Rabbits: Breaking the Cycle – Toongabbie

Rabbits don’t stop at fence lines – and neither can rabbit control.

Following the success of our earlier rabbit control workshop, Rabbits: Breaking the Cycle is coming to Toongabbie.

This practical, hands-on workshop is for landholders, farmers, small acreage owners and community members who are dealing with rabbits – or simply want to understand how effective rabbit control works.

You’ll hear from rabbit management experts, contractors and representatives from the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) and see control techniques demonstrated in real-world conditions.

Rather than relying on one control method, the workshop will explore how different techniques can be used together as part of a coordinated, integrated approach to rabbit management.

What you'll see and learn

• Reading rabbit activity – identifying warrens and signs of rabbit activity

• Warren fumigation – understanding where and when fumigation fits into a control program

• Warren ripping – watch an excavator rip previously treated warrens and see why destroying the warren system is so important

• Control options – understand the different methods available and when they are most effective

• Timing and follow-up – why doing the right thing at the right time can make such a difference

• Coordinated control – why working with neighbours is critical to achieving longer-term results

There will also be plenty of opportunity to ask questions, talk directly with experienced practitioners and discuss the rabbit problems you're seeing on your own property.

Got rabbits? We want to hear from you.

This workshop is part of a broader effort to build a coordinated approach to rabbit management across our region.

We are actively looking for landholders experiencing rabbit problems who are willing to get involved – whether that's participating in coordinated control, receiving a property visit, helping us understand where rabbit activity is occurring, or potentially being involved in future demonstration activities.

You don't need to have a massive infestation to contact us. If you're seeing rabbits, warrens or signs of activity on your property, we'd like to know about it.

Because when one property controls rabbits and the neighbouring property doesn't, the problem can simply move across the fence.

Event details

📅 Sunday 18 October 2026
📍 Toongabbie Golf Club
☕ 9:30am – Registration & morning tea
🐰 10:00am – Workshop commences
🏁 4:30pm – Finish

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

Registration is essential.

The Toongabbie Golf Club will be closed to the general public for the day to allow the workshop and field demonstrations to be conducted safely. Access will be for registered workshop participants, volunteers and event personnel.

What to expect

This is a full-day, practical workshop, combining information and discussion with demonstrations in the field.

Arrive from 9:30am for registration and morning tea, giving you a chance to grab a cuppa and meet other local landholders before we get underway at 10am.

Throughout the day you'll hear from contractors and rabbit management experts, including representatives from the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN), and see practical rabbit control techniques demonstrated onsite.

We'll break for lunch before continuing with the afternoon program, finishing at approximately 4:30pm.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are all supplied, so please make sure you include any dietary requirements when registering.

What to wear and bring

This is a practical field-based workshop and participants will spend part of the day outdoors.

Please bring:

• Enclosed, sturdy footwear

• Long pants

• Hat and appropriate sun protection

• Refillable water bottle

• Clothing suitable for the day's weather

Some activities will take place on uneven ground, so please come prepared for walking in a paddock/field environment.

Important safety information

For everyone's safety, participants must follow instructions from event staff and contractors during field demonstrations. Exclusion zones will be established around operating machinery and participants must remain within designated viewing areas.

Rabbit control methods involving fumigation will be undertaken or demonstrated by appropriately experienced personnel. Participants will not be handling fumigants or other restricted control products as part of the workshop.

Who should attend?

Everyone is welcome.

You don't need to be a Landcare member, and you don't need to own a large farm. This workshop will be particularly useful for:

• Farmers and rural landholders

• Small acreage and lifestyle property owners

• Landcare members

• Neighbours of properties experiencing rabbit problems

• Community members interested in coordinated pest management

• Anyone who is simply sick of seeing rabbits everywhere and wants to understand what can be done

Project acknowledgement

Rabbits: Breaking the Cycle is being delivered by Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network as part of From Plans to Practice: Tackling Weeds and Pests Together, through Agriculture Victoria's Partnerships Against Pests program.

The project builds on the Latrobe Catchment Weed & Pest Strategy 2025–2030, turning regional planning into practical, coordinated action on the ground.