NEWS DESK Bird ‘ranching’ THE federal government is partnering with Moon lit Sanctuary, Pearcedale to build an aviary for young orange-bellied parrots to survive their first winter. Research has shown that a high proportion of the endangered parrots born in the wild fail to survive their first migration across Bass Strait to Tasmania. “With only 50 adults left in the wild, and around 350 adult birds in captivity, we need to increase the breeding population – every bird matters here,” Flinders MP Greg Hunt said. “Using this technique, known as ranching, the birds will be released back into the wild population in Tasmania next summer, increasing the breeding population in 2018-19.” Environment and Energy Minister Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg said the government had “mobilised more than $6 million for projects to support the parrot since 2014”. “This includes multi-year emergency biosecurity measures, vaccination protocols for controlling pisttacine beak and feather disease - a key threat to the birds - and supporting recovery actions guided by the Orange-bellied Parrot Strategic Action Planning Group.” For details about the orangebellied parrot and another 19 threatened birds go to www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/ threatened/commissioner
Natural lessons for schoolchildren IT was a windy day with reptiles slithering, veggies growing, insects, bugs and spiders crawling, poo composting, water and plastic recycling and the sounds of frogs croaking. But there was nothing to fear or complain about as it was all part of the 35th Mornington Peninsula Schools Environment Week at The Briars historic property, Mt Martha. Teachers and volunteers over the week (19-22 March) were instilling in more than 2000 schoolchildren the belief that they can make a difference to the world by living a sustainable life. Indigenous leaders taught children about Victorian Aboriginal culture and the youngsters tasted bush tucker and explored Aboriginal bushcraft, language and community. Lionel Lauch shared his knowledge of local food and fibre plants and showed how they are harvested. Fishcare promoted responsible and sustainable fishing attitudes while Tony O’Connor helped students learn the need to protect animal habitat. There were lessons in growing veggies from seeds and seedlings and how to set up a worm farm; fruit and vegies were promoted as healthy snacks. Wildlife enthusiast Andrew Wegener shared his knowledge of the varied and unique animals and ecosystems in Australia while Friends of the Hooded Plover explained why the bird is threatened on Mornington Peninsula beaches. Landcare’s puppet show taught how to care for bushland animals by protecting them from predators while
Scales and feathers: Environment Week at The Briars was an opportunity for Jessica Cole to get wrapped in a friendly python, top left, and Sophie Hardy and Mikayla Kane from Mornington Secondary College to find out if lizards liked being cuddled (luckily, yes), above. Meanwhile, Denis Goss from Friends of the Hooded Plover, left, talked birds with Somerville Rise Primary School pupils Pippa, Joel and Dakota. Pictures: Yanni
Southern Peninsula Flora and Fauna Association (SPIFFA) members were there to help create wildlife-friendly school grounds. The CFA taught fire safety and
FRANKSTON HIGH SCHOOL
2019 Enrolment Information and School Tours A learning culture that money cannot buy
Seaweed Sally, a marine biologist, let children handle live ocean creatures found in peninsula waters. BERG Mt Martha and Birdlife Morning Peninsula showed how to
check the health of wetlands. National Trust and Briars Garden volunteers showed how sustainability was alive and well at the homestead in the 1800s. Barry Morris
FREE EVENT 50+ Buskers 20+ Food Trucks Free Outdoor Cinema Kids Amusements Ten Sixty One Cider Bar
Frankston High School has an outstanding reputation as a high performing school, particularly in the areas of academic achievement, music and sport. Prospective parents are encouraged to attend an information session and tour of the school on the following dates:
• Monday 23 April • Tuesday 24 April • Thursday 26 April • Wednesday 2 May • Friday 4 May
All tours to start at 9.15am For parents unable to attend through the day, an information evening will be held on Wednesday 2 May at 7.00pm As places are limited, bookings are required for all tours. Please book via our website at www.fhs.vic.edu.au From Monday 19 March 2018
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Southern Peninsula News 27 March 2018
31 Mar - 1 Apr 2018 11am - 9pm The Briars, Mt Martha www.buskingfestival.com.au