Welcome to Sustainable Darebin — April 2025 |
Welcome to Sustainable Darebin — April 2025 |
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We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and waters we now call Darebin. We affirm that Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people have lived on this land for millennia, practising their customs and ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. We pay respect to all other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Darebin. |
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and waters we now call Darebin. We affirm that Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people have lived on this land for millennia, practising their customs and ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. We pay respect to all other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Darebin. |
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Last chance to register for new energy efficient products through Solar Saver! |
Last chance to register for new energy efficient products through Solar Saver! |
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Registrations for the Solar Saver program close soon—this is your chance to access new energy-efficient products that can help lower your energy bills, improve home comfort, and reduce your carbon footprint. For the first time, Solar Saver now includes split system heating & cooling and hot water heat pumps, alongside our popular rooftop solar. Why choose Solar Saver? - Special Charge: we pay the upfront cost (up to $10,000) and you pay us back through a quarterly special charge over 10 years – with no interest or GST. A 5% processing fee and eligibility criteria applies.
- Bulk Buy: you pay upfront through our trusted installer offering quality products, great warranties and competitive prices. Open to all Darebin residents and businesses.
Registrations close at midnight on Thursday 10 April 2025 — don’t miss out on these energy-saving upgrades! Find out more and register your interest. Need assistance? Call Darebin Customer Service Desk (03 8470 8888) and ask for the Solar Saver team or email us at solar@darebin.vic.gov.au |
Registrations for the Solar Saver program close soon—this is your chance to access new energy-efficient products that can help lower your energy bills, improve home comfort, and reduce your carbon footprint. For the first time, Solar Saver now includes split system heating & cooling and hot water heat pumps, alongside our popular rooftop solar. Why choose Solar Saver? - Special Charge: we pay the upfront cost (up to $10,000) and you pay us back through a quarterly special charge over 10 years – with no interest or GST. A 5% processing fee and eligibility criteria applies.
- Bulk Buy: you pay upfront through our trusted installer offering quality products, great warranties and competitive prices. Open to all Darebin residents and businesses.
Registrations close at midnight on Thursday 10 April 2025 — don’t miss out on these energy-saving upgrades! Find out more and register your interest. Need assistance? Call Darebin Customer Service Desk (03 8470 8888) and ask for the Solar Saver team or email us at solar@darebin.vic.gov.au |
Join our Darebin Community Grants Environment and Sustainability Category info session |
Join our Darebin Community Grants Environment and Sustainability Category info session |
Thursday 24 April
10–11.30am
Online
Are you part of a not-for-profit community group or organisation with great ideas on how to engage our community to take action on the climate emergency? Does your project idea help build resilience by managing heat stress, reducing waste, enhancing food security and supporting or stimulating a local circular economy? Then it’s time to apply for one of our annual community grants! Come along to an info session to find out about how to align your project idea with our strategic directions and get tips and tricks on how to apply. There will be plenty of time for Q and A. Registration is free. Sign up and we’ll send you the online link. Applications for this year’s Community Grants open Tuesday 1 April and close Saturday 31 May 2025. For more information and to apply for a Community Grant, visit our website. |
Thursday 24 April
10–11.30am
Online
Are you part of a not-for-profit community group or organisation with great ideas on how to engage our community to take action on the climate emergency? Does your project idea help build resilience by managing heat stress, reducing waste, enhancing food security and supporting or stimulating a local circular economy? Then it’s time to apply for one of our annual community grants! Come along to an info session to find out about how to align your project idea with our strategic directions and get tips and tricks on how to apply. There will be plenty of time for Q and A. Registration is free. Sign up and we’ll send you the online link. Applications for this year’s Community Grants open Tuesday 1 April and close Saturday 31 May 2025. For more information and to apply for a Community Grant, visit our website. |
Complete our recycling survey and go in the draw to WIN |
Complete our recycling survey and go in the draw to WIN |
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Have you seen our recycling education campaign funded by Sustainability Victoria around Darebin? We'd love your feedback so we can improve our educational campaigns in the future. If you live in Darebin and complete the survey you'll go in the draw to win one of two Yiayia Next Door books. Complete the short survey by this Friday 4 April.
