2022 BICA News

June 2022 - BICA GM Talk

Here's the Yarra RiverKeeper talk by Charlotte L. Sterrett

Thank you to Charlotte L. Skerrett for her presentation, Christine Cummings for filming and Michael Dempsey for editing.

Yarra River Keeper Talk

2021 BICA News

May 2021 - The Big Walk

On Sunday 23rd May at 10am a group of 14 local Benders headed off from the corner of Lower Catani Boulevard and Henley Road and walked around 17km to the Nillumbik Estate, where we all gathered for a well earned dinner.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day with friends and locals walking and talking throughout the journey...

Some even enthusiastically pulled out some Boneseed weeds scattered along the side of the trail...

This was a great way to catch up, get fit and tell a yarn or two with friends.

Group of hikers walking on a wooded dirt trail with sunlight filtering through trees.

An elderly man hiking with a walking stick along a dirt path beside a large body of water, with hills and a clear blue sky in the background.

Group of people dining outdoors on a balcony with a scenic view of green hills and blue sky in the background, seen through large glass windows.

People hiking on a dirt trail through a green forest.

April 2021 - BICA Tour of Bend of Islands with Nillumbik Shire Council

On Wednesday the 7th April 2021 BICA Planning Sub-Committee met with Nillumbik Shire Council Councillors Rosa ZouZoulas and acting CEO Vince Lombardi along with Ben Ramcharan.

They were taken on a tour around the Bend of Islands to share why the ELZ is so important and needs to be protected.

They met later on the RTBC Co-op to discuss upcoming changes in Local Laws.

On the whole it was a very productive meeting, and it's great to see our local NSC Councillors taking their time to come and visit our home in the Bend of Islands

Three people walking on a dirt path overlooking a vast green landscape with rolling hills, trees, and a blue sky with clouds.

Group of five people standing outdoors in a wooded area, smiling at the camera.

April 2021 - BICA Meeting with Melbourne Water and Beon

On Wednesday the 7th April 2021 Frank and Michael from BICA along with Anthony from RTBC Co-op met with Melbourne Water to discuss the application for a Solar Farm development at Melbourne

Water’s Winneke site.

Representatives from the appointed contractor Beon were also on site to explain how the project would be constructed and to assist Melbourne Water with queries.

The discussions were focused on the impact to our wildlife corridor from the installation of a Solar Farm within the Sugarloaf Reservoir.

A group of people, some wearing high-visibility safety vests, gather outdoors on a dirt path near trees by a body of water, with a man speaking or presenting to them.

A group of people, some wearing high-visibility safety vests, standing outdoors near trees and a body of water, gathered around a man who is showing them documents.

Group of six people, some wearing orange safety vests, standing near a fence by a body of water, with trees and overcast sky in the background.

A group of people in safety vests and casual outdoor clothing standing on a dirt path next to trees, during overcast weather, possibly for a site inspection or outdoor work activity.

Scenic view of a calm lake with a reflection of trees and hills under a cloudy sky.

March 2021 - Clean Up Australia Day

Local Benders banded together and went searching for any rubbish in canoes.

There was some fun mixed in with good rewarding work at the same time. This was a very productive day for our local community volunteers, and its very rewarding looking after our beautiful bush. Local Bender Luke, heading back after collecting rubbish in his Canoe

A man with a long beard, hat, and yellow life vest sitting in a blue kayak on a river, holding a paddle. Two tires are stored at the front of the kayak. The background features green vegetation and a fallen tree leaning over the water.

Man with a beard and a wide-brimmed hat standing near a water body, holding an old tire, with a blue kayak and some gear nearby in a forested area.

A man standing next to a red kayak on a forested lakeside, surrounded by trees and natural scenery, with gear and supplies on the kayak.

People preparing kayaks on the riverbank, with children and adults organizing gear near the water surrounded by trees.

March 2021 - Twilight Picnic

As our monthly Cafe Benders has been a non-event for well over a year, we decided it was time to pack a rug and picnic basket full of goodies, to eat and drink and join friends and neighbours for a very long awaited community gathering of our wonderful community.

Gérard and Jo kindly gave permission to use their wonderful spot for a Twilight Picnic. Friends and neighbours, old and new gathered to eat and drink, but mostly to chatter and enjoy each others long overdue company.

