By Derek Schlennstedt
At Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve the sounds of helmeted honeyeaters echo through the eucalypts, and in among the bush Macclesfield Primary School along with friends of the helmeted honeyeater have come together to welcome an honoured guest.
On Thursday, Governor of Victoria, Linda Dessau and husband Anthony Howard QC, visited Yellingbo Reserve and were treated to a warm welcome by primary school students, community groups and the helmeted honeyeaters themselves.
Bob Anderson, president of the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeaters welcomed Mrs Dessau but it was the Macclesfield Primary School students who really stole the show.
The Grade 5 and 6 students from Macclesfield performed a moving rendition of the original song ‘saving the helmeted honeyeater,’ which Mrs Dessau found heart-warming.
Although a parent produced the music it was the students who came up with the lyrics which delivered a poignant message to protect our ‘little neighbours’ and that ‘when we work together we can save a species or two’.
“It’s particularly heart-warming to see you kids create and perform that song and have that sense of community in helping build this space,” Mrs Dessau said.
Mrs Dessau and Mr Howard, with the help of students Eva and Hudson helped to plant a commemorative tree in a re-vegetation area – which offers vital protection and habitat to the honeyeaters.
The Governor’s visit comes after an announcement by DELWP that a successful breeding season had resulted in around 200 wild helmeted honeyeaters – the highest number since the recovery program began in 1989.
This increase in numbers became obvious when senior ornithologist at DELWP, Bruce Quin fed the birds resulting in five sightings of the endangered helmeted honeyeater, which Mrs Dessau described as delightfully ‘vibrant’ in colour.
Mrs Dessau commended Macclesfield Primary School on their 20-year involvement with the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, whom she also praised on their incredible contribution and work.
“We know a fair bit about the helmeted honeyeater, because it’s our emblem and we know how important it is to be helping ensure these beautiful little birds don’t become extinct.
“But there is nothing like coming here into this natural habitat to get the true sense of urgency on the one hand, but also the true appreciation on the wonderful work that is being done on the other hand.”
“The friends of the helmeted honeyeater are fantastic, and you are going to help make sure that our state emblem stays special, and alive and flourishes,” Mrs Dessau said.
