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Big Plant, Big Success

Wonthaggi students and residents come out in force to help their environment

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 9th August 2001 - Back to News

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Students from St Joseph’s Primary School, Wonthaggi, were keen participants in the recent Wonthaggi Big Plant

Wonthaggi students and residents come out in force to help their environment in the second annual Wonthaggi Big Plant from Thursday 2 August to Sunday 5 August.

The planting days were a joint effort between the Cape Paterson Coastal Plains Landcare Group, Parks Victoria, Wonthaggi Rotary, the Wonthaggi Conservation Society, Bass Coast Shire Council and the Powlett Project. This year’s Big Plant built on the success of last year’s planting at Baxter’s Wetland.

Geoff Trease, Powlett Project Landcare Officer, explained that last Thursday and Friday (2 & 3 August) 600 primary school students from Wonthaggi and Dalyston took some time out from their studies to assist in the restoration of Baxters Wetland.

"Students planted trees, went on an environmental walk around the wetland and worked with the Bass Coast Artists Society to create wall hangings depicting images of nature," said Geoff.

"Through these activities, the children developed a greater understanding of this significant site in the Wonthaggi area and observed the way in which Parks Victoria and local enthusiasts work toward maintaining and improving the site," he said.

A large number of helpers including parents and volunteers also joined the young people at Baxters Wetland.

"Despite the driving rain and wild windy conditions on Sunday (5 August), around 80 people from around the Wonthaggi area donned their winter weather gear to be a part of the Big Plant," said Geoff. "While it was wet, windy and cold, everyone who took part still had a lot of fun."

Despite the rainy weather spirits were high during the Wonthaggi Big Plant on Sunday 5 August.

Geoff explained that more than 5,000 indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses were planted from Thursday to Sunday. This adds to the similar numbers of plants established during last year’s Big Plant.

The Rotary Club of Wonthaggi provided lunch for Sunday’s hungry participants, which was greatly appreciated by everyone. Over 35 local clubs and organisations were involved in the event.

Beth Banks from the Big Plant organising committee praised the large number of people who had donated materials and time to ensure the activity ran smoothly.

"The local residents, traders and community groups who joined in on Sunday to enrich this large area adjoining the wetland are to be commended," said Beth.

Baxters Wetland is an area of Crown Land on the outskirts of Wonthaggi. It consists of areas of ancient sand dunes and low lying marsh areas, which are inundated during winter months. The extensive wetland area is a habitat for water birds.

"The area has been adopted by local community groups, schools and Landcare, who are all eager to participate in activities to improve the local environment at Baxters," said Geoff. "Extensive regeneration works are required to provide the link with the coastal vegetation and the existing bush around the Wonthaggi township".

Although the weather may be unpredictable, the mood and enthusiasm shown by the schools and local public has left organisers with no doubt that the future of the Wonthaggi Big Plant is very secure.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: basscoastshire@gippslander.com

