What's On





July 2009


Regional Achievement & Community Awards - Call for nominations

The statewide search has begun for individuals, businesses, environmental groups, towns and community groups that are making a difference in regional and rural Victoria through their hard work, dedication and innovation. We invite you to nominate, or alternatively nominate someone you know that deserves recognition for their commitment and community contribution. Nominations are now open in the following categories: Regional Development Victoria Business Achievement Award; Regional Development Victoria Trade and Career Achievement Award; Parks Victoria Regional Achiever Award; Parks Victoria Environment and Sustainability Award; Bartercard Local Hero Award; RACV free2go Youth Community Involvement Award; Kleenheat Gas Community of the Year Award - Population under 5,000; and Kleenheat Gas Community of the Year Award - Population over 5,000. Great prizes are on offer including a share in $12,000 in Bank Accounts from the Commonwealth Bank and airtime packages on Prime. Nominations close Friday 17th July 2009 and winners will be announced at a Gala Awards Presentation Dinner held on Saturday 10th October at the Ballarat Mercure.
When: Friday 17th July 2009
Contact: (03) 9870 0622
vic@awardsaustrallia.com
Website: http://www.awardsaustralia.com/RACA_vic.html

Alternative Energy Sources Seminar

for households and on farms with Barney Foran (former CSIRO analyst), David Tallis (Sustainability Victoria), and Renewable Energy Community Group and Business presentations. Learn about the latest alternative energy options including: * Solar technology "Grid interactive and Hot water systems" * Wind Power * Micro Hydro Systems * Energy Efficiency * Government Rebates 'Federal and State' * Renewable Energy Community Group and Business presentations.
When: Wednesday 8th July 2009, 7:35PM-9:35PM
Where:Baranduda Community Centre
Contact: Glen Johnston or Trevor Danger
(04) 3939 3016, 0418 501 938
Website: Alternative Energy Sources Seminar Information



August 2009


National Tree Day

National Tree Day, proudly sponsored by Toyota, is Australia's largest community tree-planting event. In its 14-year history more than 2 million volunteers have planted over 13 million native trees and shrubs! This year’s National Tree Day is on Sunday 2 August with Schools Tree Day to be held on Friday 31 July (there are also additional insured dates for 2009). Planet Ark is currently seeking individuals to register and run local tree planting and bush regeneration sites. Watch Jamie Durie, one of National Tree Day's longest supporters, speak about his involvement in Australia's largest community tree-planting event.
When: Sunday 2nd August 2009
Contact: 1300 885 000
Website: National Tree Day Website

Profit From Change - Victorian Agribusiness Summit

Business or banker, smallholder or seriously big player, consultant, service provider or policymaker … be inspired, be challenged and be motivated as some of Australia’s agribusiness leaders share their insights. Agribusiness Gippsland Inc, backed by the Victorian Government and Elders, is preparing two days of notable and new speakers – all serious heavy-hitters. • The evening speaker will be Test legend and farmer Glenn McGrath. • A keynote speaker is one of Australia’s most senior public servants, Michael Taylor AO FTSE, Secretary of the Department of Transport and Regional Services, Canberra and previously the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Australia. • Other speakers include Prof Allan Curtis discussing the future for rural Victorian communities. • Future food security will be examined by adjunct professor Trevor Budge. • And hands-on expertise will come from leaders of the dairy, wine, organics, biomass and agritourism sectors
When: Wednesday 5th August 2009 - Thursday 6th August 2009
Where:Continental Hotel, Cowes, Phillip Island
Contact: Sue
(03) 9456 9791, 0402 267 802
resthaven@waterfront.net.au,
PO Box 1312 Warragul VIC 3820
Website: Profit From Change - Victorian Agribusiness Summit information



October 2009


Box Ironbark Ecology Course

Applications open for land managers, educators, naturalists, landholders, local government and those interested in better understanding the ecology of this unique ecosystem. The program is a state and federally funded training initiative. The course brings together leading researchers and experts to share up to date knowledge and thinking about this landscape in change. It is field based and participants will work in small groups. It emphasises ecological understanding and relationships and techniques that improve observation and data collection skills which can then be applied to other areas.
When: Monday 5th October 2009 - Friday 9th October 2009
Where:Nagambie
Contact: (03) 5761 1611
kate.stothers@dpi.vic.gov.au
RSVP:18th September 2009
Further Information:<#FileType#>Box Ironbark Ecology Course Brochure 2009.pdf (716KB)