EcoCentre

This National Science Week, we wanted to shine a light on Citizen Science, and the ways it can allow us all to partake in scientific knowledge acquisition, observation and analysis. To see it in action, consider joining our Beachkeepers of the Bay iNaturalist project.

Our volunteer Beachkeepers conduct citizen science and revegetation activities along beaches, dunes and foreshores of Port Phillip Bay from Altona to Frankston. To help our volunteers survey flora and fauna along the coast during and between activities, we have recently launched the Beachkeepers of the Bay iNaturalist Project. Whether you are a budding citizen scientist or a seasoned biodiversity geek, you too can participate by uploading your image observations of fauna and flora including birds, insects, shells, spiders, caterpillars and more.

We are particularly interested in monitoring populations of Superb Fairywrens as their habitat along the coast is fragmented. If you're down the beach and see a Fairywren, you can let us know by logging this observation in our project. Join the iNaturalist project here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/beachkeepers-of-the-bay

Join the Next Beachkeepers of the Bay at our events page: https://www.ecocentre.com/events/

Thank you to for this stunning photo.

All are welcome at our very popular Climate Cafes! The next one takes place on Saturday 24th August, from 3pm - 4:30pm at Cora Graves. One of the many challenges of the climate crisis is knowing what to do with the complex emotions that we experience about this planetary emergency. Another challenge is finding others who are available to listen, and share. In response to these challenges, the EcoCentre is offering a dedicated time for our community to participate in free, in-person Climate Cafes groups. The climate cafe is a small group gathering place where supportive connections are made through sharing our feelings about the Climate Crisis, facilitated by Carol Ann Allen. We look forward to welcoming you at our cafe table.

Register your seat at our cafe table here:

https://www.ecocentre.com/events/event/climate-cafe-august/

Get excited!!! National Science Week has landed - Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Get inspired from August 10-18 with more than 1000 events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres. Search for all the exciting, informative events happening around your local neighbourhood on the website at this link: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/

As a staff pick, why not step back in time and head to 'Prehistoric Bayside' showing at Bayside Gallery. This never before seen exhibition explores the tumultuous lives of bizarre beasts, from giant Killer S***m Whales to monstrous sharks half as long as a basketball court, through the display of groundbreaking fossil material found in Bayside. This is the first exhibition to showcase the remarkable fossils found in Bayside - the home to one of the most important fossil areas in all of Australia. Dating back roughly 5-6 million years of age, these remarkable finds by numerous citizen scientists are helping us piece together this ancient landscape, one bone at a time. Guest curated by Ben Francischelli.. The exhibit runs until 25 August.

Get more information here:
https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/services/arts-and-culture/prehistoric-bayside

On Friday August 23, 10:00am - 12:00pm, join us for a a Small Space Habitat Gardening workshop! Come along and participate in this fun and informative small space habitat gardening workshop. This is our second garden visioning workshop and this time we’ll focus on creating habitat in the garden at the new EcoCentre as well as your own spaces. No matter if you live in an apartment or a house, there are ways to increase habitat by gardening.

Attendees will learn from local environmental champions about techniques for providing for wildlife in limited gardenscapes. The workshop covers plant selection, brainstorming the needs of local wildlife, practical design considerations, and tips for urban habitat gardeners. The event will be followed by a light lunch. Supported by the Community Bank Elwood . The workshop will take place at Cora Graves, 38 Blessington St, St Kilda.

Register your place here: https://www.ecocentre.com/events/event/garden-workshop/

Are you unflappable, curious, and keenly organised about systems set-up and skill-building? Join us to help move operations into our world-class-sustainable community nature & climate hub, supporting the rollout of A/V, venue and other procedures for staff and volunteers, as the EcoCentre grows in this exciting new chapter. This is a 3 day/week role for one year, onsite in the beautiful St Kilda Botanic Gardens. Applications close Monday 19 August - via Ethical Jobs, see link in comments.

This coming Sunday August 11, 2:00pm - 5:00pm we have our monthly repair cafe and bike kitchen!!!