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  Bass Coast Shire Council, in partnership with the Victorian Seniors Festival, is hosting a free Seniors Festival film and lunch event in Wonthaggi on Tuesday, 22 March.
• Bass Coast Local Jobs Expo at Phillip Island and Wonthaggi from 4 to 12 October 2023 open for businesses to register
  With support from the Australian government's Local Jobs Program, South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning and Employment Network, and the state government's Skills and Jobs Centre, will host a series of events throughout October.
• Federal government grants MediPharm Labs in Wonthaggi to $466,577 and create more local manufacturing jobs
  Grant to modernize a local company, MediPharm Labs to create greater efficiency and competitiveness.
• Gippsland students encouraged to join 2022 Jobskills Expo at Lardner Park on 26 July 2022
  Job expo for Gippsland students to explore opportunities for their future career.
• Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Trainees on East Sale RAAF Graduation success for excellence, resilience and leadership
  Former Traralgon College student Sarah Bryan earned two top honours at East Sale RAAF Base for military skills and resilience, while Flight Officer Cautela received the prestigious Allan Pappin Leadership Award.
• Free event for International Women's Day at Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre on 8 March 2022
  Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free event for International Women's Day on Tuesday, 8 March at the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre.
• Moe Albert Street Primary Junior School Council celebrates success with new benches installation
  Moe Albert Street Primary's JSC secured two benches after two years of lobbying. Martin Cameron MP unveiled one bench installed by council and donated another, rewarding their dedicated advocacy efforts.
• Nearly 40 Year 8 students from Baw Baw Shire were inducted as mental health ambassadors for Live4Life
  Nearly 40 Year 8 students across Baw Baw Shire were inducted as mental health ambassadors through Live4Life, promoting awareness and tackling stigma, with over 3,500 participants since 2020.
• Buchan Primary students release native fish near new fishway to aid river health
  Buchan Primary School students release native Southern Pygmy Perch near a new fishway, aiding river health. They also learn about fish ecology firsthand, contributing to local conservation efforts.
• Why come visit the charming town of Yarragon and its surrounds
  Dreamy countryside vibes belize Yarragon's proximity to the Big Smoke, find out the best way to experience a few days in this charming village.
• Parents of students at Bruthen Primary School requested signage upgrades to prominent speed limit signage
  Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, has asked the Minister for Roads and Road Safety to review the speed limit signage adjacent to the Bruthen Primary School.
• Applications for 2023 Creators Fund for Gippsland creative professionals open until 22 February 2023
  Local creative professionals with big ideas to transform their practice and build their skills and careers are invited to apply for the latest round of the Victorian government's creative R&D program, the Creators Fund.
• Gippsland students urged to enter National Water Week poster contest by 6 September 2024
  Gippsland Water is extending a warm invitation to the vibrant young minds of local primary, kindergarten, and early learning institutions to partake in its esteemed National Water Week poster competition.
• Recycled road method to renew Matthew Street in Wonthaggi being used by Bass Coast Shire Council
  Bass Coast Shire Council is using an innovative method to renew Matthew Street in Wonthaggi, between Broome Crescent and Stewart Street.
• Latrobe Magnesium invests $39M for stage one Magnesium Production Plant in Morwell
  Latrobe City Council welcomes the news that Latrobe Magnesium is investing $39 million for a Stage One Magnesium Production Plant in Morwell.
• Tim Bull urges Gippsland students to join 2024 Parliament Prize by showcasing their ideas through video submissions
  Tim Bull encourages local students to participate in the 2024 Parliament Prize competition. Students from years five to twelve can submit videos presenting their ideas for Parliament. Entries close on June 14, 2024.
• Nearly 40 Baw Baw Shire students became mental health ambassadors, launching the 2025 Live4Life program
  In February, nearly 40 students across Baw Baw Shire were inducted as mental health ambassadors for Live4Life, promoting positive mental health, reducing stigma, and supporting youth through events and activities in 2025.
• 'Detox Your Home' available at Koonwarra and Wonthaggi Transfer Stations on Sunday 31 October
  Highly toxic items, such as chemicals, should never be put in your rubbish bins or poured down the drain. You can drop off household chemicals at our free Detox Your Home events, held around Victoria.
• Boisdale Primary students get civic education session from Darren Chester ahead of parliament return
  Federal MP Darren Chester prepared for Spring Session with civics and citizenship class at Boisdale Consolidated Primary School. Discussed politics and government with students, pictured with the school leadership team.
• Gippsland Water encourages local students to send an application for a 12-week Summer Internship program, providing paid experience and mentoring
  Gippsland Water's Summer Internship Program offers local students valuable career experience. Running for 12 weeks during the summer, it provides paid internships with mentoring on real projects. Applications are now open.
• Detox Your Home happening on 30 October 2022 at Wonthaggi Transfer Station for Bass Coast Shire
  Bass Coast Shire Council's 2022 Detox Your Home event will be happening on Sunday, 30 October at the Wonthaggi Transfer Station.
• Baw Baw Shire students lead Live4Life program with mental health activities and awareness
  Baw Baw Live4Life program's Crew, consisting of young people from eight secondary schools, will raise mental health awareness and provide support to peers and community, to launch their program on May 1st.
• Free pair of glasses for 176 students across West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley from Andrews Labor Victorian government
  One thousand more Victorian students can now see more clearly and concentrate better at school, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government's free Glasses for Kids program.
