Friends of Jirdarup Bushland

This is a whisper - seems there are quenda in the bushland but we are yet to get a photo of scurrying across the paths. We do have a couple of definite sightings though. Photographers, keep your eyes out please for the first photo

The data shows that keeping cats enclosed is

1. Better for cats
2. Better for people
3. Better for widlife

WA's native wildlife can't afford further delays on cat law reform.

In a recent WA Today article, our new Chair, Peter Klinken, has called for urgent action to progress the stalled Cat Amendment (Local Laws) Bill, which would give local governments the power to introduce cat containment laws tailored to their communities.

The article highlights the significant impact roaming pet cats have on native wildlife and the growing frustration among local governments, conservation organisations and community members who have been advocating for reform for many years.

As former WA Chief Scientist, Peter understands the importance of acting on evidence. Improving pet cat management is one of the most practical and effective ways we can better protect native biodiversity while also improving the welfare and safety of pet cats.

We support measures that enable local governments to respond to local needs and help reduce the impact of roaming pet cats on wildlife and communities. We urge Parliament to progress this important legislation so local governments have the tools they need to take action.

Read the article here:

https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/the-shocking-figures-behind-an-urgent-push-to-revive-wa-s-stalled-cat-laws-20260621-p608rc.html

For all our followers who care about birds - that's everyone I guess.

H5N1 Avian Bird Flu

At this stage, Kaarakin remains open and will continue to accept all admissions. However, the situation is evolving rapidly and this may change at short notice. Please read the full post below.

Today, the six largest wildlife rehabilitation organisations in Western Australia met following confirmation of H5N1 avian influenza in WA.

We have been consulting with government agencies for the past 12 months to prepare for this event. Based on health advice from State and Federal Government authorities, all six facilities have agreed that once H5N1 is detected in local wild bird populations (rather than an isolated case in a migratory bird), we will cease accepting bird admissions to protect our frontline staff and volunteers.

H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza that can infect humans, particularly in environments where large numbers of birds are handled and treated. Wildlife hospitals and rehabilitation centres are not currently funded or equipped to safely manage an outbreak of this scale.

This decision will affect bird admissions at WA Wildlife, Kanyana Wildlife, Perth Wildlife Hospital, Darling Range Wildlife Shelter WA, Mandurah Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre. Without additional funding from state government, these organisations will also be unable to safely rescue and transport sick or injured birds across the Perth metropolitan area.

We remain in active discussions with DPIRD and DBCA and are hopeful that emergency State Government funding for PPE, additional staffing and temporary biosecure facilities will allow some wildlife facilities to safely continue, or resume, bird admissions if community cases are detected.

At this stage, all facilities remain open and continue to accept bird admissions, as well as reptile and mammal admissions. However, the situation is evolving rapidly and this may change at short notice.

We encourage the public to follow official advice from DBCA/DPIRD regarding sick or injured wildlife. Information can be found at: https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/management/threat-management/h5-avian-influenza-bird-flu.

We are deeply saddened by this situation. However, the safety of our staff and volunteers must come first. We also have a responsibility to protect the hundreds of animals currently undergoing rehabilitation, along with the resident birds housed at our facilities.

We remain committed to working with government agencies and are hopeful that the funding support requested will enable parts of the wildlife rehabilitation sector to continue operating safely if H5N1 becomes established in Western Australia's wild bird populations.

If you would like to support our work, please donate here - https://blackcockatoorecovery.com/take-action/donate/

HAND WEEDING, Saturdays and Tuesdays 9am-11am
We love the rain... but so do the weeds! That means it's time to kick off this year's Jirdarup hand weeding season this Saturday 20th June (starting with an induction at 9am). Whether you're an expert weeder or just keen to give it a crack, you are welcome to join the fun.
Please wear gardening clothes (waterproof is best) and BYO water bottle. Training and tools supplied.

For details, see the event listing on this page or our website https://friendsofjirdarupbushland.org.au/landcare/weeding/

Now in its 5th year, the Jirdarup (chemical-free) hand weeding project is supported by a WA StateNRM grant, the Town of Victoria Park and Aboriginal Landcare.

I am 112228 - I am significant - I am Dwooda.

We are delighted that the Town of Victoria Park has included our favourite old Eucalytus todtiana on the Significant Tree Register highlighting its importance as probably the oldest tree of its kind in the Town.

The decision was based on the Town's 2004 Remnant Vegetation Report brought to the attention of the Town by the Friends of Jirdarup Bushland in July 2025. That report described it as: "an excellent specimen of Pricklybark (Eucalytpus todtiana) - possibly the best example of a Pricklybark Tree in the municipality."

This listing acknowledges its age and magnificence and is a mark of respect to nature.

If you visit Old Todti, please stand back as its feeder roots are shallow with most of them in the top 30 to 40cm.

To read more or send Old Todti an email of congratulations, visit the link on our website.

I am 112228 Meet the oldest tree around Victoria Park.

Check out our plants from yesterday. They look soooo good. And no sign of those pesky rabbits.

Thanks everyone who came out this morning. Now listen to that rain watering those seedlings in.

If you missed this morning, there is another planting day on 14 July.

Planting along Baron Hay Court is about to get underway. The staff were here early setting up

The holes are dug ready for tomorrow's planting along Baron Hay Court. Find your rain jacket and we will see you about 8.45am.

Bupa Australia Australia Town of Victoria Park