Newsletter Autumn 2025
Season of Gwangal Moronn – season of insects, sunrises and flocking birds (late March – early June) starting to cool down after the summer heat.
Diary Dates
Next meet:
13th June – Charlie Richardson, Area Chief Ranger Talk at Brambuk 5.30-6.30pm. Followed by a meal.
Full years Calendar at end of this Newsletter
Office bearers 2025
President Leigh Douglas 0428109361
Vice President Geoff Stratford (Strum) 0402292690
Secretary Catherine Carlyle 0428399441
Treasurer Wendy Bedggood 0429932065
Presidents Report May 2025
Greetings everyone. This is our 1st newsletter this year, due to difficulty finding an Editor since Margo left. Thanks to Catherine Carlyle for stepping in for this issue. There has also been difficulty in getting rain these last couple of seasons; wetlands and waterholes have dried up, which on top of the fires in the Grampians has been very tough on wildlife and vegetation.
FOGG has held activities in February, March and April. In February Sarah Cole gave us an update on: Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby, and other, post-fire feeding programmes, pest control, shelter pods, the small mammal trapping project, and pest plants. In March we joined in the annual clean-up day, at The Pines (no nappies! but a lot of small items, and blown-about tree cages). April saw us removing Sallow Wattle regrowth near Halls Gap. For reports on these events, please see below.
There has been, and still are, many other Group’s activities going on, which FOGG members have been welcomed at. (see below).
So, welcome to winter in the Grampians. It’s heartening to see (vulnerable) regrowth after the fires, plus unburnt shrubs and heathland plants coming into flower – it doesn’t all happen in the Spring-time!
Leigh.
Parks Victoria Updates
Here’s the latest update from our Grampians Ark Coordinator on the comprehensive recovery efforts following the Yarram Gap and Wallaby Rocks fires in Grampians National Park.
Background;
The fires have burned an area of 135,677 Ha, which represents over two-thirds of the park. All six high conservation areas have been affected, including critical habitats for our priority species, which are protected under State and Federal legislation, such as the critically endangered Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby (BTRW), Long-nosed Potoroo, Southern Brown Bandicoot, Heath Mouse, and Smoky Mouse. Amid the devastation, we have found a newly discovered BTRW population at Asses Ears. This marks the first confirmed population of this critically endangered species outside its reintroduced colony in Moora.
Photo Credit Joe Terry
Key response efforts in progress and achievements.
Critically Endangered Brush-Tailed Rock Wallaby
- Ground feeding operations commenced on 17 February, involving the sling loading of bulk supplies for 17 monitored ground feeding stations over 5 km of the escarpment. They have been serviced weekly, with a total of 11 ground feeding operations conducted to date, covering over 110 km.
- We have confirmed the presence of BTRW at all 17 ground-feeding stations, including the eastern escarpment, where we obtained our first camera trap images of BTRW since their introduction. Camera images have confirmed that BTRW are actively feeding and drinking from the feeding stations, including images of young joeys at foot.
- An enhanced monitoring program is underway, replacing burned cameras throughout the colony and quadrupling the established monitoring area. Additionally, scat collection for the colony survey has been ongoing, with over 100 samples collected so far. Genetic analysis will be conducted before June 30 of this year.
- Over 300,000 camera trap images have been collected since the fire recovery began in late December, with 55 cameras deployed at both Moora and Asses Ears.
- Additionally, an enhanced predator control program is in place, involving ground and aerial shooting operations, canid pest ejectors, soft-jaw leg-hold traps, and baiting.
- We have established a new monitoring and predator control program for the new Asses Ears BTRW population, including 20 new cameras that have been deployed since the last update, with at least three confirmed BTRW at Asses Ears so far.
Photo Credit Joe Terry Asses Ears BTRW
- Habitat and vegetation assessments are being carried out on an ongoing basis at both Moora and Asses Ears colonies to allow for adaptive management of the ground feeding program.
Photo Credit Joe Terry Feeding station
High Conservation Areas, Endangered and Threatened Small Mammals
- Deployed an additional 190 habitat pods since the last update across two more high-value conservation sites affected by the Wallaby Rocks fire scar, bringing the total number of habitat pods deployed to 350. We have now purchased another 800 habitat pods for ongoing deployment.
- An extra 60 cameras have been installed to monitor the habitat pods and support the overall recovery efforts for small mammals following the fire, increasing the total number of cameras deployed for this project to over 120.
- Our first camera image of a Long-nosed Potoroo after the fire was taken on April 11th, marking a significant reason for celebration. Given their critical condition in the aftermath of the fire, it has taken months of dedicated effort to achieve this first positive sighting. Additionally, we captured camera trap images of our endangered smoky mice in the Victoria Range following the fire, thanks to the efforts of our partners at Museums Victoria and WCMA. I have attached the photos for you.
- Coordinated the PV volunteer program with Geelong Lutheran College to assemble habitat pods, in addition to the last update, where Friends of the Grampians and Halls Gap Landcare supported the assembly of habitat pods.
- An enhanced predator control program is being implemented around the habitat pod locations and other critical conservation areas. It incorporates ground and aerial shooting operations, canid pest ejectors, soft jaw leg-hold traps, and baiting.
- We have completed re-establishing over 300 of the 400 bait stations that have been affected by fire so far.
- We have recently completed re-establishing the fire-affected camera array and CPE network at Major Mitchell Plateau.
Photo Credit Joe Terry
Partnerships and stakeholders
- Completed re-establishing the 36 long-term monitoring sites for the Great Gariwerd Bird Survey and Deakin University’s long-term small mammal monitoring program, which was initiated after the Mount Lubra fire to assess the long-term responses of small mammal populations to landscape-scale wildfires and is in its 18th year of operation. Of the 36 sites, 32 have been impacted by fire, necessitating tree hazard assessment and treatment.
