Newsletter - Spring Edition - SERCUL

SERCUL ProjectsSERCUL TeamBuildingPlanting DayThe SERCUL staff held their annualteam-building planting day on the 23rdAugust. Twelve hundred seedlingswere planted at the Urban WaterwaysRenewal site in Armadale along theWungong River.A site tour of the Southern River UWRsites was also held.Beckenham Open SpaceOver the last season at the Beckenham Open Space (BOS), we have engaged with anumber of community groups including many school students for planting opportunities.The sessions were enjoyed by everybody involved and a total of 3640 plants wereinstalled.Weeding activities have also continued due to the beautiful sunny winter we areexperiencing.A big thank you to all our volunteers who have assisted with both planting and weedingat the BOS and around the homestead gardens. They are sure to be a success with thelovely rain we are having.Works have commenced on the new restoration site ‘Wimbledon Street Wetland’ onthe Yule Brook opposite the SERCUL homestead across the Kenwick Link. This is ahighly disturbed area along the Brook. Weed control has been the main concentrationtargeting grassspecies. Earthworkscommenced lastmonth and wehave assisted in theremoval of willowtrees as well asscalping the soilto construct thewetland.Yule Brook in flood, August 2013UWR Southern RiverSERCUL has completed the rejuvenation and restoration ofproject sites within the Urban Waterway in the Southern RiverCatchment.After three challenging and rewarding years of Urban WaterwayManagement in the Southern River catchment, the project hasachieved: the creation of seven wetlands; installation of fiverock riffles; 223 650 local native plants installed; 58 hectares ofweed control; and the removal of 3500 m 3 of sediment, weedsand rubbish. This has been achieved through a successfulpartnership between the Australian Government (SEWPAC),SERCUL, City of Armadale, Department of Water, Swan RiverTrust, Water Corporation and the community.Community groups such as the Armadale Gosnells LandcareGroup, Friends of Forrestdale Lake and Friends of PalominoReserve have been pivotal in engaging the community inthe project and delivering on-ground results including theengagement of 973 volunteers who have contributed 3843 hourstowards completing the project.A big thanks to Neil Burbridge, Shane Asmus and Ken Goode4Riverside Lane constructed wetland, Wungong Riverfrom the City of Armadale whose support has extended theproject to include two additional project sites on the intersectionof Lake and Ranford Roads. The City of Armadale have alsocommitted to constructing a heritage trail through this area.Other project extensions have included a hydrocarbon surveythrough the Kelmscott Industrial area to identify sources of oilpollution in the catchment. The success of this project hasseen a similar survey conducted by SERCUL in the MaddingtonIndustrial area.Thanks to Dan Walker from the City of Armadale for his dedicationand ongoing support of the project. Thanks also to Karl Karufrom Urban Ecosystems for his design advice, supervision of siteworks and commitment to see these projects through from startto finish.The project would not have happened without the foresight andcommitment to the environment of Ron Van Delft whom sadlypassed away in 2012. Wehope we have done hisvision for these sites justiceand provided a fitting legacyto Ron and others whospend their lives trying toprotect and improve thelocal environment.We hope that it’s onlythe beginning of UrbanWaterway Renewal in thisregion.Jute matting installation atThird Road project site

Catchment GroupsArmadale Gosnells landcare GroupThe Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group have had a busy fewmonths planting. Since the start of June, we have hosted 22planting days across our 17 sites. With fantastic support fromschool groups and community members we have planted 29 000seedlings using 2000 volunteer hours.Of note was a huge effort from Kelmscott Primary School, with theentire school helping plant 1900 seedlings over two days alongthe Canning River behind their school. We celebrated SchoolsNational Tree Day again this year with Clifton Hills Primaryschool, planting 2580 plants over two days along the CanningRiver in Kelmscott.We teamed up once again with the City of Gosnells to host aNational Tree Day event at Yilgarn Way on the Southern River.The event was attended by 132 volunteers who planted 5040seedlings over the morning.Volunteers planting at AGLG National Tree DayBannister CreekThe Bannister Creek Catchment Group has been workingclosely with Lynwood Senior High School since the introductionof a specialist program for Environment and Life Sciences in2011.Lynwood Senior High School students have participated in CleanUp Australia Day events at Bannister Creek for the last threeyears, helping to make the Creek an even nicer place to be.The school has undertaken many planting activities at BannisterCreek, especially in the Urban Waterways Renewal site plantingboth wetland and dryland species. Lynwood students haveinstalled approximately 5000 plants within the UWR site alone.On behalf of all the frogs andturtles, the Bannister CreekCatchment Group would like tothank the students and staff fortheir hard work and continuedsupport.Two Rivers CatchmentGroup National Tree DayTwo Rivers Catchment Group and SERCUL ran a National TreeDay event on Sunday, 28 July on the Canning River Foreshorein the Canning River Regional Park in Wilson. Fifty-threecommunity volunteers came down for the morning and helpedto plant 4650 native seedlings. Most of the plants installed weresedges to help stabilise this area of river floodplain and providehabitat for thenative animals ofthe area.The CanningLions Club put ona barbecue lunchthat was muchappreciated by allthe volunteers. Itwas a successfuland enjoyablemorning and abig thanks toeveryone thattook part.Volunteers planting at TRCG National Tree DayLynwood SHS clean up day5

