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Meetings are held from time to time. The Annual General Meeting is held in February. Meetings are usually scheduled to coincide with working bees, although they can also be held at the Lutheran Church at Pasadena or the Eden Hills Uniting Church Hall, when we can arrange a guest speaker. Contact the Secretary for details of the next meeting.
Working bees are held on the first Saturday of each month at 9.00 am. A sign on the gate at Ayliffes Road will let you know where the work site is for the morning. If on the previous evening ABC Radio forecasts a temperature above 30oC for Saturday, the starting time of the working bee will be 8.00 am. When the forecast temperature for a working bee morning is above 32oC, or a fire ban for the Mt Lofty Ranges has been issued, the working bee will not be held on that day.

2009 AGM: 23 February

 

NB: additional working bees are held on the third Saturday of each month, April-September

Current Issue of the DEH's electronic Volunteers' Newsletter: "The Link"

(Note change of date due to Easter)

 

Just a reminder that our working bee will be held on Saturday next, 3 June. Meet in the Ayliffe's Road carpark at 9.00 am as usual. The trailer will be parked on the Ridge Track close to the rocky outcrop and we will continue the work we commenced in May. Hope the weather will be kind to us.> A number of jobs have been identified to be undertaken in the Park. We will meet in the Ayliffe's Road carpark at 9.00 am as per usual and work out our program for the morning. Hope to see you on Saturday

 

Local News

 

December Update

 

The last working bee of the year will be on Saturday 6 December. Meet as usual at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am. We'll continue working in the triangle area and the trailer will be near the junction of the Viaduct and Ridge tracks. Hope to see you there.
Once again, Ron has entered the trailer in the Blackwood Christmas Parade on Friday, 5 December and all the Friends of Shepherds Hill are invited to march in the parade which gets under way at 6.30 pm from Gulfview Road, Blackwood.

 

The Friends of Belair National Park have also invited us to their 23rd birthday celebration at 6.00 pm on Friday 19 December at the Volunteer Centre, Long Gully. If you wish to attend, please let Alan know and he'll send an RSVP for the group.

02/12/2008

November update

 

Our working bee was held on Saturday 1 November. We worked in the triangle area on olives, lavender and other weeds.

 

After the working bee, we had an early Christmas lunch in the shady area near the creek opposite the Marion Pony Club. Everyone brought a picnic table, chair and some cold food to share including nibbles, sandwiches, salad, cake or cheese.

 

Unfortunately, Charles C couldn't join us as he's had a fall and broken some ribs and is in Flinders. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the job again next year.

02/11/2008

October Working Bee

 

The next working bee is on Saturday 4 October. Meet as usual at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am.

 

We will continue to work in the triangle area.

 

NOTE: Now that the weather is warming up, the additional working bees on the third Saturday of the month have been discontinued until April next year.

29/09/2008

September Working Bee
The next working bee will be on Saturday 6 September. Meet at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am. We'll be working in the usual triangle area. If we have fine weather, Robyn is keen to spray any bridal creeper we can find in addition to continuing the attack on olives and topped lavender.

 

Maggie Ragless again invites you to her place at CP after the working bee for a tour of this historic property and lunch. If it's fine, she'll light up the barbeque so bring along a chop or sausage and a bit of salad or something to share. If it's not fine enough for a barbeque, she'll make a big pot of soup to go with your salads.

03/09/2008

August Working Bee #2

 

While this coming weekend is the Friends of the Parks Forum in the Flinders Ranges, we'll still be working in Shepherds Hill. The next working bee will be on Saturday, 16 August. Meet as usual at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50. We'll be working in an area just past the Archery Club where there is a nice patch of Dodonaea.

 

At the end of the working bee, Maggie Ragless invites everyone back to her place at CP for a tour of the estate and a cup of soup.

13/08/2008

August Working Bee #1

 

Just a reminder of our next working bee on Saturday 2 August. Meet at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am.

 

We'll be working in the triangle and the plan is to have the trailer on the Viaduct Track just across the creek.

30/07/2008

Shepherds Hill Management Plan

 

The Management Plan for the Shepherds Hill Recreation Park was endorsed by Minister Gail Gago on 30 May 2008 and can be

viewed here.
21/07/2008

Chemical Handling Course - August

 

An information sheet about the next Safe Chemical Handing course for Volunteers, to be held at the Natural Resources Centre, Morialta Conservation Park on Saturday, 23 August, 2008 plus a registration form is available by

clicking here.

Please remember to have any registrations endorsed by the Friends of Shepherds Hill President or Secretary.

03/07/2008

July Working Bee

 

Just a reminder that our next working bee is Saturday 5 July. Meet as usual at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am for a 9.00 am start on site. We'll be working in the Watiparinga-Viaduct track/Ridge track triangle doing follow up, pushing the weed front back and, possibly, brushcutting some topped lavender. The trailer will be parked on the Viaduct Track.