- Completed re-establishing the 252 research and trapping transects across the 32 fire-affected monitoring sites in time for the start of this year’s long-term small mammal monitoring program, which begins next week on the 7th of May.
- Coordinating the Great Gariwerd Bird Survey with over 30 volunteers from the 10th of May through to the 25th of May.
- Assisting Museum Victoria with the replacement of the Smoky Mouse camera array in the Victoria Range by installing new cameras at Mount William.
- Supporting an enhanced community 1080 baiting program in the Victoria Valley with additional funds that involve 38 adjoining landholders.
- 13 BTRW fire recovery working group meetings.
- Presentation on fire recovery efforts so far to the bi-monthly statewide invasive species collaboration meeting.
- Scheduled presentation to the Partnerships against Pest Community Info Session and Field Demonstration at Laharum on May 10th.
A sincere thank you to Kat, Dale, Helen, Matt, Marcello, Ben, Sarah, Mike, the Grampians Gariwerd National Park team, and many others.
We extend our gratitude to our essential partners, who enable our work: the DEECA WPPL program, Deakin University, Museums Victoria, Panayyabyr and Mirranatwa Landcare Groups, Zoos Victoria, BTRW Fire Recovery Working Group. Nature Glenelg Trust, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, Project Platypus, and FFMV.
Finally, we sincerely appreciate our volunteers and local community organisations, such as the Friends of the Grampians – Gariwerd, Halls Gap Landcare, and the local volunteers who help make the Great Gariwerd Bird Survey possible.
Cheers
Joseph Terry, Grampians Ark Coordinator, Gariwerd
Update provided by William (Bill) Playne, Ranger – Visitor and Community, Grampians (Gariwerd)|Western Region
‘Parks Victoria respectfully acknowledges Traditional Owners, their cultures, knowledge and their continuing connnection to and cultural obligations to care for their Country’
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Grampians Fire and Parks Victoria Updates
16th December 2024
Chronology: 16th December 2024 A lightning band started multiple fires across Grampians including at Yarram Gap. Forest Fire Management planes started patrolling immediately. Despite large numbers of aircraft, water bombers and ground crew operations the fire spread along the Mt William range, Mt Rosea and Sundial area over the next two weeks. This fire extended south towards Walker Swamp and west into the Wannon River valley and east towards Pomonal and Moyston.
Halls Gap and surrounding towns were evacuated several times. Christmas was a very unsettling time for many.
This Yarram Gap fire burnt 76000 hectares of National Park and farmland and had a perimeter of 427km. Including farmland and homes around Pomonal and Moyston.
From 3/1/2025 Wildlife welfare crews conducted assessments with vets to care for injured wildlife and food drops were being conducted throughout the Grampians National Park. Plus impact assessment teams started assessing properties affected by bushfires. Over 600 properties would be visited to assess damage from the fires and suppression efforts, including burnt and damaged fences and control lines constructed.
Pomonal had burnt recently in February 2024 and once again the town had to be evacuated. Several homes were again lost and many fences and out buildings.
6th January this fire was contained, but blacking out operations continued and the fire was monitored to ensure that it did not break out again.
8th January Halls Gap reopened
10th January the northern unburnt area of the National Park opened. Many roads were still closed including the Halls Gap-Dunkeld Road. Overnight hiking was closed.
15th January work began on the Grampians Peak Trailhead in Halls Gap with several trees removed and part of the car park closed.
19th January a fire started at Boroka lookout; this was started by an illegal campfire on the rocks near the lookout. This began in the evening and fire crews worked overnight to contain the fire and the next morning helicopters were able to assist. This fire was under control on 21st January. It had burnt out about 7 hectares on the side of the hill below Boroka lookout. This area was pink for many days. Boroko track walk reopened on 18th April.
20th to 24th January: Pest control aerial shooting operations began to control pest animals and support the recovery of the park and its native species. These operations have continued targeting foxes, cats, deer and goat.
24th January A busy week on the ground for the GGNP Parks Victoria and FFM Vic teams, with a whole number of fire recovery activities going on. Some of these include Grampians Ark Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby Emergency Feeding Operation (with volunteer involvement from the local community), Aerial Pest Animal Control Operations across the fire ground, Fire Recovery works and Impact Assessments, ongoing stakeholder updates, placement of signage (walking tracks/road closures) and extensive closure structures being placed at key access points around the fire ground.
25th January Parks Victoria held a Halls Gap Fire safety day to assist residents and visitors with fire safety.
27th January lightning strikes again ignited multiple fires in the Grampians. Two fires in the north at Wallabies Rocks and Taylors Track and a fire at Bullawin Road in the southern Victoria valley. These fires also spread rapidly and Wartook and Mirranatwa were evacuated.
On Tuesday 28th of January 2025, the State Control Centre declared Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park closed after a series of bushfires started following lightning strikes in the central and Victoria Range areas of the park. This was to ensure visitor/community safety and to support the firefighting effort. These fires are not yet under control.
On Wednesday 29th of January 2025 the full closure was amended. It now entails partial re-openings of visitor sites and walking tracks in parts of the park that are safe and unaffected by the current bushfire situation. All vehicle based and Hike-in campgrounds in the park are currently closed.
6th February the Wallabies Rocks fire was not yet under control and was 59,000 ha in size with a perimeter of nearly 300km. This fire threatened Wartook, Glenisla and other townships to the west. The Henty highway was partly closed between Horsham and Cavendish.
8th February this fire was contained due to favourable weather conditions and firefighting efforts. The Bullawin fire had travelled north and merged with the Wallabies Rocks fire and had burnt the whole of the Victoria range including Mt Thackeray, Chimney Pots and Fortress area.
13th February 2025 has been declared a day of Total Fire Ban in the South West District. This district covers the southern area of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
14th February many unburnt areas of the park reopened.
16th February the Wallabies Rocks – Bullawin Road fire was under control.
Campgrounds and walking tracks started to open again in the unburnt parts of the park.
