LANDCARE ILLAWARRA NEWSLETTERNOVEMBER ISSUE 2012

• Local events and workshops• Local news and projects• Meet the Volunteers• Weed Watch• Along the Bush Tucker Trail• Illawarra Woodland & Rainforest Project• Local projects - get involved• Fundingopportunities

YourLandcareCommunitySupportOfficerFor more information about Landcare Illawarra or to submit information for the next Landcare Illawarra newsletter, contact Megan Rowlatt: p: 02 4229 7526m: 0412 532 817e: communitysupport@conservationvolunteers.com.au

WelcometotheNovember2012editionof the ‘Illawarra Flametree’ newsletter.The year is almost at an end and many of you will be preparing for the silly season andthehotsummerahead. Ithasbeena busy few months and there have been loads of activities, projects and trainingpeoplehavebecomeinvolvedin.

Youwill notice there is a bit of a youthflavourtothisedition,aswehaveseenaverypositive increase in involvement inyoung people from the community in our Landcareprojectsandworkshops.

We would also like to introduce our new feature ‘Meet the Volunteers’ which captures what drives our volunteers to become involved and what keeps them comingback.Wealsoexploreanumberof local events that will help you to look after our local environment, and learnsomeuseful factsand identificationtipsin our well received feature ‘Along the BushtuckerTrail-WithTerryRankmore’.

We hope you enjoy the November 2012 issue of the Landcare Illawarra ’Illawarra FlameTree’Newsletter. Thiswill beourlasteditionfor2012sowewishyouallasafe and happy Xmas and a healthy and prosperousNewYear.FromtheLandcareIllawarraTeam.

Background Image: Brad Chilby

Megan Rowlatt

Talking LandcareLandcare Illawarra will be hosting its second talking Landcare information evening at the Dapto Ribbonwood Centre this Friday the 30th of November 2012.These evenings invite any interested community member to come and hear about anything environmentally relevant to the region.This is an opportunity for people to get to know the Landcare Illawarra team and what we do as well as hear about exciting projects, stories and hear from interesting key note speakers on a range of topics!When: Friday the 30th of August, from 6pmThe Landcare Illawarra AGM will take place from 5pm and LI also encourages anyone interested to attend. Talking Landcare will follow this.Where: Dapto Ribbonwood Centre – Scribbly Gum room, 93-109 Princes Hwy DaptoRSVP: For catering purposes, please RSVP to Megan Rowlatt communitysupport@conservationvolunteers.com.au or p. 4229 7526Guest Speakers:Megan Rowlatt – 2012 Young Landcare Leader of the year. Megan will discuss her efforts in establishing Illawarra Youth Landcare and will talk about engaging young people into the Landcare movement through a range of exciting and innovative projects. Renae Riviere – Regional Manager Conservation Volunteers Australia. Renae will give an overview of regional projects that interested community members can become involved in. And will discuss what exciting projects have happened to date.

Disaster Recovery Training - CVAWe are a lucky lot living here in Australia and we are spoiled with the natural beauty of our country; red open plains, eucalypt covered ranges and dazzling blue seas. But as Dorothea MacKellar likes to remind us, we are also the land of droughts and flooding rains…not to mention fires, cyclones, severe storms and oil-spills.When we are hit with such a devastating natural or man-made disaster, Australians are the kind of folk that pull together. The men and women of the SES, RFS and the Red Cross amongst others launch themselves into the thick of it, risking their lives to save the life and property of others. Donations of clothes, money and food flow into the affected area and make a positive difference to those in need. But some weeks and months after the initial public outpouring of support, affected farmers and residents are still in shock, facing a long road of land and environmental recovery after the initial burst of relief winds down.At this time, victims of natural disaster are in need of

secondary disaster relief. The arrival of volunteers to assist with medium-term essential work such as rebuilding fences and clearing debris is just what the doctor ordered to lift the spirits of struggling families. This is where Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) comes in.

Most recently, CVA volunteers assisted in removing burnt trees and rebuilding burnt

fences following the 2007 “Black Saturday” bushfires, and following Cyclone Yasi in 2011, CVA volunteers continued to assist in urgently needed post-flood

LOCAL EVENTS & WORKSHOPS

Header Image: Nan Tien Temple

LOCAL EVENTS & WORKSHOPS

environmental clean-up and native fauna recovery, months after the disaster hit. The Wollongong office of CVA is looking to put together an Illawarra disaster recovery squad, kindly funded by Woodside Energy. CVA will be running an information night for those who might be interested in joining a team of specialised volunteers who will be trained to assist those people and animals in need following a bushfire, flood or severe storm event. An information session will be held at the Old Wollongong Court House on Harbour Street on When: Wednesday December 5th at 5:30pm To book a place, or for more information please call Conservation Volunteers Australia on 42289246 or email Wollongong@cva.org.au.

