By Matt Nielsen
A Seaholme resident and community activist.
Melbourne’s western suburbs are home to several dedicated volunteer conservation groups that work to protect our local waterways and ensure these precious environments endure for generations to come. Groups such as Friends of Kororoit Creek, Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek, and Friends of Williamstown Wetlands play an essential role in caring for our natural spaces.
This month, we proudly spotlight Friends of Skeleton Creek and Altona Bay Wetlands (FoSC), a volunteer group founded in 1991 with a shared commitment to preserving and improving Skeleton Creek and its catchment.
Skeleton Creek begins as a series of frequently dry watercourses in the rural landscape near Mount Atkinson. From there, it winds its way through Truganina, Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Seabrook, and Altona Meadows, before flowing through the Cheetham Wetlands and eventually into Port Phillip Bay.
As Melbourne’s west continues to grow, Skeleton Creek and its tributaries have become increasingly important as one of the remaining habitat corridors in the region. These waterways provide refuge for a diverse range of native flora and fauna while maintaining connection across the land. FoSC selects native plants that best support local insect and animal life, including several endangered species. One striking example is a section of the creek that provides habitat for the Growling Grass Frog.
FoSC’s Mission and Activities are to: conserve, protect, and enhance the Skeleton Creek catchment; educate the community and school groups about the creek and the importance of conservation via public presentations and signage; strengthen community connection to the local environment.
FoSC Secretary Dence Perryman says improving the creek’s environment is a ‘no-brainer’.
“I have always had a strong connection to nature and am happiest when I am outside enjoying the plants and animals, especially near water,” he says.
“It was a no-brainer that I would want to improve the Creek habitat and draw more birds to it. Conservation volunteers are such a nice group of people that I have made lasting friendships through our group.”
President Angela Whiffin says she’s also met wonderful people through the group who’ve become lifelong friends.
“I was always into gardening, and when I did a conservation course I fell in love with the plants of the basalt plains,” she says.
Her course conductor advised her to join a ‘Friends group’.
“Because I live near Skeleton Creek and always loved the area, being able to revegetate it, create many more habitats and green it up was amazing,” she says.
FoSC meets once a month, conducting working bees in partnership with rangers from Hobsons Bay and Wyndham City Councils. Activities include site preparation, planting native grasses, shrubs, and trees, and restoring degraded areas along the waterway.
So if you enjoy being in nature or have a green thumb that you’d like to exercise a bit more get involved in this fantastic community group.
You can see FoSC’s amazing achievements at:
- Emu Foot Grasslands along Henry Dr, Altona Meadows
- Creek edge at Grass Frog Haven, Bromage Close, Hoppers Crossing
- Creekside habitat between Markham Way and Merton St, Altona Meadows.
- Creek bank at Clarendon Ct, Seabrook
- Pt Cook Rd underpass, Seabrook
Facebook: facebook.com/friendsofskeletoncreek
Email: friendsofskeletoncrk@gmail.com
