Let Your Knowledge Grow at Piney Lakes Lecture Series

The 2008 Djeran Lecture Series will run on Tuesday nights from 22 April to 27 May (7.00pm to 9.00pm) and feature a range of topics, from the threat of cane toads and climate change to creating biodiesel from vegetable oil and making your business energy smart.

Environmental Education Officer Belinda O’Brien said Djeran was the Aboriginal word for the months of April and May. “Djeran is the season where animals of the bush grow into adults and is also the time to collect seeds and bulbs for food during the winter,” she said. “The Djeran lecture series gives residents an opportunity to expand their knowledge of important issues and collect the information needed to make the right choice when it comes to the environment and sustainability. Light supper will be provided at each lecture.”

Ms O’Brien said Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre was the perfect venue to host the lecture series. “The centre uses renewable energy technologies, sustainable building design and self-sufficient, environmentally friendly operations to ensure only a minimal ecological footprint,” she said. “It is set up to give the community a unique opportunity to learn more about the environment, healthy lifestyles and sustainable living.”

The 2008 Djeran Lecture Series Program:

Tuesday, 22 April – Birds Australia (Presented by Bryce Wells)

Enjoy an informative lecture about local birds, including what they eat, how they breed, where they live and much more. Bryce has years of experience studying birds and his pictures of birds will fascinate you.

Tuesday, 29 April – Stop The Cane Toad! (Presented by Fiona Rafferty)

Our ecological systems have become unbalanced to the point that the cane toad has adapted to live in virtually all weather conditions and can eat a wide variety of foods, including golf balls! Fiona Rafferty will tell you what to do if you see a cane toad in your local river or backyard.

Tuesday, 6 May – How Do Plants Adapt? (Presented by Kaye Crawford, Kings Park Master Gardeners)

Guest presenter Kay Crawford is a member of the Kings Park Master Gardeners group and has been watching, learning and teaching about plant adaptations for many years. Learn about why your plants die, even if you water them and give them food.

Tuesday, 13 May – Biodiesel from vegetable oils (Presented by Biomaster)

Find out all about fuel made from vegetable oils. Biodiesel is a non-toxic, biodegradable, renewable fuel, which is safe to handle, safe to transport and not classified as a hazardous substance. This is not the fuel of the future – this is the fuel of today.

Tuesday, 20 May – Making Your Business Energy Smart! (Presented by Sustainable Energy Development Office)

Learn about what you can do in your workplace to make your business more energy smart and energy efficient. Tony Stewart will also provide valuable information on financial incentives for energy smart business.

Tuesday, 27 May An Inconvenient Truth – Climate Change (Presented by Jim Lyon)

More than 110,000 Australians have now viewed this presentation about climate change, since The Climate Project – Australia began in October 2006. By August 2008, it is predicted that number will increase to one in 100 Australians.

For bookings to the 2008 Djeran Lecture Series, phone Ms O’Brien on 9364 0790 or email bobrien@melville.wa.gov.au. For more information, visit www.melvillecity.com.au/pineylakes.