20th February – Grampians Tourist Road between Halls Gap and Dunkeld opened.
26th February DEECA started a Rapid Response Assessment Team who worked over the week and weekend to compile a report for the State Government to respond to the Wallabies Rocks fires.
Areas of the Park continue to open as cleared by Forest Fire Management. Most of the Grampians Peak Trail is still closed.
There have been 100 days of Emergency Management in the Grampians.
Over 135,000 hectares of national park and farmland was burnt. Many FOGG members were impacted upon.
From 17th March 2025, Wildtracks are commencing works on the Fyans Creek (Barri Yalug) Track between the end of Tandara Rd and the Terraces Fireline). Wildtracks will take approximately 2 weeks with this section of the track temporarily closed or detoured around on the Terraces Fireline in accordance with the progress of works. Boronia Peak remains accessible from the northern end of the Fyans Creek (Barri Yalug) Track.
28th March The Tandara Steps Project on the popular Fyans Creek (Barri Yalug) Track between the end of Tandara Rd and the Terraces Fireline is completed and open.
16th April Easter Update. The impact of the 2024/2025 summer fires in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park was widespread. It resulted in the closure of many popular visitor sites including campgrounds, picnic areas, a large network of roads and walking tracks (including sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail). Parks Victoria is now progressing with large scale fire recovery works across the park. To complement these, a staged re-opening of visitor sites is being implemented. Staff have worked diligently to ensure the first phase of reopening’s are ready for the Easter long weekend.
The sites to be reopened on Good Friday (18th April) are:
Silverband Falls Walk and Silverband Road, Balconies walk, Sundial carpark and the walk to the Pinnacle and Lakeview lookout walk (Sundial Peak remains closed), Boroka Track Walk, Jimmy Creek and Wannon Crossing Campgrounds, Kalymna Campground and Kalymna Walk, Griffin Trailhead to Cassidy Gap Rd (Grampians Peaks Trail) – Walkers can now access this area by either pick up or drop off at Grampians Tourist Rd. The Griffin Fireline Track remains closed to vehicles but open to walkers accessing the Grampians Peaks Trail via the Griffin Trailhead.
6th May – 8th May An aerial pest Animal Control Program in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park was conducted to respond to the ecological impacts of the recent Grampians bushfires. To target pest animals and to support the recovery of the park and its native species. Operations will occur within fire ground areas currently closed to the public. No additional closures of visitor sites or campgrounds will occur.
12th May Track repair works will take place on the Pinnacle Walk (halfway along in the Bridal Veil Falls area) from Monday 12th of May to Friday 23rd May 2025. The walk will remain open however visitors may experience delays. The Forest Loop Walk turn off near the works area offers an alternative route to access the Pinnacle Lookout.
12th May The Coppermine 4WD Track section from the Coppermine 4WD Campground to Mt Zero Rd will be closed for roadworks from Monday 12th May to Friday 16th May 2025.
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Our Events
7th February – Meeting with Park Ranger Sarah Cole
Sarah updated 45 attendees on the status of the small colony of Brush Tailed Rock Wallabies
Population: 60 animals across two sites in Victoria (Grampians and Gippsland)
In 2008 they were reintroduced to the Grampians. The area they inhabit near Moora Moora has been burnt out in the recent fires. Another small population was found at the Asses Ears also affected by fire.
Recent post fire Feeding Operations with helicopters and now by vehicle. Drone attempts were unsuccessful.
- Deer and Pest Control ongoing operations with animals controlled to date including 10 foxes, 30 red deer and 3 out of 4 Sambar.
- Feeding Programs for other animals including the Heath Mouse and Agile Antechinus. River Blackfish hot spot near Jimmy’s creek was affected by the fire and these fish are particularly at risk as they depend on hollow logs in rivers for spawning and hiding. DEECA have been relocating populations of blackfish to farm dams in the region.
Habitat / Shelter pods: have been purchased by DEECA and are being monitored by Deakin University. So far 160 have been installed across two sites (80 pods per site) in Clusters of 16 pods × 5 locations with cameras to monitor their use.
Small Mammal Trapping Program ongoing and conducted by John White (Deakin University)
Sarah’s main interest is in control of Pest Plants such as Sallow Wattle. The issue post fire is that it regenerates over large areas 6 months post-fire. This was seen at Golton Gorge and Barigar Campground after the last bushfires in 2014.
Various control methods are being trialled including:
- Seeding with Correa and Lasiopetalum macrophyllum
- Mulching sallow wattle to help native species recruitment
- Bush bank is using a painted-on herbivore deterrent
The team are facing many challenges including damage to soil by Staff vehicles during mulching, deer eating regeneration and lack of funding.
Monitoring is a key strategy but aerial monitoring has difficulty differentiating A. mucronate from A. longifolia species. Therefore Parks are focusing on likely Ecological Vegetation Classes which are at risk of sallow wattle invasion and ranking priority. Without a doubt sallow wattle follows the creeks upstream as demonstrated at Golton Gorge where it has reached the top of the range and is tracking along the Grampians Peak Trail here.
Kunzea leptospermoides (Yarra Burgan) has emerged as another invasive, colonising weed which increases fire fuel load. This plant is particularly prominent in and around Halls Gap as this is where it was planted.
Management needs to include other agencies such as VicRoads as it spreads along the road towards Stawell and Dunkeld. Luckily Halls Gap Landcare Group are taking a lead role and recording sites in area. This weed needs early removal post-fire (1-2 years) to get on top of it before it seeds.
Research is ongoing to learn more about its taxonomy and classification in an effort to determine where it comes from. If it is an invasive introduced weed then this can be controlled by Council putting notice on rate payers
FOGG thanked participants from Halls Gap Landcare, Project Platypus and Australian Plant Society for attendance.
