Watsons Creek is a tributary of the Birrarung (Yarra River) that originates in the forested Kinglake National Park, flows through cleared and forested land in Christmas Hills and Kangaroo Ground, and forms part of the boundary of the Bend of Islands. Watsons Creek has excellent channel form, good streamside vegetation and its headwater reaches have been defined as ecologically healthy. Watsons Creek supports a range of native fish, including a population of the River Blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus).

The majority of the Christmas Hills Landcare Group area lies within the catchment of the Watsons Creek so what we do on our properties can influence what happens in the creek.

Doug Evans, Chair of the Christmas Hills Landcare Group, will provide a brief overview of the fish species recorded from the Watson Creek to illustrate the diversity of fish, and the special habitat that the creek provides.

Kirsten Roszak, Waterways and Land Officer at Melbourne Water for the Nillumbik area will then focus on the River Blackfish population in the Watsons Creek and provide guidance on what we can do to help keep the creek healthy.

Then we will briefly run the Christmas Hills Landcare Group AGM, including release of the 2024 CHLG Annual Report, our annual ‘health check’, plan for the program of events for 2025, and elect the committee for 2025.

After the AGM proceedings we will take a short drive (car pooling encouraged) to a location on the creek where we will be given a practical demonstration of electrofishing by Arthur Rylah Institute aquatic scientists Lauren Johnson and Frank Amtstaetter - we may even get to see a River Blackfish!

Spots are limited, so registrations are essential.

Important - in the event that the day is a Total Fire Ban, we will not be able to use the hall, and we will endeavour to find another venue. We will notify people using the emails provided when they registered.

The CHLG thanks Nillumbik Shire Council for its support of this event through the Land Management Incentives Program.