FRIENDS OF HERRING ISLAND INC.
ANNUAL REPORTS

2006/7 2005/6 2004/5 2004/5 2004/5 2003/4 2002/3 2001/2 2000/1 1999/2000 1998/9 1997/8 1996/7

PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2006/7

At the end of the year the island is looking pretty good, apart from being a bit dry and dusty due to lack of rain.

Our plantings over the year have concentrated on dry-tolerant species, but even so we have had some losses.

Also noticeable is the number of trees which have suddenly died after growing well for a few years. This appears to be a result of soil salinity, since the best survivors seem to be plants that are known to be salt tolerant.

Some of the plants which do best on the island are sheokes, river red gums, boobiallas, pigface, saltbush, lightwood, dianella, wallaby grass, spear grass and swamp paperbark.

Stanley has been developing his skills in propagation, and has supplied us with many cuttings of pigface, saltbush and dianella.

Most of our plantings have been ground level wildflowers and grasses. This is the hardest type of revegetation to achieve, because of the problem of weed control, but we have had good success. We are getting favourable comments in particular about the area in front of the gallery which has been changed from a lawn of exotic kikuyu and couch grass to a lawn of wallaby grass. I choose to take it as a compliment when people say "you haven't done much really, have you", because this shows that the island appears to be in its natural state.

The Summer Arts Festival, held early in the year was a big success as usual. In October there were two exhibitions, 'Land is Life', an exhibition of photographs by traditional landowners in Papua New Guinea, and the 'Green Belt Movement Benefit', which raised money for the Green Belt Movement in Kenya.

We were assisted by Conservation Volunteers, who held workdays on the island during the year, and by a large group of school children during the Youth Forum, who put in a day's work planting up the central grassland area.

Damian Curtain
President.
20 January 2008.

2006/7 2005/6 2004/5 2004/5 2004/5 2003/4 2002/3 2001/2 2000/1 1999/2000 1998/9 1997/8 1996/7

FRIENDS OF HERRING ISLAND Inc. - ANNUAL REPORT 2005/6

2006 was another drought year, bringing it to 10 years of below average rainfall.

We had 4 planting days over the cooler months as usual, concentrating on drought tolerant species such as salt bush. Despite this we lost some of our plants because the spring was even drier than expected. More successful was the planting of the southern bank of the island, close to the water, which is now thriving.

Conservation Volunteers did several workdays with us during autumn, and removed a huge amount of weeds, particularly a large patch of English Ivy. Weeds are steadily decreasing, Bamboo, coprosma, peppercorn and kikuyu are greatly reduced.

Unfortunately the Parks Vic. punt did not commence until January 2007. Hopefully the service will be restored in the future to its former times, commencing at the start of daylight saving.

"Florence on the Yarra" is a commercial riverboat that has started dropping off passengers on the island. This is a good sign that people are beginning to see the opportunity to enjoy the island.

The gallery had successful exhibitions organised by the Contemporary Artists Society, which were well promoted in "The Age".

Damian Curtain,
President
24 February 2007.
2006/7 2005/6 2004/5 2004/5 2004/5 2003/4 2002/3 2001/2 2000/1 1999/2000 1998/9 1997/8 1996/7

Friends of Herring Island Inc.
President's report 2004/5.

Another busy year for the Friends group. As time goes on we can see the changes, with indigenous flora gradually replacing the weedscape.

We had four planting days during the colder months between May and August, and spent the warmer months weeding previous plantings and preparing the ground for future plantings.

On the planting days we were assisted by Conservation Volunteers Australia. We also had many volunteers on Clean-Up Australia Day who helped us clear up a large patch of blackberry and other weeds.

Herring Island was the site of the final in the series of events along the river called "Greening the Yarra", as part of the preparation for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The day was spent on a combination of weeding and planting.

We had several visits from intellectually disabled people from the Milparinka Centre in Richmond. These people enjoyed walking about, taking in nature and helping out with some weeding.

Students from the Richmond Primary School supplied drawings of local fauna to be added to the Herring Island website.

Two species to be sighted on the island for the first time are the black cockatoo and crested pigeon.

The Victorian Sculptors' Association held an exhibition during the year. The success of the exhibition will hopefully lead to more and bigger art events in the future.

Damian Curtain.