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20th February – informal meeting with A/Prof John White
A small group of us met A/Professor John White for a chat and a meal at the Spirit of Punjab in Halls Gap to learn about the Deakin University Small Mammal Surveys which have been ongoing since 2008. There was early involvement by Mike Stevens – well known Park Ranger.
John White started surveys post-Grampians fires (2005/2006) and had done these at 36 sites every year except 2020 (covid).
Research and Findings:
Multiple papers published.
Produced models for six small mammals’ response to fire and drought.
Allowing them to hindcast data back to the 1970s based on historical rainfall and fire data.
There was less variation in highs and lows of species numbers in the past.
The current ‘arid zone-like’ conditions in the Grampians is driven by climate change
John White’s Current Involvements in 2025
Small Mammal Surveys: with a team of honours students and one PhD student. The monitoring is due to start on the 6th May and continue for 3 months. There are 36 survey sites, 32 of which have been burnt in the most recent fires. They will put out 25 cameras at each site, and survey each site for 4 days. Setting up 2 sites every 2 days! What an effort.
Second Generation Rat Poison: John also updated us on Second Generation Rat poisons containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, difenacoum and flocoumafen commonly available at hardware shops and hard to distinguish by packaging from first generation rat poisons which contain warfarin or salt.
The big concern is the poisoning of non-target animals (birds and possums), secondary deaths, toxin accumulation in liver. Recent surveys have found that Powerful owls, boobooks, tawny frogmouths have high liver concentrations (soon to be released paper).
These poisons are banned in UK and USA.
It is likely that these chemicals are found in humans, but detectable only via liver biopsy
We discussed opportunities for FOGG members to be involved and have invited John to speak to us on May 9th at Brambuk in the Mural Room.
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2nd March Annual Clean Up Australia Day Event:
We met at Pines Plantation campground. The day went well. The weather did us proud, nice morning. A dozen members participated and although the camp ground looked pretty clean at first glance, we collected up a good eight bags of rubbish and some extraneous items over a bit more than one and half hours, which we thought was good hunting, so we didn’t do the quarry. Park Ranger Nick called by just after I arrived to set up and thankfully, he offered to call past in the afternoon and collect the rubbish if we left it behind the toilets. Thanks Nick and thankyou to all our volunteers.
Another successful team effort.
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2nd March – FOGG Special General Meeting: Centenary Hall, Halls Gap.
All members were invited to a Special General Meeting to discuss the exciting future of FOGG becoming a registered charity and officially register with the Australian Charities Not-for-Profits Commission. (ACNC). A successful meeting was held with 8 members attending and 13 proxies all in favour of these Motions.
Model rules were adopted for our new constitution. FOGG’s Statement of Purpose was outlined and voted for.
Statement of Purpose
The Friends of Grampians-Gariwerd (FOGG) is established to be a charity with a purpose of enhancing the natural environment by –
- Promoting the conservation, protection and restoration of the Grampians Gariwerd National Park.
- Increasing the community’s involvement, knowledge and enjoyment of the Grampians Gariwerd National Park
- Assisting with projects selected by FOGG and Grampians Gariwerd National Park.
- Providing a community voice in support of the Grampians Gariwerd National Park
All members are encouraged to get a Working for Children Check. Please note this is a requirement for undertaking activities on Parks Victoria land.
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12th April – Sallow Wattle removal
On Saturday 12th April, nine volunteers met to pull out Sallow wattle in the Grampians State Park, Halls Gap- Ararat Road, near Halls Gap Transfer Station.
Sallow wattle (Acacia longifolia spp longifolia), is an invasive out of place native plant shading out the park’s unique vegetation, including the rare and beautiful Grevillea gariwerdensis. Parks Victoria had slashed the sallow wattle in this area 2 years ago and we hunted out the regeneration and removed it by hand pulling or cutting close to the ground.
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We plan a follow up to search for the Grampians endemic, Grevillea gariwerdensis.
Photo credit: Leigh Douglas
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9th May with Dr John White
9th May 2025. A long-term study aids understanding of the likely impact of climate change on Gariwerd’s small mammals
Associate Professor John White presented to 32 attendees recently on “How will little critters cope with Climate Change?’ The Grampians fire, climate and biodiversity project.
Climate Changes means fires, drought and floods and this project aims to look at how ecosystems are going to respond.
Over the past 20 years the Grampians has experienced hypervariable climatic conditions, including four mega fires since 2005. Major fires are now more frequent, more intense, and more devastating. Floods are becoming more frequent and severe with major damage from the 2010/2011 flood.
Photo Credit Leigh Douglas
Deakin University has established 36 survey sites and conducted extensive small mammal surveys since 2008. These surveys have tracked numbers of feral (house mouse and black rat) and native species. Native rodents include the heath mouse and swamp rat, while little native carnivores include Dunnarts and three species of Antechinus – dusky, agile and yellow footed. The study has also tracked numbers of the endangered Long Nosed Potoroos and Southern Brown Bandicoots.
Photo Credit Leigh Douglas
This is an extensive long-term study is one of the largest of its kind in Australia. Over this time the researchers have conducted 9340 trap nights of trapping per year, resulting in 10354 captures. The team have also conducted many thousands of nights of camera traps.
The study has conclusively shown that small mammal populations are sensitive to the interrelated variables of time since fire, rainfall (drought), and vegetation productivity. All three will and are being impacted by climate change. Over the last 20 years the Grampians have had the Millenium drought, followed by the big wet and then the last 3 years of ups and downs with a very bad dry spell and a recent fire at the moment.
John and his team have developed models looking at the response of all these small mammals post fires, drought and floods which has helped them to understand what has happened before and what can happen in the future. (Using models to look back in time at the Grampians). See this photo which shows how numbers vary – red is low and green is high.
Points
- 2 years post high rainfall periods there is a boom in animal numbers, such as in 2012 with the heath mouse and agile antechinus.
- The recovery of most native species after fire is very slow.