02/07/2008

First Aid Courses for Volunteers - Revised Dates

A couple of representatives from each Friends Group are invited to participate in Emergency First Aid training. The training will be a full day 9.00 am - 4.30 pm, at the Belair Information Centre. There are two courses; therefore you may join one of the sessions on either Monday 30 June or Saturday 2 August. There are a limited number of spaces, so please book into your preferred session ASAP.

 

By the end of the course you will be able to:

1. Identify real potential hazards at an incident, and minimise those hazards

2. Prioritise the management of casualties in situations where there is more than one injured person involved

3. Apply the DRABC action plan when caring for a casualty

4. Perform a detailed (head to toe) casualty examination

5. Use the equipment from an approved first aid kit

6. Reassure a casualty and make them comfortable

7. Seek further assistance if necessary, using appropriate communication methods

8. Monitor and respond to changes in the casualty's condition

9. Record details of the incident on an appropriate first aid record from

10. Safely position and manage an unconscious casualty

11. Perform EAR on adult, child, and infant casualties

12. Perform single rescuer CPR on adult, child, and infant casualties, and two rescuer CPR on adult and child casualties

13. Demonstrate knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology, workplace first aid procedures, confidently, and a First Aider's role and responsibilities

14. Demonstrate the recognition and initial first aid management for the following conditions

a. shock
b. external bleeding
c. burns
d. fractures
e. soft tissue injuries

Please note:

- Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended as you will need to undertake activities such as bending, kneeling and lying on the floor.
- Please bring a note pad and pen.
- A First Aid Manual will be provided for all Public First Aid Courses.
- Meals are not included, however tea and coffee will be available.
- CPR assessments will be conducted on a manikin on the ground unless options for reasonable adjustment are arranged prior to course commencing.
- If you arrive at a course more than 30 minutes after it starts, you will need to transfer to another course at a later date.
To book, contact the Volunteer Support Ranger (and cc our Secretary).

24/06/2008

June Working Bee #2
Just a reminder about our next working bee on Saturday, 21 June. Meet at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am.
The trailer will be parked on the top of the Ridge Track near the rocky outcrops. We'll be weeding around those outcrops.

16/05/2008

State Forum - Register Now!
The State Friends of Parks Forum will be held at Old Wilpena Homestead in the Flinders Ranges National Park, 15-17 August, 2008.
Register before June 30 and save $20 per delegate.
Registration Forms available from the Secretary or The Friends of the Flinders Ranges Forum Site. That site also contains a wealth of information about the Forum and associated activities.

11/06/2008

Million Trees Calendar of Events
The Urban Forests planting days this winter can be found here. When too much tree planting is never enough!

11/06/2008

Trees for Life Workshop - July Trees For Life is a not-for-profit South Australian environmental organisation which helps revegetate the State and protect its remaining significant bushland.
Each year its Bush For Life program runs a series of free workshops throughout the Adelaide metropolitan area and adjacent regional centres, with the aim of training volunteers to help restore and care for native bushland.
This year we have one scheduled for Mitcham, being held on 12 July.
As funding for promotion of these workshops is limited, TFL is appealing to local business and organisations to help ‘spread the word’.
To this end, a poster about it

can be viewed here.
30/05/2008

Snake Awareness Seminar for Volunteers
Volunteers working outdoors may come across a snake going about its business. Why not come along and discover more about these fascinating creatures, and what to do if they bite?

 

The Friends of Onkaparinga Park have kindly agreed to host the seminar, details as follows:
When and where:
- Tuesday, 5 August, 2008, 7.00 pm - 10.00 pm - Old Noarlunga Institute, Patapinda road, Old Noarlunga
Cost:
- gold coin donation to cover hire of the Institute
Trainers: Geoff Coombe, Director, Living for Wildlife
Chris Cotton, Intensive Care Paramedic, SA Ambulance
Agenda:
- Snake biology
- Snake behaviour
- Habitat of local snakes
- Snake bite first aid
- And a LIVE snake demonstration
Please note that this presentation is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.
Catering:
- A light supper will be provided - gold coin donation would be much appreciated by the Friends. RSVP:
Please RSVP by 15 July, as there are only fifty (50) places available.
Anyone wishing to attend will need to seek the endorsement of the FOSH President/Secretary, before the registration is sent to the Volunteer Support Unit.

30/05/2008

Weedwatch
Be on the lookout for an extremely invasive weed - Muraltia heisteria. The District is not aware of any infestations in our parks as yet, but as it can be an aggressive weed it is worth keeping an eye out for. The brochure about it

can be viewed here

and brochures are available from the Belair Information Office. If you think you have found Muraltia, collect a specimen and speak with the Shepherds Hill Liaison Ranger.