2006/7 2005/6 2004/5 2004/5 2004/5 2003/4 2002/3 2001/2 2000/1 1999/2000 1998/9 1997/8 1996/7

PRESIDENTS REPORT 2004

2003/4 was another busy year on Herring Island. We were pleased that the drought seemed to ease towards the end of the year, easing some of our anxiety over whether our planting would survive. We had four planting days during the year, on the first Sundays of May, June, July and August.

Plants were bought with a grant from Parks Victoria, and were supplied by VINC (Victorian Indigenous Nurseries Co-operative) and SKINC (St. Kilda Indigenous Nurseries Co-operative).
The plantings are intended to recreate local bushland environments. This year we planted 2 areas of riparian scrub, on the north and south banks of the island, dry saltbush scrub on the levy banks, and grassland in the centre of the island.

We were assisted by Conservation Volunteers on four work days, helping with planting as well as preparing sites prior to planting and weeding established sites.

Several types of wildlife made an appearance on the island, including birds, a frog, and a wallaby. The wallaby stayed for about three weeks during March. These new species were added to the list on our website with illustrations supplied by the children of Richmond Primary School.

Strathcona Girls School paid a visit to the island and helped us with some weeding, and senior citizens from Stonnington Community Care came and had a guided tour. Intellectually disabled adults from the Milparinka Centre in Richmond have started to come on the third Tuesday of each month to enjoy the island and assist with weeding.

Thanks go to all who participated in our activities. The value of the work can be seen as you walk around the island (or look at the before and after section of the website).

Damian Curtain
President
September 2004.

2006/7 2005/6 2004/5 2004/5 2004/5 2003/4 2002/3 2001/2 2000/1 1999/2000 1998/9 1997/8 1996/7


The year started in the middle of the 'El Niño' drought which came at the end of six years below average rainfall, so our main worry was to keep the previous year's plantings alive through the summer. Fortunately, water restrictions did not come into force until after summer, so the sprinklers were turned on during the hottest months.

We have been planting drought tolerant plants for the last few years, so they mostly were able to hang on during the summer.

We have had working days on the first Sunday of each month with planting days during May, June, July and August, and the other days devoted to weeding and mulching.

We received a grant of $4,000 from Parks Victoria which paid for the indigenous plants we bought from V.I.N.C. (Victorian Indigenous Nursery Cooperative.) and S.K.I.N.C. (St. Kilda Indigenous Nursery Cooperative).

The rain finally came in September, which brought up a good display of wildflowers, along with a less welcome crop of weeds.

Our improved wildlife habitat has been attracting new species, such as the Eastern Spinebill, Crested Shrike-Tit and Water Rat.

Drawings of these animals have been produced by children from Richmond Primary School and added to the found list on our website.

Children from Richmond Primary School also spent a day on the Island doing some planting and weeding, and were joined by students from Melbourne University.

Unfortunately the Herring Island Gallery will not hold exhibitions this year because of financial constraints. Parks Victoria is still considering the future of the Gallery, and the Friends group has been in contact with them to offer our ideas and opinions.

The Island was a feature on the 'Totally Wild' TV show which gave us the opportunity to tell a young audience about our work.

Damian Curtain
President
11 November 2003.

2006/7 2005/6 2004/5 2004/5 2004/5 2003/4 2002/3 2001/2 2000/1 1999/2000 1998/9 1997/8 1996/7

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2001 / 2002.

This year has seen another successful year on the island with an initial grant of $4000 from Parks Victoria for the purchase of plants. Approximately 4000 plants and grasses were purchased and planted over 4 planting days. New areas planted were along the pathway to the gallery, near the path from Como landing, and on the northern landing area below John Gollings sculpture. Areas expanded were in the 'Andy Goldsworthy' area, in front of the gallery and last years plantings on the southern levee banks were again extended. Stipas (native grasses) were transplanted from a John Davis' sculpture to two areas; below 'Audience', and infill along the eastern bank near Como oval.

Participants on the planting days included members of the Conservation Volunteers, Richmond Primary School, MU Environmental Group, as well as members of the public.

Maintenance days have been held on the first Sunday of most months, and various groups have been involved. Large amounts of mulch have been spread. Weeding was done in a number of new areas to bamboo, and tree lucerne, in preparation for future plantings. The usual small weeds in the established areas were removed.

