Category: Meeting Report

There have been two AG meetings since the last newsletter, both relating to prescribed burning.
On June 9, a wet and freezing day, as convenor of the Advisory Group I hosted a meeting and excursion to look at the sites of some of the areas that had been burnt some weeks earlier. The invitation to attend was issued to people interested in the biodiversity aspect of prescribed burns. In the end we had a group of around 30 people – AG, FOGG, VNPA, Wilderness Society, Hamilton Field Nats and PV/DSE.
We started with a general discussion. Mike Stevens explained that the Code of Practice was the governing document outlining responsibilities etc. and that it contains the Fire Protection Plan which in turn outlines the zoning which governs some basic principles e.g.
Zone 1 – Burns for asset protection
Zone 2 – Burns to create strategic breaks to break up the … Read the rest

Last newsletter we reported on the dinner held at Wartook to celebrate our anniversary and publicised the proposed walk via the Pinnacle on the actual proclamation date. The walk didn’t eventuate due to weather and a swine flu alert in the Park office. So the new track opened without fanfare. The Grampians Wildflower Show in Halls Gap (October1 to 4) will have a 25 year display, both of the GNP and of FOGG. Please, if you have interesting anecdotes or historical documents and photos do contact me, Margo. I have a few more photos already to add to the slide show that’s up on the web, and on our digital frame.

A few emails came in about our 25 years from old friends:
1. ……. I hope you all have a great time, FOGG’s is one of those unique groups with really motivated people doing a fantastic job for the … Read the rest

On Tuesday 21st July I deputised for president Stan and attended a meeting at the GNP office in Halls Gap. This was a follow-up to a meeting that was held in Dunkeld on the 9th June 09, which Stan and I attended regarding “Prescribed Burns”. Speakers were Graham Parkes, Jill Read from GNP and Mark Corr  – acting District Fire Manager (while Geoff Evans is on leave).and Glenn Rudolph DSE A map prepared by Ballarat University titled “Biophysical Units Within the Greater Grampians Landscape Management Unit” was presented and was the cause of much discussion but with no conclusions. Another meeting is planned for October 09. In a final comment Graham Parkes pointed out that Halls Gap was saved by a prescribed burn in the Mt Lubra Fire of 2006.

 Ewen Johnson… Read the rest

On Tuesday 21st July I deputised for president Stan and attended a meeting at the GNP office in Halls Gap. This was a follow-up meeting that was held in Dunkeld on the 9th June 09, which Stan and I attended regarding "Prescribed Burns".

The speakers were Graham Parkes, Jill Read and Glenn Rudolph from GNP and Mark Corr  – acting District Fire Manager DSE (while Geoff Evans is on leave). A map prepared by Ballarat University titled "Biophysical Units Within the Greater Grampians Landscape Management Unit" was presented and was the cause of much discussion but with no conclusions.

Another meeting is planned for October 09.

In a final comment Graham Parks pointed out that Halls Gap was saved by a prescribed burn in the Mt Lubra Fire of 2006.

Ewen C Johnson… Read the rest

The Brim Springs Heritage Day was held on Sunday 5 April at Brim Springs Picnic Ground. It was a most successful day, with fascinating speeches and displays on both the Aboriginal and European views of the cultural significance of the site. Congratulations to the team who put it together, including our FOGG members Kathy and Janet, Cultural Heritage ranger Suzie, Horsham and Halls Gap Historical Societies and Barengi Gadjin.… Read the rest

In preparation for our celebratory dinner, your editor had fun going through old photos to put together a slide show for our digital frame. I also dug through old editions of our newsletter. Here are some of the things we have done over those years.
1984 – GNP declared on July 1 and our group forms as “Friends of Grampians”. 204 people had registered an interest. Somewhere in our records we should know many became members. Val Hastings first co-ordinator.
1985 – First newsletter. Editor unnamed, but Geoff Durham of VNPA very involved. Sue McInnes (or was it Ben Gunn?) designs logo. 1985 activities included rubbish collection at Mirranatwa Gap, seed collection at 4 sites in the Park.
1986 – Hand coloured badges are made for members. Ideas for Red Gum Walk start.
1987 – Sam Spyer becomes co-ordinator.
1988 – National Park Visitor Centre opens. Ian McCann makes speech … Read the rest

Briefly, at our last meeting we decided:

1. to donate $1000 to the VNPA ‘s Conservation Campaign set up in tribute to Jenny Barnett.  Donations received will be used to continue Jenny’s work in nature conservation and make sure that VNPA have suitable representation at the Royal Commission into the fire.
2. Also that we donate $500 towards purchasing 8 sets of books to replace those lost by 8 rangers in the Kinglake fires. GNP staff are organising the purchase and have donated the balance. We will keep an ear open for other groups that may need help after the fires.

A reminder of our AGM on Sep 12. Nominations for the committee can be in writing or verbally on the day.… Read the rest

Our AGM was held on October 9 and was followed by a general meeting.

Election of Office Bearers

President: Stan Parfett

Vice President: Prue Pyke

Secretary: Frank van der Peet

Treasurer: Kathy McDonald

Editor: Margo Sietsma

Public Officer: Kathy McDonald

Committee: Alison & John Fisher; Ewen Johnson; JanBert & Mabel Brouwer; Leigh & Ben Gunn; Errol Hoffmann.

General Business

Newsletter: It was decided we have been too lenient with sending newsletters to unfinancial members:

• Advise if member is more than six months overdue indicating with a sticky dot on newsletter.
• Include in newsletter – ‘ please check address label to see if you are up to date’.

Mail: It was moved that FOGG ask for their own PO Box at Halls Gap rather than mail being sent to NP Office – can be quite inconvenient for those collecting mail.

• Kathy followed up Monday at PO – an ‘internal’ box has

… Read the rest