30/05/2008

Working Bee - 31 May The next working bee will be on Saturday 31 May, brought forward from 7 June to avoid the long weekend.
Work will resume in the Watiparinga-Viaduct Track-Ridge Track triangle with follow-up and pushing the weed-front back. The trailer will probably be on the level part of the Ridge Track halfway down the hill.
See you there!

26/05/2008

Thank You!
Good afternoon to all Southern Lofty District Volunteers
As it is National Volunteers Week, I thought it was the perfect time to recognise and thank all volunteers that work with DEH in the Southern Lofty District for their continued valuable contributions. Your dedication, passion, knowledge and perseverance are huge assets and certainly go a long way towards helping the natural environment and our cultural heritage to continue to be cared for and conserved.
From all of the staff in the Southern Lofty District, thankyou and we truly look forward to continuing to work with each and everyone one of you into the future.
Thankyou...
Regards, James Crocker, District Ranger, Southern Lofty District, Dept for Environment & Heritage

The next working bee is on Saturday 17 May. Meet at 8.50 am at the Ayliffes road car park for a 9.00 am start. We'll be clearing olives from amongst our tree plantings to the west of the Ridge Track. The trailer will be parked on the Ridge Track adjacent to the plantings.
Hope to see you there.
Note that the following working bee has been brought forward from 7 June to 31 May so as not to interfere with the Queen's Birthday weekend.

16/05/2008

May Working Bee
Just a reminder that the next working bee is on Saturday, 3 May. Meet as usual at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am for a 9.00 am start. We'll be back in the triangle this time, doing follow up and pushing the weed front further to the west. The trailer will be parked on the Viaduct Track.

29/04/2008

Free Concert
Are you a volunteer? Register now for the free Volunteers Day concert!
The Minister for Volunteers, Hon Jennifer Rankine MP, is hosting the annual Volunteers Day concert at the Adelaide Festival Theatre on Monday 9 June, the Queen's Birthday and Volunteers Day public holiday in South Australia.
Staged in collaboration with the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, and emceed by Peter Goers from 'ABC Radio 891', the concert will feature a spectacular performance by multi-talented Adelaide and internationally acclaimed songstress, Catherine Lambert, direct from the Festival program.
Prestigious Volunteers Day awards will also be presented on the day to recognise the outstanding and committed contribution of volunteers in our State. Awards to be presented include the 2008 Premier’s Business Awards in Volunteering, Joy Noble Medal and the community project award…The "Andamooka".
All volunteers in South Australia are eligible to attend the concert. Tickets are available through the Office for Volunteers on a first come, first served basis. If you are a volunteer and wish to attend, register now by filling out a registration form, available on the Office for Volunteers website at www.ofv.sa.gov.au/volunteerday.htm. Award nomination forms are also available by visiting www.ofv.sa.gov.au/awards.htm. Completed forms can be emailed to ofv@saugov.sa.gov.au, faxed to 8463 4400 or posted to Level 9, 50 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000.
For further information, visit www.ofv.sa.gov.au or contact the Office for Volunteers by phoning 8463 4490.

24/4/2008

Semi/nd the urban interface areas.
Adelaide Hills Natural Resource Centre
1 Crescent Drive
Norton Summit
Thursday 8 May, 2.00 pm - 3.30 pm (afternoon tea provided)
REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL - PLEASE BOOK
AHNRC 8390 1891 or email valhunt@ahnrc.org

19/04/2008

April Working Bee
Meet at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am for a 9.00 am start. We will be mainly doing follow-up work in the lower part of the triangle. The trailer will be on the Viaduct Track.
Hope to see you all there.

01/04/2008

Weed Management Society of SA Public Meeting
Current and future weed research and funding issues in Australia - Rachel McFadyen (CEO, Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management)
Tackling weeds in remnant vegetation: Bush For Life, a successful community program - Mark Ellis (Trees for Life)
When: 3.30 pm for 4 pm start, Thursday 3rd April, 2008

 

Where: Charles Hawker Conference Centre, Waite Institute, Waite Road, Urrbrae

24/03/2008

Notice of The Friends of Parks AGM Details of the Friends of Parks AGM to be held at Farrell Flat on Monday, 5 May 2008 have been circulated. For the Agenda for the AGM,

click here.

Please let our Secretary (Alan) know by 27 March so that he can send a group response if you plan to attend and if you intend to make your own way there or will travel on the coach. There is a $5 charge for attendance.

07/03/2008

Snakes Seminar
Conducted on Tuesday, 8 April at Rostrevor from 7.00 pm. Click here for details - bookings essential.

06/03/2008

March Working Bee
Our working bee will be held on Saturday next, 1 March. Meet in the Ayliffe's Road carpark at 8.50 am for a 9.00 am start at the worksite. We will return to the triangle to continue the work on the regrowth. Hope you are able to come along.

