By MARG STORK
SPRING is just around the corner, and not only are the jonquils
alongside the glasshouse bursting into a mass of blooms, but our two
favourite feathered friends from the golf links have appeared again – a
pair of helmeted honeyeaters.
They always signal brighter days ahead. Soon it will be nesting time and a hive of activity for our varied bird species.
There are 167 species of honeyeater, mainly found in Australia and the Pacific islands.
The birds are slender, with strong claws which enable them to cling to plants in a variety of positions.
They have an elongated and often slender bill and a specialised
brush tongue for extracting nectar from flowers. This tongue is long and
narrow and it can be extended beyond the tip of the bill. It is curled
upwards and inwards along the edges to form a double groove. The tip of
the tongue is brush-like, being split into a number of filaments.
Their nests are usually open and cup-shaped and are built in tree forks.
Meanwhile, not only are the narcissus flowering, but so are the laurestine under our apricot tree.
So many signs of warmer weather on the way.
Discover your own backyard
Greater Dandenong council has launched an inspiring new tourism campaign, aptly named Discover Your Own Backyard.
The council joined forces with Destination Melbourne to produce a
website and video showcasing our many gems, with the video highlighting
four local ambassadors sharing their favourite spots. They include
Despina Karatzias, who explores the picturesque parks and gardens
popular with families.
Having worked in tourism for more than 15 years, Despina said: “I
grew up in the area and am now raising my own family here. We think it’s
an amazing place and are always keen to show it off to family and
friends.”
Her favourite places to visit? “Definitely the parks and
playgrounds,” she says. “I love that you can really get away from it all
in beautiful places like Tirhatuan Park, the Dandenong wetlands and
Alex Wilkie Reserve.”
Despina’s favourite local event is the month-long Children’s Festival, a big hit with the young families.
“The Dandenong Market is a must-see for all our visitors,’’ she
said. “They love the hustle and bustle and the colourful atmosphere.
“The Australian Shark and Ray Centre – our own version of Melbourne Aquarium – is a hidden gem here in our own backyard.”
» Details: www.dyob.com.au/greater-dandenong
Council plans future of the green wedge
Did you know that 30 per cent of the City of Greater Dandenong is in a green wedge? I didn’t until I read a story in The City,
Greater Dandenong council’s monthly magazine outlining preparations of a
management plan for the wedge for the next 15 to 20 years.
The special role of green wedges is set down in state government
legislation, but a more local management plan is needed to address the
particular issues of Greater Dandenong, such as: What does the community
value about the green wedge? How can the area’s environmental qualities
be improved? What infrastructure improvements might be needed?
The review will involve at least two stages of community consultation and be completed next year.
Residents have the chance to voice their opinions at an
information session to be held from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, July 30, at
the council’s Dandenong office.