Upper Escarpment and Plateau Vegetation communities Workshop With Leon Fuller

The upper hills and sandstone cliffs of the Illawarra Escarpment contain many varied and beautiful vegetation communities. Once up on the Plateau things change, some plants appear as stunted little specimens growing in cracks along the cliff edge, while just meters back, grow to their true form, large and tall.This Sandstone environment, of high rainfall, fog and water that drains away from the coast, has an amazing diversity of plants which we will learn more about throughout this workshop.We will learn about what makes this area so very different from down on the coastal plain and see the

changes in vegetation in as little as 200m along a horizontal and vertical distance.Leon Fuller will once again take us through the theory and give us something to think about before he takes us out on a walk around these little known parts of our local natural heritage.Topics will include; plant identification, soil formation, fire regime, plant succession and the symbiotic relationships happening right before our eyes.When & Where: (2x sessions)Wednesday, 12 Dec 5pm – 7pm. Bellambi Bushcare Office for the theory behind the vegetation communities and their ecology.Saturday, 15 Dec 9am – 12pm. Meet on Bulli Pass, park on the left just before you get to the hairpin.We will then drive up to Sublime Point after a walk around the area.Cost: FreeWhat to Bring: A camera, pen and paper, water to drink, suitable shoes for walking.If you would like to attend please call or email Bushcare Office – 4227 8113

Wanted! Coastal communities around Australia to take a photo or two Earlier this year Green Cross Australia ran the Witness King Tides project just for Queensland and are proud to say that due to its success we are now rolling it out nationally. We need your help to capture the potential impacts of sea level rise right around Australia. King tides are extreme high tide events that occur when the sun and moon’s gravitational forces reinforce one another. These high water events allow us to visualise now how flooding from rising sea levels will impact our beaches, coastal areas and shoreline communities in the future.We need coastal communities across Australia to get out during the king tide to take a photo or two. The king tide occurs in NSW and Hobart in mid DecemberFor more information and to get involved visit the Green Cross Australia website

www.witnesskingtides.org

LOCAL NEWS & PROJECTS New Local Land Services

Proposed new Local Land Services boundariesThe proposed boundaries of the new Local Land Services have been released for public comment. Submissions close on Friday 7 December 2012. Local Land Services are the new regional service delivery organisations that will replace Catchment Management Authorities, Livestock Health & Pest Authorities and incorporate agricultural advisory services currently provided by Agriculture NSW. Local Land Services (LLS) will be regionally-based, semi-autonomous, statutory organisations, governed by locally elected and skills-based board members, delivering services for farmers and landowners. They are planned to begin operations in January 2014.Proposed BoundariesThe LLS Stakeholder Reference Panel has proposed a set of regional boundaries for the new organisations. Information on the rationale for the proposed boundaries is available on the NSW Government Have Your Say website at

www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/locallandservicesNotice that the proposed boundaries for the new organisations are a significant change from existing CMA regions. They are more in line with other regional frameworks, including being based on Local Government boundaries. The rationale for the regions is also different (based on communities of interest, as opposed to water catchments).How can I provide feedback?You can provide feedback via the Have Your Say website IssuesstilltobeconsideredIn the coming months, the LLS Reference Panel will develop proposals on several other key features

of LLS - including governance structures, funding frameworks and core functions. Proposals for each of these will also be open for public comment. Governance framework: The Panel has begun to consider papers and feedback on the governance framework of LLS. Members will provide further comments by 30 November 2012 and work will then begin on a draft proposal to be presented for public comment early next year. Review of rates: The Panel has begun to consider papers and feedback on rates and other funding sources for LLS. Again, members will provide further comments by 30 November 2012 and work will then begin on a draft proposal to be presented for public comment as soon as possible. Corefunctions:Ideas and feedback are being gathered through the Have Your Say website and initial consultations to determine the types of services that stakeholders and community would like to see LLS perform. This will be a key topic of discussion in the upcoming community consultations in February.

