21 October 2026
On Saturday 29 August 2026, Project Platypus welcomed participants to a day of learning, birdwatching and fieldwork in the Little Desert, held as part of our Fire Recovery Project.
The workshop ran from 10am to 2pm and began at the Nhill Neighbourhood House Learning Centre. We heard from ornithologist Jonathan Starks and Landcare Facilitator/ecologist Elia Pirtle about species endemic to the Little Desert and how their habitat has been affected by the recent fires in the area.They also introduced Bird Permanent Unit Count Stations (PUCS) and explained how they are being used as part of Project Platypus' Fire Recovery Project.
Following the presentation and a complimentary lunch provided by Big Bertha Catering (Dimboola), participants travelled to the Keith Hateley Nature Reserve, a 20-minute drive from the Nhill Learning Centre, for a practical monitoring demonstration. We spent a radiant afternoon in the sun looking for birds and wildflowers.
About the Fire Recovery Project
This workshop formed part of the Project Platypus Fire Recovery Project, which is working to monitor and restore biodiversity on private conservation properties impacted by the 2024–2025 bushfires. With support from DEECA and Wimmera CMA, the project is partnering with landholders to better understand how wildlife is responding after fire and to guide on-ground recovery actions.
The skills and tools shared at the workshop contribute directly to that effort, helping build a clearer picture of species return and long-term landscape recovery.
Project Platypus thanks Jonathan and Elia for sharing their expertise, and everyone who joined us on the day.
Bronte Heron
Communications and Events Officer