At this year’s Field and Game Australia AGM, the team was there to receive the Blue Wing Award ‒ the second consecutive year they have nabbed the honour.
Conservation officer Graeme Wall said the awards and recognition would not be possible without the support of the group members and the community.
It comes as the group continues its work with Rushworth P-12 College’s HOPE program, working to create nesting boxes along the Waranga Rail Trail.
During a recent inspection, 27 out of the 50 nest boxes installed along the rail trail were checked by members and students with the main objective of assessing need for additional bedding material and to ensure unwelcome species had not taken over the boxes.
Mr Wall said students were actively engaged throughout the process.
He said the project has already seen a “remarkable uptake” by native species, including eastern rosellas, crimson rosellas, ringtail possums and kookaburras all making use of the nesting boxes through the program.
HOPE co-ordinator Craig Hunt expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Field and Game, noting the positive effect on student engagement and attendance.
The program highlights the importance of working within the community and offers significant educational and personal development opportunities for the students involved.
In addition, a community grant from Fosterville Gold Mine will enable the construction of another 40 hen houses, with students playing a central role in both building and installing these new habitats.
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