First Friends of Dandenong Creek

First Friends of Dandenong Creek In May 1999, a group of locals tired of watching the Dandenong Creek’s demise through channelisation FFDC can’t achieve this vital work alone.

We gratefully acknowledge the ongoing support of such organisations and individuals as:
• Melbourne Water
• Knox and Maroondah Councils
• Dept.of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP)
• Living Links
• Our local indigenous nurseries, Knox Environment Society (KES) and Community of Ringwood Indigenous Species Plant nursery (CRISP) together with Operation Reveg, Knox.
• Our wonderful communit

y of resident planters, activists and change-makers!
• And you! You’re more than welcome to join the fun too! We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and Australia and pay our respects to them, their culture and their Elders past, present and emerging. It is our hope to one day see the return of the Platypus and other long unseen species to this part of the Dandenong Creek.

21/06/2026

Today brings difficult news for everyone who cares about Australia's birds.

The Federal Government has now confirmed that the Brown Skua found in southwest Western Australia, which was previously suspected of having H5 bird flu, has tested positive for the virus. This marks the first confirmed detection of this devastating strain on mainland Australia.

Around the world, H5 bird flu has caused catastrophic losses, killing millions of wild birds and pushing already vulnerable species closer to extinction.

For Australia's birds, the stakes could not be higher.

One in six Australian bird species is already threatened with extinction, with many populations already under pressure from habitat loss, climate change and other human impacts. The arrival of H5 bird flu presents a serious new challenge.

BirdLife Australia is closely monitoring this developing situation and will continue advocating for strong monitoring, preparedness and coordinated action to help protect our birds.

We need your help more than ever so that we can continue to do our work to protect Australia's birds. Your donation means more now than ever.

Donate today: https://brnw.ch/21x3uZc

For more information visit our bird flu hub: https://brnw.ch/21x3uZd

Who else saw the stunning sunrise this morning? Thanks for sharing Charlie Miller
13/06/2026

Who else saw the stunning sunrise this morning?
Thanks for sharing Charlie Miller

🌱 It takes a village to grow a forest.🥰Today was a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a community comes toge...
31/05/2026

🌱 It takes a village to grow a forest.🥰
Today was a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together for nature.

More than 70 volunteers joined us for our World Environment Day planting event, helping to plant over 3,000 indigenous plants along our creek. With sunny skies overhead and plenty of enthusiasm on the ground, the volunteers help create the next chapter in the ongoing restoration of the Dandenong Creek corridor.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the day. We were delighted to be joined by Mayor Paige Kennett and Cr. Robert Williams, whose support for local environmental initiatives is greatly appreciated.

Thank you also to the Bayswater CFA and the Junior Bayswater CFA members, who rolled up their sleeves to help plant and water in the new vegetation, demonstrating the strength of community partnerships in caring for our local environment. We were also delighted to welcome Bliss and Wisdom, who once again turned out in force and brought wonderful energy to the event.😄

A special thank you to Chris and Lisa for keeping everyone well fed with a fantastic BBQ, and to the many volunteers who stayed back afterwards to help walk the site and ensure the plants were safely and successfully in the ground.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Bushland Team at Knox City Council for their ongoing support and the significant work undertaken behind the scenes to make events like this possible. From planning and site preparation through to coordination and delivery, their efforts are an important part of the success of these projects.

A special thank you also to Darren Wallace and the team at Operation Revegetation for supplying the plants and helping make this year's planting possible.

Days like today remind us that environmental restoration is about far more than the plants we place in the ground. It is about people coming together with a shared purpose, giving their time and energy to something larger than themselves, and creating a legacy that will benefit wildlife, waterways and future generations for years to come.

It was particularly rewarding to see people of all ages and backgrounds working side-by-side throughout the morning, united by a shared commitment to improving our local environment. It was especially encouraging to see so many young people and families participating, helping to build a connection with nature and inspire the next generation of environmental custodians.

From all of us at First Friends of Dandenong Creek, thank you for helping make today such a success and a memorable occasion 💚

Mayor Paige Kennett - Knox Chandler Ward Councillor Robert Williams - Dinsdale Ward Councillor, Knox City Council Bayswater Fire Brigade-CFA Bliss and Wisdom Foundation Australia Knox City Council

The team is out and about laying out the 3,000 tubestock for today’s planting along our creek in Boronia. See the event ...
30/05/2026

The team is out and about laying out the 3,000 tubestock for today’s planting along our creek in Boronia. See the event on our page for details 😁

🌿 Sometimes caring for our creek means getting right into it...🥰A huge shout out to Robert and Anna who spent time this ...
25/05/2026

🌿 Sometimes caring for our creek means getting right into it...🥰

A huge shout out to Robert and Anna who spent time this weekend tackling a creek clean-up from inside Dandenong Creek itself!