View the full Terms & Conditions and find out more about what can and can't go into your recycling bin. |
Have you seen our recycling education campaign funded by Sustainability Victoria around Darebin? We'd love your feedback so we can improve our educational campaigns in the future. If you live in Darebin and complete the survey you'll go in the draw to win one of two Yiayia Next Door books. Complete the short survey by this Friday 4 April.
View the full Terms & Conditions and find out more about what can and can't go into your recycling bin. |
Welcome to our newest newsletter section, brought to you by NUCA — Neighbours United for Climate Action. NUCA's Hot Planet Matchmaking Service is here to help you to find your perfect match for local climate action in Melbourne's inner north. Check out this month's featured group ACF NXNW below and visit the Hot Planet Matchmaking Service website to complete the quiz, explore matchmaking profiles and find your soulmate most compatible local climate action group. |
Welcome to our newest newsletter section, brought to you by NUCA — Neighbours United for Climate Action. NUCA's Hot Planet Matchmaking Service is here to help you to find your perfect match for local climate action in Melbourne's inner north. Check out this month's featured group ACF NXNW below and visit the Hot Planet Matchmaking Service website to complete the quiz, explore matchmaking profiles and find your soulmate most compatible local climate action group. |
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That’s Australian Conservation Foundation North by North West if you weren’t sure. Who are we? We are passionate locals from Merri-bek, Moonee Valley and Darebin who stand up for climate, justice and for our reefs, rivers, forests and wildlife. As an ACF community group, we commit to principles and align our activities with their campaigns. We’ll get along if…
…you care about nature and climate and want to do something to protect and nurture them. …you’re eager to get active locally and have an impact beyond your own neighbourhood. All are welcome! If you’ve been at this for decades or are just dipping your toes for the first time, we’d love you to join us in making a difference. We meet up… - Monthly (Thursday evening) - organising and planning
- Monthly (Monday evening online) - campaign letter writing
- Monthly (first Sunday) with Friends of Merri Creek at Streamteam waterwatch
- Every couple of months for bushwalking
- Regular Toolangi visits to the forests during the colder months
- Plus ad hoc campaign and nature activities in between.
A first date with us might look like…
Nature activities: e.g. easy walks (Altona RAMSAR wetlands, Werribee Gorge). planting, waterwatch creek health with Friends of Merri Creek. Flexing our campaign muscles: e.g. writing letters, contacting politicians, supporting local groups in their activations. Something social: e.g. a night at the pub! Find us….
Through the Hot Planet Matchmaking Service — a website for lovers…of the natural world, sustainability, climate justice and a healthy planet. Find your perfect match! The Hot Planet Matchmaking Service was initiated with a Darebin Community Grant. |
That’s Australian Conservation Foundation North by North West if you weren’t sure. Who are we? We are passionate locals from Merri-bek, Moonee Valley and Darebin who stand up for climate, justice and for our reefs, rivers, forests and wildlife. As an ACF community group, we commit to principles and align our activities with their campaigns. We’ll get along if…
…you care about nature and climate and want to do something to protect and nurture them. …you’re eager to get active locally and have an impact beyond your own neighbourhood. All are welcome! If you’ve been at this for decades or are just dipping your toes for the first time, we’d love you to join us in making a difference. We meet up… - Monthly (Thursday evening) - organising and planning
- Monthly (Monday evening online) - campaign letter writing
- Monthly (first Sunday) with Friends of Merri Creek at Streamteam waterwatch
- Every couple of months for bushwalking
- Regular Toolangi visits to the forests during the colder months
- Plus ad hoc campaign and nature activities in between.
A first date with us might look like…
Nature activities: e.g. easy walks (Altona RAMSAR wetlands, Werribee Gorge). planting, waterwatch creek health with Friends of Merri Creek. Flexing our campaign muscles: e.g. writing letters, contacting politicians, supporting local groups in their activations. Something social: e.g. a night at the pub! Find us….
