A glorious day provided the perfect backdrop for the Banyule ‘Friends Group End of Year Celebration’. Organised by the Banyule Bushland Management Unit as a ‘thank you’ to the Friends Groups for their commitment to Banyule’s bushland reserves, it was a great success on all counts.

From the wonderful opening ceremony by Uncle Bill Nicholson to the informative guided walks around the rewatered Banyule Billabong, the event was very well organised.
Council was well represented with three councilors, Cr Tom Melican, Cr Alison Champion and Cr Peter Castaldo. Also attending was the Environmental Sustainability Unit Coordinator and team members, and the Bushland Management Coordinator with his team members and senior rangers.The event also gave an opportunity for the Friends Groups to catch up – to discuss the pros and cons of our own areas. Members from seven groups attended: Andrew Yandell Reserve, Anthony Beal Reserve, Banyule Wildlife in Gardens, Friends of Montmorency, Friends of Plenty River and Friends of Salt Creek, so there was a lot to talk about and much information to share.

The Banyule Bushland Management Unit deserve a huge thanks for all their work on this event and for the Banyule community generally, protecting and enhancing our very special bushland environment. As hosts, on behalf of all participants, WCS would like to thank them and the Banyule City Council for their ongoing support.