DRAFT Catchment Action Plan - Your Comments NeededAfter more than 12 months of community input and planning, the draft Southern Rivers Catchment Action Plan (CAP 2023) is now available for public comment until 9 December 2012. Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is eager to hear the community’s thoughts about the draft plan.

Header Image: Megan Rowlatt

LOCAL NEWS & PROJECTS

CAP 2023 sets the future direction for the delivery of agricultural and natural resource management (NRM) services across the Southern Rivers region for the next 10 years (2013-2023). It aims to provide opportunities for all sectors of the community, including farmers, landholders, business and industry and Aboriginal and community groups to participate in sustainable NRM.The NSW Minister for Primary Industries recently advised regional CAPs have an extra level of importance as the priorities outlined in these plans will guide whole of community and whole of government investment, including that of the new Local Land Services.To ensure the final plan reflects the community’s views CAP 2023 submissions can be made in writing to Southern Rivers CMA online at

www.yoursaysouthernriverscma.com.au

Native vs. Weeds and Rainforest bushwalkMegan RowlattIt was a drizzly miserable morning on Saturday the 3rd of November, but that didn’t deter 23 keen participants from visiting the old Corrimal Colliery.Landcare Illawarra project Officer, Richard Scarborough with landholders John Reay and Jill Hudson led the group around the property and shared their knowledge about over 100 years of history of the land use on the site, then demonstrated some simple techniques in identifying weed species from natives.Disturbance from mining activities over time has resulted in mass weed invasion around the property. But over the last three years John and Jill have worked tirelessly to rehabilitate areas of subtropical rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest which adjoins the NPWS managed state conservation area on the escarpment around Brokers’ Nose.Where large stands of madeira vine and in particular lantana previously invaded, now stands healthy native forest with new regeneration occurring in the understory.Participants then enjoyed a walk up into the escarpment to further learn about rainforest plants that Landcare Illawarra is collecting seed from as part of their Illawarra Woodland and Rainforest project.Participants ranged from landscapers, to university students to local Landcare and Bushcare volunteers. It was a great mix of people and we would like to thank John and Jill for hosting the day on their beautiful property.

Photos by Megan Rowlatt

MEET THE VOLUNTEERS Volunteer ProfileOur volunteers are the driving force of Landcare and often go unrecognised in the community for their hard work. They work tirelessley and contribute many hours to their local patch of native bushland. So we want to introduce them to you, and hear more about what makes them tick...Meet: Ryan KellenGroup: Illawarra Youth LandcareHow long have you been volunteering for?: I started volunteering with Illawarra Youth Landcare in 2009.What inspired you to get involved?: I’ve always been an outdoors person and love our natural areas.I always wanted to do some volunteer work but since I started working full time, I had a very busy schedule and it was hard to make volunteering a priority.I was introduced to Illawarra Youth Landcare through a relative and was interested in the concept that I would be working alongside a group of people similar in age and with a similar social interests as well as doing something for the environment.WhatdoyougetoutoftheLandcareexperience?: I get a sense of satisfaction that we are achieving something, contributing to the bigger picture even though our efforts are in small patches. I really enjoy seeing the results and the positive changes we make. Not just in the environment, but the people we help too. It’s really rewarding hearing that our work is appreciated and that we are making a difference. Working at a diversity of sites is great as I get to see places I would never normally go, and meet people I would never normally get an opportunity to meet.What has been your favourite project to date?: In 2011 and this year we went to Jenolan and Wombeyan Caves. These projects were my favourite. I got to see

some pretty awesome landscapes and met some great people. Not only did we meet the other volunteers, but we got to meet professionals who were experts in their field. Staff from NPWS gave us free guided tours through the caves so I learned a lot more about the site than just the impact of weeds. I learned about the overall ecosystems we were protecting.What would you say to someone who was thinking aboutgettinginvolvedinLandcare?:It’s not only about giving back to the environment, it’s about learning why what we are doing is important, applying the skills and knowledge we pick up along the way, seeing the results and meeting some really great people. And it really is fun!