Robert took to the water by kayak while Anna suited up in waders, working through sections of the creek collecting rubbish and pulling out all sorts of unexpected finds along the way. Among the discoveries were fishing gear, larger dumped items, an old scooter and even a weathered Australian flag that had somehow found its way into the creek 🇦🇺

This kind of work isn’t always glamorous (or dry!), but it makes a real difference. Rubbish trapped in waterways can impact water quality and wildlife, so every piece removed helps create a healthier creek for the species that call it home.

Thank you both for rolling up your sleeves, getting your feet wet (very wet in Anna’s case 😄), and helping care for Dandenong Creek 💚

Congratulations to Richard Faragher from Knox Environment Society on being recognised as Volunteer of the Year at the 20...
25/05/2026

Congratulations to Richard Faragher from Knox Environment Society on being recognised as Volunteer of the Year at the 2026 Knox Volunteer Awards – incredibly well deserved! 🌿👏

Richard has dedicated countless years to leading Knox Environment Society and delivering important work for both the community and the environment. Beyond KES, he has also played an important role across the broader environmental volunteer network, supporting groups, sharing knowledge, and always being willing to lend a hand.

Many of us have benefited from Richard’s encouragement, advice, and generosity with his time. Whether it's helping solve problems, connecting people, or simply being there to support local groups, his contribution reaches far beyond any one organisation.

Thank you Richard for everything you do, and congratulations on this well-earned recognition.

And congratulations to all of the 2026 award recipients — your stories, passion and commitment help make our community stronger and a better place for everyone. 🌱

Another fantastic corporate volunteer day along the creek yesterday, this time with the wonderful team from Chiesi Austr...
14/05/2026

Another fantastic corporate volunteer day along the creek yesterday, this time with the wonderful team from Chiesi Australia 🌿😍

Together we planted over 200 indigenous plants (thanks again to the amazing Bushland Team at Maroondah City Council), carried out citizen science activities, and even undertook some sugar glider survey work across the corridor.

What stood out most though was just how engaged, enthusiastic and genuinely interested the Chiesi team were throughout the entire day. A terrific group of people who were ready to jump in and help wherever needed.🥰

A big thank you also to Landcare Australia for helping facilitate the connection and make the day possible.

And of course, thanks to our FFDC legends John, Lexie, Cael, Mitch and Anthony for helping host and support the day.👍👏

Another great example of what can happen when community, council and corporate volunteers come together for local nature 💚

Had the AusNet crew out along the creek this week for a corporate volunteer day — absolute legends😄🥰🙌Such a great group ...
23/04/2026

Had the AusNet crew out along the creek this week for a corporate volunteer day — absolute legends😄🥰🙌

Such a great group to spend the day with. Plenty of laughs, good chats, and everyone just getting stuck in from the get-go.

We kicked things off with a quick intro to iNaturalist and did some survey work along the creek, followed by a sugar glider survey and some hands-on planting — with over 200 tubestock going into the ground as infill.

Big thanks to the Bushland team at Maroondah City Council for donating the plants — hugely appreciated and they’ll make a real difference over time 👍🙌

Shoutout as well to Mitch, Cael, Sam and John from the FFDC crew for helping bring the day together.

And thanks again to Landcare Australia for facilitating the event.

We really appreciate the effort from everyone who came along — days like this are what it’s all about 🌿

Absolute legends Lisa and Chris getting out to Winton Wetlands over the weekend 🙌Pulled together a solid haul — a full b...
26/03/2026

Absolute legends Lisa and Chris getting out to Winton Wetlands over the weekend 🙌

Pulled together a solid haul — a full bag of rubbish and recyclables — including a bunch caught along the creek like polystyrene and those energy gel sachets cyclists use.

Not always glamorous, but it makes a real difference. Great vibe, great effort — really appreciate you both 💚

These legends from Engie joined us along the creek again this year last week, and what a great vibe it was 🌿😄Lots of smi...
23/03/2026

These legends from Engie joined us along the creek again this year last week, and what a great vibe it was 🌿😄

Lots of smiles, plenty of good energy, and a solid day all round with sugar glider survey work, weeding, rubbish collection and iNaturalist observations.

It all adds up to a real impact on the health of the creek, and we genuinely appreciate the time and effort everyone put in.

Big thanks as well to Landcare Australia for helping facilitate the day, and to the FFDC crew — John, Anna, Kent, Sam and Anthony — for being part of it.

Looking forward to the next one 🙌😄🥰
ENGIE AU

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2 Toni Court
Heathmont, VIC
3152

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