Wins for Connectivity and Accessibility
Awarded $500,000 in State and $610,740 in Federal Government funding for shared path network linkages enabling the completion of two stages of the RiverConnect Paths Master Plan.
The Flats (Route 3) included upgrades to the track and installation of seating, improving the accessibility for Flats Walk Tours by Yorta Yorta Elders.
Across the Broken River, construction of a pedestrian bridge and associated path (Route 5) have provided the connecting link between Shepparton and Kialla and to the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton.
Protecting Turtles a Team Effort
Collaborated with the Cussen Park Advisory Committee and Turtles Australia to survey Cussen Park for turtle nests using La Trobe University nest-detection dogs. Held an education and training event about use of next protection kits (kindly funded by the Hugh Williamson Foundation) for community and Greater Shepparton City Council staff.
Opportunities to learn and make a difference
Engaged 23,792 people across 507 collaborative events focused on education, art and culture, recreation and wellbeing, as well as hands-on planting, rubbish removal, weeding and nest-box building.
Unbound by the Walls of Traditional Learning
Inspired 8,034 students by providing opportunities to understand the environment, culture, and importance of the area, and participate in river environment improvements and projects spending over 570 hours learning.
Relationships for the long run
Built and maintained partnerships with over 40 organisations, agencies and groups, and with an additional 45 individual early learning, primary, secondary, tertiary and alternative education institutions.
Wetlands the focus of Citizen Science
Assisted Deakin University’s Blue Carbon Lab to collect data for the TeaComposition H20 Wetland Carbon Storage Project alongside Parks Victoria and volunteers from the Goulburn Valley Environment Group and Shepparton Mooroopna Urban Landcare Group.
Environmental Leaders of the Future
Celebrated young leaders of our region, including Jacob Dedman, the author of the ‘Birds of Cussen Park’ Edition 1 and 2.
Significant Sites to Learn and Protect
Installed the Reedy Swamp Ngaikun Woka Walla (Outdoor Classroom) space alongside the existing complementary interpretive signage highlighting the significance of the wetland for Yorta Yorta people.
Well Received by Community
Featured in 118 media items and attracted a following of 1,214 people on the RiverConnect Facebook Group and 436 people on the RiverConnect Instagram Page.
A Purposeful Path for Wellbeing
Facilitated maintenance agreement between Parks Victoria and community group to enable the Stuart’s Reserve Labyrinth for community meditation and use.
Botanic Gardens Collaboration
Supported relationships between the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton to run a Biomimicry educational day for 90 primary-aged students.
Rivers No Home for Rubbish
Delivered joint messaging on illegal dumping campaigns alongside ongoing clean-up activities and events.
Strategic Plan Update
Completed the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan review and created the new 2023-2028 Strategic Plan in consultation with all stakeholders, including the community.