Bring your broken items to the St Kilda Repair Cafe to reduce waste and learn new skills, all while having a cuppa. If you have any unwanted phones or laptops, please bring them along to donate. Follow the St Kilda Repair Cafe for the latest news and updates. This project is coordinated in partnership by the JECO The Jewish Ecological Coalition and the EcoCentre. The St Kilda Bike Kitchen will also be having an open workshop at the repair cafe, taking place at Cora Graves, 38 Blessington St, St Kilda (across from previous EcoCentre location)

Sign up here: https://www.ecocentre.com/events/event/st-kilda-repair-cafe-and-bike-kitchen-aug-24/

On Saturday 27th August, 45 volunteers came together for a co-hosted City Of Port Phillip and Port Phillip EcoCentre community planting at St Kilda West Beach. This site has a special legacy of 30 years of the community caring for this local gem, where a new boardwalk has been installed to enhance accessibility to this stunning spot of nature. In attendance was Baykeeper Neil Captain Trash Blake Nina Taylor MP , EcoCentre staff, Beachkeepers and volunteers - who together got 2300 plants into the soil. Incredible effort!!!! In perfect timing, as the planting ended the rains hit, allowing the plants to get the magical rainwater and settle into their new future homes.

On the day two pied oystercatchers were spotted by Neil feeding on the sand flats. All in all the site was restored, improved and transformed by all those who came together for preservation of this exemplary dune site of biodiversity and community love. Thanks to everyone who contributed. Stay updated with coming up events https://www.ecocentre.com/events or subscribe to our newsletter.

We hope you get to see this incredibly beautiful space. Photos courtesy of Lisa Horler.

Happy National Tree Day 💚🌱
National Tree Day is Australia’s largest tree planting and nature care event. This weekend we co-hosted two community plantings with and which we can’t wait to share photos from shortly.

On Friday 26th July was National Schools Tree Planting Day. 140 students from 3 schools got 1000 native and indigenous plants in the ground 🙏💪🤍

As always, we are so grateful to all those who volunteer their time for the benefits of our local environment and its biodiversity ✨ 🌏 🩵

National Tree Day is a celebration of our arboreal friends 💚🌳 It’s a time to connect with nature, give back to our environment, and get plants into the ground that will support local biodiversity. Together with the City Of Port Phillip, let’s get a head start on National Tree Day a day earlier on Saturday 27th July 💪 We have an ambitious target set to get 3000 native plants into the ground 🌱 St Kilda West Beach is an iconic and treasured beach, beloved by our community. This planting follows the legacy of strong and connected community contribution to the stunning vegetation and indigenous plants that grace the coastal dunes of this area 🌊 No experience necessary - just your love for nature, and excitement to join fellow nature enthusiasts for a transformative experience at St Kilda West Beach.

Happening Saturday, July 27th from 10:00am - 1:00pm at St Kilda West Beach (meeting point details to be provided upon registration).

Register your spot here: https://www.ecocentre.com/events/event/beachkeepers-community-planting-at-st-kilda-west-beach

Earlier today, despite the gusty and rainy conditions the Beachkeepers of the Bay showed up to make a meaningful difference at Moran Reserve - the coastal park just north of Elwood canal where it enters the sea for a hands. In preparation for the community planting happening at the same site next Sunday 28th July for National Tree Day, the group in total collected 1.5 tonnes of w**ds which they removed. This is a stupendous effort in these maritime conditions and means the earth is ready for all the plantings to take place next week.

Guided by the wisdom of Damien from Citywide (pictured here in the orange high vis vest), the Beachkeepers were educated on w**d identification methods and systems. A fun filled day of learning and activities followed. We want to acknowledge the resilient efforts of Pascale from the EcoCentre, Damien from Citywide and all those Beachkeepers and community volunteers who showed up today. Next weekend we have a couple of big plantings in the works. In partnership with the City of Port Phillip, we have an ambitious target to get 3000 native plants into the coastal dunes at St Kilda West Beach on Saturday 27th July (taking place from 10am - 1pm). We really need your help 🙏 To register your attendance, head over to this link 🔗 https://www.ecocentre.com/events/event/beachkeepers-community-planting-at-st-kilda-west-beach/

Climate Cafe callout: New time, same safe and supported environment ☕️ 🌱 🌏 🩵

All are welcome at our very popular free, in-person Climate Cafes, which have now moved from Thursday evenings to Saturday afternoons! ✨ We’re hoping daylight hours will add extra welcome, warmth and care (after all, it’s winter chilly after sunset!) The climate cafe is a small group gathering place where safe and supportive connections are made through sharing our feelings about the Climate Crisis, facilitated by Carol Ann Allen (pictured here from another fabulous presentation). We look forward to welcoming you at our cafe table, over a warm cuppa and heartful community of like minded climate conscious individuals 🍵 🤍 The next cafe is this coming Saturday, 3-4:30pm at the EcoCentre, Cora Graves, 38 Blessington St, St Kilda.