Through the Hot Planet Matchmaking Service — a website for lovers…of the natural world, sustainability, climate justice and a healthy planet. Find your perfect match! The Hot Planet Matchmaking Service was initiated with a Darebin Community Grant. |
Urban Cycling Confidence Workshop |
Urban Cycling Confidence Workshop |
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Sunday 27 April, 10am–3pm La Trobe University Tennis Courts, Bundoora
Want to ride your bike more often? Urban Cycling Confidence is a fun, friendly and social workshop that gives you the skills you need to ride on the road safely and with confidence. This interactive workshop covers bike control skills and road rules, and allows time to practice in a traffic-free area and on the road. You'll leave with the confidence to start riding your bike to work, uni or your local shops. Sue from Northcote says, “The facilitator was really friendly and encouraging and took everyone at the level they were at. The way I walked away from it, I felt more confident of my skills and in charge, I thought ‘I can do this!’ I used to drive to the gym, but now I really enjoy the ride there.”
This session is run in partnership with Banyule City Council.
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Sunday 27 April, 10am–3pm La Trobe University Tennis Courts, Bundoora
Want to ride your bike more often? Urban Cycling Confidence is a fun, friendly and social workshop that gives you the skills you need to ride on the road safely and with confidence. This interactive workshop covers bike control skills and road rules, and allows time to practice in a traffic-free area and on the road. You'll leave with the confidence to start riding your bike to work, uni or your local shops. Sue from Northcote says, “The facilitator was really friendly and encouraging and took everyone at the level they were at. The way I walked away from it, I felt more confident of my skills and in charge, I thought ‘I can do this!’ I used to drive to the gym, but now I really enjoy the ride there.”
This session is run in partnership with Banyule City Council.
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Learn how to reuse, repair, repurpose and recycle with the Hard Rubbish Heroes |
Learn how to reuse, repair, repurpose and recycle with the Hard Rubbish Heroes |
Tuesday 22 April, 6.30–7.30pm Reservoir Community and Learning Centre
Let Darebin Hard Rubbish Heroes show you how you can minimize your rubbish through reusing, repairing, repurposing and recycling your preloved items. Darebin Hard Rubbish Heroes (DHRH) is a not-for-profit group dedicated to reducing waste. They’ll provide information and inspiration to help you make a difference, with practical advice about how to reduce your waste and save money, too. |
Tuesday 22 April, 6.30–7.30pm Reservoir Community and Learning Centre
Let Darebin Hard Rubbish Heroes show you how you can minimize your rubbish through reusing, repairing, repurposing and recycling your preloved items. Darebin Hard Rubbish Heroes (DHRH) is a not-for-profit group dedicated to reducing waste. They’ll provide information and inspiration to help you make a difference, with practical advice about how to reduce your waste and save money, too. |
Visit Sustainable Houses through Renew's Sustainable House Day |
Visit Sustainable Houses through Renew's Sustainable House Day |
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Sunday 4 May Homes across Australia On Sunday 4 May, 150 homes across Australia will open their doors and share their experience of building, retro-fitting and living in sustainable homes. Sustainable House Day, hosted by Renew, is an annual, national event offering the opportunity to explore some of Australia’s most inspiring green homes, and learn from the people who designed them, built them and live in them. If you are thinking about building, renovating or retrofitting to make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable, the Sustainable House Day program offers many ways to learn from experts across the country, local community groups, and homeowners in your neighbourhood. |
Sunday 4 May Homes across Australia On Sunday 4 May, 150 homes across Australia will open their doors and share their experience of building, retro-fitting and living in sustainable homes. Sustainable House Day, hosted by Renew, is an annual, national event offering the opportunity to explore some of Australia’s most inspiring green homes, and learn from the people who designed them, built them and live in them. If you are thinking about building, renovating or retrofitting to make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable, the Sustainable House Day program offers many ways to learn from experts across the country, local community groups, and homeowners in your neighbourhood. |
Join in the fun at Regent Community Garden Open Day and AGM |
Join in the fun at Regent Community Garden Open Day and AGM |
