Upcoming events.
Protecting the Monbulk Creek Platypus: Community Info Night!
18 June 2026. Blue Hills Community Centre, Upwey. 7-9:30pm
SDLG is pleased to co-host this event with Melbourne Water, Yarra Ranges Council, EnviroDNA and the University of Melbourne’s Waterway Ecosystem Research Group. We’ll be showcasing our citizen science work testing local creeks for platypus eDNA.
Admission free but pre-registration required (see below)
Discover the platypuses of Monbulk Creek and learn about local conservation projects working to protect this last remaining population in the Dandenong Catchment! 💧
Dive into the fascinating world of the platypus and learn how local volunteers, researchers, Yarra Ranges Council and Melbourne Water are working together to protect this iconic species at our community information evening 🙌
What's on:
Be inspired by SDLG’s monitoring and advocacy work undertaken by to protect the local platypus population
Learn about platypus biology, eDNA monitoring and the current state of the Monbulk Creek platypus population from platypus ecologist, Josh Griffiths
Discover how Melbourne Water, researchers from Melbourne Uni and Yarra Ranges Council are working together to actively manage stormwater to protect platypus through the Monbulk Creek Smart Water Network Upgrade.
Key event information:
Light supper provided
Venue can be accessed via public transport, with Upwey Station located nearby. Parking available. Wheelchair accessible venue.
This is an in-person only event - no online version provided.
Free event but registration is essential.
https://events.humanitix.com/protecting-the-monbulk-creek-platypus
Image courtesy Melbourne Water
SAVE THE DATE!
Watch here and on our Facebook page for news about the upcoming Community Platypus Evening, Thursday, 18 June 2026 at Blue Hills Centre, Upwey.
This free event will feature researchers, experts and citizen scientists discussing the latest information on our local platypus populations. More news very soon!
Mini Beasts Festival
Sunday 19 April. 10:30 to 2:30
Join us at the Birdsland Environmental Education Centre, Birdsland Reserve, 271 Mt Morton Road Belgrave Heights for this annual family event which was founded by Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group and is sponsored by the Yarra Ranges Council.
Admission is free. This year’s festival features:
Live insects, spiders, frogs and reptiles
Mini Pollinator Palooza - build a bee hotel, taste honey and see inside a bee hive!
Interactive displays to learn about waterbugs, worms and platypus
Bugs, bugs, bugs - Learn about bugs and see how many you can find on the bushland bug hunt
Nature play activities
Face painting
Environmental education and advice for locals
Food and drink available for purchase
2025 Annual General Meeting
Sunday 23 November
11am to 1pm
Guest Speaker: Fred Menks
Australian Plants Society-Cardinia
Our Annual General Meeting will be held at Birdsland Environmental Education Centre, 271 Mt Morton Road, Belgrave Heights VIC 3160. Everyone is warmly welcome to attend. The brief AGM will be followed by guest speaker Fred Menks who will discuss the importance of the Forests of Gippsland (including the Dandenong Ranges) and the impact of settlement and clearing
Lunch will be provided.
We are seeking new General members and Committee members as several long-serving office bearers are retiring this year.
The AGM provides a great opportunity to meet with like-minded locals and to join SDLG or renew your membership. Fees are $10 for individuals, $15 for families and $25 for organizations. We hope to see you there!
SDLG members taking water samples testing for platypus DNA for Melbourne Water, 2025.
Platypus Festival 2025
Sunday 12th October 2025 10:30 to 3pm
Belgrave Lake Park
35 Park Drive, Belgrave
Southern Dandenongs Landcare will be holding a stall at this year’s PlatyFest! We’ll also be running a children’s activity. Come and chat to us about the environmental Friends’ groups in the Hills, ask questions about local weeds and indigenous plants, and purchase children’s books and reference books to learn more about attracting birds and wildlife and protecting and regenerating properties in the Hills.
