Fostering connections for people and nature in Fishermans Bend
Building community and supporting nature in Fishermans Bend are key to making it a thriving place for everyone in the future.
Westgate Diversity are one local organisation leading the way by fostering connections for both people and nature.
Image Credit: View towards Westgate Bridge over the lake. Courtesy of Westgate BiodiversityBuilt on the legacy of community-led conservation
Officially formed in 2018, Westgate Biodiversity builds on the legacy of community-led environmental conservation since the 1990's by the Friends of Westgate Park and the St Kilda Indigenous Nursery Cooperative. Today, Westgate Biodiversity is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to transforming Westgate Park into a thriving natural sanctuary in the heart of Melbourne. Incorporating Bili Nursery (currently located at 525 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne) and landcare activities at Westgate Park, Westgate Biodiversity plays a vital role in preserving and enhancing the natural environment within the Sandbelt region. By cultivating and planting locally indigenous species, the organisation not only restores natural habitats but also educates the community on the critical importance of urban biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems.
Nature-Fest at Westgate Park - coming on Sunday 15 September
This September, Westgate Biodiversity is hosting the Westgate Park Open Day - Nature-Fest on the Birrarung. This family-friendly event promises a day of exploration and education. As part of the 2024 Birrarung River Fest, NatureFest invites the community to discover the hidden gems of Westgate Park. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, workshops, and a stunning spring wildflower exhibition, while kids participate in engaging activities like scavenger hunts and plant-a-seed workshops.
Here is a snapshot of the program:
Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony: 11:00 AM
Riverbank Clean-Up with Tangaroa Blue: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Gardening Workshops:
Garden Tool Sharpening by the Men’s Shed, ongoing from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wildflower Sales and Free Advice from Melbourne Pollinator Corridor and Gardens for Wildlife experts
Plant a seed for kids by Westgate volunteers
Art and Crafts Stations:
Clay Birds and Paint with Natural Pigments, ongoing from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tours: Historic Port of Melbourne and Nature Walk at Westgate Park. By Westgate volunteers
Kids Activities:Scavenger Hunt with prizes and more. By Westgate Volunteers
Meet Paddy the Platypus, brought by SES
Learn about land regeneration and conservation efforts from ACF, Lions International, and Melbourne Water
FB IDEAs are excited to support this fantastic community initiative - so we hope to see you there! Go the events booking page for more information and to register to attend.
Get Involved
Volunteering with Westgate Biodiversity is a great way to be part of your local community and offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the environment. Volunteers can engage in a variety of hands-on conservation activities, from growing and planting native species to conducting bird surveys and litter clean-ups along the Yarra River. These efforts are vital to sustaining the natural beauty and ecological health of Westgate Park, and they offer volunteers the chance to connect with nature while giving back to their community. They also offer corporate volunteering sessions for the perfect team building experience. For more information go the volunteering page on their website.
Whether you're passionate about conservation or simply looking for a way to contribute to your community, volunteering with Westgate Biodiversity offers a wonderful, hands-on opportunity to give back.
