*This course is currently at capacity.
Please register your interest by completing a no charge "waitlist"
ticket (via register now) and we will be in touch if a place becomes
available.

This course will commence online and continue face to face after reaching Step 3 in the Vic. Roadmap and restrictions are eased for adult education and training. There will be strict spacing and cleaning protocols in place.

Melbourne is one of the most livable cities in the world, host to rich biodiversity, parks, gardens and waterways. We are facing future challenges of climate change and competing land, which puts pressure on these natural environments.

The landscaping industry is working towards addressing the growing need for
workers to have key skills in ecology and ecological sustainability during the
design and construction phases of landscaping. The Conservation and Land
Management industry recognises changes need to be made to practices in
land management, restoration projects and cultural inclusion.

This course aims to connect you with the nature and biodiversity that makes up our local city and includes guest presenters such as Uncle Dave Wandin, Merri Creek Management Committee and other industry experts. You will gain a broad range of introductory skills, knowledge and insights that will equip you to take on further study and work in the Conservation and Land Management, Parks and Gardens and Sustainable Landscape fields. The course includes industry connections, designed to meet the changing Landscaping and Conservation & Land Management industries, which recognise a need for ecological sustainability knowledge and cultural inclusion.

This 8 week course has been designed to provide an introduction to:

conserving ecosystems as an integral part of the conservation and land management industry, and

designing and creating sustainable urban landscapes as part of the landscape design and construction industry

Students will:

Develop an understanding of ecology & conservation in urban environments.
Be in, learn from and connect with nature.
Explore 1st Nations ecological perspectives and connection to place.
Gain knowledge of indigenous. plants and skills in creating habitats
Understand pathways and opportunities in landscaping / conservation / parks & gardens

The course incorporates topics such as Nature Connection, Indigenous Land Management, Collecting and preserving native samples and seeds, Propagation, Natural Area Restoration, Soil and Water Conservation, Ecology in landscaping, Greening City Landscapes and Community Action and Engagement.

Course Sessions:

Session 1: Indigenous perspectives and understanding the landscape

Session 2. Plant Identification and Collection

Session 3. Natural Area Restoration

Session 4. Seed Collection & Plant Propagation

Session 5. Soil & Water Conservation and Climate Change Planning

Session 6. Ecology in Landscaping / Creating Natural Landscapes

Session 7. City Landscapes and Green Infrastructure

Session 8. Pathways - Industry Mentors - Next Steps

Presenters:

Darren Tinker (CERES Education’s Biodiversity Programs Coordinator) originally comes from country Victoria, where he grew up on a small farm and spent his spare time exploring local bushlands. Fulfilling the role as CERES Biodiversity Programs Coordinator, Darren is passionate educator with a sincere interest in all things CERES and the wonderful people that make up our community. Darren has a keen interest in plants and the way people interact with the natural environment, he has a background in geography, land management and horticulture, and applied his skills to environmental projects locally and abroad, gaining a deep understanding of the local and global climate challenges we’re facing. Darren loves being a part of CERES and contributing to the role we play in helping us all to fall in love with the earth again. Outside of CERES, Darren enjoys many activities that get him outdoors, particularly gardening, bike rides and hiking.

Guest Speakers:

Uncle Dave Wandin – Wurundjeri Elder & Wurundjeri Corporations Manager of Cultural Practices (Fire & Water).

Michael Longmore – Program Coordinator and Ecological Restoration Planner, Merri Creek Management Committee

Moreland City Council – Natural Resource Management Team

Lincoln Kern, CEO Practical Ecology

Patrick Belford, Inner City Nature

* This is an ACFE Approved Pre-accredited Course where the cost is subsidised for eligible participants.

ACFE Eligible participants are deemed eligible through an interview process with our career pathways officer. The costs for these participants are $65 –ACFE Information and Eligibility

Contact Karen Mengell on 9389 0127 or karen.mengell@ceres.org.au for more information and to book an interview.