|
Hi [FIRST_NAME],
Quick dates to pencil in
March 1st (Sunday) – Clean Up Australia Day – details below
March 4th (Wednesday) – Meet the Candidates Forum
March 16th (Monday) – Meet the Penguins – Victa Cinema
March 23rd (Monday) – Visit CLLMM – General Meeting – details below
March 30th (Monday) – Management Committee Meeting
Nursery Update: Growing More Than Plants
Our nursery continues to thrive, with 8,000 seedlings currently tubed, comprising 46 different species of local, indigenous plants. Many thanks to our tireless volunteers who have taken great care throughout this year's propagation season, collecting and germinating seeds, transplanting seedlings into tubestock and who are now being vigilant throughout this summer season ensuring all plants are well watered.
These plants are supporting a range of important restoration projects, including:
- Community planting on The Bluff;
- A Victor Harbor Council order;
- A Heritage Agreement planting order; and
- A federally funded revegetation program for five coastal islands off the Victor Harbor coast
We’ve also welcomed 22 new members to Biodiversity Victor Harbor since December, many of whom are keen to get involved with the nursery — how good is that! Due to the size and capacity of the nursery, we’re currently a little limited in how many people we can safely accommodate at one time. That said, we’re actively planning new programs and pathways to help introduce more members to the nursery in future.
So, if the nursery is calling your name — stay tuned, there’s more to come.
Eastern Beach Marina Proposal
Thank you to everyone who responded to the recent call for submissions on the Eastern Beach Marina proposal. The response from our community was overwhelming, and we’re incredibly grateful for the time, care, and thought that went into those submissions.
As many of you know, the proposed marina has the potential to significantly affect local marine and coastal biodiversity, including habitat loss, changes to water quality, and flow-on impacts to species that rely on this area.
Biodiversity Victor Harbor will be closely following the progress of the draft Recreational Boating Strategy through Council. We’ll continue to keep members informed as things develop.
Clean Up Australia – Coastcare Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor Coastcare has proudly coordinated Clean Up Australia Day locally since 2012, continuing the event every year with strong community support.
All rubbish collected is carefully itemised and recorded in a national database. This data helps track long-term trends, such as plastic use and cigarette butt pollution.
Event Details – 2026
📅 Sunday 1 March 2026
🕘 9:00am – 11:00am
📍 Meet near the Causeway Café
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to protect our beautiful coastline. 🌱Register here
Finnis Candidates Forum 2026 :
Climate, Environment & Sustainable Development
Our friends – the South Coast Progressive Womens' Association are holding an election forum for Finniss Lower House candidates focusing on the impact of climate change on our community and land and sea environments.
Candidates will outline their approach to advocacy with the State Government in response to increasing pressure for population growth, ensuring that future developments provide sustainable housing and is environmentally sensitive.
Anne Bourne (member) will be moderating and Dr Peter Sharley (D/Chair) will be making a presentation to assist in setting the context of the event.
Event Details
📅 Wednesday 4th March 2026
🕘 7:00pm - 9:00pm
📍 Middleton Pioneer Hall, 3 Walker Place, Middleton
For further information, contact southcoastprogressivewomen@gmail.com
Meet the Penguins film night – March 16th
Our 1st soirée of interesting film nights with guest speakers was a roaring success.
(Thanks to the fabulous work of Andrew, Anita & Andrew and Jarrod from the cinema complex for his professional support throughout the night). So, we're going to do 2 a year.
Come and Meet the Penguins, a special screening of the captivating documentary – heart-warming and insightful look into the lives of the world’s smallest penguins.
Filmed over six months on Phillip Island and St Kilda Beaches, Meet the Penguins follows the trials and triumphs of the Fairy Penguins as they stake out territory, find partners, and work tirelessly to raise their chicks. The documentary is hosted by Dr Ann Jones, Environmental journalist for the ABC, and offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the resilience and charm of these remarkable seabirds.