The web site has been maintained and enhanced. Richmond Primary School provided the drawings for a couple of new bird sightings during the year. There are wattlebirds nesting near the gallery, and some less welcome European wasps have been seen.

The website has been added to the State Library's 'sites of national or historical significance'. Photos of the native plants on the island have been added.

The summer art exhibitions were well attended, continuing their role of exhibiting art related to the island and the environment, and attracting visitors to the island.

Ray Bloore, our 'Liaison Ranger' with Parks Victoria, transferred to Brimbank Park during the year. We have greatly appreciated his support and friendship over the years that he has been our ranger.

Again, it is a pleasure to report that we have achieved most of the objectives in our aims, the island is looking better all the time, and visitor numbers are continually increasing.

Damian Curtain.
President.

Stanley Barker
Secretary / Treasurer.
28 October 2002

2006/7 2005/6 2004/5 2004/5 2004/5 2003/4 2002/3 2001/2 2000/1 1999/2000 1998/9 1997/8 1996/7

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2000 / 2001.

This year has seen another successful year on the island with an initial grant of $1500 from Parks Victoria for the purchase of plants. Approximately 1500 plants and grasses were purchased and planted over 6 planting days. We were also able to purchase excess plants which the Orchid Society had had for their flower show at a good price. New areas planted were along the pathway to the gallery, near the Como landing, on the northern bank near John Gollings new sculpture, and a bush food area planted near the gallery. Areas expanded were along the eastern river bank, and in front of the gallery and last years plantings on the southern levee banks were extended. A trial transplanting of tinsel lily was made (successfully) from an established area to a new area. The weather since has been good for the establishment of the plantings.

Participants on the planting days included members of the Conservation Volunteers, the Sophie Mundi School, Gilmour Girls School, Richmond Primary School, MU Environmental Group, as well as members of the public.

Maintenance days have been held on the first Sunday of most months, and various groups have been involved. Large amounts of mulch have been spread. Weeding was done in a number of new areas to remove blackberry, pampas grass, and tree lucerne, in preparation for future plantings. The usual small weeds in the established areas were removed.

The web site has been maintained and enhanced. Richmond Primary School provided the drawings for a couple of new bird sightings during the year. Photos of the native plants on the island have been added (now about 120 in all). During the year we received some historical posters of the island being created, the levee banks being built, and the 1934 flood from the Department of Natural Resources & Environment. These have been added to the web-site. We have received e-mails from a number of sources to request the use of our web-site photos in books or presentations.

Melbourne High School students have produced drawings of Island plants which will be placed on the new signboard when weatherproofing of the board is finished. A new picture frame has been ordered for the Friends room in the gallery with historical photos.

The new artwork erected during the year was the "Falling Fence" by John Gollings, and plantings have been done both above and below the sculpture. This planting involved stabilising the slope with chicken wire and mulch before planting. Hard work! The summer art exhibitions were well attended. The island featured in both 'the Age', Channel 9 'Postcards', and on the ABC 'Snapshots'.

Again, it is a pleasure to report that we have achieved most of the objectives in our aims, the island is looking better all the time, and visitor numbers are continually increasing.


Damian Curtain.
President.

Stanley Barker
Secretary / Treasurer.
23 November 2001

ANNUAL REPORTS
 2006/7 2005/6 2004/5 2004/5 2004/5 2003/4 2002/3 2001/2 2000/1 1999/2000 1998/9 1997/8 1996/7

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1999 / 2000.

This year has seen another successful year on the island with an initial grant of $3000 from Parks Victoria for the purchase of plants and for contract weeding. Approximately 2000 plants were purchased and planted over 4 planting days. New areas planted were along the pathway to the gallery, and on the northern, and southern river banks. Areas expanded were along the eastern river bank, and in front of the gallery.

Participants on the planting days included members of the Ashwood Scout groups, the Sophie Mundi school, Gilmour Girls School, Richmond Primary School, and Friends of Westgate Park, as well as members of the public. The president gave a presentation to a East Melbourne Garden Club. Our arrangement to share resources with Friends of Westgate Park continues to the benefit of both groups. During the year we became a member of Victorian Indigenous Nurseries Co-operative, the source of most of our plants. This membership saves us GST on plants.

An Albert Park CAE class attended a planting day to make a documentary video, interviewing the President and a number of "planters".