Sunday 4 May 1–2pm for AGM 2–4pm for Open Day 4 Robinson Road Reservoir Join the Friends of Regent Community Garden for a fun and friendly Open Day. Spend time in the garden, learn about seed saving and planting and meet new local friends. Bring the whole family for facepainting, music and to enjoy some delicious vegetarian and vegan snacks. Everyone is welcome. You can also join us for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) from 1-2pm. This event is supported by a Darebin Community Grant. Applications for this year’s Community Grants open Tuesday 1 April and close Saturday 31 May 2025. For more information and to apply for a Community Grant, visit our website. |
Sunday 4 May 1–2pm for AGM 2–4pm for Open Day 4 Robinson Road Reservoir Join the Friends of Regent Community Garden for a fun and friendly Open Day. Spend time in the garden, learn about seed saving and planting and meet new local friends. Bring the whole family for facepainting, music and to enjoy some delicious vegetarian and vegan snacks. Everyone is welcome. You can also join us for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) from 1-2pm. This event is supported by a Darebin Community Grant. Applications for this year’s Community Grants open Tuesday 1 April and close Saturday 31 May 2025. For more information and to apply for a Community Grant, visit our website. |
Join the City Nature Challenge 2025 |
Join the City Nature Challenge 2025 |
Friday 25–Monday 28 April
Anywhere in Darebin — your local park, reserve, or even your own backyard. For the fourth year in a row, Darebin Council is teaming up with more than 25 councils and environmental groups to represent Greater Melbourne in one of the world’s biggest community science events: the City Nature Challenge 2025. And we’d love you to be part of it! How to join: - Download the iNaturalist App
- Take photos of plants, animals, or fungi.
- Upload your observations to help document our local biodiversity.
Every observation you make helps build a better understanding of nature in our urban spaces and supports efforts to protect it. Want to learn more? Join one of these local events to get hands-on experience using iNaturalist: Taking part is easy, fun, and a great way to connect with the lands and waters of our local Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country.
Let’s show the world the incredible biodiversity of Darebin!
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Friday 25–Monday 28 April
Anywhere in Darebin — your local park, reserve, or even your own backyard. For the fourth year in a row, Darebin Council is teaming up with more than 25 councils and environmental groups to represent Greater Melbourne in one of the world’s biggest community science events: the City Nature Challenge 2025. And we’d love you to be part of it! How to join: - Download the iNaturalist App
- Take photos of plants, animals, or fungi.
- Upload your observations to help document our local biodiversity.
Every observation you make helps build a better understanding of nature in our urban spaces and supports efforts to protect it. Want to learn more? Join one of these local events to get hands-on experience using iNaturalist: Taking part is easy, fun, and a great way to connect with the lands and waters of our local Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country.
Let’s show the world the incredible biodiversity of Darebin!
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Join the Darebin Creek Community |
Join the Darebin Creek Community |
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Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a real difference in your community? Then sign up now to the Darebin Creek Catch Up. It’s your monthly guide to everything happening along the beautiful Darebin Creek. Be the first to know about: - Restoration Projects: Learn about ongoing conservation projects and how you can help restore the health of Darebin Creek’s ecosystem.
- Upcoming Events: Find out about free community events, educational programs, and workshops that bring people together to celebrate and protect the creek.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Whether you want to get your hands dirty or help out from home, there are plenty of ways to lend a hand in local restoration projects.
- Environmental Tips: Receive helpful tips and practical advice on how you can contribute to your local environment.
- Success Stories: Read about the positive changes happening along the creek and how local residents and organisations are working together to make a difference.
Sign up today to be an active part of restoration and protection of Darebin Creek. Let’s make a positive impact together! |
Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a real difference in your community? Then sign up now to the Darebin Creek Catch Up. It’s your monthly guide to everything happening along the beautiful Darebin Creek. Be the first to know about: - Restoration Projects: Learn about ongoing conservation projects and how you can help restore the health of Darebin Creek’s ecosystem.