Header Image: Gavin Nethery Image: by Megan Rowlatt

WEED WATCH Demonstration Videos

As part of a Community Action Grant funded by the Australian Government, Illawarra Youth Landcare were able to produce a number of resources to assist new volunteers to carry out natural area restoration work.Four demonstration videos were produced to introduce people interested in getting involved in natural area restoration to the likely techniques they would be using in weed removal.The videos are an introduction and aim to assist volunteers new to Landcare and Bushcare in developing some basic skills required to safely carry out Landcare activities in the local area. These videos were developed and delivered by the volunteers of Illawarra Youth Landcare, with assistance from Immersion Imagery, Ann Burbrook and Clover Hill Dairies and Seven Mile Beach Landcare group.Local musicians Dane Overton and Bec Sandridge also contributed to the project by providing the backing music for the videos.The videos cover Woody Weeds, Hand Pullables, Vines and Scramblers and Tools and Safety. We hope that the community can enjoy and make use of these resources which were developed with support from Landcare Illawarra through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country.

To view the videos visit the Illawarra Youth Landcare website

www.illawarrayouthlandcare.com.au

Header Image: Michael Feidlerler Images: Megan Rowlatt

ALONG THE BUSH TUCKER TRAIL

Pigface

Aboriginal name: The flower of the pigface is called ‘Kupburril’ which is also the Dharawal name of the island in Lake Illawarra that we call today Cudgery Island.

Botanical name: Carpobrotus glaucescens

Meaning of the Name: Greek: Carpobrotus karpus - meaning fruit, Brota - meaning edible things. Glaucescens – meaning bluey/green bloom that covers the leaves.

Habit: Prostrate, spreading habit.

Flowers & Fruit: Purple flowers with berry like fruit which is red/purple in colour.

Habitat: Coastal, sand dunes or rocky areas near the sea.

Edible UseFruit is edible and berry like. It and can be found below flower and is red/purple in colour. It tastes like salty fruit salad.I enjoy having a feed on my way home from good surf, nice and refreshing.Flowers are also edible.

Medicinal UseThe juice of the leaves was applied to the area that was stung by an insect.The juice was also used as a gargle to relieve the symptoms of a sore throat as well dysentery.

Indicator UseWhen pigface is in flower it indicates that tailor (fish) are swimming along the beaches.

Ecological UseSand/ sand dune bindingPropagatingSoft tip cuttingsPropagation from scarified seed

Landscaping/gardeningCan tolerate long dry periodsPest free most of the timeExtremely attractive plant

Header Image: Megan Rowlatt

Image: Danielle Langlois, Carpobrotus glaucescens

With Terry Rankmore

ALONG THE BUSH TUCKER TRAIL

With Terry Rankmore

ILLAWARRA WOODLAND & RAINFOREST PROJECT

Seed Collection Help Us OutSince March this year, Landcare Illawarra has provided about 4200 plants for 32 different sites. This included 210 nursery lots, representing both woodland and rainforest species. Some property owners received several batches of plants this year, and many of them will continue planting next year too. A big thanks to residents who have allowed property access for seed collections and well done the people who have grown these plants, and also the people who have been planting.If you would like to receive free plants next year for your planting projects contact Landcare Illawarra.SummerSeedCollectionsKeep your eye out for Cheese Tree fruit over the next few weeks. The fruit is a dry capsule that splits open to reveal bright reddish-orange seeds. The seeds are often seen still attached after the capsule has fallen off.Cheese Tree is a member of the Euphorbiaceae Family, along with Native Holly, Alchornia ilicifolia, Cascarilla, Croton verreauxii and Brush Bloodwood, Baloghia inophylla. These species also have dry fruits that split open, and they will be ready over Summer too.Boobialla, Myoporum acuminatum is a very useful tree to plant because Swamp Wallabies don’t eat them. The fruit is a berry, ripening from yellow to purple, with a small hard seed. It’s tricky to collect seed, as the fruits progressively ripen, and the birds get the ripe ones early. The species is one of 3 that are also called Corkwood for the characteristic corky bark.

If you can assist with our seed collections please contact us.For more information about the Illawarra Woodland and Rainforest project contact Richard Scarborough on 0438 988 387.

Header Image: Megan Rowlatt

Images: Richard Scarborough

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WollongongIllawarra Youth LandcareA team of young volunteers ranging in age from late teens to early thirties travel around once a month assisting an existing Landcare or Bushcare group in the Illawarra on their site. This is a great opportunity to see the region and learn about different environmental issues. Visit the website for project updates.www.illawarrayouthlandcare.com.auWollongong City Bushcare There are over 50 Bushcare sites throughout Wollongong from Windang and Dapto in the south to Helensburgh in the north. All Bushcare volunteers are working with Council to conserve our precious natural areas of bushland, foreshore, creek lines and escarpment. Bushcare groups usually meet regularly each week or each month, learning new skills and meeting new people while helping out the environment. Everyone is welcome to join the Bushcare program - every extra hand helps. For information on a group near you, contact Bushcare - 4227 8113 or visit the Bushcare section of the WollongongCityCouncilwebsite.