- House mouse numbers explode after fire due to no competition with natives, its ability to move into an area and the abundance of grass regeneration. Its numbers are initially high and then as the native species recover its numbers drop off.
- After 18-20 years there is peak species richness.
When rainfall is low there is a decline in all small mammal populations. More rain equals more natives.
It is not completely true that animals need fire. Most native animal species prefer long unburnt vegetation, but fire does help bring back some floristic diversity (Who drives post-fire recovery-our paper from the Grampians).
John’s team was also interested to know if there are areas in the Grampians offering drought microrefugia and studied an area between Lynch’s Crossing Road and Yarram Gap Road using cameras and processing over ½ million images. There was scientific evidence that areas with high vegetation (NVDI) cover provide drought microrefugia offering us hope in the face of increasing fire, drought and floods. The hope that in these microrefugia animals can shelter and then move out and breed once the conditions improve. Our paper from the Wannon looking at drought refugia (Can NDVI identify drought refugia for mammals and birds in mesic landscapes? – ScienceDirect).
However, the concern is that a continuing dry climate without rain is likely to lead to extinctions of fires keep occurring as regularly as they are now. For Gariwerd, long-term maintenance of species all depends on rain.
More information in this paper Diversity and Distributions – 2016 – Hale – Fire and climatic extremes shape mammal distributions in a fire?prone landscape
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FOGG Engagement with other Agencies
ACNC: In March we received Charity Status from the Australian Charities Commission ACNC.
ATO: FOGG received Charity Status and along with this Income Tax Exemption. This does not mean we are a tax-deductible charity, but that we are exempt from income Tax.
Landcare Victoria: In April we renewed our membership with Landcare Victoria and are an official Landcare Group.
VEFN: In April we updated our profile on the Victorian Environment Friends Network website, we are a member of this Friends network.
VNPA: FOGG continues to support the Victorian National Parks Association and encourages members to do likewise.
Project Platypus: FOGG donated $1000 to Project Platypus for the Squirrel Glider Project.
Working with Children Checks: All members are encouraged to get a Working for Children check, this is a requirement for undertaking activities on Parks Victoria land.
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Other Events attended by FOGG members
28th January – Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby food preparation
We helped Parks Victoria with food preparation for the small colony of Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby affected by the December – January Grampians bushfires.
Parks wrote: “In the coming weeks, until we have sufficient rain to stimulate the growth of foraging foods, we are supplying some supplementary macropod foods via helicopter to our Critically Endangered Brush Tail Rock Wallaby colony. Gariwerd is home to one of only two colonies in Victoria and its numbers are estimated to be around 20 individuals. Supplementary feeding is not always recommended and only applied in very specific circumstances, we are working with DEECA, researchers and Zoos Victoria and our feeding rates and schedules are overseen by veterinarians with wildlife specialities. Supplementary feeding is likely to continue for many weeks.
28th January – Habitat Pod Building session
FOGG members also assisted Parks Victoria with building Habitat Pods. Initially they had 80-100 pods to assemble. The pods are designed as emergency habitat for Long nosed potoroos, smoky mice, lizards and any other critters in need of shelter from predators after the fires.
This is part of a trial by Deakin University and will be monitored in the field by cameras.
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Project Platypus
March and April Tail of the Squirrel glider
Project Platypus invited Friends of the Grampians – Gariwerd to join the quest for Squirrel Gliders in an exciting, collaborative effort that brings together nature enthusiasts and dedicated ecologists.
Since October 2024, the dedicated Project Platypus field crew have undergone extensive training in identifying and monitoring Squirrel Gliders. Guided by ecologist Chris Pocknee from the Biolinks Alliance, their mission has taken them to the roadsides around Dadswell Bridge, surveying a 17km stretch armed with thermal imaging night scopes, binoculars, and cameras to spot and identify various possum and glider species.
Their vigilant efforts have already led to the discovery of a new location inhabited by Squirrel Gliders, providing crucial data to understand their population and inform protection strategies. These findings underscore the rarity of Squirrel Gliders in the area, highlighting the urgent need for concerted conservation efforts to ensure the survival of this special marsupial.
Throughout March and April, FOGG members joined the field crew to explore these sites and locate more Squirrel Gliders. It has been a fantastic opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts, learn from experts, and become a part of a larger mission to protect these fascinating creatures.
17th March – Squirrel Glider Activity report
On Monday evening, Friends of Grampians Gariwerd members, Catherine and Clive Carlyle and Project Platypus Elia and Lee ventured along the roadside vegetation to survey the area for Squirrel Gliders. We gathered at Mt Drummond Road, equipped with thermal imaging scopes and red light torches, tools crucial for spotting nocturnal wildlife. As the sun disappeared and darkness enveloped the landscape, the bushland seemed to come alive around us.
Our night began with some remarkable sightings. Almost immediately, a Brush-tailed Possum appeared in our sights, its distinctive, bushy tail illuminated in the soft red glow. Not long after, we caught sight of a Ring-tailed Possum navigating its way through the canopy with remarkable grace. These initial encounters reminded us of the importance of roadside vegetation with its mix of trees and understorey of wattles and set an exciting tone for the survey.
The real stars of the evening, however, were the Sugar Gliders. Not long into our survey, we spotted the first of eight Sugar Gliders we would encounter that night. Despite their tiny size, these creatures were brimming with energy and charm. We watched as they jumped effortlessly from tree to tree, their outstretched membranes allowing them to sail gracefully through the air. They were incredibly active, chasing insects with precision, grooming themselves meticulously, and even interacting playfully with each other.
The survey offered much more than a tally of wildlife sightings. It provided a deeper understanding of the nocturnal habits of the local fauna and reaffirmed the importance of preserving such roadside habitats.
On this occasion we didn’t spot the rarer and larger squirrel glider, but hopefully with ongoing surveys these will be found as we map more roadside vegetation. This is just a prelude to finding the best areas for Project Platypus to revegetate and build habitat corridors to provide refuge for these rare gliders.
