The Angair Committee of Management is delighted to announce the election of Margaret MacDonald OAM, to Honorary Life Member of Angair.
The citation reads: ‘In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Angair, for her inspiring leadership and tireless work over many years, and for sharing her knowledge and her love of the flora and fauna of the Anglesea and Aireys Inlet district.”
How fortunate we are that Margaret decided to live in the unique natural environment of Anglesea and Aireys Inlet. Her love for the area began as small child, when, for a few years, her family spent two weeks of the summer holidays, staying at Filkins’ guest house in Anglesea. This interest was reawakened and extended later, when she led Girl Guide camps at Tallawalla Moggs Creek, and, of course, came into its own when she chose Moggs Creek as the place to spend her retirement.
Margaret shared her passion, and some of her knowledge with members and friends who came to the Angair Annual Dinner at the Anglesea Golf Club on Saturday, 23 June, when they enjoyed a relaxed and absorbing journey along the coast “Exploring Anglesea and Aireys Inlet”.
With her excellent photographs, and accompanying commentary, Margaret gave, to those at the dinner, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet from her point of view – with highlights the flora and fauna of the Coast, the Wetlands, the Woodlands and Forests, and the Heathlands, including, of course, a glimpse into the wonderful world of her precious terrestrial orchids.
For those unable to be at the dinner, here are a few of the photographs for you to share.
Thanks to Chris Morrissey and Philippa Hesterman organising such an enjoyable evening.
Other Matters
Angair has recently been awarded funding from the State Government’s Local History Grants Program to assist with the cost of publishing a History of Angair.
Ros Gibson, Angair member and former President (2000 to 2002), initiated the idea, and offered to compile a history detailing the challenges and activities of the Society since its inception in 1969. Ros has begun the project by interviewing Angair’s “elders” and Honorary Life Members, in order to record their memories of the establishment and development of Angair, and their stories of the friendships made through working with people with a common interest towards their shared goal of protecting the local environment.
While the official Angair records are held in the Anglesea Natural History Centre, Ros would be very grateful for the loan of photographs or newspaper clippings of Angair occasions, events or activities for inclusion in the publication. Ros can be contacted on 5254 3220 or at ttgib@iprimus.com.au.
The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority is inviting community feedback on the draft of the Regional Catchment Strategy. The draft is available for online comment at http://joinin.ccma.vic.gov.au.
Earlier this year, the Committee of Management wrote to the State Minister of Environment and Climate Change, expressing Angair’s concern about the termination of contracts for DSE staff. We received a response from the DSE Regional Director, South West, on behalf of the Minister, in which he states that DSE will reduce staff to meet the Victorian Government’s Sustainable Government Initiative, but will ensure that skills critical to operational needs are maintained, and that DSE will continue to have staff committed to working on coastal and biodiversity programs.
Copies of the letter to the Minister were sent to the five Members of the Legislative Council for Western Victoria, and to the relevant Members of the Legislative Assembly, including the Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Responses have varied from straight acknowledgement of receipt, to requests to be kept informed, and offers to advocate on our behalf. The only Member of Parliament who has not responded is Mr David Koch MLC.
The Committee will monitor the situation now that the cuts have occurred and will keep you informed.