ShellharbourShellharbour City Council supports a number of Bushcare, Landcare and Parkcare groups across Shellharbour. To find out more information or to join a group, use the contact details below.Tullimbar Landcare, Albion Park. Meets at Elizabeth Brownlee Reserve (end of Digby Close), 2nd Wednesday and the 4th Saturday of the month 9am-1pm. Contact Ruth Jenkins on 4256 2684.Blackbutt Bushcare, Blackbutt. Meets in Blackbutt Forest, 3rd Sunday of the month 9am-12 pm. Contact Tony Hepworth on 4297 6490 for directions to the meeting site.Oakey Creek Bushcare. Meet at Oak Flats on the Boulevard end once a fortnight on Wednesdays 9-12MtWarrigalBushcare(AlexHoffmanReserve). Meets at Rowland Ave, 1st Thursday of the month 9am -12 noon.Currambene Reserve, Flinders. Meet at the corner of Clyde and Hennessy Street (near the village green) every second Saturday, 9am – 12noon. Contact Council on 4221 6111 for details.BoonerahPointBushcare,MtWarrigal.Meets east of Boonerah Point carpark (Reddal Parade) every second

Saturday, 1pm – 4pm.Grey Street Parkcare - meets irregularly.Mary Street Parkcare - meets irregularly.Bring a hat and sturdy shoes, Council supplies your tools and gloves.If you are interested in any of the above groups and would like more information, contact council on

4221 6111.

KiamaBombo Headland LandcareWhen: Generally meet on the 4th Saturday of the month from 2pm-4pmWhere: The Boneyard, Bombo Headland. Bring any tools, gloves you have. Seven Mile Beach LandcareWhen: Meet on the last Sunday of every month from 9am.Where: Seven Mile Beach Reserve, Gerroa. Contact Grant on kishmerinuk@bigpond.com for location details.LittleBlowholeLandcareWhen: Meet on the first Saturday of the month and work through the cooler part of the day from 2pm or sometimes from 3pm during daylight savings.Where: Little Blowhole Reserve, Kiama

What do I bring?Wear sturdy closed in shoes, long pants and long shirt to avoid insect bites, sun burn and scratches from vegetation. Wear a hat and sunscreen, bring gloves if you have some, plenty of drinking water and snacks if you need them.For more information about all of the active Landcare groups across the Illawarra region visit www.landcareillawarra.org.au or contact Landcare Community Support Officer - Megan on 4229 7526 communitysupport@conservationvolunteers.com

Event PromotionWould you like your Landcare projects advertised? Email your group details to communitysupport@conservationvolunteers.com.au or call 4229 7526. We can also promote your events and projects on our Landcare Illawarra Facebook profile www.facebook.com/landcareillawarra

LOCAL PROJECTS GET INVOLVED

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Coles Junior Landcare School Garden GrantRound 1 closes February 15 2013Since 2008 Coles has been providing School Garden Grants of up to $1,000 to schools and youth groups to help create gardens in their grounds or community, such as bush tucker gardens, water wise gardens or veggie gardens.

These programs encourage students to learn about the environment through “outdoor learning” and interaction in developing their own school gardens.

Round 1: closes 5pm (AEDT) Friday 15 February 2013Round 2: closes 5pm (AEST) Friday 10 May 2013Round 3: closes 5pm (AEST) Friday 2 August 2013

Visit www.juniorlandcare.com.au

Other WebsitesGrantsLINKThis website helps you find funding available under a variety of grant programs in a number of fields for individuals, businesses and communities to help you

to develop solutions to local, regional and national problems, fund ideas and initiatives or provide assistance in times of hardship www.grantslink.gov.au

Community BuildersThis is a free, government website listing ALL funding, environmental and other. It has some great pages including the Closing Soon section. Most of the websites that host Grant Application Forms also provide a guideline to applying for the funding www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au

If you need any assistance in applying for funding contact your Landcare Community Support Officer 4229 7526 or communitysupport@conservationvolunteers.com.au

Header Image: Megan Rowlatt

This resource was produced through funding from the Australian Government in partnership with Southern RiversCatchment Management Authority and Conservation Volunteers Australia.