Also, locals who felt artistically inclined, they brought along their musical instrument …

Love this place…

A sign hanging from a metal post along a wooded road, advertising a twilight picnic event on Saturday at 5 PM, open to all with BYO (bring your own) food, and inviting people to meet Henley Up Calani. The sign has a dark background with blue and white lettering and decorative stars, and there is a rust-colored metal post with an engraved bird and swirl design on it.

A group of people, including children, standing and sitting near a small, reflective pond in a wooded area with tall trees and sunlight filtering through

Group of people gathered outdoors in a wooded area, some standing and some sitting on chairs, with trees and sunlight in the background.

Group of people having an outdoor gathering or picnic in a grassy field surrounded by trees, with some sitting on blankets and others socializing.

2020 - BICA News

December 2020 - BICA Tour of Bend of Islands with NSC

On the 7th December 2020 BICA Planning Sub-Committee met with Nillumbik Shire Council's Newest Councillor Ben Ramcharan, to take a tour around the Bend of Islands and share why the ELZ is so important.

Three people outdoors reviewing a manual or map. Two women and one man are focused on the document, with a car visible in the background.

The interior of a vehicle with two passengers driving through a scenic landscape with trees and hills visible through the windshield.

Two men wearing face masks and standing outdoors near trees. One man appears to be speaking and holding a clipboard, while the other listens. The background shows rolling hills and scattered trees under partly cloudy skies.

Five people standing beside the entrance sign of Bend of Islands, surrounded by trees.

November 2020 - BICA AGM Talk

Here's the Southern Toadlet talk by Craig Cleeland

Guest speaker at BICA AGM, is ecologist Craig Cleeland who shared his extensive knowledge on local frogs and the results of his recent surveys including an update on the results of the Frog Census which was conducted in May 2019 and which some BICA members were involved with in.

Craig’s early career was in the Victorian Museum and Zoos Victoria. For the best part of 20 years, he has been a career teacher at Aquinas College in Ringwood, which is almost as long as he has been doing field work on Southern Toadlets. More recently, this has been in the capacity of an ecological consultant working with Landcare and Ecology Australia on Southern Toadlets.

March 2020 - Domain Featured Article

Welcome to Australia’s Secret Suburb, Bend of Islands, where No Pets or Fences are Allowed - Dani Giannopoulos

See the Full Domain Article from March 7th 2020;

Click The Link Below

Welcome to Australia’s Secret Suburb - Bend of Islands

A signboard at Bend of Islands area with instructions to protect local flora and fauna, prohibiting dogs, cats, timber removal, and shooting, amidst trees and a road.

Four people standing and talking on a rural road surrounded by trees, with a bridge in the background and various road signs visible.

A rustic kitchen with wooden cabinets, a brick floor, exposed wooden ceiling beams, and large windows overlooking greenery.

A rustic house with a sloped roof in a wooded area, surrounded by trees and plants, with an outdoor seating area and a dirt yard.

Two people sitting on a bench outdoors, overlooking a river surrounded by trees.

A house in a wooded area with a sloped metal roof, surrounded by trees and a landscaped yard.

Two people sitting on a fallen tree in a forest, smiling at the camera with trees and a wooden building in the background.

See the Full Herald Sun Article from February 8th 2020

Click The Link Below

Bend of Islands; Melbourne's Secret Bush Suburb

An elderly man and woman standing outdoors in a wooded yard, smiling at the camera. The man has white hair and glasses, wearing a blue shirt, and the woman has short gray hair, wearing sunglasses and a black top.

Close-up of a pink and purple orchid flower with speckled petals against a dark background.

Two smiling women outdoors in a wooded area, one standing and the other sitting in a rocking chair, holding a coffee mug, with trees and sunlight in the background.

A smiling elderly woman with gray hair holding an open book indoors, standing near a glass door with a view of trees outdoors.

An elderly man with long hair and a beard kneeling next to an artwork in an artist's studio, surrounded by paintings, art supplies, and furniture.

A rustic house surrounded by trees with a front porch, outdoor seating, and a sloped pathway with rocks and greenery.

An older man and woman standing outside a rustic house with stucco walls and wooden accents, both smiling.

Interior view of a cozy kitchen and dining area with wooden ceiling beams, a large window, and rustic decor.

Bathroom with stone walls, a wooden vanity with a mirror, and a red clawfoot bathtub with towels hanging on a towel rack.

