smith 6286 2984 (h) [email protected]

NPA BULLETIN − SEPTEMBER 2013 23 For information on NPA ACT activities, please visit our website http://www.npaact.org.au