- Upcoming Events: Find out about free community events, educational programs, and workshops that bring people together to celebrate and protect the creek.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Whether you want to get your hands dirty or help out from home, there are plenty of ways to lend a hand in local restoration projects.
- Environmental Tips: Receive helpful tips and practical advice on how you can contribute to your local environment.
- Success Stories: Read about the positive changes happening along the creek and how local residents and organisations are working together to make a difference.
Sign up today to be an active part of restoration and protection of Darebin Creek. Let’s make a positive impact together! |
Helping local businesses Go Electric |
Helping local businesses Go Electric |
Santos Kothapeta from Moon Rabbit café in Preston understands that reducing running costs is critical in small business. As a social enterprise based at The Bridge Neighbourhood house, every dollar they save on bills can be invested back into helping the community. Changing their hot water systems from gas to electric heat pumps allows them to use more of their solar power. “It’s good for the environment, it’s good for your staff and it’s good for the community. I recommend you to switch from gas to electric.” said Santos. Watch a short video about Moon Rabbit.
The Darebin Energy$mart program can help local businesses to Go Electric, with links to reputable installers, assistance with state and federal rebates and up to $1,000 in additional subsidies. Visit our website for more information or fill in our Sustainable Business Registration form.
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Santos Kothapeta from Moon Rabbit café in Preston understands that reducing running costs is critical in small business. As a social enterprise based at The Bridge Neighbourhood house, every dollar they save on bills can be invested back into helping the community. Changing their hot water systems from gas to electric heat pumps allows them to use more of their solar power. “It’s good for the environment, it’s good for your staff and it’s good for the community. I recommend you to switch from gas to electric.” said Santos. Watch a short video about Moon Rabbit.
The Darebin Energy$mart program can help local businesses to Go Electric, with links to reputable installers, assistance with state and federal rebates and up to $1,000 in additional subsidies. Visit our website for more information or fill in our Sustainable Business Registration form.
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Project Stationery 2025 – A Successful Drive |
Project Stationery 2025 – A Successful Drive |
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This year’s stationery drive at Alphington Community Centre was a resounding success! We had 35 schools and several community groups participate over the school holidays, focusing on reducing stationery waste and promoting sustainability. Instead of an open public donation, we worked directly with schools, encouraging them to take the lead in collecting and pledging to reduce waste in their classrooms. Our main goal was to address the significant amount of unused stationery that ends up being wasted in schools. By asking schools to make pledges, we aimed to foster a culture of reuse and sustainability among students. We believe that the circular economy isn’t just about systems, but also a mindset, and it’s crucial that children are part of that change. This initiative not only saves money but also teaches kids to be mindful of their impact on the environment. We’ll be running the drive again at the end of the year, so if you're a school or parent interested in participating, email us to be added to our list. Thank you to the Darebin Council's community grants for funding this stationery drive! This project is supported by a Darebin Community Grant. Applications for this year’s Community Grants open Tuesday 1 April and close Saturday 31 May 2025. For more information and to apply for a Community Grant, visit our website. |
This year’s stationery drive at Alphington Community Centre was a resounding success! We had 35 schools and several community groups participate over the school holidays, focusing on reducing stationery waste and promoting sustainability. Instead of an open public donation, we worked directly with schools, encouraging them to take the lead in collecting and pledging to reduce waste in their classrooms. Our main goal was to address the significant amount of unused stationery that ends up being wasted in schools. By asking schools to make pledges, we aimed to foster a culture of reuse and sustainability among students. We believe that the circular economy isn’t just about systems, but also a mindset, and it’s crucial that children are part of that change. This initiative not only saves money but also teaches kids to be mindful of their impact on the environment. We’ll be running the drive again at the end of the year, so if you're a school or parent interested in participating, email us to be added to our list. Thank you to the Darebin Council's community grants for funding this stationery drive! This project is supported by a Darebin Community Grant. Applications for this year’s Community Grants open Tuesday 1 April and close Saturday 31 May 2025. For more information and to apply for a Community Grant, visit our website. |
