Tag: nature

Wildlife volunteers

At The Cape we’ve long had David and Jeannie Hartney as dedicated wildlife rescue volunteers. You’ve probably seen their posts about their work in helping preserve the endangered Hooded Plovers. Also, Jeannie has been particularly focused on the wombat mange project.

In 2024 the Owners Corporation sponsored four new residents for a wildlife rescue course as part of our duty to be good stewards of the land we manage. The new volunteers were Kate Lewer, Donald and Cheryl Padgett, and Bronwyn Steadman.

A recent incident showed what these volunteers and other community members can do. On 16 January, a Pacific Gull got its beak caught with a fish hook, and became entangled with fishing line on F Break beach. It was first seen by Joe and Jo Spano who reported it to David and Jeannie. Jeannie caught the bird. Kate Lewer attended and assisted by transporting the bird to the vet. The bird was kept overnight, and safely released back on the beach.

The committee want to acknowledge and thank all the wildlife volunteers for the wonderful work that they do.

Figure: Pacific Gull caught on a fish hook (credit: Joe Spano)

Upcoming arborist visit

The arborists will be visiting again toward the end of February. If you have any specific requests or concerns about tree maintenance, please let us know.

Committee changes

The contact address for the committee is now capeocc@ourcapelife.org. Please update your contacts. This is part of our current work to revamp our website and community communications.

Following the departure of Gary, the new secretary of the OCC is John Godfrey.

Street safety audit

Last year, the committee conducted a thorough audit of pedestrian safety throughout the estate following a reported near-miss incident involving a child and a car. Based on the audit, several recommendations were made to improve pedestrian safety at a number of key locations, as outlined in the figure below. These recommendations will be addressed by both the developer and Council.

The developer has agreed to implement the recommended changes, and you can expect to see work beginning in the coming months.

Additionally, we met with the Sustainable Transport and Movement team at Bass Coast Shire Council, who also approved the recommendations. Council will be seeking funding from the Victorian Government’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program to cover the recommendations not included in the standard maintenance budget, such as the installation of zebra crossings. We anticipate progress on these initiatives, although the timeline will depend on Council’s schedule.

Container collection

Every Saturday afternoon, before the yellow-lid bin collection, a few of The Cape kids will be out and about with their beach trolley, collecting eligible cans and bottles for the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme. 10% of the proceeds from the collection will go to charity.

To participate, simply leave a box outside your own house with your cans, bottles, or stubbies, and they’ll be picked up. A handy tip: placing something heavy in your box helps keep it from blowing away. If you’d like to be sure we don’t miss your collection, feel free to send a message to Dries (0404 183 173) or Griet (0404 186 290), or reply to the reminder post put on Facebook on collection day.

Please note that on particularly hot, rainy, or windy days etc, the collection might shift to Sunday.

AGM date

This year we are planning to hold the AGM of the Owners’ Corporation on Friday 18 July at 4pm at the Cape Paterson SLSC. Please put this in your calendar.

Mowing of vacant lots

With the warm weather and recent rain, grass is growing quickly. So, another reminder to owners of vacant lots to keep your grass mowed. Hopefully folk know their own neighbours and can contact relevant lot owners themselves. If you don’t have your neighbour’s contact details, get in touch with the OCC and we can facilitate an introduction.

Passata day

Join us for a fun-filled day on Sunday 2 March at The Pod at the Cape Community Farm, where you can immerse yourself in Italian traditions.
Enjoy a lively atmosphere with Italian music and delicious traditional pizza.
Learn how to make your passata and take home a bottle of your creation to enjoy later! Get involved with the community and start collecting your passata bottles now!

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate culture, food, and community in one memorable day.

This event is for The Cape Residents & Cape Community Farm Members. Tickets available here.

Admission is $10 for adults, with kids entering free!

Pizzas available for $10.

All proceeds will go towards supporting the farm.

Levies

Please note the levies were emailed to all lot owners last week by Ace Body Corporate. Please contact them if you haven´t received yours. Levies are now issued every six months.

Aquathon

The Cape Paterson SLSC recently held its annual aquathon. As usual, the running sector of the event passed through The Cape. Thanks to Jane Cox for coordinating between The Cape and the SLSC, and to all the other volunteers who helped make it a successful event.

Helping runners cool off (pic: Jane Cox)

CPRRA Working Bee

The CPRRA is conducting a working bee this Saturday, 8 February.

This month the focus is on some invasive weeds that are on the edge of and in the coastal reserve adjacent to Surf Beach Road. Meet at the Wonthaggi Life Saving Club car park at 9:00 am.

Covered footwear and sun-smart clothing is recommended. At this stage no rain is predicted but please check forecast closer to the date. Bass Coast Shire Council will provide basic hand trowels secateurs and dabbers but if you own grubbing tools (especially on longer poles), please bring those.

Regular social events

• Men’s breakfast is the fourth Friday of the month at 8am, at the (place formerly known as the) Channel Store;
• Friday friendlies. Pickleball, bocce and bowls at the sports precinct recommenced with daylight savings. Look out for them on every third Friday of the month. The events start at about 4pm.
• Women’s catch up is the second Friday of the month at 9:45 am, at Zeal & Flow.
• Sippers. Every Thursday evening the Cape Paterson Surf Club is open from about 4pm. This is open to the public, not just surf club members. Drinks and light meals available.