Friends of Karkarook Park

17/09/2026

Monthly Bird Walk and Survey - All welcome
Date: Sunday 20th September
Time: 8:30am - 11:30am
Location: Dragonfly/informational centre
RSVP: Rhiannon: [email protected]

The last bird survey was a quiet one, but we saw the birds starting to spring into action for the nesting season. Magpie-larks were building their nests of mud and Superb Fairy-wrens were seen fluttering about excitedly along the lakeside.
Now that we are heading into spring, we are expecting more action around the Park and eagerly await the return of our special yearly visitor from Japan (Latham's Snipe).

With the increased cases of H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) across Victoria, it will be important to be cautious while completing the monthly surveys, and to pay close attention to any birds at the park which may show signs of sickness.
Signs may include difficulty standing, walking or flying, breathing problems, unusual head or neck posture, or sudden death.
The risk to human health of the bird flu is low, however it is best to avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
Anyone can report a suspected case of bird flu via the online form (see link below) or through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888).
Reporting guidance is to:
• Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.
• Report even one sick or dead: wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).
There is also an interactive map online that shows locations of reports submitted.

More information available here: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu

Cheers,

Rhiannon

17/09/2026

The friendly volunteer staff at Greenlink Indigenous nursery have assisted Karkarook Park with advice and seedings over the years but is now fighting for survival. They desperately need a new home.
Any support we can give them will help to preserve this precious reservoir of knowledge and skill which is Greenlink Sandbelt Indigenous Nursery

Thank you to all of you who have supported our petition to Save Greenlink Sandbelt Indigenous Nursery. We are extremely grateful for your support! The council will soon debate the future of the site which we are petitioning to use. We need a big push in support and advocacy now. If you live in or near the City of Kingston* *please help us by 1. lobbying your local council member.** Email and phone contacts can be found by clicking on their individual profiles here:
https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/council/your-council/councillors
Emails can be short and punchy explaining why Greenlink matters to you, and its benefits to the environment or just asking for action to ensure our future at the Westall site. Let's inundate their inboxes! It will only take you a few minutes and can make a big difference. If their inbox fills up and their phone doesn't stop ringing they will take notice! If you don't live in Kingston consider contacting the Mayor, Cr Georgina Oxley. 2. *Asking* friends, neighbours, workmates and colleagues in environmental groups, Gardens for wildlife programs, re-vegation projects, field naturalists and** other community groups to sign the petition **this week so we get over the 1000 signatories hurdle (we are close to 800 at the time of writing.) 3. If you have a *contact* in *the media* please ask if they will give us some urgent coverage- yes, there is a story to be told here! Media can contact us via the email address on our web page. 4.** Email a question to council **to be read at the next council meeting, in public question time, related to the benefits of ensuring the future of Greenlink and its contribution to the natural environment of Kingston. Find out how and when to do that here:
https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/council/your-council/council-meetings/public-question-time
Once again thank you. Please take action now - it doesn't have to take much of your time.

29/08/2026

The AGM was held on the 22 August. A new committee and plan for the coming year was agreed. We always welcome new volunteers to our working bees every 2nd Wednesday (1.30 to 4.30pm) and 2nd Saturday (9am to 12noon) each month. Congratulations to John for his award.

26/07/2026

National Tree Day Community Planting at Karkarook Park.
What a fantastic community effort - Well done team!
Watch this space for a stats report and see the progress over the next few months and years,

22/07/2026

National Tree Day Planting Event: Sunday 26th July 2026
This is a long term project but we've made a good start!
Under the guidance of our nurseryman Tom, we're propagated around 400 indigenous trees and shrubs which would have been endemic to the region before settlement and it is hope that together we can return it to at least a representation of that state for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.
Because of the rampant kikuyu which is hostile to young plants, we will be digging and planting into larger hole that normal, adding clean healthy soil, watering and staking to enable on-going maintenance.The planting area is probably not suitable for toddlers and sturdy footwear is recommended.
You can register for the day as a volunteer and be part of this exciting project here: https://nationaltreeday.org.au/site/10032238

12/05/2026

This months bird survey is this Sunday 17th May.
• Date: Sunday 17th May
• Time: 8:30am - 11:30am
• Location: Dragonfly/informational centre
• RSVP: Rhiannon: [email protected]
In the April survey we recorded a total of 42 species. We had a great turn out of bird enthusiasts join us, both regulars and new, and we were treated to some tea and cake mid way through (thanks Phill!). The small little birds put on a show for us near the stormwater basins, with Spotted Pardalotes, New Holland Honeyeaters, Brown Thornbills and Superb Fairy-wrens flitting around in the canopy of a eucalyptus tree.The group also took a slight detour down Henry St just outside the park survey area and saw a female Flame Robin. I hope we get a chance to spot a males with their beautiful red feathers soon!

A link to the April survey results is here:
https://birdata.birdlife.org.au/explore =2026-04-01&map=-37.9427227_145.0829491_16&months=4&polygon=jhynH88v1btYlGzHRjJs1BilB8G8Gx0B&survey_type=fixed_route_search&to=2026-04-30

14/04/2026

This Whistling Kite seems to be conducting it’s own survey of Karkarook Park!
The details for the next FoKP survey are:
Date: Sunday 19th April
Time: 8:30am - 11:30am
Location: Dragonfly/informational centre
RSVP: Rhiannon: [email protected]
In the March survey we recorded a total of 42 species. There was quite the excitement when a Whistling Kite circled the skies above the park. We also spotted a Brown Falcon. A good day for raptors! Other than some impressive big birds we also spotted a White-browed Scrubwren, a smaller more subtle songbird but a beauty nonetheless. It's been a while since one was spotted in the park!

A link to the March survey results is here:
https://birdata.birdlife.org.au/explore =2026-03-01&map=-37.9427227_145.0829491_16&months=3&polygon=jhynH88v1btYlGzHRjJs1BilB8G8Gx0B&survey_type=fixed_route_search&to=2026-03-31

Hope to see you Sunday 19th April!

Rhiannon Myhre

10/04/2026

Our next working bee is tomorrow - Saturday 11 April, starting at 9 am.
We’re planning a Walkabout Working Bee with trees ready to plant at specific spots around the park and some path maintenance along the way, also some TLC of recent plantings at the sheoak carpark.

If you’re planning to attend Saturday’s working bee, please register the fact on ParkConnect (preferred) or just turn up and sign the attendance sheet
All welcome!

27/03/2026

Working Bee – Saturday 28th March, starting at 9 am.

What's Planned?
We have some native grass seed for sowing so there will be some action in the propagation area. Our tool shed will be tidied up, and there will be plants in the nursery and sheoak gardens that need some care.
Tea / Coffee and biscuits are on at 11:30am (or earlier according to the popular demand!)

If you’re planning to attend Saturday’s working bee, please register the fact on ParkConnect (preferred) or just turn up and sign the attendance sheet.

Our latest plans for this coming activity are on our web site and will be updated as needed.
https://www.friendsofkarkarookpark.org/home

10/03/2026

Working bee this Saturday!
Saturday 14 March from 9 am - noon.
At the Compound (near the park exit).
Come join us! New faces are always most welcome 🙂
In addition to nursery attention, we will also be doing a walk through the park and attending to litter, watering and other areas requiring attention, such as build up of soil on the walking path, and tree stake attention.
Pictured is a photo of our most recent large scaled tree planted area on the north side of the park.