World Wetlands Day celebrated in Barwon Heads

A FULL turnout of residents, wildlife enthusiasts and volunteers made their way to Barwon Heads on Saturday for the launch of the Revive Our Wetlands initiative in a celebration of World Wetlands Day.

More than 30 people took part in the event conducted by Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA), enjoying a combination of canoeing led by The Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre and bird surveying highlighting the features of the lower Barwon River wetlands.

“It was a really special day, and there was something for everyone,” organiser and CVA project officer Henry Kisby said.

“We all knew we were very fortunate to be able to learn from and engage with this important ecosystem.”

The event also included seine netting surveys, which were carried out with large smiles and excited gasps as everybody helped place, ID and share knowledge on an array of aquatic species including toadfish, juvenile mullet, pipefish and a number of crustaceans in the wetlands.

The turnout on the day was “significant” according to Mr Kisby, but what was more significant than the numbers was the beauty and uniqueness of the RAMSAR site.

“The site connected with people of all ages, and from all over Victoria too,” Mr Kisby said.

“Some volunteers lived a short walk away, others travelled hours to get there. This was real community spirit, and something that Conservation Volunteers Australia looks to generate for all events – together, people can do amazing things.

“While wetlands across the globe are being degraded and native vegetation continues to be cleared, seeing such intrigue, passion and care in the behaviour of the volunteers continues to give me confidence that the values wetlands offer us are both highly relevant and glaringly obvious.”

A pair of Bellarine Ward City of Greater Geelong councillors were also in attendance with deputy mayor Trent Sullivan and chairperson of the city’s Environment Portfolio Jim Mason taking part in the day’s proceedings.

 

Mr Kisby said there was no better way to represent the needs, interests and aspirations of the community than having local government take part in initiatives involving their respective areas.

“The knowledge and experience that councillors and members of government have can help to shape future conservation projects and inspire others to take part,” he added.

“Wetland ecosystems are a crucial part of the war against climate change, and having special guests present to help communicate this message is inspiring.

“The presence of local councillors and members of government can also guide the development of local policies and set priorities with a posteriori knowledge.”

 

CVA continues to be active across the Bellarine Peninsula with two upcoming events scheduled over the next month.

February 28 will involve volunteers taking part in a Bellarine Landcare Group project named ‘Koala Corridors’, revegetating some of the region’s native flora and fauna in Wallington.

On March 4, to celebrate International Women’s Day, CVA will return to Lake Connewarre to teach volunteers about ‘Women on Country’ and take part in a sunset art class.

Any expressions of interest can be forwarded Henry Kisby at [email protected].

More information can be found at CVA’s website, www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/revive-our-wetlands/.