Presidents Report: Friends of the Grampians Gariwerd (FOGG) 2024
Activities of our small group continues to be driven by our membership who provide the leadership and technical expertise which ensures an activity most months, supplemented with guest speakers on some occasions.
Without restating all of our activities we have held six walks led by members, conducted a clean up Australia Day activity and hosted four talks by guests. Personally, I see each activity as a highlight but we were especially grateful for our guest speakers;
Nouska Reiter: Orchids and threatened species
Charlie Richardson: PV update
Damien Skurrie: Cultural Burning
Greg Kerr: Red Gums
Our thanks go out to all for their contribution. I hope we can maintain the communication with PV, perhaps through an annual update similar to the one Charlie delivered. Along with those members of his staff who also attended, our understanding of the work and constraints PV is operating under was greatly enhanced.
During the last twelve months we have ensured the FOGG web site will be ongoing, thanks to those who have taken these roles. We have also submitted a short but blunt submission to consultation on the development of a Victorian Cat Management Strategy.
Concerns were raised in writing by FOGG with PV about the Peaks Trail Run and Charlie Richardson spoke to this issue when he addressed us. FOGG submitted a couple of paragraphs towards a potential media release acknowledging the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Grampians Gariwerd and FOGG, thanks to Judith Thompson for input. Unfortunately, I have not seen any publicity of this milestone and I understand the local PV staff were not able to get approval for an event on the day, July 1st.
Secretary Alison and I met with Tammy Schoo to clear up a number of communication channels and as a result I have been able to create a generic Job Safety Analysis which covers all of our activities in the park. Previously we were required to complete one for each event which I only occasionally achieved.
In 2023 we supported an application by the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria for a project “Preventing extinction of Victorias threatened flora”. In the programs first year FOGG members assisted with searches for Grevillea microstega, Sphaerolobium acanthos, Thelymitra mackibbinii, and Pimelea pagophila in the Grampians and close by Parks properties. The program has another 2 years to run.
I also wrote a letter of support for a Project Platypus application to the Pest Partnerships Grant Program. I understand the application had some success.
As I have completed my two terms as president, I commit to support the new executive and act in any role members might deem appropriate. Under separate cover I offer to continue to undertake some of the tasks I was handed on election to president.
I again acknowledge that without the willing contributions of members, committee and your executive our group would not exist. On behalf of all members, it is my great pleasure to express our thanks to those who have taken any role to present FOGG’s activities during the past twelve months. Thanks to you all!