Register your place here: https://www.ecocentre.com/events/event/climate-cafe-july/

National Tree Day honours trees as a life force for the health and wellbeing of our planet. Our Tree Day festivities are kicking off a day earlier in preparation - with a special Saturday planting at St Kilda West Beach on Saturday 27th July from 10am - 1pm. Together with the City of Port Phillip and the EcoCentre’s Beachkeepers, we have an ambitious target to get 3000 plants in the ground after recent boardwalk construction through the dunes. We really need your help!!  

The iconic St Kilda West Beach is a local gem, a large coastal dune reserve that is home to our local coastal dune plants. This event promises to be a rewarding experience for all involved as we take the next step in improving the biodiversity of this large dune area. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to planting, your contribution will make all the difference. 
To register, please head to https://www.ecocentre.com/events/event/beachkeepers-community-planting-at-st-kilda-west-beach/ 
Happening Saturday 27th July at 10am. Sea you there :) 🌊 🌱 💚

Moran Reserve along the St Kilda Foreshore is the coastal park just north of Elwood Canal where it enters the sea, and is a neighbourhood local gem. Next Saturday the 20th July at 10am, join the Beachkeepers for a hands-on revegetation experience to help prepare the site for National Tree Day the following week. All are welcome for this fun filled day of community and coming together. Our team will guide you through the process of identifying and w**ding invasive species, and help you to identify our local native plants that are part of the ecosystem.

We would like to acknowledge the project support provided by the Victorian Government through the Port Phillip Bay Fund. Photography courtesy of Lira Horler.

Register your place here:
https://www.ecocentre.com/events/event/beachkeepers-moran-reserve-st-kilda-foreshore/





Learn about the unique flora of the region and the critical role it plays in maintaining biodiversity. Participants will learn out about the Beachkeepers of the Bay iNaturalist project and how they can contribute as citizen scientists to our coastal biodiversity monitoring.

Join Earthcare St Kilda and the EcoCentre in the fourth Community Planting event for the season, to be held at H.R. Johnson Reserve Playground in St Kilda West. Join us as we continue our mission to enhance and support our urban green spaces. This event promises to be a rewarding experience for all involved, as we come together to invest in the future health and beauty of our local environment. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to planting, your contribution will make a meaningful difference. Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and make a positive impact in our community.

Everyone is welcome to participate, and all materials will be provided. If you have your own garden gloves, please bring them along. See you there!
Happening this Sunday, 7th July from 10am at Cowderoy Place, St Kilda.

Register your place here:
https://www.ecocentre.com/events/event/hrjohson-community-planting-event/

Discover the joy of a shop where everything is absolutely free! Welcome to Share&Swap Shop – a community “shopping”! Join us in sharing your pre-loved items and swapping for re-loved treasures, all in a lively pop-up setting. Just like an op shop or garage sale, where everything is free.

Our next instalment is happening this coming Saturday, Saturday 6th July, 12:00pm-2:00pm at the EcoCentre.

What to bring? Anything non-bulky that you’d comfortably share with close friends. What to bring? Anything non-bulky that you’d comfortably share with close friends. Supported by the City of Port Phillip and Elwood Community Bank.

Details and registration at the link in comments.

We want to *sing the praises* of many generous prize partners for our recent musical trivia night fundraiser, brimming with 170 pumped-up participants — heaps of fun and over $3000 raised for EcoCentre education and nature programs. Thank you to prize sponsors  🚤 🐬 🎨 🌾 🍷 👩‍🍳 🎶 🎁 and generous members of the Glee Plus choir and EcoCentre. Let’s give them some love! 💙🩵💚

Massive musical thanks to  for putting the FUN in fundraiser this past weekend, with a one-of-a-kind trivia night where some questions were sung and all questions were fun! Around 170 of us laughed, learned cool facts, and figured out long-misheard lyrics together. This event raised a mighty $3000 for nature and education programs at the EcoCentre. Will you chip in too? www.ecocentre.com/donate 💙🙏

In response to the distress of our current climate emergency, the EcoCentre is now offering an opportunity for members of our community to participate in free, in-person Climate Cafes at the EcoCentre. The EcoCentre’s Climate Cafe is a free, small group gathering place where supportive connections are made through a safe and supported sharing our feelings about the climate crisis.

Our EcoCentre Climate Cafe is sensitively held and gracefully guided by Carol-Ann Allen, a local climate-engaged group facilitator trained and experienced in offering community Climate Cafes. Spaces are limited so please register your attendance. The next instalment is happening this Thursday 27th June from 6:30pm - 8pm. Link to register here: https://www.ecocentre.com/events/event/climate-cafe-june/
We look forward to welcoming you to our cafe table.