SERCUL HappeningsSchool gardenertrainingSERCUL joined forces with the Water Corporation andChallenger Institute of Technology to launch a newtraining program for school gardeners in April 2013.The School Gardener Waterwise Training Course isspecifically tailored for a school ground environmentand covers a general understanding of water wiseand fertilise wise best practice as applied within thehorticultural and landscaping industries. The courseprovides training in efficient water managementtechniques to improve an understanding of the role thatsoils, plant selection, sustainable fertiliser programs,best practice mulching, improving irrigation efficiencythrough improved knowledge of hydro zoning, irrigationscheduling, irrigation system maintenance and the rolethey play in improving turf and garden quality. Thetwo-day course includes nationally-recognised unitsof competency which can be used as credits towardsfurther study.Four training courses have been held since the launchin April with 64 school gardeners attending from publicand private schools around Perth and the South West.One participant said about the training “I learnt a lotabout soils, fertilisers and irrigation. The class wasmost valuable.”There is one upcoming course in the later half of 2013with more planned for 2014:South West8th and 9th October 20138 am – 4 pmGlen Huon Primary School, EatonTo register, go to:www.shortcourses.challenger.wa.edu.auor call 1300 300 252.Further information can be obtained fromJohn Forrest by email:John.Forrest@challenger.wa.edu.au or fromwww.fertilisewise.com.au/for-turf-managers.htmlScent of ScienceCommunity ExpoThe annual Scent of Science Community Science andSustainability Expo at the Canning River Eco Education Centre wason again this year.This was a truly magnificent day to explore the smells in scienceand nature (animals, plants, humans and the earth) led by sciencepresenters, prominent Indigenous Educators and researchers.On Sunday, 18th August 2500people listened to guest speakers,participated in fun activities, enjoyedanimal encounters, watched Scitechshows, participated in Aboriginalcultural activities, watched amazingBMX displays and participated indrumming! There were interactivedisplays, smelly activities, a Little The BMX stunt showGreen Steps celebration, kidsactivities, free native plants and plenty of other giveaways.The Great Gardens team came along again this year with SustainableGardening Workshops and their amazing demonstration garden.The winners of the Youth Competition – Design a Logo were alsounveiled after many hours of sortingthrough more than 300 entries.Congratulations goes to IsabellaTennent from St Emilie’s CatholicPrimary School, who was the overallwinner. There were also nine yearlevel category winners and threehighly commended prizes awardedon the day.The Science Expo was organisedby the Australian Association forEnvironmental Education WA,Canning River Eco Education Centre,City of Canning, SERCUL and LittleGreen Steps. A huge thanks mustalso go to the wonderful majorsponsors who this year includedSGIO, Swan River Trust, NationalScience Week Committee (InspiringAustralia) and Great Gardens.Lyn Russell, CEO City ofCanning with Isabella Tennentand her winning logoJohn Forrest training school gardeners.Activities and displays at the annual Science Expo6

