Marvellous Monotremes
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chidna trains and platypus lanes is the theme of a Wimmera Landcare and Wimmera Regional Library event on Tuesday.
The ‘Marvellous Monotremes’ event will focus on some of the unique features of monotremes – echidnas and platypuses, the only marsupials that lay eggs. Author, environmental physiologist and educator Dr Peggy Rismiller will join wildlife ecologist and platypus expert Josh Griffiths for children’s activities in Horsham Library during the day and a presentation at night. The free events are part of Wimmera Catchment Management Authority’s focus on the Wimmera’s rare and endangered wildlife and follow a visit in March by television host Chris Humfrey, from Wild Action Zoo. The children’s event is from 11am to 12.30pm. People can RSVP direct to Horsham Library on 5382 5707. For the evening event, which starts at 7pm and includes a light supper, people can RSVP to Wimmera CMA online at www. wcma.vic.gov.au or phone 5382 9933. Both events are free. Wimmera CMA chief executive David Brennan said Dr Rismiller and Mr Griffiths
an award for climate change research in 2003 and was awarded the Order of Australia for services to science in 2006.
Ararat Men’s Shed win
Ararat and District Men’s Shed is among 15 across Victoria to receive a State Government grant. Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos announced the grants, worth $750,000, to build 15 new men’s sheds. She said men’s sheds enhanced the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Mackenzie River
She has published several books and travels extensively to share her knowledge with schools, conservation groups and the broader community. Dr Rismiller is affiliated with the University of Adelaide and is a visiting lecturer at the Hannover School of Veterinary Science, Germany. She was elected a member of the International Society of Women Geographers in 1997, received
Mr Griffiths is from Melbourne environmental research company cesar. For the past seven years, he has worked with Wimmera CMA to monitor the region’s last-known platypus population in the Mackenzie River. He is also part of a Melbourne University project to develop new eDNA technology and further boost monitoring efforts for platypus, as well as other species such as carp, to help organisations such Wimmera CMA protect valued wildlife and control pests. Mr Griffiths has also been involved in setting up the interactive website platypusSPOT, which offers wildlife enthusiasts an opportunity to contribute to a community-driven database on platypus distribution. This information is being used to help assess the status of platypuses and develop appropriate conservation strategies. On her way to Horsham Dr Rismiller, will visit Kaniva Library at 4pm for story time and children’s activities, followed by a presentation for adults at 5pm. People can phone Kaniva Library on 5392 2723 to book.
meal ordered at the Railway Hotel. Mr Grigg said day passes cost $10 and included entry to the art show, stick shed, water
tower museum and sumpoilers. Passes can be purchased from three Murtoa venues, Stuff ya Guts Takeaway, Murtoa Post Office and SLAAM Neighbourhood House. People can also send a pre-addressed envelope with a cheque or money order to: Murtoa’s Big Weekend c/SLAAM, PO Box 26, Murtoa, 3390. Mr Grigg said passes would also be at venues throughout Murtoa’s Big Weekend. He said people could visit www.murtoa.net/bigweekend to download a brochure, or follow the Big Weekend Facebook page for up-to-date information and competitions at www.facebook.com/MurtoaBigWeekend.
UNIQUE: Josh Griffiths with a Wimmera platypus. were at the cutting edge of wildlife research and would give a fascinating insight into the two unique Australian animals for both children and adults. Dr Rismiller is a senior researcher at the Pelican Lagoon Research Centre on Kangaroo Island where she has lived and worked with echidnas, Rosenberg’s goannas and tiger snakes for the past 26 years.
Wesley PAC
Friday 18 September | 8pm
wesleypac.com.au or Helloworld 03 5382 6699
83 Wilson Street, Horsham Phone: 5382 1057
ow New ticketing for Murtoa weekend Keith Hall & Pat DDU O BLUES Murtoa’s Big Weekend committee has introduced weekend and day passes for this year’s event.
Murtoa’s Big Weekend, now in its 18th year, will be on October 3, 4 and 5. President David Grigg said the committee was excited about the new concept. “The passes will enable people to enjoy the many wonderful features the 2015 Big Weekend has to offer, at an affordable price,” he said. Mr Grigg said people could choose a weekend pass, or a day pass for the Saturday or Sunday. He said the weekend pass cost $20 and included entry or discounted entry to opening night, including The Dressmaker 1950s dress-up com-
Murtoa Stick Shed petition; the art show; Murtoa Stick Shed; Water Tower Museum; Dunmunkle Sumpoilers; $5 off Murtoa Cup entry; and a complimentary drink with a
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National Award Winners
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SAT SEP 19
Jason Bull - The Piano Man & Alan Barnett
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