Ever been to a trivia night where some of the questions are sung by a choir? There are still a few tickets available for Song Trivia with Glee Plus Saturday night (booking link in comments). Proceeds benefit EcoCentre education and nature programs -- plus there are a VERY NIFTY PRIZES from legends like Polperro Dolphin Swims, Melbourne River Cruises, Glee Club, That Paper Joint and amazing local artists. See you there?

Our beautiful bay is under threat. From climate disturbances to microplastics, from the Northern Pacific Seastar Pest to the invasive Asian Shore Crab. These together pose significant harm to the balance of your Bay. As the Baykeeper for Port Phillip EcoCentre, I invite you to join me to save the Bay you and I love. We’re not the only ones… Your gift today will help the Port Phillip EcoCentre to educate school students, Scout clubs, environmental groups and other concerned locals.

Collective action helps to monitor waterways and stop destructive pests taking over. The Bay is our classroom. From early learning to outdoor youth leadership programs, the Port Phillip EcoCentre is training up a generation that knows, cares and acts. Your donation is critical - no more than ever. Let’s let future generations witness the marine wonders we have. Please donate this link: https://www.ecocentre.com/donate/ Be quick – make your gift before 30 June.
Together in action for our Bay.

This coming Tuesday 18th June, the EcoCentre is presenting a scientific webinar titled “Below the surface: what a micro-pollutant study reveals about bay health.”

In partnership with Dr Jackie Myers from RMIT and Dr Morgan Ellis from Deakin, we will be sharing the results from a recently completed baseline micro-pollutant study of sediment in Port Phillip Bay.

Come and find out what was discovered and discuss what this means in a practical sense for management and users of the bay.

Dr. Jackie Myers is an Aquatic Ecotoxicologist at RMIT University’s AQUEST research group, with over 17 years’ experience focusing on understanding pollution issues in marine, estuarine and freshwater environments.

Dr. Morgan Ellis is as molecular ecologist at Deakin University’s EcoGenetics Lab, with a particular focus on using eDNA to improve marine biosecurity and better understand marine biodiversity.

Happening Tuesday 18th at 6-7pm.

Link to register:
https://www.ecocentre.com/events/event/webinar-health-of-the-bay/

RMIT University RMIT University Deakin University

Join Tammy (our local resident with a background in Health Psychology) for a Deep Time Walk all about stepping beyond our own lives and gaining a sense of the broader cosmic Big Picture. Part history lesson, part mindfulness session, this transformative experience enables you to grasp the enormity of our planet’s history and see own species, Homo Sapiens, in context. Starting at the formation of the solar system and the creation of Earth, this Deep Time Walk covers significant events, including the formation of the Moon, the early evolution of life, dinosaurs and much more. The walk will put into context humanity's rich ancestral heritage and give you an insight into the interconnectedness of all life.
Step back in time this Sunday June 16 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Port Melbourne Band Rotunda. Details on registration page here --> https://www.ecocentre.com/events/event/deep-time-walk-june-24/

Thank you to Community Bank Windsor for supporting this project.

This Saturday, come along to the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands Environmental Area, home to an array of magnificent waterbirds and melodious frogs. By joining us at this event, you will unearth the ways in which wetlands contribute to water quality, provide diverse havens for wildlife, nurture fish populations, regulate floodwaters, and sustain surface water flow during dry spells.

The EcoCentre will introduce participants to the iNaturalist app to explore and discover the wonderful wildlife and local flora nestled in amongst the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands Environmental Area. This tool will help us document and share our observations, contributing to citizen science and fostering a greater appreciation of our natural surroundings.

This is a family-friendly event. All are welcome. Happening this coming Saturday 15th June - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Register at this link:
https://www.ecocentre.com/events/event/wetlands-and-wildlife-waterbirds-and-biodiversity-15june24/

The next Teachers' Environment Network is happening this coming Tuesday 11th June, from 4-6 at the EcoCentre. Presented in partnership with Ecolinc, Coastcare Victoria and the Museum of Australian Democracy - explore, engage and empower.

Join this free PD and explore the Coastcare Schools Kit and empower your students to become coastal environmental change makers. The free kit features lesson plans, quizzes, games, videos and worksheet investigations to take into the classroom (Grade 5-8). All teachers and educators across schools, government and community organisations welcome.

As always, there will be tea, coffee and delicious Monarch cake! Participating teachers will also receive a certificate of professional learning linked to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/coastcare-victoria-professional-development-melbourne-tickets-706432387287