For species like the Squirrel Glider, Sugar Glider, and other nocturnal animals, roadside vegetation provides critical corridors for movement, shelter, and food sources. These strips of vegetation often act as connectors between larger patches of habitat, enabling wildlife to navigate safely through otherwise open or developed landscapes.
Thankyou Elia and Lee and Project Platypus for the “Tail of the Squirrel Glider” project.
Photo credit to Chris Pocknee
Photo Credit Elia Pirtle
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27th and 28th March – Halls Gap Trailhead Plant out
Nine FOGG members attended these plant outs in Halls Gap to help Project Platypus plant 500 grasses, shrubs and trees at the Grampians Peak Trail head in Halls Gap. This will showcase this long-distance trail and add biodiversity and beauty. Just visit Halls Gap to see the impact of 500 pink tree guards at the start of the Pinnacle Walking track.
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News Items
Victorian Environment Friends Network (VEFN)
FOGG is disappointed that the Victorian Government will not be creating national parks at Wombat-Lerderderg and Mount Buangor/Mount Cole. Instead, the Great Outdoors Taskforce will consider multiple uses of over 2 million hectares of state forests, including expanded recreational activities, firewood collection, and vegetation clearing. This is in part due to a very vocal lobby group who want to continue status quo. FOGG members put in a submission to the “Have your say survey” on this issue.
Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA)
The VNPA recently reported that in 2022-2023 year there were over 54 million visits per year to state and national parks in Victoria and only 16 million visits to State Forests. This clearly shows the strong support for National Parks and that they are used much more frequently by Victorians than State Forests. We only wish the government would listen to the silent majority and create more National Parks as promised.
Parks Victoria cuts and the review.
At the end of 2024, Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced the wide-ranging review and the departure of Parks Victoria CEO Matthew Jackson on the last parliamentary sitting day of the year.
Victorian National Parks Association Executive Director Matt Ruchel expressed serious concerns about the review, stating, “It’s hard to see how major cuts to funding for Parks Victoria combined with an out-of-the-blue review meets community expectations. We are deeply concerned this is a trojan horse for dismantling hard-won nature protections.”
Parks Victoria annual state budget was cut by $95 million in 2023-2024 and 51 crucial services were stopped or paused due to these cuts.
We are still waiting for the review of Parks Victoria to be released ASAP.
Connect online for more VNPA and VEFN news.
FOGG supports the VNPA and encourages members to visit their website and consider supporting their campaigns.
Deer in the Grampians
FOGG have signed on to the letter from the Victorian National Parks Association asking for deer to be recognised as a pest species and for deer to managed aggressively post the fire in the Grampians. Deer are invasive herbivores and compete with the native animals for food and homes and also damage the native flora and prevent regeneration of plants. FOGG supports ongoing efforts by Parks Victoria and DEECA to control deer.
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Next FOGG Events
Friday 13th June Area Chief Ranger Charlie Richardson
Date: Friday 13th June
Time: 5.30-6.30pm followed by a meal at the Halls Gap Hotel.
Where: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural centre.
Come along to meet and hear from Charlie Richardson who will provide an update on the Grampians National Park, including the fire response and management.
After this talk, we will head to the Halls Gap Hotel for a meal – please RSVP to Leigh TEXT 0428109361 or for a meal
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Sunday 13th July Wildlife in the Grampians with Neil Macumber
Date: Sunday 13th July
Time: 2.00pm.
Where: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural centre.
Embark on a journey through the stunning Grampians with local naturalist Neil Macumber. From vibrant native birds such as crimson rosellas and sulphur-crested cockatoos to the curious kangaroos, echidnas, and even sun-loving reptiles, Neil will unveil the secrets of the region’s incredible wildlife. Discover the best birdwatching locations, learn about the wildlife that roam this unique landscape, and gain fascinating insights into the delicate balance of the Grampians’ natural environment. Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast or simply eager to learn, join us! All welcome.
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September 13th AGM and Guest Speaker from the Victorian national Parks Association. Keep the date free.
See calendar on Website
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Coming non-FOGG Events
17th May Australian Plant Society: Banksia Magic: Growing Australia’s Iconic Beauty
Date: Saturday 17th May
Time: 2pm
Venue: Stawell Neighbourhood House, 42 Sloane Street, Stawell.
Ross Shepherd, the manager and driving force behind Seaford Banksia Arboretum will be talking about his favourite Australian plant genus Banksia, how he successfully established the Seaford Banksia Arboretum and how we can successfully grow these beautiful plants in our own gardens.
Visitors most welcome and afternoon tea provided.
Join APS for a meal afterwards at the Gift hotel. RSVP Text 0458177989
Ross Shepherd Banksias May 2025 v2
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31st May Launch of the Squirrel Glider Project
At Pomonal Estate 10.30-2.30pm Register here
About the event
Join Project Platypus for the official launch of our “Tail of the Squirrel Glider” project. Anyone is welcome to attend this fun and informative event to celebrate our conservation efforts that will protect the threatened Squirrel Gliders in the Northern Grampians region.
The event will include short presentations on the ecology of Squirrel Gliders; Survey findings; fun activities for kids; the opportunity to get up close to a real live Squirrel Glider; and how the community can get involved in this exciting project.
Learn about the project
Ecology and Identification. Chris Pocknee (Biolinks Alliance) is an expert and passionate ecologist who will present fascinating insights into the life of Squirrel Gliders, their habitat needs, and how we can all help protect them.
Where do Squirrel Gliders live? Project Platypus staff will present findings of our Citizen Science surveys and the how they are guiding future habitat protection.
Meet a Squirrel Glider! Black Snake Productions will introduce you to a real-life Squirrel Glider as well as other native animals that live in our region.
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19th July Plant-out
Date: Saturday 19th July
Time: 9.30am onwards lunch provided.
Where: 59 Pines Road, Fyans Creek
Bring gloves and digging tools. We will have phytospray for disinfecting.
