Our land at contact – take 2!

Last October, Newstead Landcare Group were very excited that Barry Golding was going to present at our AGM. Alas, a large amount of floodwater upended that little scheme. But with a drier autumn we are pleased that he will be able to deliver his presentation in Newstead next Tuesday. Read on!

The arrival of Europeans in Australia produced profound changes across the continent. It can be hard to know exactly what the landscape looked like before this dramatic upheaval. The documents left by the earliest intruders can give us a few clues. Professor Barry Golding of Federation University has combed through historical records to put together a picture of how the land around Newstead and its environs may have looked prior to contact. From the extensive permanent ponds on the Loddon containing literally tonnes of Murray Cod to the vast meadows of Yam Daisies (Myrnong), some of the descriptions Barry has found give us a glimpse of the extraordinary richness of our neck of the woods. Barry will be sharing some of his findings at Newstead Landcare Group’s presentation on Tuesday April 18^th. The presentation will start at 7.30pm at Newstead Community Centre. All are welcome to attend, gold coin donations appreciated.

Yam Daisy (Myrnong – Microseris lanceolata) by Frances Cincotta

Ancient River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) by Barry Golding