HIDDEN IN THE HILLS
HIDDEN IN THE HILLS
White-browed scrub wren
by Lachlan Turner
This small bird is generally found in pairs frequenting fairly dense and secluded undergrowth where both male and female birds have constructed their nest around December . Individually they will sometimes venture into the open to forage amongst leaf litter for small insects .
They appear to be quite accomplished at taking advantage of the colours of their surroundings to camouflage themselves , particularly when in an exposed situation . Although wary around the nesting site if disturbed by ( human ) intruders , at other times of the year it is possible to quietly approach where these birds are actively looking for food at ground level , which also includes small grass seeds .
This species has a range which extends from northern coastal areas of Queensland , through eastern NSW and southern Victoria to South Australia , as well as Tasmania . Regional differences in the colour of the plumage has been noted when comparing birds
from differing parts of its range . Those featured here have all been photographed locally , and they are around 100mm in length .
Because of their characteristics , white-browed scrub wrens offer those interested in observing and learning about the habits of birds , an easy opportunity to study their habits , so remember to take your binoculars and a camera with you when you venture out .
Birdlife Australia has a phone and tablet app that features an extensive Field Guide that can assist in identifying local birds ( including the white-browed scrub wren ), which the bushwalking bird watcher may encounter on their journey into bushland reserves .
This year the “ Aussie Backyard Bird Count ” will be held during Bird Week from Monday October 14 to Sunday October 20 . For more information visit aussiebirdcount . org . au .
The Community Environment Centre will be hosting a “ Do You Know That Bird ” workshop on Thursday October 24 at 10.00 am .
HOME & GARDEN
NCOSS welcomes disaster funding to build community resilience in Hawkesbury
The NSW Council of Social Service ( NCOSS ) has welcomed a $ 484,500 funding injection from the Disaster Ready Fund to build disaster preparedness and resilience in the Hawkesbury .
With partners , AbSec and the Local Community Services Association ( LCSA ), NCOSS ’ Community Organisations Disaster Adaptation ( CODA ) project builds disaster resilience and preparedness in communities across NSW and is focused on communities most vulnerable to disaster impacts . The CODA project will build connections between the community , local social service delivery organisations and Emergency Management authorities to take action to reduce local disaster risks .
NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said this funding is an important step towards properly integrating social services into the disaster management response .
“ Natural disasters disproportionately impact the most vulnerable members of society ,” Ms Varian said .
“ A person ’ s income , health , disability , age , geographic location and other factors impact their ability to respond when a disaster strikes .
“ To date , the social service sector has had a limited formal role in responding to emergencies . But the last five years has demonstrated that social services are intrinsically embedded in a disaster response before , during and after an event .
“ This funding will show the value in expanding and formalising the NGO sector ’ s role in all phases of disaster management .
“ We look forward to delivering greater disaster resilience for communities through collaboration and a strengths-based approach . This project will inform sensible recommendations to the Government and prove the value of the social service sector in the full gamut of disaster preparedness and response .”
Can Yasmut , Executive Officer of the LCSA said the organisation welcomes the funding and the recognition this gives to the increasing role Neighbourhood Centres have been taking in disaster management .
“ We are excited to continue our partnership with NCOSS and thank them for their leadership in developing the CODA project . It builds on the work NCOSS with the support of LCSA and AbSec have been doing with our members in developing disaster ready community organisations and building resilient communities .”
In the Hawkesbury , NCOSS will deliver this program in conjunction with local partners Peppercorn Services which is a well-known and respected community service provider , operating for the last 22 years . Along with other local NGOs , Peppercorn has been active in the ongoing recovery after the floods of recent years . Peppercorn Services partnered with Bligh Park Community Centre to deliver the Project .
For more information on NCOSS ’ work on disaster management and community resilience with its partners , go to www . ncoss . org . au / disastercapability
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 173 // OCTOBER 2024 31