26/02/2008 Doug Fletcher talking on NATIVE BIRDS AND THEIR HABITAT
On 13 March... click here for details.
21/02/2008

The Friends will be at the Mitcham Rotary Fair
We'll be having our display on show at the Mitcham Rotary Fair (9 am - 3 pm) on Saturday 29 March 2008. If you can assist in manning the display to providing information and respond to enquiries, please don't hesitate to contact us (via Bernie Millburn). A roster is being developed and any assistance provided (even 1/2 an hour) will be appreciated.

18/02/2008

2008 Annual General Meeting Elections Robyn Guy was re-elected as President.
Other office bearers are Melinda Broadhurst, Vice-President; Alan Dandie, Secretary; Robin Guy, Treasurer; Bernie Millburn, Publicity; Ron Miller, Works Co-ordinator; David Gomer, Works Co-ordinator; Rosalie Wilson, Safety Monitor; Margo Carmichael, Committee Member.
Subscriptions are unchanged for 2008 and are now due.

18/02/2007

Show Your Support
As a volunteer with the Friends of Shepherds Hill, you can show your support for the work of Friends Groups. Badges and bumper stickers are available. Contact Secretary, Alan for details.

18/02/2008

Cars put to the test in bushfire conditions
Advice for people trapped in their cars during a bushfire has been updated with a groundbreaking study into what happens to a vehicle caught in the middle of a firestorm.
The research initiated by NSW Rural Fire Service and conducted by Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre with CSIRO scientists, sought to determine the maximum heat load that a vehicle could face while remaining a safe haven for its occupants, both in terms of the air temperature and the air quality inside the vehicle.
The study of burnovers in civilian passenger vehicles was conducted in January 2007 at the NSW Rural Fire Service Hot Fire Training Facility in Mogo, on the New South Wales south-coast. Seven used cars were subjected to burnover conditions with a gas flame front simulator. The two-wheel-drive sedans, which ranged in size, age and make, were donated by the NRMA.
Each car was fully instrumented with sensors to monitor for air toxics and heat levels at many points inside the vehicle including above and below the window height, front and rear seats and, above and beneath a woollen blanket. Comparisons were made between having the air conditioner on or off, and by facing the car forwards, side-on or backing to the flames.
The research made several key observations:

 

• Using a woollen blanket for shelter in either the front or rear foot-well of a vehicle is the most effective strategy to reduce exposure to both toxic gases and high temperatures.

• Operating an air conditioning system in recirculation mode reduces temperature exposure in all but extreme conditions and may add to your comfort in the very early stages of exposure. However, air conditioning, whether on or off, will not increase your chances of survival.

• Facing the front of the car towards the approaching fire was better than side or rear orientation.

• Direct flame contact from either the passing fire front or from burning ground fuels makes the vehicle almost immediately untenable for occupants.

• Testing under a wide range of conditions (slow/fast burn, front/rear/side orientation, etc) found that the rise in air toxics inside the vehicle was the main reason the car became unsuitable for its occupants.

• Thermoplastic body parts and the structural design features of different vehicles contributed to the varied performance of cars in burnover conditions with the more recent models performing worst.

• There was no significant involvement of the cars fuel systems in any of the experiments. (None of the cars tested had plastic fuel tanks).

For further information and to read the full article,

click here (163kb)
18/02/2008

The Mt Pleasant Natural Resource Centre presents: Dr Sue Murray-Jones talking on "Marine Conservation - the plight of the worlds oceans"
Monday, 3 March - 6.45 pm for 7.00 pm start at Mt Pleasant
The world's oceans are in a bad way.... overfishing, climate change and pollution. Learn why everyone should be concerned, and what you can do to help.
Sue is a marine biologist with the Coastal Management Branch within the Department for Environment and Heritage. She has many years experience as an ecologist, along with a background in community monitoring and marine education. Sue was also lucky enough to spend three months setting up marine monitoring programs in Mozambique last year.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL - T: 8568 1907
(e-mail: mpnrc@bigpond.com)

06/02/2008

Green City Festival - Sunday 17 February at Elder Park
The aims of the Festival are to demonstrate what we can do to save resources (and money), to show how we can reduce our ecological footprint and to explain what's happening with renewable technologies in SA and in the world around us.
For further info visit:

http://www.greencityfestival.com.au/greenliving/
06/02/2008

First Working Bee for 2008
Just a reminder about the working bee on Saturday next, 2nd February. Meet in the Ayliffe's Road carpark at 8.50 am. As the temperature is likely to be in the low 30s, we will work along the Viaduct Track close to the entrance to the Park. We'll be advised exactly where on Saturday morning.

29/01/2008

Happy New Year!
Our Annual General Meeting will be held in the Eden Hills Uniting Church Hall at 7.30 pm on Monday, 18 February. More details will be provided closer to the date.

17/01/2008