Early Summer (mid November to late January) is known as Ballambar – season of butterflies in the Brambuk seasonal cycle of the Gariwerd region. In Black Range, this means:
Here are some photographic highlights from around Black Range during Ballambar:
In October, Black Range Land Management Group was fortunate to be one of 27 grant recipients from Round 4 of Agriculture Victoria's Partnership Against Pests program, which supports community-led initiatives to build strong partnerships, raise awareness, and deliver long-term, collaborative invasive species management.
The grant has enabled the group to hold four events in 2026 including:
The group will also publish 1-page print & online resource guides for pest animal and plant control.
Please register interest to email [email protected]. Places for some events are limited and preference will be given to current BRLMG members. New members are welcome. Here is the link to the membership form for 2025/2026 with information about payment.
In July, our Black Range member survey revealed the top 5 invasive weeds of concern to landholders:
Now’s a great time to keep an eye out for St John's Wort, which is currently flowering across the Black Range and will continue through summer. While the yellow blooms may look attractive, this weed can quickly take over, crowding out native ground plants and stopping the regeneration of trees and shrubs. Some local landholders are seeing the weed appearing on their properties for the first time — a sign that it’s spreading further afield. The seeds are hitching rides on the fur of animals like feral deer, goats, sheep, and macropods, as well as being spread through their digestive systems.
The good news is that the Landmate Crew is on hand to help with treatment and control efforts. If you need a hand managing St John’s Wort on your property, using either chemical or non-chemical means, please get in touch with Mark Farrer for assistance.
Around 60 people attended the Grampians Community Deer Control Forum at Halls Gap Community Hall on 6 December 2025. Hosted by Project Platypus, Victorian Deer Control Community Network, Parks Victoria, DEECA, and local Landcare groups, the forum covered the spread and impact of feral deer in the region and available control methods. Attendees from community, government, and hunting sectors discussed challenges and collaboration to protect biodiversity and community values. Mark Farrer presented on Parks Victoria and Black Range Land Management Group's deer control program and highlighted funding challenges ahead. For more information, contact Mark Farrer or visit vdccn.org.au, feraldeerplan.org.au, and environment.vic.gov.au (search "Victorian Deer Control Strategy").
During the hot summer months, it's a good idea to stay informed about fire conditions with the following apps:
BRLMG has set up a WhatsApp group for members and other landholders to share upcoming external events and informal activities.
Please contact [email protected] to be added to this group.
