On August 1, Victoria’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) hosted a celebration of Gardens For Wildlife Victoria. DELWP has contributed $50,000 funding this year to help us grow, and the Department’s regional Port Phillip office is a member of Knox Gardens for Wildlife.
DELWP Regional Director Kelly Crosthwaite noted, “The Gardens for Wildlife Victoria partnership of community groups, councils, and researchers brings nature stewardship into our cities and towns. DELWP is proud to support the growth of this initiative.”
RMIT University researcher Dr Laura Mumaw conveyed RMIT’s support for the network. Her research fellowship, funded by RMIT, is looking into how ‘valuing nature’ can develop into biodiversity stewardship, how community-council wildlife gardening partnerships can be fostered, and what social and ecological benefits follow.
Many of the 115 Gardens for Wildlife Victoria participants attended the celebration, sharing achievements and enjoying networking with stakeholders from various state and local authorities. Knox Mayor Cr John Mortimore enthusiastically conveyed Knox City Council’s delight that its award-winning Gardens for Wildlife program is being held up as a role model for how community-council partnerships can support our native flora and fauna.