From Bushwalks to Bandicoots: Nature comes alive in the shire this Spring!
Step into nature to celebrate Biodiversity Month this September with free and fun activities supported by Cardinia Shire Council.
Biodiversity Month promotes the importance of protecting, conserving, and improving biodiversity both within Australia and across the world.
Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Councillor Jack Kowarzik is encouraging residents to get out into the community to experience and enjoy our natural reserves and learn more about our local fauna and flora.
“Biodiversity Month is a celebration of the unique plants, animals, and ecosystems that make our community so special. It’s a time to reconnect with nature, take pride in our local environment, and come together to protect it.”
“I encourage everyone to get involved—whether it’s joining a bushwalk, planting native species, or simply appreciating the beauty around us. Every action counts and together we can make a lasting impact." Mayor Kowarzik said.
Join our Bio-Bushwalk
Take a guided walk through RJ Chambers Reserve to explore the native flora and fauna, and enjoy a photography workshop, where you’ll learn how to capture the beauty of our local environment.
Address: RJ Chambers Flora and Fauna Reserve, Bourkes Creek Rd, Pakenham Upper (entrance Matters Rd intersection)
Date: Sunday 21 September 2025
Time: 10am – 11:30am
Register your interest to attend.
Biodiversity Blitz
For the fifth year, Cardinia Shire Council is partnering with several of our neighbouring councils to hold the Biodiversity Blitz competition.
To best understand how to preserve habitats, conserve biodiversity and protect endangered species around the shire, Council is calling on the community to step out into nature to snap photos and record their observations.
The competition encourages residents to record local species throughout September using iNaturalist – a free app that helps you identify the plants and animals around you.
By participating, you'll be contributing to citizen science and showcasing the incredible biodiversity of Cardinia Shire to the world!
How to participate:
- Download the free iNaturalist App
- Join the Biodiversity Blitz 2025 - Cardinia Shire project
- From Monday 1 September start recording your observations.
Please respect our plants and wildlife when taking photos. Spring is nesting season for many birds and flowering time for many orchids and herbs so try not to damage or disturb our plants or animals.
If you come across injured wildlife, please contact Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300.
Help save the Southern Brown Bandicoot
To protect and track the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot, Council is launching a new awareness campaign this September.
Footpath stickers and signs will be installed at key locations around the shire to mark bandicoot sightings, which have been reported through the iNaturalist platform.
Bandicoots have already been spotted along the Koo Wee Rup Rail Trail and residents around Bayles, Bunyip and Garfield are encouraged to keep a look out for bandicoots in their local area and report any sightings to iNaturalist.
The initiative is part of the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and aims to reduce threats posed by domestic pets through education and engagement.
In the areas where bandicoots have been spotted, residents should:
- keep their dogs on lead
- ensure their cats remain on private property.
For more information on the Southern Brown Bandicoot, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/bandicoot
For more information on Biodiversity Month initiatives, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/environment-events