IT WAS not your standard day on the green, but rather a day on the proving grounds for the 90 Bass Coast and South Gippsland Landcarers who, on Sunday, November 20, celebrated 30 years of Landcare in Victoria.
The high-quality remnant bushland at the Holden Proving Ground in Lang Lang offered the perfect setting for a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of the work the Bass Coast Landcare Network has done in this special site.
The day began with a rigorous security check on entering the Holden grounds, but once the formalities were over it was straight in to delicious lunch at the ‘Chalet’ within the grounds.
A speedy Bass Coast Landcare Network AGM was followed by the customary speeches.
Mike Cleeland, the outgoing and incoming chair, does not mince words unless it’s in rhyming verse, so those in attendance were treated to one of his very amusing poems.
David Buntine of the Port Phillip and Westernport CMA chose not to compete with the brilliance of Mike’s rhyming verse, but nevertheless ‘waxed lyrical’ about the performance of the Bass Coast and the South Gippsland Landcare Networks and the professional way in which they have conducted their business over the years.
Darren Smales, manager of the Proving Grounds, spoke of the long history of the land and the pride he and the staff felt for their work place which is such a unique environment of virgin and re-vegetated bush.
Kellie Nichols of the Bass Coast Landcare Network followed with more information on the site and the relationship which has been developed between the two organisations to foster the preservation of the site for future generations.
It was time for action after the speeches, and a convoy of cars snaked its way from the civilisation of the ‘Chalet’ near the rather spectacularly cambered track, towards the ‘bush’.
Landcarers were treated to a number of stops on the way around the 880ha bush site to take in the views, vegetation and signs of wildlife.
Darren from Holden and Peter from Landcare both assisted with their historical and botanical facts and figures in the ecologically diverse landscape.
A delicious afternoon tea back at the ‘Chalet’ and more words of praise, but no more prose, put an end to the day.
Landcarers signed out at the gate as they left this highly secure site after enjoying an amazing experience.
The juxtaposition of the proving ground for fast cars and the unique native bushland that supplied the setting was appreciated by all.
The chequered flag at the Holden proving ground on Sunday may have helped members celebrate the end of the first 30 years of Landcare in Victoria, but the proof of the value of Landcare was right beneath their feet and in front of their eyes.
It is just the beginning of the next 30 years racing towards the environmental winner’s line with corporates and communities working together.
Landcare’s proving ground celebration

Frank Dekker, South Gippsland Landcare Network chair; Mike Cleeland, Bass Coast Landcare Network (BCLN) chair; David Buntine, Port Phillip & Western Port Catchment Management Authority CEO; Kate McKenzie, SGLN Network coordinator and Kellie Nichols, BCLN executive officer at 30 years of Landcare event at the Holden Proving Ground, Lang Lang. Photo: Trevor Warren.
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do you people know that people are working in asbestos buildings and that they burried pure asbestos no plastic covers in the ground at the tip as i worked there for 7 years and know what went on one time we had to take out a wall asbestos and replace it with fiberglass and i said to waine richards that we should not be doing that he told me well you know where the gate is later i just left never got back the work shop i was working in the roof and the walls all asbestos