There is an inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee
The deadline for submissions has been extended to 19 April 2026. We encourage you to use this Link and make a submission.
Here is the FOBIF submission, it makes interesting reading.
Brendan is an environmental lawyer and former Executive Director of Environmental Justice Australia. He is the National Biodiversity Policy Adviser to the Australian Conservation Foundation, and a Board of Management member for several environmental not-for-profit organisations. Brendan is a regular contributor to iNaturalist and passionate about biodiversity conservation at landscape scale.
Meeting papers are available from the following links:
For more information, please contact the Secretary. Completed forms should reach the Secretary (castlemainefnc@hotmail.com) before the AGM.
The evening will conclude with a birthday cake to celebrate the CFN 50th anniversary!
15 March A backyard view of Spring Gully Carolyn Crowther 0407 214 049
This walk with a Spring Gully local, is an invitation to ask: what do we owe the place now? Find out the answers on this walk. We will follow kangaroo tracks through Box–ironbark forest, moving quietly and slowly to notice what’s living and growing here: the thin range of plants that persist, what’s being eaten, and the signs of animals passing through. We’ll also act on what we see – picking up any rubbish that can harm wildlife. Talking frankly about what protection looks like in practice. It’s a walk for people who love this place enough to protect it: to recognise harm, call it out, and help stop it. The walk takes a 5 km loop from Spring Gully Road that includes relatively untouched vegetation but still holds the detritus of generations.
Meet at Community House, Templeton St Castlemaine at 9.30am or Spring Gully Mine carpark, Old Coach Road at 9.45am carpark
Karl gave us a great insight into this ‘Fascinating little critter’. We learnt how we can use citizen science to protect its habitat which will give this endangered species a greater chance of survival.
Today’s rainy day was the perfect day to contemplate this little toadlet, which only breeds after autumn rain. They aren’t calling yet, but if we get some follow up rains, the Bibron’s toadlet will begin to call in the lead up to breeding. Then we will head out into the field to hear some in real life.
If you are interested and didn’t make it to this session, you can still be involved by emailing us at info@fobif.org.au.
This free event will feature Alison Pouliot in conversation with Paradise Bookshop’s own
Devon Taylor, delving into the adventures and scientific discoveries that shaped the
creation of her new book, Mushroom Day. Attendees will be treated to tales from the
fungal kingdom, exploring the vital and often overlooked role of fungi in our ecosystems.
“A feast of fungal wonders and superb drawing… A delight!” praises Giuliana Furci, founding director of The Fungi Foundation.
Anders Dahlberg of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences calls it “popular science at its very best—knowledge spiced with passion for the fungal kingdom.”
Following the discussion, there will be an audience Q&A and an opportunity to have
copies of Mushroom Day and Alison’s other books personally signed. All books will be
available for purchase at the event.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, 26 March 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue: Paradise Bookshop, 46 Vincent Street, Daylesford
Cost: Free. All welcome.
About the Author:
Alison Pouliot is an ecologist and professional environmental photographer with a deep
focus on fungi. Her work spans both hemispheres, where she is actively involved in
fungal research, education, and conservation. Her writing and imagery feature in both
academic and popular literature, and she is the author of seven books.
alisonpouliot.com
It’s nearly that time of year again. Walks begin next month on Sunday 15th March. https://www.fobif.org.au/walks/
If you are a member and didn’t get your program in the mail, please let us know info@fobif.org.au. We have a number of members whose addresses we don’t have.
If you haven’t renewed your membership here are the details https://www.fobif.org.au/join/
Maldon Artist Network Inc are holding an art auction at the Kangaroo Hotel in Maldon on Friday, 13th March. They are inviting artists to donate a piece of artwork. 100% of proceeds will go directly to Red Box Wildlife Shelter to fund emergency treatment, rehabilitation, food and shelter for wildlife fighting to survive.
Key dates
Artworks to be delivered 7th, 8th and 9th March 11am to 3pm
or posted any time before Monday, 9th March to Maldon Artist Network Inc.
27 Main St, Maldon, Vic 3463
Make sure your name and the title of the artwork are clearly written on the back
Art Auction: Friday 13th March 2026 Kangaroo Hotel, 89 High Street, Maldon 6pm
For further information, contact
maldonmanet@gmail.com
Carolyn Vickers 0425772674
White Everlasting Daisy (Chrysocephalum baxteri)
Slime Mould
Dunns Reef
Tall Greenhoods
Gnat Orchid
Blue Caladenia
Downy Grevillea (Grevillea alpina)
Coliban river upstream of the Gibbons bridge
Coliban river upstream of the Gibbons bridge.
Coliban river upstream of the Gibbons bridge.
Sailors Gully ruin
Loddon River near Vaughan
Cortinarius archeri
Mycena subgalericulata
Cortinarius rotundisporus
Cortinarius cystidiocatenatus,
Ramaria sp.
Pink Heath
Mount Alexander
Mount Alexander
Click on image for info/order page
Click on image for info/order page
Click on image for info/order page