On Saturday 8th November, HCCC and members of the Shepparton Afghan community enjoyed a wonderful picnic day at Ruffy Recreation Reserve. Whilst the wind was a bit chilly, the rain held off, and everyone was kept warm and cosy beside the fantastic new fire pit. Locals and Afghani’s alike enjoyed some fabulous BBQ chicken, with flatbread and salads, and some scrumptious desserts. Thank you to Safar for providing, organising and helping cook the BBQ.
The Ruffy CFA truck was there, as well as the Shepparton CFA educational van, with fire safety videos available in various languages. Thanks to Felicity Cook from Ruffy CFA and Gina Sozzi from Shepparton CFA for their support on the day.
They also helped in a demonstration of how to manage a snake bite, with Justus Hagen playing the victim.
The children all enjoyed running around the oval, playing with balls and flying kites, and many joined in the soccer match after lunch, with teams made up of a mixture of ages and abilities from both communities. Â With Justus refereeing, the final score was 5 all, so the teams were well matched. There may have been a few feeling a bit sore the following day.
It was an enjoyable day all round and a great way to engage with people from different backgrounds and to help people newly arrived in Australia to gain some understanding of what HCCC Landcare is all about. Thank you to Safar Ibrahimi, Jenny Webb, Fearghus Wallis and Justus Hagen for bringing this event to life.
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The next ramble is a collaboration between Highland Ramblers and 'The Last Stand' project that's been surveying the tree-dwelling mammals of the area. All welcome.
Date: Sunday 29th June. Start time: Meet at Highlands Hall at 10 am, or in Caveat at cnr Yurittas Rd and Highlands Rd at 10.20 am. Finish time: approx. 2 pm
This ramble will explore several parts of the Caveat Forest, either side of Forest Rd. We'll look at the forest from the viewpoint of the endangered Southern Greater Glider, one of the forest's precious inhabitants. Along the way we'll learn some of the history of the forest, how to identify the forest tree species, why that's important and the landscape characteristics that have determined the forest's current status.This is a largely off-track ramble across flat to gently sloping terrain. Most of the forest is fairly open at ground level, so therewon't be too much bush-bashing. Total length is 4 km, but can be shortened if the weather insists!
The walk is weather dependent, so RSVP is a must - text Bert 0409 433276, or Sam 0417 576 306.
Please wear clothes appropriate for the weather and sturdy footwear. BYOÂ water, snacks and lunch.The Last Stand project and this walk are supported by Landcare Australia.
Updated: Jun 10
The AGM for the HCCC Landcare network was held on Saturday January 18th at the Ruffy TLCC. A creditable turnout of 22 members attended and it was decided that as the weather was so nice, that the meeting was to be held outside under the shady trees.
So, along with a serenade from a nearby Rufous Whistler, the president, Justus Hagen, delivered his annual report (attached). Highlights for the year included, our 40 year anniversary celebrations, the commencement of the Landcare Futures G2G project, Soil health, the Hazara community engagement day at Euroa Arboretum and thanks to committee members, facilitators and the community for their ongoing support.
Janet Hagen, Neil van Buuren and Vanessa Malandrin delivered their reports, highlighting increased focus and success in weed management throughout the year, greater community and council awareness and involvement in weed management, the G2G Landcare Futures project and HCCC’s increased positive profile as a result, Soil Health event day at Seymour Racecourse among others. (reports attached).
The G2G project was the major event of the year, and puts us in a position to move on with several projects once funding is received. We now have our Landcare Plan and a new journey has just begun.
Focus areas:
·      Improving Hughes creek connectivity and condition in partnership with Taungurung.
·      Greater Glider Glideways (endangered species) biolinks alliance.
·      Promoting a holistic approach to restoring landscape hydrology.
·      Supply shed for reduced carbon emissions in beef.
·      Restoring the giant sponge. Protecting creeks, bogs, dams and wetlands.
·      Environmental planting for shade and shelter for stock.
·      Grazing management to improve soil health.
Vanessa’s contract with HCCC is now completed, and she was thanked by Justus for all of her work and provided with a small gift.
Pauline Roberts provided the TGN editor’s report, highlighting the amazing readership of 721 subscribers. Thanking the back page sponsors for their ongoing support and interested community members for sending in letters, articles and social event information.
Neville Ford (Treasurer) provided the financial reports for the current period and also a year-on-year comparison, showing our continued excellent financial health. Some bank account changes were discussed and new signatories to be updated.
The election of office bearers saw the incumbent members being returned for another year with unanimous support.
President: Justus Hagen,
Vice President: Fearghus Wallis,
Secretary: Sue van Buuren.
Following the formalities, an enjoyable lunch of bbq meats was prepared by Neil and Sue van Buuren, and ably helped at the hotplate by Michael Kaponica. Other members supplied salads and yummy desserts for all to share. Beer was provided courtesy of Moondog Craft brewery. The location was perfect, the food and drinks were enjoyed by all, and the conversation was lively and convivial. A very successful AGM and testament to the HCCC’s continued community engagement and presence.
