Pictures of the Antarctic and nearby islands from a recent trip there by Rob Gully were a feature of the Annual General Meeting of Springsure Hill Landcare Group on 21 August. The pictures of birds and animals, the stories of epic journeys like that of Shackleton to South Georgia and the scenery of the ocean and frozen continent were a delight to watch. And even better was to see them in front of a warm fire.
Reports on the year’s work were received, Features were a wildflower walk on a property in Shady Creek and the publication of our attractive and informative newsletter which is distributed to 220 households in the Buln Buln, Shady Creek, Crossover, Rokeby and Nilma areas. We continue to support landholder members with a subsidy for tree planting.
A survey was recently conducted of people in our area and we are grateful for the replies received, which show a clear interest in preserving and enhancing our local environment. If residents are still wanting to send in their survey, it’s never too late.
The Treasurer reported a surplus for the year and an increase in membership of one household, but we are expecting a number of additional members during the coming twelve months.
The meeting expressed its appreciation to Rob Rutter and Judy Aumann as our co-secretaries or the last two years, and to our Treasurer Wil Blackburn, all of whom were unavailable for another term.
John Coulson was elected as Treasurer, and in a streamlined structure a number of people will rotate as secretary. Eric Smith was re-elected as president. Fees for the new year remain at $30 per household and are payable now.
A new members BBQ will be held once Daylight Saving is underway and a number of ideas were canvassed for activities. The Group looks forward to working with the Buln Buln East Community Association on the site of the former Buln Buln East School if negotiations are successful with the education Department for the site to be used for the community.
Planting trees for shelter and environmental improvement, dealing with weeds and pests and learning about our environment so as to make sure we do the right things by nature are the basics of Landcare, as we do things together.