New direction for conservation

The Otway Community Conservation Group recently held a  workshop  to  address future directions and potential projects for the management, protection and enhancement of biodiversity in the Otway region. OCCN facilitator Luke Hynes was encouraged by the outcomes of the workshop and feedback given by all representatives. “Suggested project areas included further networking between groups, improving [...]

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Emerging thoughts on tackling climate change

The recent Shell EcoVolunteers Geelong Climate Change Forum run by Conservation Volunteers Australia opened with a message for us all.   David Tournier of the Wathaurong Community welcomed the attendees with the words “I have been involved in land care since birth” – a sobering thought for a group of people meeting to discuss environmental challenges [...]

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Next steps to realising our future

The forum generated various ideas for the next steps that could be taken towards realising our future aspirations as coast carers. These ideas could be grouped into four key themes. In the conversations we have from now onwards, we need to: continue to talk about the BIG questions that we hold and find ways of [...]

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If we had a magic wand…

During the forum, the group was asked this question: If we had a magic wand that we could wave to make our work together everything we hoped for, what tangible things would we see? The following responses provide a glimpse into our goals and hopes for the future as coast carers: We have more volunteers, [...]

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Lessons to be remembered and carried forward

The forum provided an opportunity to share stories and, through these, to learn from each other’s experiences as coast carers. While each story was different, a number of common lessons emerged during the telling that could be applied to just about everyone’s story. These are the key points that we want to share, remember and [...]

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Who does what where?

The forum provided an opportunity for coastal volunteers to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the various land managers and government agencies involved in caring for the coast. COAST ACTION/COASTCARE Coast Action/Coastcare supports community volunteer groups involved in caring for Victoria’s coast. This role encompasses: coordinating volunteers for coastal projects funding projects through [...]

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Coast care conversations and stories

On a sunny winter’s day at the end of August, around 50 people gathered for conversations at the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club. People from community groups and government agencies who are passionate about our coastal environment spent the day sharing stories and their ideas for the future. Here are some examples of what was harvested from the day to share and carry forward with those who attended the workshop and others who didn’t.

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Sending a message

Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection and enhancement of Australia’s oceans, waves and beaches. Marine debris is a key Surfrider initiative due to its detrimental impacts on marine and coastal environments. Through local beach cleanups and community education activities, volunteers, community groups, industry and government agencies, and other environmental organisations are actively engaged in making a positive and sustainable impact on marine debris.

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Boxthorn no match for community enterprise

Boxthorn is a highly invasive weed that poses a very serious threat to indigenous vegetation. The Princetown Landcare group decided enough was enough and started to take direct action against Boxthorn infestations in the area. Through these efforts, Princetown Landcare has achieved so much more than it initially expected in terms of addressing the scourge of Boxthorn. Although the group’s work is still a long way from being finished, the project is already seeing positive movement toward a more cooperative, cohesive and caring community that is united by a common issue.

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Playful whale heralds in a great day for forum goers

The Community Forum for Coastal Volunteers last Sunday, 29 August 2010, turned out to be quite an experience for all concerned. Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club was abuzz with the conversation and laughter of some 40 voices as Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator Jess Brown welcomed everyone and introduced facilitator Geoff Brown. Geoff got straight down to business working with the group to map out the connections between the various groups and agencies represented. Three guest speaker presentations followed, highlighting different types of connections and the benefits of building constructive networks, before everyone had an opportunity to share their own stories via a ‘Jumpstart Story’ process. After lunch, the group settled into the task of future gazing, including identifying the ‘X factors’ for success. Meanwhile the various land managers worked on simple but enlightening role statements to support them in communicating and connecting with others. Finally, the discussion moved to the next steps needed to making the future a reality, with the first step being to share what happened at the forum via this blog. Over the coming weeks, the forum’s outcomes will be progressively added to this blog for participants to refer to and comment on, and to share with those who weren’t there, including people we don’t even know from coasts in other parts of the world. We look forward to sharing these experiences with you and invite you to post your impressions, thoughts and ideas to this blog – and to spread the word to others.

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