Maintenance days have been held on the first Sunday of most months, and various groups have been involved. While weeding does not appear to have a lasting effect, many of the plants would not have survived the competition without the weeding efforts.

The web site has been maintained and enhanced. Richmond Primary School provided the drawings for a couple of new bird sightings during the year. Photos of the native plants on the island have been added (about 60 in all). A page about Sir Edmund Herring has been added, along with an updated map of the island. We have received e-mail from overseas artists interested in the island and have linked to a listing of international sculpture parks.

Melbourne High School students have produced drawings of Island plants which will be placed on the new signboard when weatherproofing of the board is finished.

The new artwork erected during the year was the "Scaled Stem" by Robert Bridgewater, and plans are well under way for the 2000 Festival with a new sculptured staircase by John Gollings.

Again, it is a pleasure to report that we have achieved most of the objectives in our aims, and the island is looking better all the time.


Damian Curtain.
President.

Stanley Barker
Secretary / Treasurer.
30 September 2000

2006/7 2005/6 2004/5 2004/5 2004/5 2003/4 2002/3 2001/2 2000/1 1999/2000 1998/9 1997/8 1996/7

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1998 / 1999

This year has seen another successful year on the island with an initial grant of $2000 from Parks Victoria for the purchase of plants. Approximately 2000 plants were purchased and planted over 7 planting days. New areas planted were in front of the gallery, and on the northern and southern river banks, while grasses were planted in a clearing in the treed area behind Ian Shears native grassland. The President of the Friends group also grew some instant lawn from native grass seedlings, and this was laid around the Cairn.

Participants on the planting days included members of the Chelsea Heights, Greythorn, Kew and North Caulfield Scout groups, Melbourne University "working conservationists", the Sophie Mundi school, Gilmour Girls School and Richmond Primary School, Friends of Burnley Gardens, and Friends of Westgate Park, as well as members of the public. The president gave a guided tour to a group of senior citizens during Senior Citizens Week. Our arrangement to share resources with Friends of Westgate Park continues to the benefit of both groups.

Maintenance days have been held on the first Sunday of most months, and various groups have been involved. While weeding does not appear to have a lasting effect, many of the plants would not have survived the competition without the weeding efforts.

Parks Victoria also provided a grant of $150 towards the erection of an information sign that is in the process of being constructed. This is to be placed near the gallery and will give information about the island. The display in the "Friends" room in the gallery has been updated with more photos and pictures from Melbourne's early history.

The web site has been maintained and enhanced. It now has a page about the 30 (approximately) native birds recently seen on the island, with the illustrations of the birds by students at Richmond Primary School. We are now meeting visitors on the island who have discovered the island on the "web", and have received e-mail from overseas artists interested in the island.

The new artwork erected during the year was the "Ramp" by Robert Jacks, and plans are well under way for the 1999 Festival with a new sculpture by Robert Bridgewater. The river of "A river, 2 rocks and a presence" by John Davis has been renewed in more durable material. This year has also seen the launch of the Herring Island book by Maudie Palmer and John Gollings. An order form is on our website.

Again, it is a pleasure to report that we have achieved most of the objectives in our aims, and the island is looking better all the time.

Damian Curtain.
President.

Stanley Barker
Secretary / Treasurer.

30 September 1999

2006/7 2005/6 2004/5 2004/5 2004/5 2003/4 2002/3 2001/2 2000/1 1999/2000 1998/9 1997/8 1996/7


ANNUAL REPORT 1997/8


We have had a very successful year with another 3500 plants planted, and with the plantings from previous years maturing, the island is looking more established and the grevillia rosemarinifolia looked especially pretty during its flowering season. The island is now attracting more native birds and has a number of possums in residence. I would like to thank the Myer Foundation for their generous gift of $2000 and Parks Victoria for their donation of $750 for the purchase of plants. Thanks also to Stanley Barker and Michael Ng for their consistent efforts on conservation days.

We had 3 public planting days during the winter months and despite inclement weather which affected attendances, all 3500 plants were planted. Weeding days were held on most other months which have kept the earlier plantings reasonably weed free. This year we planted moreflowering plants and shrubs than last year so as to establish shrubby areas as habitat for native birds. We planted a number of native raspberry plants particularly around the "Stone House" sculpture and some river red gums along the river bank on the eastern side of the island. We planted a number of aboriginal food plants to give the island an historical focus and have a brochure under production explaining their uses.

