Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE

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Indigenous group contributes to a greener city

Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE's Koorie Education Unit and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's Rural Engagement Program continue to develop positive links with the community while enhancing the local environment.

The City of Greater Shepparton's River Connect program has been integral in making connections between the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria and the Department of Primary Industry to utilise a group of indigenous men as a work team for community revegetation initiatives.

The program has allowed trainees to develop skills in fencing, weed eradication, tree planting and environmental monitoring whilst working on practical, hands on projects. Project Coordinator, Kate Gillespie, says by making positive contributions to the community, participants develop self esteem and valued as members of the community. "The approach has also been proven to enhance team spirit and heighten levels of participation," says Ms Gillespie.

The group recently fenced an area in McKrackens State Forest to protect it from stock which will allow trees planted by St Lukes school to flourish. By working with school students, the Rural Engagement group fosters positive community relationships and a sense of ownership of local environmental issues and outcomes.

The trainees also planted over 500 trees at Dookie as part of the DPI's BioLink project to reclaim a pastoral area for indigenous habitat. Seed collector, Liz Evens from the Goulburn Broken seed bank coordinated the planting and shared her knowledge about seed collecting and extracting techniques.

Many of the participants are keen footballers at Shepparton's Rumbalara football club and have developed a landscape plan to revegetate the parameter of the grounds. They have included culturally significant plants so that younger generations can learn about bush tucker and medicinal plant uses.

Ms Gillespie says "In addition to the environmental outcomes achieved, trainees are becoming familiar with workplace requirements. Their time management, organisational and communication skills are all developed by real experiences working on worthwhile projects. Trainees can now enter their professional field confident of their ability to work as part of a team and enjoy the fruits of their labor."

For further information on the program contact the Koorie Education Unit at GOTAFE on 1300 GOTAFE (468 233).