Bellarine and Geelong

Environmental Volunteering Calendar

The Greater Geelong Plastic Pollution Count is happening this October and we are hosting a workshop and field session.

Come and join a fun group of people as we prepare you to be a citizen scientist monitoring plastic pollution in our region. This data is used by world leading researchers at CSIRO and the City of Greater Geelong.

You can expect to hear about the research happening all over the world in what is the worlds largest plastic pollution survey and practice the quick and simple transect methodology. You will meet new people with a passion for protecting our environment from the scourge of plastic pollution, have lots of laughs and enjoy a light lunch.

For more information, email info@bcn.org.au

Victoria has a strong history of environmental volunteering, with volunteers contributing enormously to improving our environment, our local communities and our economy.

More than 170,000 volunteers are currently volunteering for the environment and this webinar will explore resources and tools for engaging diverse groups.

The presenters will share a resource guide and training video. These explore practical ways to develop environmental volunteering that is inclusive for all people.

Guest presenters featuring in this webinar

Glenn works at Cultura Geelong and is the Project Coordinator at the Hope Community Garden. Cultura works to connect, inspire and embrace culturally diverse individuals through their programs. Glenn works in settlement support, community development, training, social inclusion and connection for multicultural communities. Glenn assisted in the development of the 'Inclusive Volunteering Guide' and will share his experience in working with Cultura and culturally diverse individuals.

Naomi is the Coastal and Education Program Leader at the Bellarine Catchment Network and a committee member of the Barwon Coast Committee of Management. She recently led the development of an inclusive volunteering guide in partnership with Cultura, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Geelong Rainbow and GenU. Naomi will share information on the 'Inclusive Volunteering Guide' and will also share a new training video that can be used by groups.

Immerse in well-being and biodiversity awareness at Edwards Point Wildlife Reserve, in conjunction with Parks Victoria. Craft seed bombs and cards with sustainable designer Emma Grace, filled with native plants to enhance biodiversity. Engage in a therapeutic weeding session for relaxation and nature connection. Focus on RAMSAR habitats supporting migratory birds and local Bellarine wildlife. Open to families and all ages, come support yourself and nature!

** Key Highlights ** Get outdoors and immerse your mind in nature. Free seed bombs & cards to take home for your garden. Explore stunning beach views at Edwards Point Reserve. Free morning tea & light lunch. 🌿🌸 Take a step towards well-being and conservation. Nurture your mental health, and contribute to a brighter, greener future 🌸🌿 Contact ledwards@cva.org.au for enquiries.

A Group Art Exhibition

Habitats are the places - homes - that allow native animals and plants to survive and thrive. The Bellarine Peninsula has outstanding diversity of habitats - rivers and lakes, heathy and grassy woodlands, coastal shrublands and wetlands of international importance - all within a relatively small area. Artisans of Australia, Bellarine Landcare Group and Bellarine Catchment Network are hosting four weeks of art and craft to celebrate these habitats.

Discover the captivating world of the critically endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot at Edwards Point Wildlife Reserve alongside Parks Victoria Rangers. Immerse yourself in an educational session led by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, experts dedicated to safeguarding this bird's habitat. Learn about the parrot's migratory journey, explore Edwards Point and its vital saltmarsh-wetland ecosystem, and make a direct impact through a hands-on weeding activity. Together, we can protect this species and its habitat for a brighter future.

** Key Highlights ** Educational session by Corangamite Catchment Management Authority. Habitat exploration at Edwards Point Wildlife Reserve. Guided hands-on weeding activity for habitat restoration. Free lunch and morning tea. 🦜🌎 All are welcome! Register now to be part of our Orange-Bellied Parrot conservation endeavour 🌎🦜 Contact ledwards@cva.org.au for enquiries.

Join Conservation Volunteers Australia for a unique volunteering opportunity at our NAIDOC Celebration Day, located at Taits Point, overlooking Lake Connewarre. This wetland location is a RAMSAR site for migratory birds and holds important ecological and cultural significance, particularly to indigenous ancestors.

We will begin the day with a smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country, and cultural education session provided by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Corp. Afterward, volunteers will enjoy a bush tucker themed morning tea and tasting, and have the opportunity to explore the parkland. Don't miss this chance to connect with the community and honor the cultural history of Lake Connewarre.

Hope to see you there!

Come and celebrate World Environment Day with us at Lake Connewarre! We're inviting all volunteers to join us in restoring the ecologically significant wetland by planting native seedlings. With your help, we can make a positive and lasting impact on this remarkable Ramsar site for migratory birds.

Our grateful landholders will provide all equipment and a delicious lunch, so all you need to bring is yourself. We're excited to work together to maintain and restore habitat connectivity and biodiversity of the wetland's surrounding ecosystem. All ages welcome.

Australia's laws are not protecting the natural ecosystems we rely upon. We believe a serious flaw lies within the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Currently directors' good faith civil obligations only require them to act ‘in the best interests of the corporation’ (s181). This narrow focus permits them to put their economic goals ahead of our existential goal! Maximising shareholder returns should not be at the expense of the public good and the environment.

On 25 May in Geelong, Geelong Sustainability is co-hosting the global launch of The Code for Corporate Citizenship, an elegantly simple solution devised by corporate lawyer, Robert Hinkley. By inserting a new clause into section 181 of the Corporations Act, directors would need to act ‘in the best interests of the corporation but not at the expense of severe harm to the environment’.

#TheCode would rebalance the civic obligations of company directors and have a real impact in relieving the climate emergency.

Geelong Sustainability’s campaign partners include the Centre for Climate Safety, ADAC - A Different Approach Community, The Sustainable Hour and Geelong Media.

We're keen to connect with local community groups and business people to explore this idea.

Please join in the discussion at the launch event at the Geelong Library at 5pm on Thursday 25 May 2023.

Tickets $5 via Eventbrite. To learn more or to sign our open letter, visit supportthecode.au.

Join us among the beautiful Coastal Moonah Woodland and help us rehabilitate this threatened habitat by planting local indigenous plants at Queenscliff Cemetery, Corner of Point Lonsdale Rd and Jordan Rd Point Lonsdale.
This community event is open to all and will involve:

  • Revegetation activities
  • Flora and fauna walk 'n' talk
  • Free BBQ lunch at 12:30pm

Just turn up on the day or to book or for more info, contact matt@bcn.org.au, Bellarine Catchment Network

The National Celtic Festival is seeking volunteers to help make their 2023 festival as green as possible!

Green Team volunteers will assist keeping the festival clean, helping festival patrons dispose of litter and more! If you, or someone you know, is interested in being part of the action at this year's Festival, remind them to fill out an application and email it to volunteers@nationalcelticfestival.com.

There are lots of shifts available and all volunteers receive a free ticket to the festival. For more information, contact volunteers@nationalcelticfestival.com

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