Greener Grounds in Fairfield |
Greener Grounds in Fairfield |
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Since January 2025, the Greener Grounds project in Fairfield has collected 1,980kg of coffee grounds, reducing carbon emissions equivalent to 25,086km of car travel! That’s like taking 7 cars off the road, from Melbourne to Perth. This community-driven initiative, led by Village Greening, is a collaboration between the Fairfield Traders Association, Reground, The Fairfield Community Garden, local businesses, and participating cafes. Monthly updates track progress and keep everyone informed. Special thanks to the cafes and businesses involved: Harvest, Three Locals, Nouha’s Bakery, Gusto Bakery, Tamago, Pantheon Cakes, Allegria, Crave St, and Arthur St Cafe. The goal is to raise awareness about the environmental impact of coffee grounds in landfill and encourage their use in gardening. While not every cafe has joined the program, we’re spreading the message. If you care about the planet, support cafes that compost their coffee grounds. And if you notice your local isn't on the list - ask them to reach out to Village Greening to be part of the movement! |
Since January 2025, the Greener Grounds project in Fairfield has collected 1,980kg of coffee grounds, reducing carbon emissions equivalent to 25,086km of car travel! That’s like taking 7 cars off the road, from Melbourne to Perth. This community-driven initiative, led by Village Greening, is a collaboration between the Fairfield Traders Association, Reground, The Fairfield Community Garden, local businesses, and participating cafes. Monthly updates track progress and keep everyone informed. Special thanks to the cafes and businesses involved: Harvest, Three Locals, Nouha’s Bakery, Gusto Bakery, Tamago, Pantheon Cakes, Allegria, Crave St, and Arthur St Cafe. The goal is to raise awareness about the environmental impact of coffee grounds in landfill and encourage their use in gardening. While not every cafe has joined the program, we’re spreading the message. If you care about the planet, support cafes that compost their coffee grounds. And if you notice your local isn't on the list - ask them to reach out to Village Greening to be part of the movement! |
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Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) has been detected in Darebin this summer, posing a threat to home gardens and local fruit trees. If you find QFF-infested fruit, don’t just toss it in your bin or compost — this could allow the larvae to survive and re-emerge in spring even stronger! How to dispose of QFF-infested fruit safely: - Bag & Solarise: Seal fruit in a sturdy plastic bag and leave it in the sun for at least a week to kill larvae.
- Freeze It: Place fruit in the freezer for at least 48 hours before disposal.
- Boil It: Cook fruit thoroughly to destroy eggs and larvae.
Once treated, dispose of the fruit in your general waste bin — not your compost! Learn more and report sightings to help us monitor outbreaks at www.darebin.vic.gov.au/queenslandfruitfly. |
Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) has been detected in Darebin this summer, posing a threat to home gardens and local fruit trees. If you find QFF-infested fruit, don’t just toss it in your bin or compost — this could allow the larvae to survive and re-emerge in spring even stronger! How to dispose of QFF-infested fruit safely: - Bag & Solarise: Seal fruit in a sturdy plastic bag and leave it in the sun for at least a week to kill larvae.
- Freeze It: Place fruit in the freezer for at least 48 hours before disposal.
- Boil It: Cook fruit thoroughly to destroy eggs and larvae.
Once treated, dispose of the fruit in your general waste bin — not your compost! Learn more and report sightings to help us monitor outbreaks at www.darebin.vic.gov.au/queenslandfruitfly. |
If you have community events or stories you would like to share, email climateemergency@darebin.vic.gov.au by the 15th of each month. You can also join the conversation at our
Sustainable Darebin Facebook group |
If you have community events or stories you would like to share, email climateemergency@darebin.vic.gov.au by the 15th of each month. You can also join the conversation at our
Sustainable Darebin Facebook group |
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Copyright © 2025 Darebin City Council, All rights reserved. |
Copyright © 2025 Darebin City Council, All rights reserved. |
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