• Nicholson Primary School students get chance to discuss Parliament while receiving certificates from Darren Chester
  This week, Darren Chester, Federal Member for Gippsland, visited Nicholson Primary School's Year 5/6 students to discuss the Gippsland electorate, Parliament, and his role, presenting achievement certificates afterward.
• Tim Bull encourages Gippsland students to enter 2023 Spirit of Anzac Prize by 6 September 2023 for chance to join Gallipoli tour
  Tim Bull, Nationals' MP and Shadow Minister for Veterans, urges local students to enter the Spirit of Anzac Prize, expressing their Anzac spirit creatively for a chance to explore its legacy in Turkey.
• New facilities for students at St Angela of the Cross Primary School in Warragul from $1,750,000 federal funding
  Member for Monash Russell Broadbent virtually blessed the opening of Stage 1 of St Angela of the Cross Primary School that was funded by the Coalition Government.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland students to enter the 2025 Premier's Spirit of ANZAC Prize Competition by 28 April 2025
  Danny O'Brien is encouraging Gippsland students to enter the 2025 Spirit of ANZAC Prize for a chance to join a fully funded Gallipoli study tour. Entries close 28 April 2025.
• Kindergarten to primary school students invited to join 2023 National Water Week Poster Competition by South Gippsland Water
  South Gippsland Water invites young artists from Kindergarten to Grade 6 to join the 2023 National Water Week Poster Competition. Embrace the theme "United by Water" for a chance to win prizes and contribute to water awareness.
• Baw Baw residents are invited to come at Warragul Farmers Market for a council pop-up on 19 November 2022 at Civic Park Warragul
  Residents of Baw Baw Shire are encouraged to come along to the upcoming Warragul Farmers Market to chat with councillors and council staff members about the issues that are important to them.
• Noojie residents to get a better connection from federal roll-out of $257M Regional Connectivity Program
  Residents of Noojee will soon be better connected following a successful application for funding under Round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Program.
• Youth Agritech Expo showcases agricultural technology and inspires students to pursue farming careers in East Gippsland
  The Youth Agritech Expo in East Gippsland attracted 188 students, offering interactive experiences and showcasing agricultural technology to inspire future careers in farming.
• Martin Cameron invites Latrobe students to join 2024 Parliament Prize competition by 14 June 2024
  Morwell's Nationals Member, Martin Cameron, urges local students to join the 2024 Parliament Prize. Open to Years 5 - 12, entrants record a 90-second video of a Member's Statement. Winners receive cash prizes and schools may benefit too.
• Qualified counsellors being able to aid students in schools and address mental health enabled by Nationals amending legislation
  The Nationals succeeded in amending legislation to enable qualified counsellors to support students in schools, addressing mental health needs previously hindered by outdated regulations. Labor delayed action, impacting student welfare.
• Gippsland Water invites primary school students to create their water story for the 2022 National Water Week poster competition
  To celebrate National Water Week, Victorian water corporations are inviting primary school students to explore their own water stories and imagination and create a poster that reflects what it means to them.
• Local artists showcased their musical talents at the all-ages music event supported by Wellington Shire Youth Council and FReeZA crew Propellor
  Local artists showcased their musical talents in front of a big crowd at the recent All-Ages Tour, which was organised and hosted by Wellington Shire Youth Council.
• Free entry to historic Box Hill vs Casey Demons footy game at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve on 30 April 2023
  Bass Coast invites you to the historic Box Hill vs Casey Demons footy game. Free entry, food, kids activities, support local players on April 30 at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.
• Residents invited to give feedback on South Gippsland's Community Vision project
  South Gippsland residents are invited to get involved in shaping up the community vision project of the council.
• Box Hill Hawks to host Victorian Football League on 30 April at the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve against Casey Demons
  Box Hill Hawks and Bass Coast Shire Council to host historic double-header in Wonthaggi.
• Elmo's Circus Dream is coming to Wonthaggi on 14 March 2024
  Elmo and Sesame Street favourites announce 2024 tour in regional Victoria. Join the enchanting circus journey with Elmo and friends for a magical experience filled with talent, dreams, and life lessons. Get tickets now!
• Farming events return to Wellington Shire such as the Sowing the Gap project, Farming for Success and East Gippsland Field Days
  Building resilience from the ground up and preparing for a prosperous farming future is the common theme of a series of events to be held across regional Gippsland in the coming weeks and months.
• Outstanding South Gippsland manufacturing businesses toured by Council Executive Leadership Team to promote success and more updates
  Exploring South Gippsland's Thriving Manufacturing Scene: A Tour with councillors and the Executive Leadership Team.
• Supporting Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain project as pragmatic carbon solutions to maximise success and Gippsland jobs
  Supporting the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain project, acknowledging its success, potential job creation, and role in reducing CO2 emissions, emphasising the need for pragmatic, carbon-reducing technologies.
• Darren Chester inspires Gippsland Grammar students to aim high and overcome regional limitations
  Darren Chester spoke to Gippsland Grammar VCE Global Politics students, encouraging them to aim high despite regional limitations.
• Tim Bull applauds East Gippsland emergency agencies for success in VESEP grant
  Tim Bull, Gippsland East Nationals MP, celebrates local agencies' triumph in the VESEP grants, emphasising the critical need for East Gippsland's fair share in emergency services support.
• Bairnsdale West Primary School students visit Darren Chester in Parliament House
  Darren Chester met with Bairnsdale West Primary School students during their Parliament House visit, sharing his role and government insights.
