News and Events

In early April, the Billabong Creek at Conargo came alive with community-led restoration efforts as part of the Refreshing Rivers program. YACTAC, Jeithi Jerilderie Aboriginal Group and Yarkuwa, joined by local groups and schools, released over 1,000 native eel-tailed catfish

Through the efforts of YACTAC, Yarkuwa, the Refreshing Rivers program, and Kolety-Werkul Rangers, native plants are now taking root in and around the waterway, blending cultural knowledge, local collaboration, and environmental care to create a healthier, more vibrant creek for future generations

A single Southern Pygmy Perch was netted in Little Billabong Creek today! The species was initially detected using eDNA sampling of the creek in February 2024, and a new population of this endangered fish species has now been fully confirmed.

In February, we did some snapshot eDNA sampling at water quality sites across the Upper Billabong as part of Refreshing Rivers Program

We have been working on the Ian Geddes Bushwalk as a demonstration site for waterways for our Refreshing Rivers program - 2 community working bees doing bush regeneration style weed control and replanting.

In this hands-on workshop, aimed at the mature age group, you will learn how to record nature observations and contribute to an international biodiversity data base. Each participant will also receive free plants and resources to improve nature in their own back yard.

Join the Friends of Ian Geddes Bush Reserve. Everyone is welcome! We meet once a month to look after the Ten Mile Creek and Ian Geddes Bush Reserve in Holbrook. Bring something to share for afternoon tea and have a cuppa.

Join us these school holidays for a hands-on workshop where kids aged 7-15 will become citizen scientists and explore the fascinating world of tree hollows.

Join us these school holidays for a hands-on workshop where kids aged 7-15 will become citizen scientists and explore the fascinating world of tree hollows.

Join us for a Working Bee at Ian Geddes Reserve - Sunday 10th August 10 am - 12 pm

YACTAC were out in the New Year on the Billabong Creek, Conargo, releasing 27,273 golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) fingerlings as part of the Refreshing Rivers Program which aims to improve local waterway health.

A final day of electrofishing targeting carp (Cyprinus carpio), on a five kilometre stretch of Billabong Creek, Conargo, occurred on December 20th, 2023. Carp once again proved to be the dominant fish with a tally of 266 kgs for one day on a 5 km stretch of creek.

An instream planting event occurred in early November at Conargo TSR. Past Central Billabong environmental action has been about securing water and willow removal. Planting for purpose and instream restoration is being showcased as methods to use broadly.

YACTAC and Refreshing Rivers were at the Jerilderie Fishing Club’s Kids Fishing Day supporting a creative activity with a waterway theme. The chosen focus species was the eel-tailed catfish.

Citizen science afternoon at Colombo Creek, Morundah, looking for the elusive platypus with YACTAC and Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc.

Join the Friends of Ian Geddes Bush Reserve. Everyone is welcome! We meet once a month to look after the Ten Mile Creek and Ian Geddes Bush Reserve in Holbrook. Bring something to share for afternoon tea and have a cuppa.

Join us for a Working Bee at Ian Geddes Reserve - Sunday 10th August 10 am - 12 pm

Holbrook Landcare and helpful volunteers have been busy putting up new nest boxes for Gliders at the Ian Geddes Reserve, Holbrook. Read more about the works undertaken, and how you too can build your very own wildlife nest box.

You may have noticed a lot has been happening at the Ian Geddes Reserve in Holbrook. Learn more about the recent works undertaken to improve waterway health and create habitat for Southern Pygmy Perch at the local reserve, as well as nest box installation and an upcoming working bee.

Be part of the Refreshing Rivers Program in the Upper Billabong, and join Holbrook Landcare Network for a family-friendly morning in nature as we care for the beautiful Ian Geddes Reserve along Ten Mile Creek.

The Tumut Grevillea is an endangered plant that's only found along a short section of the Goobarragandra River. The Landcare nursery at Tumut grows Tumut Grevillea as one of many plants which are suitable for local conditions.

"Maccas" were once widespread, but are now threatened and the Adjungbilly Creek is critical for their long-term survival. Through this partnership, more than 250ha of habitat has been enhanced, and over 30,000 native trees and shrubs planted along the creek.

The Black Summer Bushfires had a huge impact – including on the iconic Platypus. Populations may have declined by up to 18%, but work is underway to understand Platypus population health and restore habitat.

A new chain of hotels has just been established in Tumut, but their guests will be fish!

We have been working with the Brungle Tumut Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) within the Riverina Highlands. Take a look at the recent activities that have been undertaken and the resulting impact on the local environment to improve the health and biodiversity of waterways.