SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10: AGM AND WATER CRITTERS. (actually the water critters came first,so I’ll do them that way round).
Joel Boyd of the Wimmera CMA met us in Halls Gap and showed us pictures and samples of what we were likely to find in Stony Creek. We then proceeded to dip our nets in to the water and bring our catch up to study with magnifying glasses. It was too early in spring for some animals but we had fun studying the tiny creatures we caught.. Yes the creek is healthy. Photos are on the website.
We then adjourned to Brambuk for lunch, AGM and general meeting.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Prue presented a verbal report. The floods affected our programme quite a bit, but also brought some good activities. The geology excursion with Ross Cayley was excellent, and many FOGG members joined in the excursions organised by Parks Vic and VICROADS. We hope that we will be able to do more in the coming year.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Mabel presented a printed report. Our books were audited this year by Ron Goudie at no charge. It was decided that the membership fee remain at $10 per household.
ELECTION
President: Proo Pyke
Secretary: Wendy Bedggood
Treasurer: Mabel Brouwer
Webmaster: Frank van der Peet
Editor: Margo Sietsma
Assistant Editor: Kathy McDonald
Committee Members: Kathy McDonald, Alison White & John Fischer, Ewen Johnson, Rob Lucas, Jan-Bert Brouwer, Leigh Douglas & Ben Gunn
Frank van der Peet to be thanked once again for his professional attention to our website & assistance with other computer-based necessities.
GENERAL MEETING
1. Ewen reported that the Parfett family were most appreciative of the tribute to Stan Parfett, with the new table at the Red Gum Walk.
2. Friends of Zumsteins have closed and donated their funds of $1300 to FOGG. It was unanimously decided to have the money used for the repairs to the Zumsteins area in such a way that it is something distinctive, not just swallowed up in general costs. Suggestions were: a picnic table, plants, the water garden. Prue reported that there are ongoing discussions with the local community as to how best to restore the area, with an emphasis on the historic area.
3. Prue raised the future of our annual Ptilotis erebescens count for discussion. It does not appear to be a priority for Parks Vic. And the lack of maintenance of the tiny plots prejudices the relevance of our statistics. It was decided to ask Ben and Wendy to write up what we have been doing, and the results. We will find out what work Mike Stevens did on counting all the herbs in the bigger enclosures, and whether that could be worth continuing. Ben suggested that we could move to ptilotis counting every 5 years. We decided that we would further discuss this with Ryan Duffy.
4. Ben raised that we need to do more hands on activities. Ideas are weeding and rubbish collection.
5. Eric reminded us that we should be asking the local staff what they want us to do. He also reminded us how much valuable local and historic knowledge we have in our group.
SEPT 29 TO OCT 4 GRAMPIANS WILDFLOWER SHOW HALLS GAP.
Once again a successful show, which couldn’t happen without the dedicated help of our FOGG members. We will be again looking for your support for next year’s show. Our theme was the big wet and its effects. Next year will be our 75th show, and we are looking for ideas to make it a real celebration.