Following the screening, Stephen Hedges will present a short video tracking penguins on Granite Island and share insights into the local Little Penguin colony. Stephen leads the Victor Harbor Little Penguin Volunteer Monitoring Program, recipient of first prize in the 2025 South Australian Citizen Science Awards.
A Q&A session will provide the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about local conservation efforts.
Event details
📍 Victa Cinema
📅 Monday 16 March 2026
🕡 Doors open: 6.30 pm
🎬 Film commences: shortly after 7.00 pm (running time approx. 1 hour)
🕣 Estimated finish: 8.45 pm
Entry: Gold coin donation (EFTPOS available)
🎟️ Bookings encouraged – Book on line here
Join us for an engaging evening celebrating penguins, community science, and local conservation.
Dr Nick Whiterod, Programs Manager, CLLMM Research Centre
We're taking a road trip to Goolwa to visit CLLMM
We've been hosted by member, Dr Nick Whiterod, visiting the CLLMM Research Centre on the Barrage Road, Goolwa, for our next general members meeting.
What do they do?
The Goyder Institute for Water Research, Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) Research Centre, based in Goolwa, South Australia, is working with communities to investigate the significant challenges posed by climate change to the region.
Who are they?
The CLLMM Research Centre officially commenced operation as of 1st July 2023 and is a research partnership of the South Australian Government through the Department for Environment and Water, CSIRO, Flinders University, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
Nick (Centre programs' manager) will give us great insight into the Research Centre, including providing an overview of the outcomes of 2 years of extensive work recently completed.
Event Details – 2026
📅 Monday 23rd March 2026
🕘 5.30pm - 7.00pm
📍 Meet @ CLLMM - Barrage Road Goolwa
Afterwards, head to the Goolwa pub for a countermeal.
🌱 Register here (event to be created)
Bluff Community Planting Festival 2026
Checking out the location for the 2026 community planting festival.
Mark it in your diary Saturday 27th June 2026. Kick off will be about 9.30am.
Last year’s planting was a great success, with strong community turnout and excellent plant survival rates. This year, we’re building on that momentum with another carefully planned planting aimed at strengthening local habitat and resilience.
Our nursery elves have been busy propagating and nurturing the 2500 seedlings that will be planted on the day, with some 1500 protective guards installed.
There's lots to do between now and then, including touching base with all the other local environmental groups and Victor Harbor Rotary, preparation and implementation of a marketing / communication plan.
If you would like to help, pop an email to nature@biodiversityvictor.org.au
Registrations are now open per our website. 2026 Bluff Community Planting Festival
This project is only possible owing to the Landcare Australia & Bupa Healthy Cities Landcare Grant.
Great news – Mundoo Station – now part of the Coorong National Park (an additional 19,000 hectares)
In exciting conservation news, Mundoo Island Station — a 1,900-hectare property just south of Goolwa — has been formally acquired by state and federal governments, in partnership with the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, and added into Coorong National Park.
Once used for grazing, the land will now undergo large-scale restoration — improving water quality at the Murray Mouth, strengthening habitat for migratory shorebirds (including critically endangered species), and supporting future reintroduction of threatened native fish.
The acquisition also protects culturally significant Ngarrindjeri heritage sites and contributes to Australia’s goal of protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030.
A major win for biodiversity, cultural heritage, and future generations.
Read more here.
The Fleurieu adapts to a dry future – Building Drought Resilience. Coastline magazine article
As the driest state on the driest continent, much of South Australia has been experiencing over the past 4 years the lowest rainfall on record. With the Adelaide Hills & Fleurieu Peninsula not being immune. Whether it's a home garden or a journey throughout the area, the impact of the lack of average rainfall is clearly visible on domestic and native plants, which is having a 'flow on' effect on our wildlife.
