Friends of Newport Lakes

12/08/2026

Multiple cases of H5 Bird flu have now been confirmed in Victoria and has also begun to infect our native bird populations, currently affecting Crested Terns. Unfortunately, this will have a significant impact on our native wildlife populations. 😭

If you find a sick or deceased bird, please:
• Do not touch or approach the bird
• Keep pets and children well away
• Note the location, species (if known) and number of birds
• Take a photo from a safe distance if possible
• Report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on ☎️ 1800 675 888

Keep your pets safe:
• Keep dogs on a lead in areas where wild birds gather (beaches, parks, wetlands) 🐕
• Do not let pets approach, touch or scavenge sick or dead birds
• Keep pets indoors or safely contained where possible 🐓🐈‍⬛🦜
• Minimise or Stop feeding local wild birds
•Regularly clean water bowls/bird baths
• Wash your hands thoroughly after any outdoor activity before handling pets.

The team at W4W are on alert and will be contacting the appropriate authorities if we receive any calls about sick birds so they can respond appropriately.

11/08/2026

In this episode we start at the middle path of the north part of the lakes, walk down a little path that leads to the small path to the amphitheater, we end up on the path above the waterfall, past the basin that meant to feed the water fall back to the carpark. We walk

09/08/2026

🌿 There were only 8 of us at today’s working bee, including Ranger Suzette… but look what we did! 💪👏

We spread mulch along the perimeter and central trees of the North West Plain ( which was a good workout in the cooler weather). 🍂💪

Mulching is important preparation for the warmer months as it helps to:
💧 Conserve soil moisture
🌿 Suppress weeds
🌡️ Regulate soil temperature
🌱 Improve soil health as the mulch breaks down

Great work everyone! 🙌💚

04/08/2026

🌿 It’s working bee time … again!🌞

📅 Sunday, 9 August 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Meet at the car park at 9:50 AM

👋 Come and help take care of our local reserve. Everyone is welcome!

☕ Refreshments provided and a ranger will be in attendance.

04/08/2026

This week, our team hosted a special wildlife training session for the City of Port Phillip Council personnel.

The purpose of the training was to provide recognition of when intervention was necessary when they come across injured or orphaned wildlife and the correct handling and transportation requirements for different species. As well as correct hygiene and oh&s.

A big thank you to our Vice President, Nigel and Michele from South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter for hosting the session. Thank you also to our Education Manager, Nicky, for putting together such great, relevant material for their team!

You too can learn how to help our native wildlife by completing our online rescue and transport course 👉🏻 https://training.warriors4wildlife.org

City Of Port Philliplf

03/08/2026

02/08/2026

There was recently an incident where a dog barrelled into a park user and knocked the person off their feet, on to their back! They are okay but could have been seriously injured. This is a timely reminder that dog off lead areas are only for dogs that will not hurt people or other dogs AND are under voice command from their owner. Dogs may only be off lead if they are well behaved and come when they are called. Dogs that bite must be muzzled and may not be off lead.

Let’s help our dogs to behave and consider all the other park users whether they be other dogs, people or the species that call Newport Lakes home!

🙏😍

02/08/2026

GET FIT GIVE BACK is a nationwide BlueFit initiative that connects healthy lifestyles with meaningful community impact. 🌏❤️

Throughout August 2026, every new member who joins Bayfit Leisure Centre on their special 6-month membership offer can nominate a community organisation to receive a 💰 $100 donation!

🙌 It’s as simple as that!
💪 Get fit.
❤️ Give back.

We would greatly appreciate your support. ⭐️

Thank you! 💚

01/08/2026

In this episode we walk from the middle path above the stepping stones, towards the picnic area at the north east corner. We visit Mary's plaque, look at quarrying remnants, look for the tawny frogmouth, listen to birds and discuss the plants planted in the late 80s and early 90. Maarten Hulzebosch....