Project Platypus will be coordinating this event. Catherine and Clive Carlyle invite you to a plant out on their property in Fyans Creek (adjacent to Grampians National Park). This will be the third plant out they have had. In 2019 FOGG members came and planted shrubs and grasses in 4 exclusion plots. Three of these are doing really well and the fence has been removed from one of these plots. The fourth plot went under water for a few years killing most of the shrubs, but the swamp wallaby grass and a few melaleucas are doing well. This year we will have several more exclusion plots to plant plus we are looking for help to take tree guards off some well-established black wattle and plant more black wattle around the paddock redgums. We will be planting Banksia marginata, Melaleuca decussata, Teatrees, Gahnia, Black wattle, Black wood and Golden wattle.
All welcome. RSVP phone or text Clive on 0429947449
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Grampians Walking Track Support Group
This group was formed to attract and coordinate volunteer interest in maintaining and improving walking tracks within the Grampians National Park. New members welcomed.
Recent events include upgrades to Heatherlie Quarry, Zumsteins and McKenzie Falls with other events scheduled throughout the year to help fire recovery.
To find out more please register on Park connect at www.parkconnect.vic.gov.au
They would love to see you attend and help. Contact Graham Parkes or David Witham.
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22-25th September Australasian Seed Conference Horsham
Join the Australian Grains Genebank and the Australian Seed Bank Partnership for a conference that blends science with practical seed applications. Topics include seed biology, preserving seed banks, sourcing and using seeds, and the cultural role of seeds. Enjoy hands-on workshops and field trips to seed restoration sites. Contact Megan Hirst (Seed Ecologist) with the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria for more information.
Phone 0392522379
Register online at https://www.seedpartnership.org.au/events/assc25/
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Member updates
Asterolasia phebalioides Downy Starbush
Aster Greek meaning star and lasios hairy, because of the stellate hairs covering the leaves and stems of plants in this genus, phebalioides meaning it resembles the genus Phebalium. Both genera are in the family Rutaceae which contains plants like Boronia, Correas and citrus.
Downy Starbush is one of many of the Grampians rare and threatened plants, it is listed as Vulnerable under the Federal EPBC Act, it also occurs in the western Black Range and the Little Desert. It flowers in Spring, predominantly in October, with eye catching yellow flowers. For the uninitiated, at first glance you may mistake it for a Hibbertia, but it has distinctive foliage with downy covered stems and foliage. The grey green leaves are crowded, cuneate – obcordate (with a blunt or notched tip) and make it readily identifiable without flowers. If you have a look at the hairs under magnification, they look like spikes on a cactus.
Downy Starbush seems to respond to fire, so over the next few years it will be more easily spotted both as a response to fire and before the bush becomes thicker and so harder to spot. After the 2006 fires there were some lovely patches on the walk to Briggs Bluff. In an Experiment carried out in 2004 it would appear Downy Starbush is susceptible to Cinnamon fungus which is becoming widespread in the Grampians.
For those who contribute to iNaturalist this would be a good plant to get more data points on.
Wendy Bedggood
Editor Notes:
On reviewing i-naturalist there have been 42 observations of Asterolasia phebalioides in the Grampians, another 3 from near Little Desert and 3 on Kangaroo Island in the Far NW corner.
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Powerful Owls
Powerful Owls are Australia’s largest nocturnal bird of prey and also our largest hollow-nesting bird. They are a formidable predator, regularly taking prey up to their own body weight. Ringtail possums are a favourite but, depending on habitat, they also predate small and large glider species, brush tailed possums, sub-adult koalas, fruit bats, and a range of birds. Generally, these owls take arboreal prey but there are records of them occasionally taking small ground-dwelling mammals such as rabbits or small marsupials. Sadly, Powerful Owls are killed by secondary poisoning resulting from so-called “second generation” rodenticides, please don’t use these.
Many people camping in and around Halls Gap may have unknowingly heard a Powerful Owl calling, a deep “classic” hoot. But far fewer will ever have seen one. Listening at dusk for 10 minutes or so, the period when kookaburras are calling to just after they stop, is a good time to hear them. There are numerous recordings online that you can acquaint yourself with but please DO NOT play recordings to try and attract an owl. On at least one occasion this triggered a territorial response from a male owl resulting in the death of his female partner. It may actually be illegal to do so in Victoria.
Halls Gap is lucky enough to have a pair of Powerful Owls that regularly produce young, and are surprisingly easy to view if you know where to look. We are similarly fortunate to have a pair that have taken to regularly visiting, and roosting on, our property outside the breeding season. Lucky because (1) they are such an impressive, actually slightly intimidating, bird, (2) they are uncommon and listed as threatened in Victoria, and (3) it means the quality of habitat and diversity of prey is good enough to support them. A pair of Powerful Owls need to hunt over a large. The actual area depends on abundance of prey and ranges from as little as 300ha to in excess of 2,000ha. A pair typically requires upwards of 250 possum-sized prey animals per year.
We first found the owls on our property when I walked under a huge radiata pine en-route to checking a fox bait. An unfamiliar peevish sound came from high up and, on looking, I could make out a couple of dark shapes. Returning with binoculars I was blown away to see a pair of Powerful Owls. After that I’d check on them regularly. They would either be in the Pine or an equally large adjacent Monterey Cypress, never in any of the numerous Redgums. They roost in these exotics because the dense canopies prevent them being mobbed by other birds during the day. The Owls at Halls Gap tend to roost in large Black woods for the same reason. So, on our property the exotic pine and cypress are important owl habitat.
