NEWS DESK
Donations help land, sea projects PUBLIC donations have helped Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation pay for a greenhouse on French Island and support research into protecting bryozoan reefs. Like corals, bryozoans are invertebrate animals, and have established reefs unique to Western Port. Biosphere foundation CEO Mel Barker said the money being used for the two projects resulted from the recent $50,000 in 50 days fundraising campaign. Barker said the donated money would pay for a greenhouse to be used by French Island Landcare to establish a nursery and community garden. While in the marine environment the money would go towards a research project into protecting the bay’s bryozoan reefs. “These are projects with significant environmental merit that our campaign enabled us to we support,” Barker said. “We have been very pleased to be able to notify our donors so quickly about how their money is being put to good use in promoting biodiversity and developing strategies to protect our most valuable natural assets.” The greenhouse for French Island will be a polytunnel which will be used to grow indigenous tube stock, bush foods, vegetable seedlings, ferns and local orchids. It will support the island Landcare group’s revegetation and shelter- belt projects. The money will also enable scientists to expand their research into Western Port's bryozoan reefs.
Bowl a strike for fundraiser
NICOLE Wilson, left, sieves sediment and screens a bryozoan sample for protected fauna. The “cleaned” samples are transported to La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus to be measured for biodiversity and abundance. Right: Dr Travis Dutka (left) receives a bryozoan colony collected by diver Kade Mills to study growth rates. Collected under permit and made possible by the in-kind use of the Trochus owned by the Port of Hastings Corporation. Pictures: Supplied “In a wondrous underwater environment that is out of sight of all but the most experienced divers, the bryozoa that comprise these reefs are non-photosynthetic filter feeders commonly referred to as lace corals,” Barker said. “The Western Port bryozoans are special because they are shallow, large
and form contiguous reefs providing important habitat for a multitude of marine species including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and worms. “They also provide shelter for some species from the strong currents that are typical of this marine waterway. Historically, they and the marine species they have nurtured and protected
have been damaged by dredging and other human activities.” The reef research led by La Trobe University and marine consulting and research firm, Fathom Pacific, will quantify the extent of the fragile reefs, processes that threaten and make them vulnerable and will shed light on their growth rate. Keith Platt
HOLEY Moley and Strike Bowling in Frankston are cutting prices for a day to raise money for headspace. Activities at the two popular spots will be reduced to just $5 on 6 September to raise money for the mental health organisation. Funlab CEO Michael Schreiber said that the company hopes to raise $250,000. “Partnering with headspace is a really important initiative for everyone in our Funlab team. We have young people coming through our doors everyday, both team members and guests. So this is an opportunity for us to not only raise funds for a very important charity, but to support youth mental health, while providing a fun experience for friends and families,” he said. “We want to encourage everyone to jump online and book an activity slot at their local Funlab for $5, or come down on the day, and get involved to help us reach our biggest fundraising goal yet of $250,000.” Prebook a $5 spot online at funlab.com/day-of-fun
WHAT’S NEW...
Unforgettable experiences for Dads at Frankston Arts Centre WITH Father’s Day approaching, shopping centres are filling with people hunting for the perfect gift for the Dad who has everything. Rather than showing your appreciation with more ‘stuff’, treat Dads to a live show this Father’s Day. Whether he loves classic Rock, Opera, Comedy, Country or Classical Music – find Dad the gift he really wants – time and experiences to create memories with his family – close to home at the Frankston Arts Centre. For Dads who love to reminisce, take a trip down memory lane in September with The Big Chill on Sunday 18 September. Featuring music from the hugely popular film, including the magnificent music of the Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Creedence and more. The Queen Forever: Break Free Tour on Saturday 8 October is perfect for anyone who wants to break free and rock with Australia’s most popular Queen show. Expect a highly entertaining evening paying tribute to one of the top rock bands of all time and its legendary front man, Freddie Mercury. Celebrating the songs of one of Australia’s most successful and iconic groups, the Australian Seekers Show on Sunday 9 October will be truly unique and Australian through and through. Relive the folk era of the sixties and the inspirational music of The Seekers. A unique and hilarious experiment promises to entertain and enthral audiences on Sunday 9 October when acclaimed opera singer David Hobson and comedian Colin Lane come together to perform In Tails. Music loving Dads will love The Traveling Wilburys Sessions on Saturday 15 October. Inspired by the supergroup including Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, George
Harrison, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison and reimagined by some of Australia’s favourite musicians. In a rare production, Ginar Australia invites Dads to discover the music, history and culture of the land and sea from the top of Australia to the border of Papua New Guinea. A full-bodied indigenous song and dance from the tropics, this performance will take you on a journey to tropical north east Australia on Saturday 22 October. For Dads who dig the blues, The Three Kings is not to be missed on Monday 31 October. Three of Australia’s greatest musicians will pay homage to BB King, Freddie King and Albert King in this exclusive show. The mega-hits and stories of country music legends Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and Conway Twitty will come alive in Coal Miner’s Daughter on Wednesday 16 November. This sensational musical tribute weaves anecdotes and comedy through a catalogue of hits. Handel’s Messiah will delight classical music fans when Melbourne Symphony Orchestra tours to Frankston Arts Centre on Thursday 15 December. Along with the mighty MSO Chorus, this performance will inspire joy and wonder from both first-time listeners and long-time fans. Two music legends will be celebrated in Sir Cliff & I on Friday 16 December. A great way to celebrate the end of the year, Marty Rhone performs his and Sir Cliff Richard’s music history in this amazing audio-visual spectacular. For those hard-to-buy-for Dads, a gift card for the Frankston Arts Centre may be just the ticket. Purchase a Frankston Arts Centre gift card or tickets online at thefac. com.au or call Box Office on 03 9784 1060. Frankston Times
23 August 2022
PAGE 7