Manningham Environment Seminar Series - Threatened Fauna Species of Manningham

Spend an evening with local ecologist John Harris and learn about threatened fauna species that are found locally in Manningham

Manningham is home to a significant number of threatened species, both animals and plants, facing threats like habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. The municipality has identified 56 threatened animal species, including some of national and state significance like the Brush-tailed Phascogale, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Swift Parrot, and Barking Owl. Additionally, there are 466 threatened plant species, with a substantial portion (246) considered critically endangered. #Swifft State Wide Integrated Flora and Fauna Teams

A species is determined to be threatened when its population within a specific geographic area (like Manningham or Victoria) is at risk of extinction, even if it's not globally threatened. This can happen due to factors like habitat loss, invasive species, or pollution within that area, making the species susceptible to local extinction.

Presenter: John Harris (BASc, GDipEd) - Director and Principal Zoologist / Ecologist

John Harris (BASc, GDipEd) is the Director and Principal Zoologist / Ecologist at Wildlife Experiences.

John has worked in both the environmental and education sectors, often combining the two. As an ecological consultant, John has been involved in flora and fauna surveys, environmental audits, flora and fauna salvaging (spotter/catcher) and as sustainability adviser in Victoria and interstate. He has co-authored or contributed to a number of books on wildlife, authored many flora and fauna assessment reports and management plans.

He is also an environmental educator working with landcare groups, delivering seminars for local governments and also provides fauna presentation and walks for the Nature Stewards program. He was previously in the education sector for over 17 years as a secondary Biology/Science teacher as well as Environment and Sustainability Manager.

Enjoy performances by Code One and the Veneto Club Choir, get some tasty treats from the food trucks while the kids are entertained with fun activities including face painting.

Hosted by Lucy Durack and Richard Thomas, enjoy your favourite carols performed by local and national artists.

Lucy is one of Australia’s most well-known leading ladies, with major roles to her credit in productions including Wicked, Shrek the Musical, Legally Blonde and Midnight the Musical as well as TV series The Letdown, Sisters, A Perfect Pairing and Doctor Doctor. She’s been a judge on Australia’s Got Talent and performed on The Masked Singer. 

Richard has been entertaining Melbourne audiences for more than 25 years. As an avid musical theatre performer, his credits include Mame, Sweet Charity, Follies, The Secret Garden, Les Miserables, Chicago, Rebecca, The Producers, The Phantom of the Opera and Mary Poppins.

Performers include:

• All Star Carols Band led by renowned musical director John Turcio with Dean Cooper on drums, Robert Severini on bass, and Jack Pantazis on guitar.
• Manningham Concert Band, led by esteemed musical director Andrew van Gemert.
• Leyla Sabo, 12-year-old Melbourne singer-songwriter, who has performed on some of Melbourne’s biggest stages and has already released her first single Hard to Breathe.
• Stephen Coutts, operatic tenor who has performed extensively with the Victorian Opera, Opera Su Presto, Victorian Concert Orchestra, Amore Duet, Melbourne Shakespeare Company and others.
• Team Dream, one of Australia’s most exciting bands for kids.
• Katrina Couroyannis, a Manningham local singer, dancer and actor whose professional credits include Australia’s Got Talent 2022 and performances with the Victorian Opera and major sporting events.
• Chloe Lara, another talented local singer, who has performed in many productions and was principal vocalist for the Victorian State School Spectacular for seven years from 2012-2019.
• Bianca Baykara, a Manningham performer whose credits include Jersey Boys in the US, Chess the Musical, School of Rock, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Rocky Horror Show, In the Heights, Singin’ in the Rain and more.
• Tanjil Adams, a talented young performer who has featured at many eastern region events, performing both as a soloist and with her bands Soldiers Road and The Curls.
• Catherine Bolzonello, from Manningham, is a classical soprano and experienced performer in Melbourne’s community music theatre, opera and concert scene.
• Wendy Samantha Productions, these talented local students aged 6-18 are dynamic, energetic and enthusiastic, and love to get a crowd excited and happy.
• Danielle and Michael Zuccala, a local mezzo-soprano and baritone duo.

• Enjoy our fireworks finale, which will go for approximately 8 minutes, weather permitting.
• Please leave pets at home, as fireworks cause distress to animals.
• In the case of high winds and extreme weather, including a declared day of ‘total fire ban’, fireworks will not proceed.
   

Parking

• Parking is limited, so plan ahead and if possible, walk, cycle or get dropped off at the event. 
• Our dedicated drop-off zone is on George Street (Ruffey Lake Park side, only for eastbound traffic).
• Free parking is available on King Street, a short stroll through Ruffey Lake Park to the event.
• Accessible parking is available via The Boulevarde off George Street (near the playground). Please show your accessible parking permit to the traffic controllers on the night. Carols is located in a park on a natural grassed slope. There are paved pathways from the accessible parking zone to the stage area, which is about a 100m to 150m walk away.

Transport for older residents

• Older residents can get to and from the event with Manningham Community Transport, provided by EV Strengthening Communities. Transport includes home pick up and drop off and a reserved seat at the event.
• Spaces are limited, and bookings close Friday 28 November. The cost is $5 per person. To check your eligibility and book your spot, call 9870 7822 or visit ev.org.au

What to bring

• Picnic rug and/or low-back, fold-up chair. There is a designated ‘rugs-only’ zone in front of the stage for optimal visability.
• Torch, warm clothes, comfortable shoes. 
• A reusable water bottle to fill up at our free water station.
• Picnics are welcome, and food is also available for purchase.

What not to bring

• Tents, marquees, glassware, fireworks or pyrotechnics of any type. 
• Please leave pets at home. 
• This is a smoke and vape free event.
   

Bring a picnic or enjoy delicious food available for purchase from one of our many food trucks.

Rotary Manningham City will be putting a sausage sizzle with funds raised going back into the local community.

• Please leave your pets at home, so they are not frightened by the fireworks.
• The fireworks finale begins at 9:30pm, and will run for about 8 minutes. If you live nearby, please secure your pets in a safe, comfortable location during the display.

We aim to make Carols accessible to all by providing:

• A large screen located next to the stage
• An Auslan interpreter
• Accessible toilets 
• Accessible parking via The Boulevarde off George Street (near the playground). Please show your accessible parking permit to the traffic controllers on the night.
• Carols is located in a park on a natural grassed slope. There are paved pathways from the accessible parking zone to the stage area, which is about a 100m to 150m walk away.
• Need help on the night? Please visit Manningham’s Information marquee next to the main stage.
   

• Our information marquee will be located next to the main stage.
• Our team is available to assist with queries and lost children.
• Free child wristbands available to write your details on in case you get separated.
• This is a great location to arrange to meet your family should you become separated.
• Qualified first-aid officers will be in attendance and located next to the information marquee.

Thank you to our sponsors Opal Healthcare, Mercedes Benz Silver Star, Barry Plant and Hologram Zoo.