Calendar of events
Australasian Bittern (Critically endangered).
October marks the commencement of the breeding season for the Australasian Bittern. Nests are constructed in shallow wetlands (around 30 cm deep) which contain dense wetland vegetation. Landholders can help by excluding stock from wetlands and controlling fox numbers. There are a number of Bittern Projects in Victoria which aim to identify breeding areas and undertake conservation measures.
See the October bio-calendar to see what some of our native plants and animals are doing this month.
Events in October 2025
Together for Wildlife webinar Online free event
Tuesday 14th6:00pm - 7:15pm
Together for Wildlife: H5 Bird Flu Preparedness
This webinar will explore the potential impacts of H5 bird flu on our wildlife, share insights from international experiences, and outline how Victoria is preparing for a possible outbreak.
Join us to hear from 5 expert speakers followed by a Q&A as they discuss:
• DEECA’s approach to H5 bird flu response
• How you can prepare and contribute to early detection
• Key signs of illness in wildlife
• What to do if you encounter sick or dead animals showing symptoms of H5 bird flu
This session is an important opportunity to stay informed and support wildlife health and biosecurity efforts in Victoria.
Registration: Together for Wildlife: H5 Bird Flu Preparedness
Contact: Together for Wildlife collaboration - Biodiversity Regulator, DEECAArthur Rylah Institute Seminar - Platy Patch - Platypus Recovery Initiative Online free event
Monday 27th1:00pm - 2:00pm
Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI) presents 3 guest speakers presenting on Platy Patch - Platypus Recovery Initiative:
- Dr Magdalena Nystrand (ARI) - overview of the statewide Platy Patch program, why our Platypus are under threat, and the monitoring undertaken by ARI scientists.
- Chris Wilson (Glenelg Hopkins CMA) - Platy Patch on-ground works underway in the Glenelg Hopkins catchment in the south-west of the state.
- Dr Rhys Coleman (Melbourne Water) - the innovative Smart Water Network Melbourne Water is using to protect Platypus in Monbulk Creek.