The local regional magazine, Coastlines, does a deep-dive article on the impact across our region and how different groups, ranging from wineries, local councils and environmental groups are Building Resilience. Biodiversity Victor Harbor was extensively interviewed for the article.
Click to go to the Coastline article
 Gareth Johnston with Loreto Cameron
Gareth Johnston, Chair of Landcare NSW, drops by for a chat and to check out our nursery.
We had the pleasure of hosting Gareth for the morning. Landcare NSW is huge, with an annual budget of $60m, over 3,000 groups and 190+ coordinators across the state.
The role is, like all of us, voluntary, and when not arm wrestling with politicians for environmental funding – Gareth is frequently overseas rolling out programs for the UN across member countries. Gareth's family has long connections to SA, in particular to the South Coast. Gareth has joined our group, and we can expect to see him several times a year when they come back to the coast.
As you can imagine, Gareth has visited lots of nurseries, with there being hundreds across NSW producing 100's of thousands of seedlings each year.
He was highly complimentary about what Bio-VH has achieved in such a short time – in particular the health and vibrancy of our nursery seedlings. Good one team.
 Jo-Anne Seater and Loreto Cameron with Michael Cornish
Michael Cornish, Vice President, Conservation Council SA, spends some time with Bio-VH
One of our primary strategies from our inception has been developing great relationships with similar focused groups within our region, state and nationally.
As a group, the management team has gained heaps in our learning and understanding of how to navigate the 'environmental world' when it comes to 'whose who in the zoo', advocacy, which paths to take and buttons to push.
Our network with people like Michael is invaluable in the friendly advice they provide and in supporting our efforts. Michael wears a number of hats as the Vice President of the Conservation Council SA, Policy Lead of the Australian Land Conservation Alliance and sits on the SA Government Native Vegetation Council.
The Conservation Council SA, established in 1971, is the state's peak environmental organisation representing 90,000+ people across over 60 environment-focused groups in the state.
Click here to find our more about the Conservation Council SA
Biodiversity Victor Harbor is delighted to have been invited to become a member group.
 Outgoing Chair, Mark Richards with Incoming Chair Loretto Cameron and Deputy Chair Peter Sharley
A Change in Chair
We’d like to share a leadership update with our members. Mark Richards has stepped down from his role as Chair of Biodiversity Victor Harbor. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mark for his dedication, hard work, and steady leadership — his contribution has built a strong foundation upon which Biodiversity Victor Harbor continues to grow.
Whilst stepping down as chair, Mark continues on the management committee focused on delivering significant projects on the horizon and ensuring strong relationships with government agencies, funding bodies and other environmental groups across the region, state and nationally.
'I've thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to lead the group through it's creation and evolution to where we are now as a strong vocal community focus group that takes positive action and advocates for the environment and sustainability in our region. We are growing incredibly fast, with more than 135 members, up to 6000 hits a month on our website, and we have a number of projects on the go – including our current primary focus of bringing to fruition our large-scale Community Biodiversity Nursery / Hub in conjunction with the City of Victor Harbor' said Mark. 'We are fortunate to have a terrific, dedicated core of passionate members who form the management committee that will ensure the group continues to thrive' Mark added.
We’re very pleased to welcome Loreto Cameron as our new Chair. Loreto has spent her life living by the sea, which has shaped her deep appreciation for coastal environments. She is currently Chair of Victor Harbor Coastcare (a role she has held for three years), has been closely involved in the Penguin monitoring program for over four years, and is now in her fourth year coordinating Clean Up Australia Day for Victor Harbor. Loreto brings strong community leadership, hands-on conservation experience, and a deep commitment to protecting local biodiversity.
We’re excited to have Loreto stepping into this role and look forward to the next chapter.
Got a topic you’d love to see covered? We’d love to hear your ideas!
Pop an email to hello@biodiversityvictor.org.au
PS
Ask your family and friends to join. Click here
Caring for our environment
It's free. No obligation
Best wishes
Management Committee
|
