Oatley Flora & Fauna Conservation Society
Oatley Flora & Fauna Conservation Society would like to acknowledge the Bidjigal people of the Eora nation, the Traditional Custodians of the Land and pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
OFF Walk Reports
Local Walking Tracks
The objectives of the Society are:
- To stimulate interest in Australian flora and fauna;
- To act to protect and foster an interest in the natural environment, particularly at the local level;
- To foster an understanding of the need to conserve the natural environment and resources; and
- To cooperate with other groups to achieve these objectives at local, state, national and international level.
Become a Society Member and Get Involved!
Members get access to monthly walks and regular evening talks on a range of fascinating topics. Our family memberships cost $25.00.
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This week, our members participated in two distinct yet rewarding events. 😇![]()
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Despite the forecast predicting a scorching day, ten dedicated bushcarers attended Gannons on Thursday, prepared to tackle the task of weeding around the planting completed five years ago. In an unexpected twist, the first job of the day was planting. ![]()
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Bushcare typically involves encouraging re-growth by removing weeds, but this time the focus was on planting around 100 "infill" plants to replace those that hadn’t survived. ![]()
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Following a well-deserved morning tea, complete with Christmas cake, the group resumed weeding in the well-established OFF planting area. ![]()
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On Saturday, our group attended the St George Graduate Art Exhibition at Kogarah TAFE. We were all impressed by the beauty and originality of the photographs, prints, ceramics, and sculptures on display, including works by talented local students, some of whom are also OFF members. ![]()
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A special thanks to our dedicated Peakhurst ward "councillor-members," Councillor Matt and Councillor Peter, who consistently demonstrate exceptional commitment by attending community events like these. ![]()
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Georges River Council TAFE NSW – Gymea Georges River Trees Project Penshurst 2222 Greater Sydney Landcare Hazelhurst Art Gallery Nature NSW St George TAFE Kogarah ![]()
Georges River Council Bushcare Landcare NSW
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OFF Streamwatch had an interesting morning at Dairy Creek, gathering valuable data on the water quality and its impact on the local aquatic ecosystem. The observations on electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen levels are particularly important for understanding the health of the water.![]()
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The high electrical conductivity upstream suggests that the water had a higher salinity, which could be linked to factors like saltwater intrusion or other mineral content in the water. The marked decrease in conductivity downstream is a good sign, as it indicates that the wetlands may be playing a role in filtering out some of the salt or other dissolved substances.![]()
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The very low dissolved oxygen levels at the intermediate site are concerning. Oxygen is crucial for aquatic life, especially freshwater species. The low levels could be caused by organic matter decomposition or other factors that limit oxygen availability, making it harder for aquatic life to thrive in that area.![]()
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It’s important to continue monitoring these sites to better understand the ongoing effects of the wetlands and whether their role in improving water quality is becoming more pronounced over time. These findings could help guide future environmental management and conservation efforts for Lime Kiln Bay.![]()
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Streamwatch Georges River Council Greater Sydney Landcare Georges Riverkeeper Georges River Trees Councillor Peter Mahoney: Peakhurst Ward – Georges River Council Councillor Matt Allison: Peakhurst Ward, Georges River Council Sutherland Shire Environment Centre Lugarno Progress Association – LPA
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OFF members spent a peaceful morning exploring the Auburn Botanic Gardens, enjoying the serene landscapes and diverse plant collections. ![]()
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Highlights included the Japanese, Scented, Rose, and Seasonal gardens, each showcasing its unique charm. The group posed for a photo by the pool of reflection and appreciated the shade from the large tree canopy, especially around the billabong and rainforest areas.![]()
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Wildlife sightings included turtles, water dragons, egrets, cormorants, brush turkeys, and ibis. The visit concluded with a relaxing homemade picnic lunch.
Lions Community Market Day![]()
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Another successful Lions Community Market Day, both for Lions and OFF. It was all go go from early morning to mid – afternoon, inside the Oatley Uniting Church Hall and out in the grounds.![]()
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Thankfully the OFF stall was inside as the early mild weather quickly warmed up, meaning our stall had a steady flow of people passing by most of the day. We sold a good number of calendars and plenty of plants, including the ever-popular flannel flowers. ![]()
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We also signed up new members and saw quite a few of our current members, who dropped in to say hello. Members of the public were very encouraging and thanked us for the work we do and expressed an interest in environmental matters. All in all a fantastic day!![]()
Oatley Lions Club Mark Coure MP
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Last night OFF and the National Parks Association Southern Sydney Branch hosted a screening of The Koalas Film at the Hurstville Entertainment Centre drawing an engaged audience of over 100. ![]()
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The film highlighted the crisis facing koalas in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland, shedding light on the urgent need for action to protect these endangered animals. 💔🐨![]()
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Special guests included Saul from Save Sydney’s Koalas, Stefanie from the Sydney Basin Koala Network, Geoff, our passionate "koala whisperer," Georgia and Greg, the dedicated filmmakers behind The Koalas for the Q & A. 👥️️![]()
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It was great to see Councillor Matt Allison: and Councillor Peter Mahoney: also attend. 🌿🐨![]()
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The evening concluded with a strong Call to Action, encouraging attendees to:![]()
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● Engage with local representatives to advocate for koala protection.![]()
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● Urge our local councils to consult the relevant departments about their efforts in safeguarding koala corridors and ensuring proper widths![]()
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● Request a map of protected koala corridors and inquire about the minimum width standards.![]()
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● Advocate for the introduction of a Koala Act and inquire whether it is currently under consideration.![]()
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● Raise awareness through mainstream media and social media platforms.![]()
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● Send submissions to Parliament and government departments and join local environmental groups dedicated to koala conservation.![]()
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The film was dedicated to the memory of Sharyn Cullis, a long-time OFF member and founder of Save Sydney’s Koalas. Dr. Cullis devoted much of her later years to raising awareness about the alarming decline of koalas in southwest Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.![]()
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We thank all who attended and supported this important event! 😇![]()
Total Environment Centre Saving Sydneys Trees Sutherland Shire Environment Centre Georges River Trees Nature NSW Australian Conservation Foundation Georges River Council Greater Sydney Landcare Landcare NSW EPBC (Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation) Judy Hannan MP – Penny Sharpe MLC
Oatley Flora and Fauna Field Trip Sunday 24th November ![]()
Auburn Botanic Gardens. ![]()
You are invited join us on Sunday for an amble through the beautifully landscaped gardens. Features include- Fauna Reserve, bird aviary, native and rainforest garden, Japanese Garden, scented garden, rose garden, as well as the Pool of Reflection with fish and ducks. ![]()
Meet at 10am outside the entrance gate. Entry is $7 for non Cumberland City Council residents. There is a lovely picnic area for lunch – take your own as there is no food available in the gardens. Please phone Kim Wagstaff for further information or let him know you will be joining us.