The Wild Connection 111
Secretary’s Notes
No General Meeting will be held in December as we will be enjoying Christmas Lunch instead. Lunch will be held at the One Tree Hill Hotel, starting at 12.30pm on the verandah (where we were last year). Please RSVP to me on 0419 582 102 or argbrenda@gmail.com by 4th December.
Our next General Meeting will be held on Saturday 1st February. At this meeting final decisions will be made on what to use the bequeath money on. Please attend this meeting if you want to have a say in this decision. Suggestions brought forward so far are:
– Nest boxes & bench seat in memory of Ray Wallace at Lake Tom Thumb.
– Fund a darter in Bendigo
– Virtual Fencing trial
– Campaign for carers with land for releasing joeys
– Recruiting & training
– Laptop & software
Please note a change in mileage reimbursements. We will now reimburse transporters whose transporting destination is over 50km at the normal rate of .25c per km. Please fill in a mileage form and return to the secretary.
I am in need of an iphone XS or newer to support taking card payments for WRIN by phone. If you have a cheap one available please contact me.
We welcome the addition to the newsletter updates from the Central Victorian Bat Alliance. If you wish to provide a segment to the newsletter please contact me.
General Meeting Held:
Eighteen memberships were renewed. Six donations, and one bequeathment were received. We thank everyone for their support.
Virtual fencing was once again discussed. WRIN to look into having pro’s and con’s presenters at the February meeting?
Septembers Bunning Sausage Sizzle went exceedingly well, it was a busy day and we raised $1,834.50.
Lynne reported Vyonne and herself did a talk on WRIN to the Strathfieldsaye Probus Club and Needles & Threads Club.
Julie Sloan reported on how well the Central Victorian Bat Alliance group is growing. Advocating and providing information to the community, debunking myths and discussing better outcomes for bats with Lisa Chesters at a forum.
It was mentioned to put in the next newsletter that those wishing to put their opinions forward regarding making a decision on what to put the bequeathed money towards to attend the February meeting as final decisions will be made at that meeting.
Brenda suggested making petrol reimbursement available for transporters that transport over 50km due to the increase of joeys having to be transported to Woodend, Gisborne and McIntyre. All approved.
Cheryl asked through Brenda if we could give a Cert. of Appreciation to the Marong Men’s Shed for making the nest boxes. All approved. Also, if WRIN could have a 5kg bag of milk powder available for emergencies. All approved.
Everyone is happy to have Xmas lunch at the One Tree Hill Hotel again this year. Brenda to make booking.
Central Victorian Bat Alliance (CVBA)
Welcome to the first CVBA update in The Wild Connection. We are pleased to introduce CVBA to the Wild Connection community with thanks for the opportunity to share positive stories and news about all bats. CVBA is a volunteer community group of bat supporters formed in July 2023 dedicated to enhancing biodiversity and conservation outcomes through advocacy, education and community awareness.
Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight and make up the second most numerous mammal group after rodents. They appear in fossil records about 65 million years ago. Micro bats can weigh only a few grams, while mega bats such as the Grey-headed Flying-fox weigh up to 1kg. Djarra consider the bat to be an important totemic animal, however many bat species are now threatened or endangered from threats including urbanisation, habitat loss, myth/misinformation, and warming climate.
CVBA is not a bat-rescue group, our priorities are support for sharing our parks and gardens and ending forced displacement of bat camps. Supporting carers and local soft release programs, debunking stereotypical myths, and ending misinformation using evidence based information.
In our first year we enjoyed providing Bat Information Advocacy Stalls at community events including:
- Family Day at Bendigo Library for International Bat Appreciation Day
- Bendigo Sustainability Festival at Bendigo Botanic Gardens
- ACF’s Community Nature Forum at La Trobe University attended by MP Lisa Chesters.
- We participated in City of Greater Bendigo ‘Bat Buddies’ program and presented copies of the beautiful bat book “Life Upside Down” to Bendigo Sustainability Group
- North Central Goldfields Library to promote accurate information about bats and their importance to our planet and lives.
CVBA works collaboratively with projects “On Country” promoting cultural and educational partnerships, ecosystem health and political advocacy highlighting the vital role played by native bats. CVBA welcomes new supporters passionate about supporting bats. If you are interested or would like more details please feel free to contact us at secretary.cvballiance@gmail.com
Baby Birds
What to do when you find a baby bird. Careful assessment much be exercised to avoid unnecessary (and possibly harmful) intervention. Below is a flow diagram to assist in the process.
Coming Up
- Monday 2nd December 2024 – 1.30pm Committee Meeting, 1 Ruth Street, Golden Square
- Saturday 7th December 2024 – 12.30pm Christmas Lunch, One Tree Hill Hotel, Retreat Road, Spring Gully.
- Monday 27th January 2025 – 1.30pm Committee Meeting,1 Ruth Street, Golden Square
- Saturday 1st February 2025 – 12.30pm General Meeting, Golden Square Community Hall, Old High Street, Golden Square
1.40pm Virtual Fencing Presentation. Tea & coffee supplied. Please bring a plate to share. - Sunday 30th March 2025 – 10.00am Bendigo Sustainability Festival Stall, Garden for the Future, White Hills