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Newsletter, August 2003

This newsletter is to let you know of developments in this area. It is also a reminder of what a fantastic resource this area is, and its potential - open space along the river bank in an area with a rich cultural heritage, particularly for the Kulin nation and the arts.

Our steering committee (with representatives from Bulleen Art & Garden, Parks Victoria, the City of Manningham, HeideMOMA, the Veneto Club and the community) has continued meeting.

'The Bolin Bolin Steering Committee will promote and work towards creating a distinctive identity for the area from Banksia Park through to Bulleen Park by overseeing planning and development. It will celebrate the diverse cultural heritage, protect and enhance the extant riparian zone and give a strong message of environmental responsibility.' Steering Committee Mission Statement.

Trail from Bulleen Park to Kim Close.

The City of Manningham will be constructing a trail from Bulleen Park to Kim Close, passing by the Bolin Bolin Billabong. Funding has now been finalised for this trail, which has been announced previously. It will be built later this year.

Bulleen Park Sculpture/Interpretation.

A 3m sculpture representing a eucalypt flowers has been designed by sculptor Simon Horsburgh. It aims to introduce and direct the viewer to the unique environment of the Bolin Bolin Cultural Precinct and Trail; provide a framework for interpretation; and celebrate indigenous plants. A permit has been granted and the Kulin Nation have been consulted about its design and interpretation. It will be constructed using a $4,000 grant from the City of Manningham and recycled metal provided by Bulleen Art & Garden.

The Veneto Club

We now have a representative of the Veneto Club on our committee. They are also planning to sponsor some artwork and interpretation relating to Italian culture to be sited on Veneto Club section of the trail.

Bolin Bolin - The 'Wonderings' of a Naturalist

Speaker: Glen Jameson, Environmental Team Leader, Parks Victoria.
Date & Times: Sunday 5th October, 10:00am to Noon
Enjoy the remarkable Bolin Bolin Billabong, home of Bunjil, beloved hunting grounds of the Wurundjeri in what was the Kakadu of Melbourne. Imagine early colonial days with flocks of Magpie Geese and thickets of vegetation that people got lost in. Seasonal aspects, geomorphological considerations, vegetative affinities with the Murray River - its all there.
Location: Meet at Car Park - Veneto Club - 191 Bulleen Rd, Bulleen (Melway 32 D9)
Bookings required: call Kay Toussaint 9840 9348

Revegetation of Parklands - guided walk

Come and see the progress of Bulleen Art & Garden's long-term indigenous gardens project which commenced in 1996. The site contains a number of high quality natural features: the Yarra River, a broad expanse of flood-plain, a large horse-shoe billabong, an escarpment cut when the Yarra River previously flowed through the billabong channel, a significant number of large, majestic River Red Gums and a depleted diversity of other remnant vegetation. However, a diverse range of invasive weeds dominated the site. The revegetation program incorporates integrated weed control practices, revegetation using indigenous plant species and wherever possible, relies on the regeneration of remnant species. Since commencing this project, in excess of 6,000 indigenous plants have been established across the site. The diversity of plant species established range from trees and shrubs to grasses, sedges, herbs and forbs. Plants include butterfly and/or bird attracting plants, aboriginal use plants, billabong/swamp plants, grassland/wildflowers, wattles. Nest boxes have been erected to encourage more native fauna to the site to breed.

Date & Times: Sunday 12 October, 3:00 to 4pm
Location: Meet & park at Kim Close (off Greenaway St) Bulleen (Melways 32D6)
Free, but bookings required: Bulleen Art & Garden 9850 5155.

Bolin Bolin Billabong

After planting, weed control and maintenance around the Billabong by Parks Victoria and volunteers, revegetation of the area is progressing well, despite the drought. There will be some further planting this spring. A new information shelter has been acquired, and will be erected soon at the entrance to the billabong from the road with relevant information and interpretation of the area.

Bulleen Art & Garden Sculpture.

Bulleen Art & Garden has obtained a permit to construct a large sculpture made from recycled railings in front of its premises, and this will be built in 2003.

Drive-in site.

Zoning recommendations have been made by an advisory committee for a 30 m strip along the river and section of wetlands to revert to Parks Victoria. An adjoining section would remain open space.

Contacts

Please let us know your email address if you would like to be kept up to date with news about the Bolin Bolin Precinct: meredithplain@baag.com.au