Steels Creek Landcare Group has evolved from community conversations to become a vital force for environmental stewardship in our valley. Our journey reflects the determination, resilience, and collaborative spirit of our members across more than two decades.
Our story began in November 2003 when around 50 residents gathered at Steels Creek Community Centre to discuss the health of Steels Creek. Melbourne Water's Roger Lord presented on the "Healthy Rivers" program, sparking community interest in coordinated landcare action.
After careful consideration, the Steels Creek Landcare Group officially formed in March 2005 at a public meeting in Yarra Glen Memorial Hall. We affiliated with the VFF Farm Tree & Landcare Association, established our catchment boundaries, and began prioritizing land degradation issues.
Our first field activity came in May 2005 when 25 members planted 100 trees near the corner of Steels Creek and Gulf Roads—the beginning of a long tradition of community planting days.
The group rapidly identified shared priorities: blackberries, rabbits, weeds, erosion, and wildlife habitat protection. During this period, we launched several signature initiatives including Weedbuster Week campaigns, annual Clean Up Australia Day participation, and the ambitious Steels Creek Road Revegetation Project.
In 2006, we received Envirofund grant funding to remove elm suckers and plant 2,000 indigenous trees and shrubs along Steels Creek Road. Regular planting days saw hundreds of trees, shrubs, and lilies added to roadsides and private properties.
We also began exploring pest animal management, conducting surveys on deer, rabbits, and bird damage, and developing coordinated control strategies across properties. By 2008, we had established regular community tree planting days, information nights, and social dinners that strengthened our community bonds.
The Black Saturday bushfires of February 2009 devastated our community. Landcare activities went into temporary recess as members focused on rebuilding homes, farms, and lives. However, our commitment to the land remained strong even as we dealt with immediate recovery needs.
In late 2010, a small interim committee began meeting again, determined to reactivate the group. By July 2011, we held our first AGM since the fires, with new leadership and renewed energy. Ivan Filsell became chair, Sandra Turnley took on secretary duties, and Rob Fallon stepped up as coordinator.
The reform period brought intensive activity. We established the Northern Yarra Blackberry Action Group (NYBAG), offering equipment, chemical rebates, and coordinated spraying programs. Free Chemical Users courses helped members safely tackle blackberry infestations.
Our tree planting program resumed with vigor—1,500 plants across four properties in spring 2012 alone. We conducted workshops on Indian Myna control, rabbit management, erosion control, and native grasses. School volunteer programs brought students from Billanook College and Fairhills High to assist with revegetation and weed control projects.
By 2013, membership had grown to 79 households. We developed our website, launched a newsletter, and held popular social dinners combining education with community connection. In 2014, we conducted a comprehensive rabbit control program with coordinated neighbourhood action.
The mid-2010s marked a period of consolidation and expansion of member services. We built an extensive equipment library including spray units, log splitters, post drivers, and specialized tools—all available for free borrowing by members.
Our focus broadened to include soil health with workshops on pasture improvement, worm farming, and composting. We launched "Bee Nice," a support group for beekeepers and pollinator-friendly gardening. The innovative Local Skills Index helped members connect with each other's expertise in fencing, hay baling, and other landcare skills.
We opened urban membership to Yarra Glen residents in 2015. Social events like farm visits, Harvest Feast dinners, and Bunnings sausage sizzles strengthened community bonds while raising funds for programs and equipment.
In 2022, leadership was reformed with new energy and fresh perspectives, ensuring continuity of our mission while adapting to evolving community needs.
Deer Management Program: Steels Creek Landcare has taken a leading role in coordinating community response to feral deer overpopulation—a growing challenge affecting environmental health, biosecurity, and road safety. The Yarra Ranges Shire Deer Management Program has demonstrated strong community support and measurable success in protecting vegetation and reducing environmental damage. Property owners report noticeable reductions in deer evidence, improved pasture recovery, and enhanced habitat for native wildlife.
Melbourne Water Catchment Partnership: We're actively participating in Melbourne Water's catchment planning initiatives, working collaboratively to protect and enhance waterway health across the Steels Creek catchment. This partnership brings expert support and resources to our local environmental priorities.
Dam Restoration Projects: Members are undertaking dam restoration work to improve water quality, structural integrity, and habitat values. These projects enhance both farm productivity and environmental outcomes, creating better conditions for native aquatic species and wildlife.
Wildlife Corridor Plantings: In partnership with BirdLife Australia and local conservation groups, we're establishing wildlife corridor plantings to connect fragmented habitat across the valley. Strategic revegetation with appropriate dam-edge plants and native species creates safe movement pathways for birds, mammals, and other wildlife while protecting waterways from erosion.
Windbreak Establishment: Property-scale windbreak plantings provide shelter for livestock, reduce wind erosion, create habitat, and improve farm microclimates. These multi-functional plantings demonstrate how productive agriculture and conservation outcomes can work together.
These coordinated initiatives exemplify our commitment to science-based, collaborative approaches to complex land management challenges, ensuring Steels Creek remains a thriving landscape for both people and wildlife.
Our Legacy: From 50 people in 2003 to a thriving community, we've planted thousands of trees, controlled invasive species, protected waterways, built a shared equipment library, and fostered partnerships across schools, councils, and agencies. Most importantly, we've built a community that works together, shares knowledge, and cares deeply for this unique landscape we call home.