The Understorey - February 2008

February 2008 issue of The Understorey - parklands quarterly newsletter. 

 Firstly, parklands would like to thank the many volunteers who “did their bit” during 2007 across our parklands reserves.  parklands cannot achieve it’s vision alone.  “The seemingly unattainable is achieved through the efforts of many, working towards a common goal” (H Ford). The commitment of many of our “quiet achievers” in maintaining and developing OUR regional parklands through to corporate governance (our honorary Board) is a testament to this quote.  Over page we list just some of the many things OUR community have been working on over the past year.  We welcome your input and involvement.  Check out our website for upcoming events and community working bees.  We welcome suggestions on how we can do things differently.

Secondly, we take this opportunity to give an update on where things are at with parklands.  We are appreciative of the commitment of our key funding bodies;  Albury City Council, Albury Wodonga Corporation, Parks Victoria and Wodonga City Council (under consideration), who have all pledged financial support for the next three years.

From July 2007, Wodonga City Council has cut funding to parklands by 80% because our most popular bush reserves (Gateway Island, Huon Hill Lookout, Kiewa River, McFarlanes Hill, Baranduda and Waterworks) are Crown land and not land owned by WCC.  We acknowledge the substantial support we have received over the past seven years and urge the wider community to help in whatever ways you are able so that we can continue to maintain these  magnificent bush reserves for the community’s benefit. 

It is with much sadness that our long serving, loyal and committed Rangers Ben Berry, Wayne Carlson and Toby Alker-Jones have resigned from Parklands to take on new challenges (both at work and as “newbie” fathers”!)

Reg Hinton returned full time to parklands in December.  Other staff include Field Ranger, Danny Jones who works with volunteers as well as wearing out the tractor tyres. Office Manager, Noeline Elvin continues to hold the purse strings whilst Community Ranger, Ant Packer battles the blackberries and everything in between, alongside our most important assets – YOU – the community!

 Despite many changes in the past year, parklands is a resilient organization and will continue in our role of working in partnership with you, the local community, in developing and managing our regional bush reserves.