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proudly serving Wyndham
15 JULY, 2026
Greening Grassfrog Haven
Friends of Skelton Creek president Angela Whiffen and secretary Denice Perryman. (Gary Sissons) 564221_02
More than 1200 plants will be placed in the ground at Grassfrog Haven to mark National Tree Day. Friends of Skeleton Creek will host the planting day at the Bromage Close, Hoppers Crossing, site on Sunday 26 July, from 1-3pm. The group is striving to plant 1242 plants at the site along a stretch of Skeleton Creek where endangered Growling Grass Frogs live and breed. “Over the last 30 years with the support and assistance of the Wyndham City Council conservation team, we have transformed the area from a degraded weedy grassed area into prime habitat for our frogs, but also the native birds, insects and reptiles of the area,“ the friends group said. “Along the way we have had seating, interpretive signage and a frog mural put in and have turned it into a haven for people also. Lockdown found this to be a prime community resource. We wish to continue by planting more indigenous plants and adding to this wildlife corridor.“ The group is putting the call out for volunteers to help on the day. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, a hat and if possible, bring a water bottle and gloves. Afternoon tea will be served.
Homestead hope By Narelle Coulter An online petition calling for urgent restoration works to protect and preserve Point Cook Homestead has attracted more than 900 signatures. The petition calls for a funded plan to fully restore “this important heritage building”; activation of the homestead so it can once again be enjoyed by the community through events, education, tourism and local activities and ongoing maintenance to ensure it is protected for future generations. Julie Connell is a member of the Point Cook Homestead Community Activation Group. The group wants the state government
and Parks Victoria to commit to restoring and activating Point Cook Homestead before it is too late. “For too long it has sat closed, deteriorating and vulnerable to vandalism while the community watches an important part of our history slowly disappear,” Ms Connell said. She said the committee is exploring the feasibility of a community-led restoration group, to work alongside Heritage Victoria, modelled on successful projects such as the Newport Railway Clocktower and Gardens restoration. “It’s volunteers who do the work so we’re not paying for painters at trade rates for example. Some work like electrics and plumbing must be done by professionals,
but the remainder, all the grunt work, is done by volunteers,” Ms Connell explained. She said Parks Victoria was exploring the model but “no matter what, it requires dollars to back it.” “The site is managed by Parks Victoria, but we need investment from the state government.” Ms Connell said timing was becoming critical with vandals continuing to damage the site. Wyndham council has included the homestead in its state election advocacy asking whoever wins power in November to commit $8 million to save the homestead. Parks Victoria area chief ranger James Brincat confi rmed a fully monitored CCTV system had been installed to help protect
the homestead from further damage. Parks Victoria did not answer Star Weekly’s questions about funding to save the homestead and gardens. Ms Connell said the response to the petition showed “there is a will for it to happen”. “We want the homestead restored so it can be handed back and used by the community. The building needs to be used, not locked up again. “We just need to fi nd a way.“ A community information afternoon will be held at Saltwater Community Centre on Saturday 25 July, 2pm until 3.30pm. It will be an opportunity to meet the group, ask questions, learn more about the homestead and hear about the opportunities ahead.
C C V AWA R D W I N N I N G “BEST MEMBER EXPERIENCE”
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