The Neerim South Wetlands played host to the 2017 Neerim Frog Festival, celebrating a decade-long rehabilitation of the wetlands by Neerim District Landcare group. Source: Timberbiz
Following a ‘pilot’ festival last year supported by VicForests, this year’s Neerim Frog Festival attracted more support, activities and attendees, who came out to see, and appreciate, Landcare’s work on the wetlands.
This year’s festival saw local families enjoying guided wetland walks, environmental presentations, fire truck displays from the CFA and frog face painting.
A Lions Club barbecue, a coffee cart and a milkshake stand ensured all attendees enjoyed a meal while at the festival.
Live animal shows including snakes, lizards, a flying fox, an eight-week-old emu and other native fauna delighted the kids (and the big kids) in attendance.
Sean Dignum, Festival Organiser, said he hoped that as they improve and refine the Frog Festival program, the event will continue to grow in popularity.
“This year was a great success with more than 250 people attending the festival. With the community’s enthusiasm and the increasing support, we hope it can be bigger and better each year. It’s been fantastic that VicForests are so keen to help us showcase Neerim District Landcare’s work,” he said.
With the Neerim South Wetlands continuing to improve under the stewardship of Landcare, VicForests will continue its support to help raise awareness and appreciation of the Neerim South Wetlands, pledging a three-year sponsorship of the event.
Liz Langford, Regional Engagement Manager VicForests, said VicForests is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates, and that includes assisting local organisations such as the Neerim District Landcare.
“Our staff, contractors and customers are members of many regional communities throughout Victoria and the native timber industry contributes hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs to regional Victoria regional each year,” Ms Langford said.
“VicForests is proud to be able to help support the Neerim district community, which has such a strong connection to the native timber industry.
“This is just one example of how we invest in regional communities across Victoria each year, with a total of $350,000 in Community Support Program grants going to a diverse group of community organisations across the state in the past seven years.
“In addition to financial assistance, we also provide timber and bark donations, as well as ongoing partnerships with local groups and services. We strive to enhance the communities where we live and work,” she said.
For more information about VicForests Community Support Program please visit www.vicforests.com.au/communitysupportprogram