Living room with rustic wood ceiling, stucco walls, brick staircase, upholstered furniture, ceiling fan, and a flat-screen TV.

Living room with a colorful patterned sofa, an armchair, a television, a fireplace, and a rug. Dining area with a wooden table and chairs in the background, with exposed wooden beams on the ceiling and a rustic style.

An elderly woman and man smiling in a rustic home interior with wooden beams and art on the walls.

See the Full Herald Sun Article from January 11th 2020

Click The Link Below

Bend of Islands: Flintstones-Style House For Sale on Melbourne Fringe

2019 - BICA News

February 2019 - Fox Killing Copperhead Snake

https://youtu.be/9zBhW45dygc

This very rare footage was captured and by Frank Pierce on 13th February 2019. It is narrated by Frank and was taken just upstream the big dam on Yanakie, and shows how important it is to protect our native species from lethal hunters like this fox.

Fox Killing Copperhead Snake

2017 - BICA News

May 2017 - The Big Walk

The BICA Big Walk took place on 27 May 2017.

They missed the hail but got wet from the drenching rain, and all survived the 19kms...

Eleven walkers and seven others enjoyed beer, wine and pizza at A Boy Named Sue in St Andrews.

A great day was had by all walkers!

A group of people in outdoor rain gear and hiking boots standing on a trail in a forest, holding walking sticks and smiling.

2016 - BICA News

March 2016 - Our New Wurundjeri Sign Unveiling

A group of about 85 community members and guests attended a ceremony on 17 March to unveil an interpretative sign that acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Bend of Islands, some post-colonial history and collaboration between the Wurundjeri and the Bend of Islands Conservation Association (BICA). The sign is located opposite the CFA station at the intersection of Catani Blvd and Henley Road. Read more here

Information signs or display boards in a forest setting for Wyandotabuk and Bend of Islands, with trees and a person partially visible on the right.

A man speaking outdoors in a wooded area with four women listening, some with glasses, one wearing a fur coat, others in jackets and sweaters, during the daytime.

A woman with gray hair, sunglasses, a black coat, and a beaded necklace points at a large, decorated animal hide or textile hanging in a wooded outdoor setting, with a few other people nearby.

February 2016 - The Canoe Run

It was a magnificent day with a large group enjoying the Bend of Islands on the Yarra.

Once the organising was done, it was time to hit the water. There were some stars on the day, and both young and old had a great day. What a beautiful way ot enjoy the Yarra.

Young boy kayaking on a river, wearing a helmet and life vest, with other kayakers in the background amid trees and greenery.

A father and two children in kayaks on a calm river surrounded by dense green trees and foliage.

A man and two children in a green canoe on a river, surrounded by trees and greenery, with the man at the back and the children in the middle and front, paddling.

People kayaking on a river surrounded by green trees on a sunny day.

2015 - BICA News

May 2015 - The Big Walk

Although it was a little wet, a good time was had by one and all.

Group of hikers walking on a dirt trail through a forest with tall trees, wearing rain jackets and carrying walking sticks.

Group of seven people standing outdoors in hiking gear with backpacks, in a forested area near a sign that reads 'Resevoir'.

Four people cleaning up trash in a grassy outdoor area, surrounded by shrubs and trees, holding trash bags and wearing gloves.

March 2015 - Clean Up Australia Day

This year’s clean up was on Wurundjeri Land at Keilor

Four people in outdoor gear standing and sitting on a grassy hillside next to a crash site with debris and yellow pieces of equipment, under a partly cloudy sky.

February 2015 - The Canoe Run

It looked like Murphy’s Law was to rule on Sunday morning Feb 1st, when the very pleasant sound of gentle rain on the roof in the early hours persisted! However, undaunted, a brave and enthusiastic first eleven hit the water and were rewarded with a break in the weather. Perfect for paddling though despite the lack of rain, for one reason or another over the three hours - going down the drink or taking on an unexplainable amount of water - a number of us ended up pretty wet! No matter.

If a bunch of canoes is a caddle and kayaks a kaddle then we decided they must collectively be a dackle.

The river was glorious and exciting. Tall, wild escarpments, gentle bends and reflections, heavy honey scent of what we thought was a eucalypt flower and rapids to negotiate. We’d set off late so Maree and young Wolfgang were very patient waiting on the bank to encourage us along. A perfect picnic spot was found for a snack and the journey continued.

