1 July 2026
Project Platypus and the Upper Wimmera were well represented at this year's Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (VPFL) gathering, held over two days in mid-June. The event brought together policymakers, Landcare champions and industry stakeholders to celebrate the vital role Landcare plays in supporting urban and regional communities alike.
Representing Project Platypus on the second day were Clive Carlyle (Project Platypus Chair), James Maino (Jallukar Group member and Project Platypus technology advisor), and Lee Parry (Project Platypus staff member).
The team spoke with parliamentarians, including VPFL co-Chair Richard Welch MP, about the important work being done across the Upper Wimmera and the innovative use of technology being led by Project Platypus Facilitator Elia Pirtle. Networking discussions with other Landcare and environmental groups proved equally valuable, with many expressing strong interest in the remote bird-call monitoring system and mapping tools Project Platypus has deployed in the region. We look forward to continuing these conversations through the Victorian Environmental Friends Network.
Following the main event, a small subgroup of Landcare members joined the Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett (VPFL co-Chair), for afternoon tea. Martha was keen to understand the challenges facing Landcare groups and how she might help address them. Once again, a familiar theme emerged: groups recognise the value technology can offer but often feel they lack the capability to take it up.
To help bridge that gap, Project Platypus has proposed hosting a "Technology for Conservation and Landcare" webinar for interested groups. Stay tuned for more details soon.
Bronte Heron
Communications and Events Officer