A good way to spot if an owl has been roosting is to search the ground underneath the tree looking for tell-tale pellets, which are grey, fur covered clumps containing the regurgitated bones of their prey. The above photo shows the collection of bones we found in the owl pellets on our property once soaked and dried out. Diet seems to vary depending on what is available but, I suspect it, also varies with individuals and, perhaps, experience. Analysis of their regurgitated pellets shows that “our” owls regularly take birds (Magpies, Currawongs, Choughs, and Cockatoos) and Kreft’s Gliders. We have never found any evidence that they take Brush-tailed Possums, despite these being abundant on our property and taken by owls in other localities, especially around Melbourne. They don’t have the opportunity to take Ring tail possums as we have none/few present. In contrast, we regularly see the Halls Gap owls with Ring tail possums, presumably as these are locally abundant. Powerful Owls can often be seen holding onto a dead prey item when roosting, presumably as an early evening snack prior to commencing the night’s hunt.
These are BIG birds with truly formidable talons and a rather daunting stare. However, they are surprisingly difficult to see. In fact, the easiest way to locate them is to look down, for white wash and regurgitated pellets. We’ve noticed that adults quite quickly get used to us going to look at them. Initially they were suspicious and watched us closely but, after a while, hardly even bothered to open their eyes when we went to check on them. The chicks, in contrast, are super inquisitive, and CUTE, moving their heads from side to side to get a good view. This head moving is so the owls can visually triangulate to assess distance and depth. Unlike us, who can move our eyes to do this, owl eyes are fixed so they must move their head. Something we’ve noticed is that quite a high proportion of individuals have damaged eyes, this may be a result of prey encounters or possibly from twigs/branches when taking arboreal prey. One of “ours” has an asymmetric pupil, handy for identification. In fact, at one stage we wondered if “our” owls and the pair in Hall Gap were one and the same. Comparison of eye-close ups (2000mm zoom !!!) showed they are different birds.
Apart from an abundant food supply, Powerful Owls need large nest hollows in big live trees, preferably with an understory of smaller trees like blackwood. The understory is an important crash pad for newly fledged owlets and provides cover for the roosting male, who will otherwise be mobbed all day by small birds, Currawongs and Magpies. When you overlay nest requirements with food sources it is not surprising that Powerful Owls are threatened in Victoria. It is great that we still have them in and around the Grampians, but we need to ensure we do, or don’t do, things to keep it that way.
Do
- Plant understory trees beneath large gums
- Revegetate, especially along creek lines, which owls like to frequent.
- Check large trees as possible roost/nest sites before using heavy/noisy machinery.
- Report roost/nest sites on public land to council, who have a legal obligation to protect them.
Don’t
- Clear large trees, live or dead
- Clear understory from beneath large gums
- Use second-generation rat/mouse poison
Nest boxes? The jury was out on these. Until recently there is only one known instance of Powerful Owls using a nest box, and this wasn’t wholly successful as one chick died. It may be that extant nest box designs/materials aren’t suitable. However, a nest box made from a natural hollow log (hoisted up a large gum) has now been used successfully for several years. So, we are considering something similar on our property with the help of skilled local arborist Nils from Calypso Hollows.
Photos and article from Clive Carlyle
Calendar of Events
Next Event Friday 13th June with Charlie Richardson, Area Chief Ranger presenting on the Grampians recovery post fire. This will be in the Mural Room at 5.30pm. Followed by a meal at Spirit of Punjab.
Please note AGM in September with a wildflower walk and Guest Speaker
| Friday 13th June | 5.30 -6.30pm | Parks Talk Area Chief Ranger Charlie Richardson | Grampians Park Update Fire Update in Mural Room Brambuk, followed by meal Halls Gap Hotel |
| Sun 13th July | 2.00pm | Wildlife of the Grampians with Neil Macumber | Grampians Wildlife, Mural Room Brambuk, Halls Gap |
| Fri 8th August | 5.30-6.30pm | Parks Talk Joe Terry Grampians Ark project: Hear about the Brush tailed rock wallabies and other animals post fire survival | Mural Room, Brambuk Halls Gap.
Followed by a meal at Spirit of Punjab. |
| Sun 10 Aug | 9.45 am | TBC Parks Activity | TBC |
| Sat 13th Sept | 2.30pm Walk
4.30pm AGM 6.00-7pm Guest Speaker |
Grampians Walk meeting at the Halls Gap Botanic Gardens. Then the AGM in the Mural Room at 4.30pm. Followed by presentation by Victorian National Parks Association Guest Jordan Crook. Join us for a meal at the Halls Gap Hotel afterwards | 2.30pm Walk Halls Gap Botanic Gardens
4.30pm Mural Room, Brambuk Halls Gap AGM and Guest Speaker followed by a meal at Halls Gap Hotel. |
| Sat 11th Oct | 9.45am | Orchid adventure day with Hamilton field Naturalists | Location TBC Meet with Hamilton field naturalists |
| Fri 7th November | 6.00pm | Aggie Stevenson (Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority GHCMA) | Talk about Victorian Volcanic Plains. Mural Room, Brambuk Halls Gap followed by a meal |
| Sat 8th Nov | 9.45 am | Aggie Stevenson (GHCMA) | Location TBC Enjoy a Grassland Walk near Dunkeld or Willaura |
| Sun 14th Dec | 9.45am | Hollow Mountain Walk to see Gulgurn Manya | Followed by Christmas lunch at Mt Zero Picnic Ground |
Website: www.friendsofgrampiansgariwerd.org.au
Please check email, website or Facebook the day before, in case there are changes.
FOGG Name badges:
We have name badges available. Please let us know if you would like one.
Membership
Memberships welcomed and are due on 1st July.
$20 for single and $25 per family
Application form on website
Contact Wendy Bedggood
Direct deposit
BSB 063528
Account Number 10081737
Account Name Friends of Grampians-Gariwerd Inc
Thank you to all our members and to Parks Victoria and those who contributed to this newsletter.
Unacknowledged photos are by the Editor
Help needed
Newsletter articles always encouraged.
Newsletter Editor sought please contact Leigh Douglas if interested.
If you are interested to run a working bee such as controlling sallow wattle, please let me know.