• Youth Life4Life having crew induction for Year 9 students in South Gippsland
  On Wednesday 22 June, approximately 50 students from seven local schools attended the Youth Live4Life Crew Induction.
• Buln Buln Recreation Reserve gets $65,000 funding for upgrade from Baw Baw Shire Council Playground Renewal Program
  Baw Baw Shire Council is inviting community members big and small to share their thoughts and ideas to help redesign a Buln Buln playground.
• Gippsland residents and businesses warned about winter fire risks following recent incidents from heating equipment in Wellington Shire
  Wellington Shire Council emphasises the importance of fire safety during winter due to recent fires. Heating equipment precautions and smoke alarm maintenance are advised to prevent fires and protect residents.
• Number 20 Coal mine shaft site unveils at Dalyston signage by Bass Coast Shire Council an Wonthaggi and District Historical Society
  Unveiling the stories of Wonthaggi with local significance and tragic history of the No. 20 coal mine shaft site at Dalyston as a landmark.
• Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium starts 2022 with over twelve major events to boost tourism for Latrobe City
  Latrobe City started the year in style with a baker's dozen of big events bringing in significant visitation and tourism dollars throughout the municipality.
• Building of Cowes Cultural and Community Centre and Wonthaggi Guide Park has started
  Construction on two of Bass Coast Shire Council's major projects has now officially started, the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre and Wonthaggi Guide Park.
• Community invited to celebrate Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner at Wonthaggi Wishart Reserve on 20 January 2023
  The Bass Coast Reconciliation Network invites you to a gathering in memory of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner on Friday 20 January 2023.
• Cape Woolamai residents and Bass Coast Shire Council outraged as part of foreshore destroyed
  Cape Woolamai residents and Council are outraged that a small number of people have once again destroyed part of Cape Woolamai Foreshore, in order to create a BMX and motorbike track.
• South Gippsland Shire Council encourages business owners and residents to complete Ambassador Program help improve visitor experience
  South Gippsland Shire Council is encouraging interested business owners and residents to complete a short online course to help improve the South Gippsland visitor experience.
• Gippsland Water's 12-week summer internship offers 12 university students career mentorship and hands-on experience across departments
  Gippsland Water's summer internship program has welcomed 12 university students for a 12-week paid role, providing career mentorship, real-world experience, and opportunities in various departments, focusing on innovation and community impact.
• Gippsland 'My First Speech' competition for students launched for Milton Dick MP and Darren Chester MP
  Speaker Milton Dick MP and Darren Chester MP launch the "My First Speech" Competition for Gippsland schools, inviting years 10-12 students to record speeches on national issues, with winners flown to Canberra.
• Bill Cane Collection unveiled at Sale Botanic Garden featuring 70 native plant species
  The latest addition to the state's preeminent regional public garden was unveiled today, with the Bill Cane Collection expanding on Sale Botanic Garden's existing eight Living Collections.
• West and South Gippsland residents and business share in $300M in COVID-related payments
  COVID-19 Payments details that have been distributed across west and south Gippsland.
• Gippsland Water Vacation Employment Program has university students gain practical experience and link to water industry careers
  Gippsland Water's Vacation Employment Program offers 12 university students hands-on experience in various departments, emphasising local career opportunities.
• Funding for agricultural education to encourage students in pursuing careers in the Gippsland demanded by Nationals
  The Nationals urge increased investment in agricultural education to address workforce needs. Practical experiences and well-equipped schools can make agriculture a preferred career choice.
• TAFE Gippsland Conservation and Ecosystem Management students visit East Gippsland Water Woodglen facility
  TAFE Gippsland students, pursuing a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, visited East Gippsland Water's Woodglen facility, gaining insights into water security and quality.
• Free event Box Hill Hawks vs Casey Demons from VFL and VFLW in Wonthaggi on 30 April 2023
  Footy players from Bass Coast return with pride for historic double-header on April 30th at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve with an expected 3000+ crowd for first-ever competition game in the region.
• Bullock Island redevelopment is pivotal in Lakes Entrance major transformation and major success says Darren Chester
  Local MP Darren Chester emphasises Bullock Island's redevelopment as pivotal in Lakes Entrance major transformation, citing improved amenities and tourism appeal, enabled by multi-level government funding and community collaboration.
• Bass Coast residents invited to help shape future transport through draft Integrated Transport Strategy until 11 May 2025
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Integrated Transport Strategy, aiming to create safer, more sustainable transport options for all. Consultation is open until Sunday, 11 May 2025.
• Baw Baw residents invited to join Cycling Project Reference Group by 14 February 2024 to help enhance infrastructure
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to join the Baw Baw Cycling Project Reference Group, contributing insights for enhanced cycling infrastructure. Applications are open until February 14, 2024.
• New Latrobe Special Developmental School facilities for nearly 90 students in Traralgon with $13.3M from Victorian government
  State-of-the-art facilities for 88 students with diverse needs are provided by the Latrobe SDS regeneration project, including Traralgon College and further funding for stage two. The Victorian government invested $12.8B for new schools.
• Danny O'Brien said local residents have contacted him about unprocessed VPTAS claims, some unanswered for months
  Gippslanders are facing delays in processing medical travel claims under the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS), leaving residents frustrated and out-of-pocket, with some claims going unanswered for months.