Little Penguin Meeting Summary for March 2025
The HELP group held its latest meeting on 15th March 2025, with members providing updates and planning for the upcoming breeding season and public engagement activities.
Key Updates and Actions
New Signage at Wheel Cove: A new educational sign is in the final design stages and will be installed inside the fenced area at the Wheel Cove site, to better protect it from weather and vandalism. The sign will include key information about the Little Penguins, their habitat, and conservation efforts. A QR code—will link visitors to additional resources such as project updates, penguin behaviour insights, and ways to get involved.
Camera Surveillance: To enhance monitoring of penguin activity and potential threats, the group is receiving two additional wildlife cameras. These will be deployed at Wheel Cove before the next breeding season begins in May/June. Recent footage from existing cameras revealed the presence of a goanna and a rabbit—important indicators for ongoing ecological monitoring. Encouragingly, there have been no signs of foxes or dogs at the site, suggesting current protection measures are effective. The footage also supports outreach efforts, with photos sent to the Eden Welcome Centre for display.
Vegetation Barrier: As part of habitat protection efforts at the new nesting sites, the group has opted against using sandstone blocks and instead will install a thick row of native vegetation to provide a natural buffer. This decision follows advice from Nicholas Carlile. The goal is to reduce disturbance to nesting birds and support the establishment of a new colony.
Treasurer Appointment: Julian Webb was unanimously confirmed as the new Treasurer, taking over from Deb Keys, who has served the group with dedication. The transition was made smoother by Julian's existing association with the Eden Community Access Centre (ECAC), which will help with financial reporting and potential grant applications. The group expressed their appreciation to Deb for her significant contributions, especially during the fundraising season.
Media & Outreach: Discussion on the group's digital presence, emphasizing the need to use social media more actively to engage the community.
Instagram will feature photography, penguin fun facts, and behind-the-scenes conservation work.
Facebook will focus on event updates and interactive posts to encourage discussion.
The HELP website continues to be a central hub for news, meeting summaries, and project updates.
School Art Competition: The group approved a school-based postcard art competition to encourage youth engagement and awareness of local penguin conservation. The artwork could later be used to produce merchandise such as greeting cards or T-shirts for fundraising. The group have formed a sub-committee to oversee the project, including liaising with teachers, collecting entries, and selecting winners. The initiative builds on past school partnerships and aims to be ready before mid-year.
Fundraising Opportunities: Members brainstormed various fundraising strategies to support ongoing penguin protection work. These include:
Hosting a stall during cruise ship visits to educate tourists and sell merchandise
Participating in the Whale Festival later this year
Volunteer support is essential for both events, especially for managing rosters and setting up displays. Additionally, the idea of creating T-shirts from school art competition designs was raised as a creative fundraising option.
Rabbit & Fox Management: The recent detection of rabbits near penguin nesting sites raised concerns about the potential presence of foxes, which pose a significant threat to the colony. While there was some debate about the ecological impacts of rabbit culling, it was agreed that predator control should be coordinated by professionals. The group has followed up with Local Land Services (LLS), and are expected to coordinate action with NPWS. A previous NPWS report on Wheel Cove was also shared to support the process. The group continues to monitor the situation and supports evidence-based control strategies.
Closing
The group continues to make meaningful progress, with growing signs of penguin activity and expanding community involvement. Strategic plans around habitat protection, education, and outreach remain top priorities for 2025.
Next Meeting: Saturday, 17th May 2025 10:00am at Eden Library
