2025 President’s Report

Indigenous species in our area should be so grateful to us for perpetuating their species and giving them opportunity to grow in a range of habitats. The quality of our seed and processing procedures means that nurseries have the best opportunity to achieve great success rates in plantings. We now have 15 members (not counting husbands) and some potentials for this coming season so we should be able to expand our collections even further.

Nearly 7kg (6980g to be precise) seed from 54 species at 28 sites was collected over the season. Acacia verticillata (Prickly Moses) was the only species which proved very difficult. It just didn’t set seed. Hopefully this year will be more favourable for it. We also are low on Eucalypt species so maybe need a concentrated effort on them this season too.

Our ID booklet is now finished and an amazing result has been achieved. All who have seen it want one! We have distributed some copies to various supporters and each member now has the new and updated version. Thank you so much to the team (Rose and Merrin) who made this happen. Between this and the website we are now more visible in the environment context so hopefully will continue to expand. Marion is using that amazing brain of hers and creating a set of seed cases to be included in ‘Learning with Landcare’ boxes which will be available for schools to borrow.

Treasurer is a job that doesn’t get mentioned often but without it, we would be stuck. Thanks Wendy for all the background activity that most of us don’t even know happens like insurance payments, prompt payments to reimburse members and term deposit management. We really appreciate the time and effort that goes into your role.

To the Landcare workers who are underappreciated and overworked, your role is very important in making sure our local species get the places they deserve. Thanks Carolyn and Jo for your support and I am sure we will continue to have an ongoing relationship for mutual benefit.

Thanks to our new social committee. Our winter activities with excursions to Kuranga Native Nursery, Wonthaggi Seed Bank and Nursery, Peppermint Ridge Farm and Cardinia Environment Coalition have been both enjoyable and very informative, establishing connections to continue working together. Cranbourne Gardens is still to come and is always a mine of information. Our visit to Angela Steele’s property has given us a future collection site and a new member as Angela is keen to join us when she can.

We have applied for a grant to extend our seed storage and improve our working conditions with a new shed. The Baw Baw Shire and Dan Hammond (Depot Manager) have been very supportive as well as support from South Gippsland Seed Bank, Landcare and Grand Ridge Propagation Nursery. Fingers crossed! If successful we will begin work early in the New Year and start occupying the new shed for the start of the 2026-2027 season.

It sounds trite to say but I really do think you are the best bunch of people with whom I have been associated. Keep up the great work and let’s make this season our best ever!

Lorraine Hobgen
President of the West Gippsland Seedbank Association Inc