Until recently, BOCA’s public education program within MELBOCA’s area has been the responsibility of BOCA’s Education Coordinator, Annette Cook – whereas some branches have implemented their own education programs with Annette providing any necessary back-up.

BOCA’s view is that the best use of the Education Coordinator’s time and expertise is for Annette to oversee the work of all branches, develop resources and where necessary, provide training to enable branch members to effectively carry out vital education work in their areas.  In line with this view, MELBOCA now has Janet Hand as the MELBOCA Education Coordinator.

Janet, with the help of volunteers, is implementing a program aimed at increasing the public’s knowledge of Australian native birds, their habitat and needs, and important conservation issues.

Many of the education activities are a valuable fund raiser for and/or an opportunity to promote BOCA and MELBOCA. These activities will only happen happen with the assistance of volunteers.  Please help Janet so that similar projects can be an ongoing part of MELBOCA’s program.  Volunteers are not left on their own and are supported by experienced volunteers when assisting BOCA or MELBOCA on education activities.

2011 Activities

Janet Hand, MELBOCA's Education Coordinator has provided the following summary of Education Activities to date in 2011.

This year MELBOCA Members have assisted in activities on how the birdlife is recovering around Whittlesea and Kinglake after the fires of 2009.  Our members have assisted Annette Cook with an information evening and two surveys so far.

MELBOCA has long standing arrangements with The Friends of Wilson Park in Berwick, Friends of Blackburn Lake and the Banyule City Council to supply leaders for their bird walks associated with their Breakfast with the Birds mornings.  These mornings are held at various times of the year.

A relationship has developed with the Australian Plant Society and this year we had information displays at the Yarra Yarra Plant Expo in Eltham and the Mitchell Wildflower Show in Kilmore.

In March Annette organised a ‘Westernport Welcomes Waterbirds’ Education Workshop Day.  Several of our members participated and helped a local school group identify birds in the afternoon.

We have assisted Community Groups by supplying speakers for their meetings.  This year’s list has included Garden Clubs, Church Groups, Aged Care Facilities, Probus Clubs, Walking Clubs and a National Seniors Group.

In April a free Family Day was held at the National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda.  MELBOCA members assisted Annette with children’s activities and information.

Bird Week is always celebrated in October.  This is when many of our members put up displays in local libraries.  This year the theme was “Birds need Trees”. As usual, the Banyule Breakfast with the Birds was held in October.

We welcome individuals and groups approaching us if you think we can assist you with your activities.  Annette is always pleased to have schools contact us seeking assistance with school-based educational activities.

It is anticipated with the official launch of the merged BOCA with Birds Australia in early 2012 to form BirdLife Australia, all our existing educational services will still be available.

Interested volunteers, and for all education activies' queries, please contact Janet Hand (Tel: 9842 4177 or info@melboca.org.au) or Annette Cook at BOCA National Office (Tel: 9877 5342 or a.cook@boca.org.au).

Crescent Honeyeater
Photograph by Sonja Ross