Upcoming EventsDate and Time Event Group ContactSat 7th September8:30 – 10 amSat 7th SeptemberTBASat 14th September10 am – 2 pmSun 15thSeptember9:30 – 11:30 amWed 18thSeptember7 – 9 pmBCF Bird WalkJoin BirdLife Australia for a guided walk and see ifyou can spot some of the 64 bird species that livein the Forest. Cost: $5 per adult, $2 per child (5–16years, under 5 is free). Bookings and pre-paymentare essential as places fill fast!@ 1399 Mandurah Road, BaldivisBCF Sunset Critters/Night StalkDetails TBA.@ 1399 Mandurah Road, BaldivisBasket WeavingJoin local Noongar woman Sharyn Egan as shedemonstrates the art of basket weaving usingplants and apparatus provided to us by MotherEarth! Cost: $10.00 (refreshments provided).Bookings Essential.@ Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre –Leach Highway, WinthropFoMCL Birds of Prey Eco TalkJoin WA Birds of Prey and get up close andpersonal with some Birds of Prey that visit yourlocal wetland. Gold Coin Donation. Bookings areessential.Meet at Eudoria St, Gosnells car parkBeautiful Ellis Brook Valley: Now and the FutureThe purpose of this free presentation is to raiseawareness of Ellis Brook Valley – its wildflowers,scenery and activities, as well as current and futurechallenges. Everyone is welcome.@ Lyal Richardson Hall –2232 Albany Hwy, GosnellsBaldivis Children’sForestBaldivis Children’sForestEmail Michelle:bookings@baldivis-childrensforest.com.auEmail Michelle:bookings@baldivis-childrensforest.com.auCity of Melville Penny 9364 0790Friends of MaryCarroll LakeFriends of EllisBrook ValleyCity of GosnellsMore informationPh 94592086Email johnhbowler@iinet.net.auPlease refer to the SERCUL website calendar for a more up-to-date listing of current events and more contact details:www.sercul.org.au/events.htmlCanoeing on the Canning PL OpportunityPoster Put the Competition25th October 2013 in your diary. You won’t want to miss this year’sCanoeing on the Canning Teacher Professional Learning!The National Water Week Poster Competition is on again! Primary School students are asked to create aCanoeingposter reflecting wateronrelatedtheissuesCanningwhich are importantis ato them.full-day professional learning opportunity, held during National WaterWeek in October. Teachers, Youth Group Leaders and community members are all welcome.entries were received from Victorian Primary SchoolsPoster entries are invited in four categories:On the day, 1. expect Prep, to:2. Years 1 & 2• learn about 3. Years 3 & the 4 Indigenous connections to the river;4. Years 5 & 6• Great explore prizes can be won the by both local the student biodiversity;AND school• learn about the fresh water and salt water ecosystems of the area;Winners will be chosen using the following criteria:and How good it looks from a distance• hear about the Effective key use environmental of art materials issues that threaten the Canning Originality of design or innovative conceptRiver ecosystem Poster while MUST be A3 canoeing (30x40cm) size and on foot.Teachers – this is a great activity for the classroom in the lead up to National Water Week. Last year, nearly 3,000Entries will be judged locally with winners in each category submitted for state judging. How well the poster conveys water related issues How well it can be reproduced to promoteNational Water Week Appearance: attractively displayed in colour.Any medium, including paper, can be used.Any art material can be used including paint, textas, coloured pencils,collage materials, photography, computer graphics.An official entry form must be securely attached to the back of each poster.Go to www.yvw.com.au/education to view previous winnersEntries must reach Yarra Valley Water by 5pm Friday 20th September 2013.State winners and runner-ups will be presented during NWW activities in your Region.Register early to avoid disappointmentas the day is capped at 20 participants.Call Amy on 9458 5664 or emailamykrupa@sercul.org.au to register.7VicWater is committed to protecting information provided in accordance with the principles of the Information Privacy Act 2000. Information contained in your entry form/s may

SERCUL Executive Committee:CEO – Julie RobertChairperson – Pat HartDeputy Chair – Marc LaneTreasurer – Cam ClaySecretary – Yvonne WardExecutive Member – Brian AldrichContact us at:69 Horley Road,Beckenham WA 6107Phone: 9458 5664Fax: 9458 5661www.sercul.org.auPlease see our website for all other staff details.www.sercul.org.au/staff.htmlIf undeliverable, please return to:SERCUL69 Horley RoadBeckenham WA 6107POSTAGEPAIDAUSTRALIAThe South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcarewishes to thank our main sponsors.Caring for the Swan Canning RiverparkThis newsletter is printed on 100% recycled paper.