Special thanks to Russell Crosser and Luke Doyle who shared both their paddling expertise and wonderful knowledge of the river to make the adventure great fun and Rob Laughlin for a great launching place.

Thanks to all the paddlers (dacklers) and others who joined us later for a barbie. It was a great day.

Liz Mildenhall

Family kayaking on river with two kids and one adult, surrounded by lush greenery.

2014 - BICA News

OCTOBER 2014 - BICA JOINTLY WINS THE SUSTAINABLE AWARD

BICA was selected as the Joint Winner of the “Sustainable Community Organisation Award” for the Shire of Nillumbik.

The Co-Winner was the Farmer’s Market Organisation.

Master of Ceremonies Rod Quantock read a glowing report on the achievements of BICA reflecting briefly on its past and listing a number of achievements from the past 12 months.

Three adults standing indoors, smiling. The woman in the middle holds a glass art award, and the man on the right holds a framed certificate. The man on the left also holds an orange and white certificate. The setting appears to be an awards ceremony or celebration in a warmly lit room with large windows and decorative lighting.

OCTOBER 2014 - BICA PUB WALK

On a pleasant October Sunday afternoon a garrulous group of us gathered at the fire shed all hyped up to step out in the good name of Bend of Islands pub appreciation subcommittee … (commonly known as the Pub Walk.)

We car pooled to Warrandyte, and 21 of us, set off downstream for Pound Bend. The weather was perfect and the way clear, except for a few city tourists and their dogs. We were soon on our own as the track deteriorated into a rock hop for a short time only to be replaced with bitumen and then gentle steps down to the Tunnel. We paused there to rest in the sun and to take in the history of the location. We then proceeded upstream beside the picnic grounds and past the very interesting Wurundjeri interpretative signs to a broad flat bush track.

We all walked at different speeds and, at times, were quite spread out, but no one took a false turning at the front nor got forgotten at the rear. You would not have found a more caring and considerate bunch.

As we turned away from the river bank and headed back towards Warrandyte, the pace seemed to pick up with thoughts of a cool beer, and we descended onto the Pub after about two and a half hours.

Once refreshed and feeling very proud of ourselves, and in the company of others from the bend who had driven down to join us, we enjoyed a pretty good pub meal together.

Only disappointment was the absence of Floss and Liz Mildenhall who had organised the whole event, only to be struck down with the flu.

A great day, appealing to all capabilities and ages.

Ross Henry

Group of people standing outdoors in a park with trees and cars in the background.

August 2014 - Weed Control Work

Through Nillumbik's Conservation Corridors (NCC) project, funded by a Communities for Nature grant, BICA has recently received more funding to continue to target key high-threat weeds which were establishing in difficult to access areas along the Yarra River Escarpment. The main weeds targeted are Bridal Creeper and Boneseed. It is fantastic that we are able to get on top of these environmental weeds before they become a massive management issue. If you have a weed issue on your property, please don’t hesitate to contact BICA to report it.

We have also received additional funding to contract a local arborist to fell the 12 Pine trees that remain on Ironbark road. The Pines will be felled and the debris will be cleaned up at our Landcare working bees.

Dunnart Survey

Dunnarts are small insectivorous mouse-sized marsupials which were historically found in our area. As part of NCC project, the Round the Bend Conservation Co-operative (RTBCC) are about to install 15 artificial habitat pavers at their next work party. The pavers will be positioned in two locations, one recently burnt area and another unburnt area of dry grassy forest. The pavers are placed over a base of pebbles, and if present, it is hoped dunnarts will choose to nest under them. Recent surveys in Christmas Hills have discovered dunnarts at six separate locations near the reservoir. We hope to rediscover them in our area again.

If you are interested in being involved or installing habitat pavers on your own property, you are very welcome to attend the work party to help install them and learn how. The work party will be on the 24th August at 9.30am on C track. Please contact us if you would like the supplies to set up your own and we can organise a bulk pickup at a later date.

A group of people gathered in a cozy wooden room, attentively listening to a woman giving a presentation in front of a projected screen. The room has warm wood-paneled walls and various seating arrangements, including sofas and chairs. Additional photos show a man and a woman sitting with flowers, and a woman holding a piece of paper.