On planting & weeding days we have had assistance from members of the general public, Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Friends of Westgate Park, Friends of the Botanical Gardens, while "Parks Victoria" again provided transport for plants, equipment and people. Herring Island was chosen as the venue for the "Thanks to the Friends Day" when the island hosted members of a number of other "Friends" groups. We have established contact with the Friends of Westgate Park and have established resource sharing.

Friends of Herring Island and Environment Victoria hosted a large party of school children at a planting day on "World Environment Day" when plantings were undertaken in the low area at the western end of the island. South Yarra Rotary Club again had a "Herring Island Adventure Day" which generated much publicity.

Another sculpture was erected on the island for the Melbourne Festival by Robert Jacks entitled "The Ramp". There was an official launch and a pontoon bridge was placed across the river on the opening day. The gallery has hosted a number of exhibitions which has given the island a greater profile. The Friends now have a permanent display in the gallery which has been well received. Thanks to the Zonta Club of Glen Waverley for their donation towards the cost of the historical material and to Maudie Palmer for her donation towards the display.

The Friends internet web-site was updated with details of the latest sculpture on the island and still contains the island's history, work and aims of the Friends, how to get there and facilities on the island. It has pictures of the island, the logo, and all the sculptures on the island. The website also has membership application forms and an e-mail address to contact the Secretary/Treasurer. The web-site address is -
"www.home.vicnet.net.au/~herring".

We believe that we have again accomplished many of the items in our charter.





Damian Curtain, President

Annual Reports 2006/7 2005/6 2004/5 2004/5 2004/5 2003/4 2002/3 2001/2 2000/1 1999/2000 1998/9 1997/8 1996/7

Friends Of Herring Island Inc.

Annual Report 1996/7

We have had a very successful year and this is reflected in the appearance of the island. We believe that we have accomplished many of the items in our charter.

Conservation Work

We have planted approximately 5000 plants on 4 planting days during the last 12 months. Many of the plants have been small native grasses and plants which have recently come into bloom. On planting days we have had assistance from members of the general public, Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers, with "Parks Victoria" providing transport for plants, equipment and people.

We have purchased bird boxes and placed 10 boxes in trees on the island. The boxes are intended to house parrots, kookaburras, pardalotes and we have a bat box still to be placed. A recent check found both ringtail and brushtail possums in residence, and bees have taken up residence in another.

Other work on Herring Island

Herring Island is currently the site of the Melbourne Festival's "Environmental Sculpture Park". There was an official launch and a pontoon bridge was placed across the river on the opening day. The chairman represented the Friends and had considerable input into the Sculpture Park concept and implementation.

As part of the Sculpture Park works, the derelict Scout Hall has been renovated and this has allowed the portable toilets to be removed. The Scout Hall is currently being used as an art gallery. The Friends have a display in the gallery of the island's history in the early European period. This was undertaken with input from the Wurrundjerri people.

Educational activities

The chairman of Friends of Herring Island has given a talk to Prahran Garden Club and given elderly citizens tours of the island during senior citizens' week.

South Yarra Rotary Club had a 'Herring Island Adventure Day' at which members of the Friends provided guided tours. Much publicity was generated and some of the money raised is to be used for improvements on the island. They plan to have another Herring Island day on 17th November this year with tours and plantings.

The Friends now have an internet web-site with details of the island's history, work and aims of the Friends, how to get there and facilities on the island. It has pictures of the island, the logo, and the "Herring Island Cairn" by sculptor, Andy Goldsworthy. The website also has membership application forms and an e-mail address to contact the Secretary/Treasurer.

Damian Curtain, President

Stanley Barker, Sec/Treas.

Annual Reports2006/7 2005/6 2004/5 2004/5 2004/5 2003/4 2002/3 2001/2 2000/1 1999/2000 1998/9 1997/8 1996/7

VIEW THIS SITE WITH A MENU BAR

About Herring Island | Getting to and What's on | Island Map | Artworks | Plants | Birds | 6 seasons | Other Sculpture Parks
To join the Friends | Annual Reports | Planting Days | Our other Friends

VISIT HERRING ISLAND SOON!